THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 8

Jesus Heals Leprosy, The Centurion’s Faith, Jesus Heals Others, The Disciples Tested, Jesus Calms the Storm, Casting out Demons.

Jesus’ method of teaching and discipling can be capsulated in this little acronym:  S.W., S.W., S.W. In other words, He would Say the Words; Show the Wonders; Send the Workers. This is, or should be, our method as well. All sermons and teachings in the Church should follow, teach and encourage this model.

Chapter 7 gives us Jesus preaching and teaching, or Saying the Words. This chapter gives us Jesus Showing the Wonders and His Works.

Jesus Cleanses a Man with Leprosy

Matthew 8:1, When [footnote ‘a’] Jesus came down from the mountain, [footnote ‘b’] large crowds followed Him. Verse 2. And a man with [footnote ‘c’] leprosy came to Him and [footnote ‘d’] bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Verse 3. [footnote ‘e’] Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Verse 4. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the [footnote ‘f’] offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

(Commentary Break:  Verse 1 is poetic in form and symbolic in nature. Chapter 5 verse 1 tells us that seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain sat down, and began teaching. Then, the disciples also ‘went up on the mountain’, which is drawing near to God to hear His voice. Then, after spending time with God, chapter 8, verse 1, says He came down from the mountain, to demonstrate ‘the will of God’ in practice and in ministry. THIS IS OUR MODEL.

This is not the only time Jesus heals someone and tells them to “tell no one”. (see Matthew 8:4, Matthew 16:20, Mark 1:41, Mark 8:30, Luke 8:56). There is speculation that telling about His miracles and healings would distract from His message, so Jesus says to tell no one. But considering, that after His resurrection (and before His ascension), Jesus instructs His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations, and teach them to follow all that I have commanded you, it seems that it was all about timing. Jesus had been glorified at His ascension and the time had come for all to know. WHAT THIS MEANS TO US, is that we, too, are to go and tell and do: Say the Words, Show the Wonders of His Works, and Send the Workers (make disciples), telling about Jesus, not about the works. (End Commentary Break).

The Centurion’s Faith

Verse 5. And when [footnote ‘g’] Jesus entered Capernaum, a [footnote ‘h’] centurion came to Him, begging Him, verse 6,and saying, “[footnote ‘i’] Lord, my [footnote ‘j’] servant is lying paralyzed at home, terribly tormented.” Verse 7. Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” Verse 8. But the centurion replied, “[footnote ‘k’] Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just [footnote ‘l’] say the word, and my [footnote ‘m’] servant will be healed. Verse 9. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Verse 10. Now when Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith [footnote ‘n’] with anyone in Israel. Verse 11. And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and [footnote ‘o’] recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; Verse 12. but the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Verse 13. And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; [footnote ‘p’] it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the [footnote ‘q’] servant was healed at that very [footnote ‘r’] moment.

(Commentary Break: The details of this event are obvious. What may not be obvious to some who focus on the miracle, is that this is about faith. The bottom line is found in Jesus’ words to the centurion, when He says, “it shall be done for you as you have believed”.

Faith, you see, is the substance, the confidence, the reality, the assurance, the certainty, the conviction of things hoped for, of things confidently expected, of things actively waited for, and the evidence, the conviction, the certainty, the proof positive of things not yet seen.

Shockingly, Jesus next says, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus is revealing two profound issues with these words: (1). True faith is NOT believing in nor in the expectations in the working of miracles.  True faith is faith in Jesus, alone. That He is able. That He is worthy and that He is dependable. (2). That the consequences of the absence of this kind of faith – faith in Christ alone – is no faith at all and the results of this misdirected faith is outer darkness.

Jesus settles this matter, which is found in John 6:26-29, “Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” Therefore they said to Him, “What are we to do, so that we may accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

 These words are prophetic truth and are still true for us today. Put your eyes, your focus, on Jesus; not on the works. Desire Him, seek Him and His Kingdom only, and all these other things will be added to you. (End Commentary Break).

Peter’s Mother-in-law and Many Others Healed

Verse 14. When Jesus came into Peter’s [footnote ‘s’] home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. Verse 15. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and [footnote ‘t’] waited on Him. Verse 16. Now when evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. Verse 17. This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR ILLNESSES AND [footnote ‘u’] CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”

Discipleship Tested

Verse 18. Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea. Verse 19. Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Verse 20. And Jesus *said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Verse 21. And another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” Verse 22. But Jesus *said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

(Commentary Break: This seems like an odd thing to say to someone who wants to follow you, doesn’t it? What does Jesus mean?

Scribes were trained and enrolled in the Sanhedrin political and judicial council headed by the high priest (in his role as civil ruler); in the Talmud it is described as primarily a religious legislative body headed by sages, though with certain political and judicial functions. So, Jesus tells this Scribe, this judge and sage, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Foxes retreat to the safety of their lair.  They live and remain in their holes, venturing out only to gather food and water, then they scurry back to the safety of the hole.  Their focus is on their safety and their hole in the ground. It is the same for the birds.  They have the nest they build to lay eggs and raise their young.  A safe place.  They, too, venture out for food, but their focus is on the safety of a nest.

Jesus, however, is on mission.  He knows that He is the permanent sacrifice for the reconciliation of all people to God.  He is doing the work of His Father.  Time is short.

He is telling this scribe and His disciples that He has neither the time nor the intention of settling into a “hole in the ground” or building “a nest” into which they can settle down and feel safe.

He has no time for building programs, no time for social programs, no time for endless debate over the ‘cummin and dill’ of the Torah or the endless list of man’s constructs designed to explain and contain the Holy Scriptures.  No time for holes in the ground or nests.

Jesus is saying that He is the foundation of His Church, and He is on the move, building His Church.   He is the foundation for Temple of the Holy Spirit in the hearts, minds and souls of people.

If you come to know Jesus, you will know His Church, and it is not to be found in a building, a hole in the ground or a nest.

His Church is Spiritually alive, organic and naturally fluid and on the move; It cannot be contained by a program or an institution. It is powerful, transformative, life changing, world altering and cannot be taught in a school on religion.

Scriptures warn that the latter day Church would become lethargic and static, depending largely on tradition and ritual or redefining itself to fit the current culture, losing effectiveness, becoming lukewarm, suffering apostasy – except for a steadfast remnant, which will endure to the end. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Calms the Storm

Verse 23. When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Verse 24. And behold, a [footnote ‘v’] violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. Verse 25. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” Verse 26. He said to them, “Why are you [footnote ‘w’] afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and [footnote ‘x’] it became perfectly calm. Verse 27. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

(Commentary Break: This may be one of the most remembered and referenced events in the Bible. The significance is probably diminished by its popularity and symbolism.  The boat symbolizes our life and circumstances; the storm represents the storms in our lives and the terrifying waves of troubles that can crash over us. We cry out, “Save us, Lord! WE are perishing”.

And once again, Jesus reminds us of fear versus faith.

The word ‘fear’, as used, is the Greek word ‘deilós’, which means cowardly, timid, and fearful. This attitude is fear-driven, dreadful, describing a person who loses their “moral fortitude, which is needed to follow the Lord. It also connotates fearful of losses; an excessive fear or dread of “losing,” causing someone to be fainthearted and cowardly, hence, to fall short in following Christ as Lord. ‘Deilós’ is always used negatively in the New Testament and stands in contrast to the positive fear which is expressed by ‘phóbos’ “fear,” such as found in Philippians 2:12, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. Fear is a normal human reflex. It is how we respond to fear and what we do with fear that determines its meaning and outcome.

Faith, on the other hand, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Jesus is the substance. Jesus is the thing hoped for. Jesus is the evidence of the things not seen. He is saying that we must not be people of ‘little faith’. We need to be confident and amazed, and it will become perfectly calm.

Please know that this is not a platitude or a philosophy nor a good story. It is the truth. Embrace it. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Sends Demons into Pigs

Verse 28. And when He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men confronted Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. Verse 29. And they cried out, saying, “[footnote ‘y’] What business do You have with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before [footnote ‘z’] the time?” Verse 30. Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding at a distance from them. Verse 31. And the demons begged Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” Verse 32. And He said to them, “Go!” And they came out and went into the pigs; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and [footnote ‘aa’] drowned in the waters. Verse 33. And the herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, [footnote ‘ab’] including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Verse 34. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region.

(Commentary Break: It seems odd that Jesus would cast out demons and rid this region of a troublesome evil, only to have the whole city plead with Him to leave their region. But this is the way of the world, is it not?

It is dismaying that the vast majority of people, non-believers and some Christians alike, act as if they know about spiritual matters or the Bible, and yet, they speak and act in ways that either show their ignorance of the spiritual world and of Jesus and His Words, or it shows their lazy indifference. Please be aware that there is a price to pay or a reward to be earned. There is no middle ground here. Following Jesus, means to do and say as He does.

 The day of pastors and elders just attending church or organizational meetings, conventions and conferences, and spending all their public time standing in the pulpit 3 or 4 times a week, must come to an end. It is past time that they do as Jesus did and taught. Get off the pulpit, out of the building and personally go about to all the nearby cities, in homes and churches, preaching the Gospel, calling and making and leading disciples by personal example, depending on Jesus for healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses and sicknesses among the people. His return is near. (End Commentary Break).

It should be helpful for us to know the ways and methods of Jesus. Whether you are a new Christian, as seasoned Christian and particularly if you are a pastor, and that there is no such thing as a ‘Christian bystander or onlooker’.

We go to church and sit and listen. But, studies that studies show that we forget 95% of what we hear after 72 hours. Conversely, 

People tend to

Remember only 10% of what they read, and,

Remember just 30% of what they only see.

They will Remember 50% of what they see and hear.

And, Remember 70% of what they say and write down.

But they will Remember 90% of what they DO.

IT IS TIME TO DRAW A LINE?

A young man asked Jesus, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” And, Jesus replied, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

Again, Jesus instructed His own disciples, “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support”.

• It is time to discard the official sounding titles in the Church. And, as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And do not call anyone on earth your Father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ.

But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (see Matthew 23:11-12).  You are to be known as servants of God, and to be called according to your calling, your spiritual gifting or by Biblically correct reference (brother, sister, pastor, elder, etc.).

It is past time to do away with the fancy garbs that elevate your appearance or suggest your importance. Only One is important, and it is not you or me.

It is time to limit pastoral incomes never to exceed the median incomes of the ‘flock’.

We should say to pastors, teachers and church elders and deacons, ‘no’ to excessive, expensive and fancy homes and cars, no matter the source of the income.

To our pastors, no more unnecessary radio and television appearances to draw crowds. No more book signing tours and no profiteering of the Gospel or your position in ministry. And get rid of the personal aircraft and jets!

No more turning the Father’s House a place of business! Absolutely no business conducted in the House of God. Reserve the House of God for His business only.

Establish unity in the Church, with no one designated as greater or lesser. (The last shall be first and the first, last).

No more ‘official titles’ such as ‘laymen’ and ‘laywomen’; You are all being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).

If we are going to call ourselves The Church, then please, let’s act like it. Let’s do it right, and all the way! (And yes, it is hard; it is difficult; it is inconvenient. You have to take up your cross if you are to follow Him.  But, please believe me when I say what the Bible says: It is worth it!).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 9,  The Paralyzed Healed, Matthew Called, Fasting, Healing

PREVIOUS:  NEXT:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 7,  Judging, Prayer, The Gates, The Fruit of The Tree, Foundations.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 7

Judging Others, Prayer, The 2 Gates, The Fruit of The Tree, Foundations

It is a good thing to know about the Bible. It is a better thing to know the Bible. The best thing you can do, however, is to know the author of the Bible, and to know what to do with what you have come to know by His Words.

It is also important to remember to keep Jesus’ teaching in context. These following verses, over the centuries, have been misread, misunderstood and misapplied to the detriment of so many.  Context is everything.

The context of the Bible is the fall of humankind into sin and destruction, God’s plan of redemption of this fallen world and His sending His son to save us.  Context is everything. So when we seek God and pray, remember that His promises are not made for our worldly needs and possessions. Jesus has told us that He knows we also need these (other) things, but we are to seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and those things will be provided to you (see Matthew 6:33). We are not to be concerned or worry about those things.

His call to us is to be saved, be sanctified and to be sent as His disciples into this world as His emissaries. His promises are in regards to His plan of salvation, our being conformed, transformed and being made into His image and His likeness. His promises are for our supply and need as disciples to carry the Message of the Gospel to the world.

We should recognize and follow Jesus’ method of teaching and discipling, which can be capsulated with this little acronym:  S.W., S.W., S.W. In other words, He would Say the words; Show the works; Send the workers. This is, or should be, our method as well. All sermons and teachings in the Church should follow, teach and encourage this model.

Judging Others

Matthew7:1, “Do not [footnote ‘a’] judge, so that you will not be judged. Verse 2. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and [footnote ‘b’] by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Verse 3. Why do you look at the [footnote ‘c’] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Verse 4. Or how [footnote ‘d’] can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the [footnote ‘e’] speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? Verse 5. You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the [footnote ‘f’] speck out of your brother’s eye!

(Commentary Break: The first thing to remember is that the intended audience of this message is the Christian and the Church. The word ‘judge’ here, means to make a judgement that either approves or condemns and puts an abrupt end to a matter, when referring to another person. Jesus is saying that you are not to declare someone innocent or guilty ‘by your opinion’.  This kind of judgement of another person remains exclusively God’s domain.

Secondly, this ‘judgement’ is different than discernment. You are to discern, (a type of judgement), which “cuts through” hazy ethical and moral matters to really “size things up” and to respond with a Godly attitude. This way you are not bringing judgement, but loving concern for an errant brother or sister in the Lord. This kind of judgement does not bring an end to matters, but is the beginning of coming along side of a brother or sister for correction, encouragement, teaching and training in righteousness, resulting in unity.

 Finally, note that the caveat is that the way you judge is how you will be judged. This is not optional and is not occasional. It is a spiritual law, so beware. If you are a condemning person, you will be condemned. If you are a Godly, loving, humble concerned brother or sister, you will receive Godly, loving and gentle concern.

 Just use care when addressing this matter. Do not be negligent, but do not be too fast to act, either. Always try to come along side of someone first. Get to know them and try to understand them before making any decision. Remembering our first goal is unity in Christ. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

(Commentary Break:  Holy refers to that which is sacred, physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated – most holy one or thing; A follower of Christ, The Word or deeds of God.

The “pearl” as mentioned here, comes from a proverb, meaning to thrust the most sacred and precious teachings of the gospel upon the most wicked and abandoned men, incompetent as they are, through their hostility to the gospel, to receive them, and thus to profane them.

A dog, universally despised in the East, comes from the Greek word ‘kyon’ literally, a scavenging canine; figuratively, a spiritual predator who feeds off others.  A loose dog was disdained in ancient times – viewed as a “mooch pooch” that ran about as a scavenger.

The swine was forbidden as food by the Levitical law, ( Leviticus 11:7 ; 14:8 ) the abhorrence which the Jews as a nation had of it may be inferred from (Isaiah 65:4 ). Swine were considered ceremonially unclean and naturally filthy animals.

They were also associated with demons (Mark 5:11-13), and another time swine and dogs are mentioned together (2 Peter 2:22), they are associated with “false prophets”, who, like Balaam, knew the way of God but had “forsaken the right way”, men who had “known the way of righteousness”, but chose to “turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them”, showing they were Hebrews who were never saved (1 John 2:19).

This might raise questions. Why would Jesus, on the one hand, tell His disciples to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” and, on the other hand, “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs”?

Is this a contradiction or a controversy, or is there a distinction?  The answer to these questions must be found by considering ‘the dogs’ and ‘the swine’ as representing, not men and women as such, but the passions of this kind or that which make them brutish. So long as they identify themselves with those passions, we must deal cautiously and wisely with them, as one would with an aggressive dog or a swine.

The dogs and swine of these verses represent those people who are hardened and altogether incapable of receiving evangelic truth, and to whom that which is holy is utterly foreign and distasteful. The capacity to discern, distinguish, or to discriminate the source of a spiritual manifestation, whether it emanates from a good or evil spirit (i.e., a ‘dog’ or a ‘swine’), is the gift and ability of discerning of spirits which is bestowed by the Holy Spirit to Christian believer. (End Commentary Break).

Prayer and the Golden Rule

Verse 7. “[footnote ‘g’] Ask, and it will be given to you; [footnote ‘h’] seek, and you will find; [footnote ‘i’] knock, and it will be opened to you. Verse 8. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Verse 9. Or what person is there among you Verse [footnote ‘j’] who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, [footnote ‘k’] will give him a stone? Verse 10. Or [footnote ‘l’] if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? Verse 11. So if you, despite being [footnote ‘m’] evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

(Commentary Break: Verses 7 through 11 are both deeply prophetic and soundly practical. The word ‘ask’, as used here, can mean to ask, to beg, to call for, to desire and to require or to demand. It is a word packed with fervency and emotion. (For example, “The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man or woman is able to accomplish much, and when put into action and made effective by God, it is dynamic and can have tremendous power”. (See James 5:16).

The phrase, “It will be given to you” is to be understood as literal.

The same goes for ‘seeking’ and ‘knocking’. Jesus at other times, teaches that importunity and persistency yields results.

 Finally, it remains important to remember that His promises are in regards to His plan of salvation, our being conformed, transformed and being made into His image and His likeness. His promises are for our supply and need as disciples to carry the Message of the Gospel to the world. When we ask, seek and knock, it is to that end, and no other.   (End Commentary Break).

Verse 12. “In everything, therefore, [footnote ‘n’] treat people the same way you want [footnote ‘o’] them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow and Wide Gates

Verse 13. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. Verse 14. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

(Commentary Break: This is the kindest way possible to say what Jesus has said in so many ways, and that is there is only One Way to life and life eternal:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (see John 14:6).

 “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (see Matthew 19:21).

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. (see Matthew 19:29).

 And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Meisnotworthy ofMe. (see Matthew 10:38). (End Commentary Break).

A Tree and Its Fruit

Verse 15. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Verse 16. You will [footnote ‘p’] know them by their fruits. [footnote ‘q’] Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Verse 17. So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. Verse 18. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Verse 19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Verse 20. So then, you will [footnote ‘r’] know them by their fruits.

(Commentary Break: Forgive but do not follow. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 21. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Verse 22. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many [footnote ‘s’] miracles?’ Verse 23. And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

(Commentary Break: So, what IS the Will of The Father? (This is not about semantics). It is recognizing and continually doing God’s Will in the course of your life that determines the outcome of His Will for your life. I frequently hear people say “I want to know the will of God” when making important or difficult decisions or trying to find their way out of difficult or trying situations. I also often hear people finish their prayers with “IF it be your will” as sort of a polite guess?

Or, as if to say, “I really don’t know Your Will, God, but, here’s what I think” as if we can bring God to our point of view. Sort of imposing our will upon God’s will?

I see some folks wearing a rubber bracelet or sporting a sticker which reads “WWJD?” (What would Jesus do?) I guess that is supposed to make us stop and think about what He would do before we make important decisions or misbehave?

My experience has been that most people, including MOST preachers, are not ready to give a definitive answer to this all important question for their lives: “What is God’s Will for my life” or in this situation?

The phrase “the will of God” and “God’s will” is used a total of twenty-five times in the Bible (that is, if you use the “Authorized version” of the Bible or the New American Standard in conjunction with Strong’s concordance. But, who can really tell with all the versions of the Bible floating around?)

The frequency of the use of a word or phrase in the Bible potentially tells us is the importance or uniqueness of that word or idea communicated by that word or phrase. But, regardless of the frequency of this phrase, I would say that the “Will of God” is a pretty important idea.

Here are four instances of the twenty-five occurrences of the phrase “God’s Will” from the Bible where the Bible clearly explains God’s Will:

• • • 1 Peter 2:15 “For such is the will of God, that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
    • Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
    • 1^st Thessalonians 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;”
    • 1^st Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Do you want to the see the power of God’s Word and His Spirit work for good in your life? Does using these three verses sound too simple? Well, you can expand on these verses. But, just try these for a start. (End Commentary Break).

The Two Foundations

Verse 24. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and [footnote ‘t’] acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Verse 25. And the rain fell and the [footnote ‘u’] floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Verse 26. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not [footnote ‘v’] act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. Verse 27. And the rain fell and the [footnote ‘w’] floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great.”

(Commentary Break: These verses are self-explanatory. Still, we may correctly assume this metaphor is for effect and not to be taken literally. But it is more literal than one can imagine. The ‘house’ is your life. The ‘rock’ is Jesus and the literal Word of God. The ‘rain, the floods and the rains’ are the troubles and evils in life. The ‘sand and the fall’ is the wisdom of humankind and ways of the world, that create the destruction of one’s life. It is literally true that your life will culminate one way or the other. It will fall or it will endure and stand. Choose now while there is time. The wide gate of comfort, ease, disregard for God, or the narrow gate of following Jesus’, His teaching and His ways. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 28. [footnote ‘x’] When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; Verse 29. for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

(End Chapter 7).

Now, the questions I think we should ask are, (1). “Am I amazed?”, and, (2). “where will I go now?” I confess, I am amazed. Are you?

Peter answered the 2^nd question, saying, “Lord, To whom shall we go? You have the Words of Life”.  How about you? What say you?

Jesus teaches that following Him means we must leave our former life behind, and as we accompany Him we are to stay close to Him, peering over His shoulder, watching and learning. This way we will hear and see what we are to do as His disciple, and we will then be forever identified with Him. We will share in His joy and His persecution. But we are not to fear, because He has promised to be with us all the days of our life.

In this chapter, Jesus has been ‘Saying the Words’, (teaching), and next, in chapter 8, He will ‘Show the Wonders’.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (coming soon) THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 8,  Jesus Heals Leprosy, The Centurion’s Faith, Jesus Heals Others, The Disciples Tested, Jesus Calms the Storm, Casting our Demons.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 6 – Giving, Prayer, Fasting, Treasure, Wealth.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 6

Giving, Prayer, Fasting, Treasure, Wealth

It would be an oddity if Jesus were teaching on these matters in order to set a precedent or to establish a ritual practice – which is not the case. What He is teaching, however, is how to enter the Kingdom of God so as to operate in the power of the Spirit of God.

These are the mysteries of the workings of the Kingdom. It is as if you have to ‘be finely tuned to the right mental and spiritual frequency’, and Jesus is teaching ‘how’. This is way of saying you must have the right understanding, and the right mindset which invites and allows the indwelling Spirit of God. You and I must be emptied of our fleshly desires and passions, turned completely away from the world’s way of thinking, which is the process the previous chapter explains and teaches.

This is the way.

Charitable Giving to the Poor and Prayer

Matthew 6:1, “Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

Verse 2. “So when you [footnote ‘a’] give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Verse 3. But when you [footnote ‘b’] give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, verse 4, so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

(Commentary Break: At first glance, this may be misconstrued as a lesson on humility or manners of etiquette. But this is a profound oracle of God. This is difficult to explain the process of the unseen in natural terms, but it is as if you are building pressure inside a great spiritual engine, and in order to maintain the pressure sufficiently to complete your task, you must be careful not to create a ‘leak’. The ‘leak’ in this case would be ‘to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them’, or ‘to sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that you will be praised by people’ for your righteousness.

Although a good deed is performed, the spiritual power creating reward and reciprocity is diminished, (leaked out), and all that is left is the steam which vanishes. You will have lost your potential of a heavenly reward. You have become little more than a ‘sounding gong’, going about in the natural world, looking like an actor and a fool. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. “And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they [footnote ‘c’] will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Verse 6. But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Verse 7. “And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Verse 8. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

(Commentary Break: The same can be said about these verses. It is an apt description that you should ‘go into your inner room,  close your door, and pray in secret’. This is what seals the power of God from diminishing into a vapor. And the reward is not recognition for doing good or being righteous. The reward is having been a servant of the Living God. The reward is the proving of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, and though tested by fire, it may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

 And then, nothing shall be impossible for you. (End Commentary Break).

The Lord’s Prayer

Verse 9. “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,

[footnote ‘d’] Hallowed be Your name.

Verse 10‘[footnote ‘e’] Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

[footnote ‘f’] On earth as it is in heaven.

Verse 11. ‘Give us this day [footnote ‘g’] our daily bread.

Verse 12. ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Verse 13. ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from [footnote ‘h’] evil.[footnote ‘i’]’ Verse 14. For if you forgive other people for their [footnote ‘j’] offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Verse 15. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your [footnote ‘k’] offenses.

(Commentary Break: This might be a good time to notice that the old covenant, (‘you have heard it said’), having been fulfilled by the new covenant by Jesus (Christ’s Blood – ‘but I say to you’), is an internal action, rather than an external control. The Old Law put laws, regulations, rituals, behavioral requirements, and the like, in place, and you would have had to perform to a set of external standards, which, as we know, is not possible. Scripture tell us that all have sinned and none are righteous – no, not one. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved, through faith in Christ, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not a result of your self-efforts, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

 If we can realize the importance of these teachings and the absolute necessity to embrace them and not incorporate them into our ways of thinking, but to replace our old ways with these new ways. We will enter the Kingdom of God and do these works Jesus has done, and even greater works!

 It is then that “His will done on this earth, in your life and in my life. And we will receive our daily bread; we will be delivered from evil; we will be able to forgive our debtors, and we will find forgiveness for ourselves. We will live in His glorious freedom. (End Commentary Break).

Fasting; The True Treasure; Wealth

Verse 16. “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they [footnote ‘l’] distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Verse 17. But as for you, when you fast, [footnote ‘m’] anoint your head and wash your face, verse 18, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Verse 19.  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Verse 20. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; verse 21, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(Commentary Break: A word of explanation and instruction for verses 16 through 18: These are not commandments; they are a choice of actions to spur us on to righteousness. Rather than focusing on the hunger or deprivation of fasting, focus on the outcome of this spiritual discipline. By denying the flesh you are taming its passions and control over you and your mind. Hold your head high and revel in the coming reward for your action of fasting, i.e., , rather than looking gloomy, ‘anoint your head and wash your face’.

Additionally, get the mindset that by your disciplines, your mindset and your actions, you are storing up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. And you will discover that where your treasure is, there your heart – your core beliefs, your core practices – will become supreme in your life. They will become your guiding light and compass!  There just is no way to overstate the importance of this. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 22. “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then, if your eye is [footnote ‘n’] clear, your whole body will be full of light. Verse 23. But if your eye is [footnote ‘o’] bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

(Commentary Break: The eye is used as a metaphor for how you view matters around you. Interestingly, the word, ‘eye’, literally translates figuratively as “envy, from the jealous side-glance. The eye not only collects information but it reveals your inner self and your deepest secrets. If your eye, your view and attitude is healthy or sincere, and if your eye is clear, which literally means, “without folds”, referring to a single undivided focus, i.e. without a secret or “double agenda”, which prevents an over-complicated life, keeps you from becoming needlessly distracted – then your life will be full of light! Conversely, if your eye is bad, it leads only to sin troubles and death. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 24. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and [footnote ‘p’] wealth.

The Cure for Anxiety

Verse 25. “For this reason I say to you, [footnote ‘q’] do not be worried about your [footnote ‘r’] life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Verse 26. Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? Vesre 27. And which of you by worrying can add a single [footnote ‘s’] day to his [footnote ‘t’] life’s span? Verse 28. And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, verse 29, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. Verse 30. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Verse 31. Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ Verse 32. For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Verse 33. But [footnote ‘u’] seek first [footnote ‘v’] His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be [footnote ‘w’] provided to you.

Verse 34. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will [footnote ‘x’] worry about itself. [footnote ‘y’] Each day has enough trouble of its own.

(Commentary Break: Verses 24 through 32 are to be taken together. They should be fairly easy to understand for their face value. Verse 33, however is the spiritual key.

To seek, as translated here, means ‘to get to the bottom of this matter’.

His kingdom translates as, ‘God’s sovereignty, His royal power, sovereignty, authority, and rule, both in the world, specifically in the hearts of men and women: hence, the kingdom, in the concrete sense.

His righteousness, “God’s judicial approval”), refers to what is deemed right by the Lord (after His examination), i.e. what is approved in His eyes.

The outcome is that all these things, what you will wear, what you will eat or drink, or even where you will live, will be provided for you.

Do not be worried about, or more correctly, do not be anxious about these things. Do not be distracted by them. Set you mind, your eyes, your focus on God and His Kingdom and you will not only find provision, but a peace that passes understanding!

Just Do it and you will see! (End Commentary Break).

Scriptures, by way of metaphors, talk about a treasure that is hidden in a field, a pearl of great price, for which a person would give up all they have in order to obtain that treasure. These treasures represent the gift of salvation and the words of Jesus which lead to life – and not just life, but an exceedingly abundant life, full of provision, purpose, hope, meaning and reward! A life without end.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 7,  Judging, Prayer, The Gates, The Fruit of The Tree, Foundations.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 5, Part 2, The Law, Relationships, Reaching for Perfection.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 5, Part 2

The Law, Relationships – Reaching for Perfection

Beginning with verse 17,  Jesus makes clear that He is not changing or abolishing the Law of the Torah, but that He is the fulfillment, the living demonstration of the Law, and that the time is coming when He will ascend to the Father’s Right Hand, and this New Covenant will no longer be written on tablets of stone, nor just on the pages of a scroll, but that His Spirit will rule within us, in our lives, from the inside-out.

(Commentary Break:  What you are about to read, is the way. It is the way Jesus taught. It is the way Jesus lived. If you or I are to follow Jesus, and call ourselves Christian, then this is the way, and the only way. It is how we are to think and to conduct our lives.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. (End Commentary Break).

Matthew 5:17, “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. Verse 18. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not [footnote ‘g’] the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! Verse 19. Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches [footnote ‘h’] others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever [footnote ‘i’] keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 20. “For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

(Commentary Break): Again, Verse 20 delivers an ominous warning. Take heed. (End Commentary Break).

Personal Relationships – Murder, Slander

Verse 21. “You have heard that [footnote ‘j’] the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ Verse 22. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘[footnote ‘k’] You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to [footnote ‘l’] the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the [footnote ‘m’] fiery hell. Verse 23. Therefore, if you are presenting your [footnote ‘n’] offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, verse 24, leave your [footnote ‘o’] offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your [footnote ‘p’] offering. Verse 25. [footnote ‘q’] come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Verse 26. Truly, I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last [footnote ‘r’] quadrans.

(Commentary Break: These words, Jesus’ words, are words of life. They are the hidden pathway around the obstacles that will impede your service to Him and your entry to the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we realize these words of Jesus are not metaphors or hyperbole. As harsh as they may seem to the natural mind, they are true and accurate as spoken. They are the way to life and life eternal. (End Commentary Break).

Adultery

Verse 27. “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; Verse 28. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Verse 29. Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, [footnote ‘s’] than for your whole body to be thrown into [footnote ‘t’] hell. Verse 30. And if your right hand is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; for it is better for you [footnote ‘u’] to lose one of the parts of your body, [footnote ‘v’] than for your whole body to go into [footnote ‘w’] hell.

(Commentary Break: First, it is vitally important that we remember that these words were being spoken to the house of Israel in the context of the Torah or the Law, “You have heard that the ancients, (those of the Old Covenants), were told”, etc. And that Jesus is explaining the ‘fulfillment of that Law’ which is the New Covenant sacrifice of His death and resurrection.

Secondly, remember that Jesus has said that He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, which, again, means He will satisfy the requirements of the Law – pay the penalties of sin – through His death and resurrection.

Still, these can be seriously dangerous verses if understood as literal. You should and must ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. I understand that if your house was burning to the ground and death were imminent, you might risk jumping from the third floor, risking injury to escape certain death. Or, if you were aboard a burning and sinking ship, you might risk jumping overboard into turbulent and icy waters to escape certain death. But, if your eye offends you, should you literaly pluck it out?

These verses are presented as metaphors within a simile. They warn of the penalty of sin, which is eternity in the lake of fire which is hell, and eternal separation from God. And, they are comparing the passions and desires of the flesh (fleshly sins) to spiritual remedies. The comparison of cutting of your hand or plucking out your eye if they offend you are similes, are like, or the same as removing the offense from your eyes and hands at any cost.

They are not, however, saying you are to maim yourself in order to remove the offense at any cost. He is saying that Jesus has paid that awful cost. Cut off the desires of the eye and of the hand and throw them away from you. Give yourself to Him. This is the extreme measure. Die to self, take up your cross and follow Him!

Pray on these things and decide, and if you need, call on the Elders of the church for prayer, anointing with oil and counsel. (End Commentary Break).

Divorce

Verse 31. “Now it was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY IS TO GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’; verse 32, but I say to you that everyone who [footnote ‘x’] divorces his wife, except for the reason of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a [footnote ‘y’] divorced woman commits adultery.

(Commentary Break: For Christians, marriage is a covenantal contract with your spouse and with God. If you break that contract, you are violating your oath with your spouse and with God. No matter how dire you consider your situation, you will face serious repercussions throughout the rest of your life. If you need safety from harm, seek it. If you need relief, get it. If you need forgiveness, pursue it. But, your contract of marriage remains and your responsibilities are grave. This is the price of being a Christ follower. (End Commentary Break).

Making Vows, Promises, Contracts, Covenants

Verse 33. “Again, you have heard that [footnote ‘z’] the ancients were told, ‘[footnote ‘aa’] YOU SHALL NOT [footnote ‘ab’] MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR [footnote ‘ac’] VOWS TO THE LORD.’ Verse 34. But I say to you, take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, verse 35, nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, nor [footnote ‘ad’] by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Verse 36. Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Verse 37. But make sure your statement is, ‘[footnote ‘ae’] Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these are [footnote ‘af’] of evil origin.

(Commentary Break: A quick background here is that Jews in Jesus’ time, would use vows ‘in the name of heaven’ or ‘by the throne of God’, (i.e., I swear by the throne of God, or I swear to God), in order to exaggerate their claim and to make their vow sound lofty and serious, when in fact, they were only looking for advantages.

For the contemporary Christian, it is simpler. Make your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’, mean ‘no’. Anything more, is evil. These are words of captivity and darkness or words of freedom and light. Choose wisely.  (End Commentary Break).

Revenge, Vengeance, Reciprocity

Verse 38. “You have heard that it was said, ‘EYE FOR EYE, and TOOTH FOR TOOTH.’ Verse 39. But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. Verse 40. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your [footnote ‘ag’] tunic, let him have your [footnote ‘ah’] cloak also. Verse 41. Whoever [footnote ‘ai’] forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Verse 42. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

(Commentary Break: These may be some of the most difficult teachings to understand, accept and to employ. They are counter-intuitive. Put simply, unless you are completely submitted to God, knowing and trusting Him with a “faith that is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen”, (see Hebrews 11:1), then this is folly for you. If, however, you want to remove obstacles to your faith and the ability to walk in the Spirit of God, and gain your inheritance of the Kingdom, then you must know that God will repay. You must know that if you seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be provided to you. See (Matthew 6:33). (End Commentary Break).

Love, Hate, Reward

Verse 43. “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ Verse 44. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, verse 45, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Verse 46. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? Verse 47. And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same?

(Commentary Break): These written words, when put evidenced in the life of a believer, become the most powerful and convincing witnessing and disciple-making testimonies. The cost is enormously high and sacrificial, but the rewards are Kingdom sized.

 Jesus never said following Him would be easy. In fact, He said it would be hard, requiring great sacrifice, but bearing the greatest of rewards. Nothing can compare.

Finally, what is occurring in this book of Matthew is beyond amazing and mysterious. There are few words to adequately describe what Jesus is doing, saying and teaching. Having already pierced the veil, He is now breaching all the natural laws.

Jesus, in verses 21 through 48, begins what was considered His radical re-teaching of Jewish law – the Torah. But, greater than that He is teaching His disciples how to walk in the power of supernatural faith; how to walk in the Spirit and to overcome the flesh.

This teaching, at a minimum, does three basic things: (1). Jesus reveals and points to the portal into the Kingdom of Heaven, and unlocks its mysteries. (2). He leads you to the foundational Truth of how to walk in His steps, to do the works He has done and even greater works. (3). He will inform you about the necessity of being transformed by presenting your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship, and thereby, being transformed. This occurs by the renewing of your mind, thereby demonstrating and proving what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

These things will not come easily if you are to obtain your inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Your faith, which is more precious than gold, will tested by fire, and you will be greatly distressed by various trials. In this, you will rejoice greatly because the outcome of this testing will result in the revelation of Jesus Christ in your life. You will rejoice with joy inexpressible joy, full of glory, obtaining the salvation of your souls as the outcome of your faith.

Verses 21 through 48 also give a list of examples of the obstacles to entering the Kingdom of Heaven, which are murder, anger, offenses, adultery, divorce, making vows, revenge, retribution, love versus hate and the attitudes that accompany these sins. This goes deeper than the resulting behaviors of sin. These sins, originate in our minds and hearts, which are the real obstacles to our entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

We must allow God, through His use of all sorts of trials and tribulations, to create within us a clean heart and remake us into a new creation. It is the only way. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 48. Therefore, you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Commentary Break: As I have pointed out at various intervals, this is our Journey to Perfection, “For by One Offering, He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus continues to prepare us for our mission and our calling and our preparation for the end of this age. Please, let’s pray and practice these teachings together.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  (coming soon). THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 6, Giving, Praying, Fasting, Peace

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 5, Part 1, The Sermon on the Mount – The Beatitudes.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 5, Part 1

The Sermon on the Mount – The Beatitudes.

If this is not THE MOST IMPORTANT, it certainly is one of the most important and most revealing instructional and informative teachings of Jesus. This could be called ‘the disciple’s basic training in the words, works and wonders of Jesus’. Basic may be how the natural man or woman would see it, however it is anything but basic. Although, this so-called ‘basic training’ begins in chapter 5 of Matthew and culminates in chapter 10, Jesus really never stops teaching directly or by example.

Matthew chapter 5 though Matthew chapter 10 gives us the process of Sanctification and the picture of Salvation. Popularly named ‘The Sermon on the Mount”, this teaching of Jesus is concise and mysterious.  It is hard, if not impossible, to understand with the natural mind and difficult to grasp, even by the faculty of the mind of a Believer.  It must be experienced to be understood.

This is the supernatural work of SANCTIFICATION by God.  Most of us work hard to avoid this process because it can be difficult, painful and bewildering.  But, actually, it is the amazing, supernatural work of God transforming us into His Own image and likeness as His children of Light.  It is through this very intense and difficult process that we become the heirs of the Kingdom of God.

Please, as you read the following verses, take careful notice of the process.  Here, the Bible explain to us, ahead of time, what we must endure, (yes, endure) in order to “inherit the Kingdom of God”. The disciple of Jesus would do well to learn these chapters by heart, because you will be needing them.

The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes (NASB).

Matthew5:1, Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the [footnote ‘a’] mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. Verse 2. And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

Verse 3. [footnote ‘b’], “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

(Commentary Break: Being made “poor in spirit” is, more literally, to be crushed in your spirit; to be pinched by toil, hopelessness and extreme poverty; A beggar with no hope of rescue on the verge of death and perishing, helpless and powerless to accomplish an end; destitute of wealth, influence and honor; destitute of Christian virtue; destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford.

It should cause one to wonder, how could they possibly be considered “Blessed” if they are made “poor in spirit”.

It is, however, because people of this class are the ones most ready to give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure. 

It is when life deals you crushing blows, which seem to be your end with no way of escape, that this marvelous work of salvation, redemption and sanctification can begin; and not before. 

We hear it said “you must come to the end of yourself to enter the Kingdom of God” which is true enough, but none of us have the will power to bring ourselves to such a desperate state.  It is God, alone, who will allow or bring crushing circumstances to bear on our lives which will cause us to turn to God for help.  And only God can save us from such desperate circumstances, redeem us to a state of wholeness, health and safety which is His Sanctification (holiness) of our lives. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 4. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

(Commentary Break: Mourning is an understandable response upon finding yourself severely pinched by poverty, reduced to begging; destitute with no influence, no position; lowly, afflicted and helpless; powerless to change your circumstances for the better; lacking in anything and terrified.

What we are reading is not punishment, it is ‘correction with purpose’. It is the process of sanctification through trials and tribulations leading to righteousness. This is a spiritual process resulting in a physical manifestation in the life of a Christ follower.

 Think with me in practical terms. Have you ever endured an especially difficult time?  Perhaps, as a child, you were corrected for bad behavior?  Besides receiving a scolding, you may have been spanked or had privileges taken from you?  Or perhaps you endured a time of suffering and loss?  Mourning is a natural response.  What did you experience next?  (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. “Blessed are the [footnote ‘c’] gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

(Commentary Break: Do you remember after enduring a time of suffering or loss and “mourning” your loss, having something akin to a ‘good cry’, you how your emotions or spirit was quieted for a time?  You may have now had time to reflect on what has happened, and you lapse into a time of quiet, gentle appearing reflection. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

(Commentary Break: Do you remember coming through a difficult time, having a good cry, either mentally or actually shedding tears and then the ‘calm the followed the storm’ in your soul?  Do you also remember that, for some reason, with the storm of your life behind you, you were actually hungry?

It is the same in our spirit.  It is usually at this point that we begin to make life-decisions.  We are either getting angry and defiant or we decide to do better and to “be better”. 

For those being redeemed by the mercies of God, the process is to ‘hunger and thirst for right thinking and right living’: which is the very definition of Righteousness.

It is through this process that we gain new insights and understanding.  How apt are scriptures to remind us in the next verse that blessed are the merciful. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

(Commentary Break): The word ‘mercy’ in this verse literally means kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them; of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one’s self merciful

We are indeed being “Sanctified”:  Being made holy and set apart for God’s use. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 8. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

(Commentary Break): Our attitudes are changing.  Showing mercy is a sign that our hearts are changing and become pure in the sight of God.  We are being transformed in what we see and in how we see.  We are beginning to see matters as God sees them. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

(Commentary Break): A peace will begin to settle over the heart and mind of the redeemed and sanctified Believer.  We, not only, begin to experience ‘a peace that passes understanding’ from our deepening relationship with God, but we begin to demonstrate and practice that peace of God which earns us the title “sons (and daughters) of God”.  We are being made into His image. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 10. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Commentary Break): The bible tells us that it is now that we possess the Kingdom of Heaven.  This statement is too rich and too profound for the “casual Christian” or “casual Believer” to understand.

The Kingdom is a royal power, a kingship of dominion and rule; not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom. It is of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah and of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom. This comes from the Greek root word ‘baino’, meaning ‘to walk’, as in Joshua 1:3 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.”

 We are becoming, at this point, and in a real sense, we have already  become, heirs of the Kingdom of God, the place of the foundation of all power. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 11. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Verse 12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(Commentary Break: You are not blessed because people insult you and persecute you, but you are blessed because it is a sign that, although you are still in the world, you are no longer of this world; you are ”made alive together with Christ and raised up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”.(see Ephesians 1:4) (End Commentary Break).

Disciples and the World

Verse 13. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how [footnote ‘d’] can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.

(Commentary Break): Verse 13 delivers an ominous warning. Take heed. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 14. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a [footnote ‘e’] hill cannot be hidden; verse 15, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a [footnote ‘f’] basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Verse 16. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

(Commentary Break): Verse 14 delivers a clear instruction. Take heed. (End Commentary Break).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 5, Part 2 – The Law, Relationships, Reaching for Perfection.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 4 – Part 2 – Jesus Begins His Ministry, The First Disciples, Galilee.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 4 – Part 2

Jesus Begins His Ministry, The First Disciples, Galilee.

Jesus Begins His Ministry

Verse 12. Now when Jesus heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested and put in prison, He left for Galilee. Verse 13. And leaving Nazareth, He went and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the country of Zebulun and Naphtali. Verse 14This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

Verse 15.. “THE LAND OF ZEBULUN AND THE LAND OF NAPHTALI,

BY THE WAY OF THE SEA, BEYOND THE JORDAN, GALILEE [in the district] OF THE GENTILES.

Verse 16. THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING (living) IN [spiritual] DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT,

AND FOR THOSE WHO WERE SITTING (living) IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF [spiritual and moral] DEATH,

UPON THEM A LIGHT HAS DAWNED.”

(Commentary Break: There is much to be said about verses 12 through 16, but I will focus our attention on verse 16, “THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT, AND FOR THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT HAS DAWNED.”

This is a prophetic word from Isaiah. It is wise to know that prophecy is rarely a ‘one and done’ event. Prophecy, when it is manifested, has long lasting and reverberating effects. This is true here. The effects of Jesus appearing has had the effect of shining a great light upon those who were, who are and who, in the future, will be sitting in darkness. When Jesus appears, they will see a great light; and for those sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light has dawned.

If you will accept it, today, now, at this moment, A great light is shining on you. Receive this Light and take it into the world, proclaiming it as the Name and Gospel of Christ. It is spoken. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 17. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “[footnote ‘a’] Repent [change your inner self – your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The First Disciples

Verse 18. As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Verse 19. And He said to them, “[footnote ‘b’] Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” Verse 20. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. Verse 21. And going on [further] from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father [footnote ‘c’] Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them [to follow Him as His disciples]. Verse 22. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].

(Commentary Break: I will go into depth on these next verses so we can better understand the method and model of Jesus, and our calling.

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

As Jesus was walking (i.e., meaning, to trample, crush with the feet; to advance by setting foot upon, tread upon: to encounter successfully the greatest perils from the machinations and persecutions with which Satan would fain thwart the preaching of the gospel – Jesus is setting the example for His disciples, present and future.  The word used for WALKING is demonstrating His Authority.  We must take notice, for by this He is teaching us to be His disciples and we must walk in His Steps (Chapters 10, 11 and 28 of Matthew, Jesus sends His disciple);

 by the Sea of Galilee, He saw (tmeaning, o see with the mind, to perceive, know; Jesus was on mission.  He was watching for and SAW, both with His eyes, His Mind and He Knew.  So it is with us, as we are being filled with The Holy Spirit.  THIS IS IMPORTANT as we are sent and we are watching for those to whom we must preach the Gospel);

He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, (meaning, a rock or a stone),

and Andrew his brother, (meaning, manly),

 casting (meaning, to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls; to scatter, to throw, cast, to give over to one’s care uncertain about the result. This word is a good description of how most people view their lives, in general.  “To throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls;  to scatter, to throw, cast into;  to give over to one’s care uncertain about the result.”) Jesus is, however,  calling all of His disciples, past, present and future, to a life that has purpose, meaning and eternal value.)

a net (meaning, anything thrown around one to impede his motions, as chains, a garment, a net for fishing. This word describes the lives of the disciples before meeting Jesus as are most of our lives ‘bound up’ as in anything thrown around one to impede his motions, as chains, a garment, a net for fishing”. Freedom is where and why Jesus calls us to follow Him.

into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, (meaning, come hither, come here, come with a sense of urgency; as an imperative interjection, come!, come now! The word used for ‘follow’ has a sense of urgent command.  Come, now)!  It is IMPORTANT that we remember Jesus was speaking prophetically then and is speaking prophetically to us, today!

and I will make you fishers of men”.  (meaning, fashioned after and with the names of things made; to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.; to be the authors of, the cause; to make ready, to prepare. We are the clay in the Potter’s Hands; once He touches our lives, we are made new, into His image for His purpose.  This is IMPORTANT to grasp.

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. (meaning, Straightway, immediately, forthwith; to be well off, fare well, prosper). This word tells us, not only of the urgency to Jesus’ call, but how the state of our lives is made to be well of, to fare well and to prosper, by answering His call and following Him. (End Commentary Break).

Ministry in Galilee

Verse 23. And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news, (the gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people [demonstrating and revealing that He was indeed the promised Messiah].

(Commentary Break: Verse 23 says, “Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people”.

 the Kingdom, (meaning, royal power, kingship, dominion, rule; not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah). This word is so descriptive that you must take each definition and consider the impact and importance. This is our calling and our role as Christians and as disciples of Jesus,

and healing, (meaning, to serve, do service; to heal, cure, restore to health; this comes from a root word meaning you are to be an attendant, a servant: of God, discharging the duties committed to him by God). The definitions of this word are complimentary:  To serve, to worship, to heal, to cure, to restore to health.  Jesus healed the whole person, body, mind/will/emotions and spirit.  His healing is complete.  We are called to this ministry, so we would do well to be disciples and learn.

 every disease, (meaning, disease, sickness, plague, misery, suffering, distress, madness, vice, moral filth and bane).

and every sickness, (meaning, disease, softness, infirmity, debility, bodily weakness; This word come from a root word, meaning soft, effeminate, soft to the touch, metaphorically, in a bad sense; effeminate; of a catamite; of a boy kept for homosexual relations with a man; of a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness; of a male prostitute). Again, Jesus heals the body, the mind, the soul and the spirit of all infirmities, including homosexuality. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 24. So the news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were sick, those suffering with various diseases and pains, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Verse 25. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and the other side of the Jordan. (End text of Chapter 4).

Jesus drew large crowds. Churches in the postmodern world attempt to gather large crowds in a different fashion. They use public service events, entertainment, flashy and showy programs, picnics, Halloween or Fall Festival events with costumes, Easter egg hunts, grandiose buildings, fancy preaching styles, charismatic personalities and the such. And the outcomes are wildly different. One leads to eternal life, the other leads to confusion, disappointment and failure.

I want to say this in the kindest way possible without diminishing the intent:  Jesus was and is not playing games. He never played at ‘doing church’.  Jesus was on mission to save souls for the Kingdom of God. He is calling us to the same. He knew the outcome was to be either life of death. He is the only way to life, and He teaches the way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

In order to be redeemed and saved, you must agree to a covenantal contract with God. It is not to be taken lightly as you will see in the coming chapters. The commitment requires complete devotion and submission to Christ. The price is costly beyond our ability to pay. And the reward is gloriously unimaginable. A free gift from God with a value that cannot be estimated.

Chapter 5 will give us Jesus’ explanation of the steps of salvation, the process of sanctification, and a detailed teaching on the New Covenant in action. This is the only true Discipleship Training Program in existence. Let’s do this together!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 5, Part 1 – The Sermon on the Mount, The Beatitudes.  

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 4 – Part 1, The Temptation of Jesus.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 4, Part 1

The Temptation of Jesus

This book is described as being written as a narrative. We will change the use of this book from the narrative into the prophetic, creative, causative and instructional word of God; which, once absorbed into your mind, soul and spirit, will transform you in ways you cannot imagine; closer than ever, into the image and likeness of Christ Jesus.

WARNING: Enter at your own risk. If you will pray, read, and meditate the words of Jesus from the book of Matthew and absorb them into your mind, soul and spirit, you may begin to experience a transformation, which at times will be exhilarating and at other times may be some of the most bewildering and difficult days of your life.

This experience has been, inadequately called, by many theologians and Bible teachers, ‘the process of sanctification’. (The process of making or becoming holy, set apart, sanctification, holiness, consecration; the believer being progressively transformed by the Lord into His likeness, and the similarity of His nature.) And, indeed it is. But when you make this personal, it becomes much more. I will be calling this process, “The Journey to Perfection”.

Hebrews 10:14-18

“For by One Offering, He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”

Please let this be your guide into the mysterious wonders of becoming a disciple of Jesus, being inspired, taught, and at times, rebuked by God for your correction and for training in righteousness, so that you, the man or woman of God, may be entirely capable, and fully equipped for every good work!

Here is how it all began:

The Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:1, Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Verse 2. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry.

(Commentary Break: Remember, if you desire to follow Jesus, you also, will encounter and have to endure these prophetic words found in Matthew Chapter 4. Endure to the end, and you will be ministered to by Angels, and you will see the Glory of the Lord in the land of the living. You will be one of His Disciples.

Be aware, that following Jesus is not just about attending church and saying you believe in Him. Following Him means you go where He goes, and you will do what He does.

WHEN was Jesus led up by the Spirit? Immediately after His baptism. Don’t be surprised or taken unaware that this testing begins so quickly. So will it be with you.

He was led up by the Spirit. WHO led Jesus?

The very Spirit of God. This is the Spirit of God, present at creation. The Spirit of God who comforts, guides, leads, empowers, convicts of sin, prays on your behalf with Words and Groanings, too deep for our understanding. Jesus is showing us, by His example, that this is the path we must walk to become His Disciple. This is one of the most powerful events in the life of a Believer and Follower of Jesus. It is not imaginary. This is deadly serious and gloriously real.

He was led into the wilderness, (the Judean desert ). WHERE was Jesus led?

The Judean wilderness was and is a dangerous, barren, dry, life-threatening environment. There were scarce resources of food and water, or no resources at all. The temperatures were extreme. Any wildlife that could survive in these areas were predatory. This is where the Spirit led Jesus, and likewise, where He will lead the willing Disciple. This is an apt description of what you may endure in your preparation to follow Jesus and become His Disciple. Be warned!

He was to be tempted by the devil. Tempted by WHOM? The Devil; and he is real. He is “the ruler of this world,” a spirit creature who became wicked and rebelled against God. (see John 14:30 and Ephesians 6 verses 11 and 12) The Bible reveals the Devil’s personality through these names and descriptions, and the methods and techniques he will use against you:

Satan, which means “Resister.”—Job 1:6.

Devil, which means “Slanderer.”—Revelation 12:9.

Serpent, which is used in the Bible to mean “Deceiver.”—2^nd  Corinthians 11:3.

Tempter.—Matthew 4:3.

Liar.—John 8:44.

Some view Satan, the Devil, as just a principle or quality of evil that exists inside our mind. The devil is not a principle or quality of evil. The Bible records a conversation between God and Satan and remember, God is perfect, so he could not have been talking to an evil part of himself. The devil is real, and you will be tested by this evil one, at some time. Be prepared.

Matthew 4:2 says, “And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.”

And after He had fasted… WHEN?

After He had fasted. Not before, not during. It was after He had fasted, He became “hungry”. The importance of this one verse take will take prayer, study to gain a proper understanding.

Fasted. Abstaining from food and nourishment. We have to put this fasting into the context of these verses. Jesus was led into the wilderness where He had no food, no water, no companionship, no resources, no help. He was isolated and alone, except for the Spirit of God. His physical Self was at great risk.

This fast began with no food, but continued with the lack of any sustenance for His physical, mental, or emotional well-being. This fast intensified as it affected every aspect of Jesus, yet Jesus obeyed and followed the Spirit.

And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights. HOW long? The significance of the “forty days and forty nights” cannot be ignored.

Before his temptation, Jesus fasted “forty days and forty nights” in the Judean desert. (see Matthew 4:2, Mark 1:13, and Luke 4:2).

Forty days was the period from the resurrection of Jesus to the ascension of Jesus. (see Acts 1:3).

Biblical verse Numbers 14:33-34 alludes to the same with ties to the prophecy in The Book of Daniel. “For forty years; one year for each of the forty days you explored the land; you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.'”

In modern Christian practice, Lent consists of the 40 days preceding Easter. In much of Western Christianity, Sundays are excluded from the count; in Eastern Christianity, Sundays are included.

Rain fell for “forty days and forty nights” during the Flood. (see Genesis 7:4).

The number forty symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation. In fact, the word “tempted” in this verse “to be tempted by the devil” means to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself. So it will be for you and me.

Remember, this is Jesus going before us, enduring the Trial, and showing us the way which we must go, also. But, He assures us that we, too, can endure, because He has gone before us.

Likewise, as a true Believer and Follower of Jesus there comes a time when we will find ourselves seemingly without help, without hope, without resources, at risk, isolated, with circumstance intensifying. Now the Great Work of God is beginning in our life. Endure this to the end, following the example of Jesus carefully.)

Matthew 4:2 says, “And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.”

He became WHAT? He became Hungry. No food or water for 40 days and 40 nights in a hot, dry, barren wasteland, He became hungry. This sounds logical. But, take a closer look at the word “hungry” as it appears in the language it was written:

The word “Hungry”, as translated from the Greek language is ‘Ptochos’, and means not only physical hunger, but it means “to become poor, needy, suffer want, earnestly crave, the pinching toil of poverty, to be crushed in spirit, to pine”.

This is of the same base word found in Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Poor: Ptochos (from the Greek word in Strong’s concordance),

1). reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms, destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor, lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches. Helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; poor, needy, lacking in anything, respects their spirit. Destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford. It is people of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure.

This is the state that allows us to turn to God, void of all our own resources, humbly crying out, “help me, Father, for I am needy”.

Remember, It is he or she who endures to the end, who will be His Disciple.

Hear the Words of Jesus in Matthew 19, verse 24 through 29:

“Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?”

And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?”

And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.

The testing is about to begin and The Greatest Work of God in your life is at hand. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Verse 4. But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”

(Commentary Break:  In this case, when Jesus says, ”Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”, He uses the word ‘Rhema’ which is the spoken Word of God. Jesus speaks the known, written Word of God to counter and to negate the tests and temptations of the devil.

Can this be true for us? Likewise, you also are to speak the known Word of God, (the ‘Rhema-word)’, that is the known, written Word of God to counter and to negate the tests and temptations of the devil.

Why is this necessary? Because Jesus has told us, ‘this is the way’.

Is it possible for you to do this?

Being a Christian, a disciple of Jesus, is not a casual relationship nor is it a convenient pursuit. It is hard. It takes work, discipline, dedication and commitment. But It is the only way to life and true peace. (see Romans 8:6).

So, if you prefer a life with purpose and meaning, a life full and abundant, then don’t “live by bread alone, but live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

If you prefer a life with peace in your heart in mind, at peace with people and with God, don’t “live by bread alone, but live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (End Commentary Break)

Verse 5. Then the devil took Him into the holy city [Jerusalem] and placed Him on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple. Verse 6. And he said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,

‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU [to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’; and, ‘THEY WILL LIFT YOU UP ON their HANDS, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’”

Verse 7. Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD.’”

Verse 8. Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of them; verse 9, and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”

Verse 10. Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Verse 11. Then the devil left Him; and angels came and ministered to Him [bringing Him food and serving Him].

(Commentary Break: Jesus was tested, (tempted), after He had weakened his flesh by fasting and had wandered a treacherous and dangerous landscape for 40 days. He was tested in His mind, in His body and in His soul. This is the testing we must endure as we follow Jesus.

Our testing however, will not suddenly end. Our testing is to be endured until we are safely with Him, one day, in glory. Our testing is our Journey to Perfection. Our lifelong process of being sanctified in preparation for our eternal home with Him and with one another. (End Commentary Break).

The Chapter ends with the testing and temptation of Jesus. The second half of Chapter 4, begins with Jesus entering Galilee, His earthly ministry, and the calling and teaching His disciples. We will see that Jesus leads and teaches by example. The model for future generations of Christians, which, sadly, is rarely followed any longer and the church suffers the conseqneces.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: (coming soon), THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 4 – Part 2, Jesus Begins His Ministry, The First Disciples, Galilee.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 3 – The Preaching of John the Baptist, The Baptism of Jesus.

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 3

The Preaching of John the Baptist, The Baptism of Jesus

The days and times of Jesus, as he grew from a child into adulthood, can be found in the Book of Luke. But the book of Matthew makes a leap from Jesus as a baby to Jesus as an adult.

If this were a theatrical play, an introductory act would be found in chapter 1 of Matthew; beginning with the serene and building in drama, scene two introduces the main character, Jesus, and is found in chapter 2 of Matthew; then, in chapter 3 of Matthew, the curtain rises in a dramatic fashion, and events begin to build and will conclude in a crescendo.

But this is not a play. There is no play that could present these events which have foretold the destiny of our world, and of your life – as has the coming Messiah. The One True Living God – arriving, in person, on a living world stage. Emmanuel.

The Preaching of John the Baptist

Matthew3:1, In those days [footnote ‘a’] John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea [along the western side of the Dead Sea] and saying,

Verse 2. “[footnote ‘b’] Repent [change your inner self, your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

(Commentary Break: Repentance is a dynamic and recurring theme with Jesus and His teachings. So, it is interesting and telling that John, a forerunner for Jesus, is, giving us a look at the prerequisite for believing and following Jesus, “You must repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This repentance may begin with the outer man, but the true repentance Jesus teaches, is of the spirit, (the heart), the soul, (the mind, will and emotions), and the body (the physical body and the cognition). It is at this point, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, you are truly a new creature.

Secondly, John is announcing that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, as Jesus presence is made known. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. This is the one who was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“THE VOICE OF ONE SHOUTING IN THE WILDERNESS,

‘PREPARE THE ROAD FOR THE LORD,

[footnote ‘c’] MAKE HIS HIGHWAYS STRAIGHT.’”

Verse 4. Now this same John had clothing made of camel’s hair and a leather [footnote d’]’ band around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Verse 5. At that time Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; verse 6, and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

Verse 7. But when he saw many of the [footnote ‘e’] Pharisees and [footnote ‘f’] Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the [divine] wrath and judgment to come? Verse 8. So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]; verse 9, and do not presume to say to yourselves [as a defense], ‘We have Abraham for our father [so our inheritance assures us of salvation]’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children (as descendants) for Abraham. Verse 10. And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is [footnote g’]’ swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Verse 11. “As for me, I baptize you [footnote ‘h’] with water because of [your] repentance [that is, because you are willing to change your inner self, your old way of thinking, regret your sin and live a changed life], but He, (the Messiah) who is coming after me, is mightier, [more powerful, and more noble] than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to remove; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with [footnote ‘i’] fire.

(Commentary Break: Verse 10 tells us that “the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, any tree that does not bear good fruit, is cut down.” The Olive Tree, specifically, comes to mind when talking about prophecy and about Israel.  It is mentioned frequently in the Bible with regard to fruitfulness, health, and blessings. It is one of the seven species with which the land was blessed.

Jewish people associate it with the concept of “putting down roots” in the Holy Land. As such, olive trees appear in the emblems of both the State of Israel, as well as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The olive tree has also been used as a motif in many works of art and in Jewish culture throughout history.

Here are some specific examples of ways the symbolism of the olive tree is represented in the Jewish faith:

Peace: The olive tree has become a consistent symbol of peace over the years, thanks to the story of Noah’s Ark and the dove that brings back an olive branch as a way to inform Noah that the rain had subsided. Olive branches even became used as a means of showing peace to other leaders/nations.

Love and celebration: Olive branches were used to make wreaths for the heads of young people on their wedding days, and at festivals in biblical times. The pilgrims who brought their first fruits to Jerusalem decorated the horns of the bull that led the procession with olive branches.

Life and vitality: Throughout the Bible, there are consistent references to olive trees as symbols of life and vitality. For example, the people of Israel are referred to as “a green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit” in the book of Jeremiah. When King Solomon dies, the trees of the garden mourn, shedding their leaves.

“The axe is already laid at the root of the trees”.  Verse 10 is saying judgment is now at hand.  The prophesied Messiah is here.  Your salvation is at hand.  You cannot depend on your traditions, rituals, good works, heritage or lineage to be saved from the coming wrath.  It is time to repent and bear fruit of Righteousness which is in Jesus the Christ, for your salvation, or you will perish.

f there was any doubt about the role and prophetic mission of John the Baptist, these verses should dispel all doubt. John has not met with, nor has he been discipled by Jesus. Yet John’s words, his remarks and his actions and obvious fulfillment of Isaiah 40 and are as if he had been carefully instructed by Jesus beforehand. Furthermore, read these remarks by Jesus:

Matthew 4:17. From that time, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

 Matthew 23:33, “You snakes, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?:”

 Verse 11 ends with an end note of the Mission of Christ in just 11 words: “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”. This is representative of being saved, sanctified and sent for the believer, or being sentenced to judgment and destruction! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 12. His [footnote ‘j’] winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat, (that is, His believers) into His barn, (which is His kingdom), but He will burn up the chaff (being the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”

(Commentary Break: Verses 11 and 12, can and should be viewed as the topic sentences for the rest of the New Testament.

Verse 12 picks up on the last sentence of verse 11, and stands out as perhaps the most brief and most concise description of the Jesus’ Mission through the End of The Age.

 The winnowing fork represents the separation of the wheat and the chaff from His threshing floor, representing the days of judgment of the Great Tribulation and The Wrath of The Lamb; repeating the proclamation and warning in verse 11, He will gather His wheat, His believers, into His barn, describing the rapture and the ascending of those who have died; and He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire, is clearly the description of the fate of the unbeliever and the eternal lake of fire, or Hell. This is also indicative of the End of the Age and the destruction of the heavens and the earth by intense, fervent heat.

 John clearly puts the world on notice, and in these few supremely prophetic words, puts events into motion such as the world has never seen and never will see again! (End Commentary Break).

The Baptism of Jesus

Verse 13. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him. Verse 14. But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Verse 15. But Jesus replied to him, “Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us [footnote ‘k’] to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him. Verse 16. After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the [footnote ‘l’] Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), verse 17, and behold, a [footnote ‘m’] voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!”

(Commentary Break: There is so much that can be said about verses 13 through 17, but suffice it to say, Act One, Scene Two are completed with the magnificence of the heavens being opened, the significance of which cannot be overstated; the Spirit of God descending and lighting upon Jesus, and the voice from heaven confirming, “This is My beloved Son”. The stage is now set. Let the end begin! (End Commentary Break).

Keep in mind that the Bible makes use of metaphors, similes, and hyperboles to explain what would otherwise be difficult if not impossible for the natural mind to understand. But all these parts of speech point to a reality. This is not a ‘play’ or a ‘story’. It is a living, prophetic, creative, causative, instructional truth, being manifest into the natural world, in order to complete God’s plan to perfect His creation in preparation for eternity with Him and with one another.

Hebrews 10:14-18

“For by One Offering, He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”

“THIS IS THE COVENANT WHICH I WILL MAKE WITH THEM

AFTER THOSE DAYS, DECLARES THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEARTS,

AND WRITE THEM ON THEIR MIND,”

He then says,

“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS

I WILL NO LONGER REMEMBER.”

“Now, where there is forgiveness of these things, an offering for sin is no longer required.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 4, The Temptation of Jesus, Jesus Begins His Ministry, The First Disciples, Galilee

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 2 – The Magi, The Escape to Egypt, King Herod’s Slaughter of the Babies

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 2

The Magi, The Escape to Egypt, King Herod’s Slaughter of the Babies

The Visit of the Magi

Matthew 2:1, Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of [footnote ‘a’] Herod the king, (or Herod the Great), [footnote ‘b’], [footnote ‘c’] magi, ( also known as wise men), from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, Verse 2. “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star [footnote ‘d’] in the east and have come to worship Him.” Verse 3. When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Verse 4. So he called together all the chief priests and [footnote ‘e’] scribes of the people and [anxiously] asked them where the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), was to be born. Verse 5. They replied to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what has been written by the prophet [Micah]:

Verse 6. ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, IN THE LAND OF JUDAH,

ARE NOT IN ANY WAY LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;

FOR FROM YOU SHALL COME A RULER

WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE, ISRAEL.’”

Verse 7. Then Herod secretly sent for the magi and learned from them [footnote ‘f’] the [exact] time the star [had first] appeared. Verse 8. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

(Commentary Break: This text informs that King Herod and ‘all Jerusalem with him were disturbed’ by the news of the birth of Jesus. It was being assumed and Herod had been informed that a prophecy from the Old Testament book of Micah 5:2, foretells of a coming ruler for Israel. “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” This would have been a direct confrontation of Herod’s rule.

There is some discussion among theologians and Bible commenters, about the reference that ‘all Jerusalem was disturbed’ along with Herod, since many Jews were looking anxiously for the prophesied Messiah’s arrival. It is assumed that Herod was concerned or disturbed that the Jewish inhabitants of Nazareth and Galilee might rebel and follow this coming Ruler. So, it is conjectured ‘all Jerusalem’ most likely was referring to ruling authorities within Herod’s government.

 The rest of verses 1 though 8, are self-explanatory. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 9. After hearing the king, they went their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, [continually leading the way], until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was (located). Verse 10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Verse 11. And after entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary, His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts [fit for a king, gifts] of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Verse 12. And having been warned [by God] in a dream not to go back to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

The Escape to Egypt

Verse 13. Now when they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod intends to search for the Child in order to destroy Him.”

Verse 14. So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. Verse 15. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet [Hosea]: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”

Herod Slaughters the Babies

Verse 16. Then Herod, when he realized that he had been tricked by the magi, was extremely angry, and he sent [soldiers] and put to death all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that area who were two years old and under, according to the date which he had learned from the magi. Verse 17. Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

Verse 18. “A VOICE WAS HEARD IN [footnote ‘g’] RAMAH,

WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING,

[footnote ‘h’] RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN;

SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED,

BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.”

Verse 19. But when [footnote ‘i’] Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, Verse 20. “Get up! Take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” Verse 21. Then Joseph got up, and took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. Verse 22. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea [footnote ‘j’] in place of his father Herod [the Great], he was afraid to go there. Then being warned by God in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee, verse 23, and went and settled in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a [footnote ‘k’] Nazarene.”

(Commentary Break: Notice that with every evil intent and every evil deed, God shepherded Joseph, Mary and Jesus to safety. God spoke to Joseph, instructing and guiding him, and it was as if the trouble at hand was an ‘invisible shield’, repelling them away from harm’s way. This is important to recognize and remember, for a time may be coming when trouble will repel you from your current path and the voice of God, although it may be small, still and quiet, will speak to you, telling you to take another path. Do not let the attractions of this world, nor your appetites and passions, blind your eyes or deafen your ears to God.

Instead of remaining in Egypt or returning to Judea, Joseph and Mary fled to Nazareth in the region of Galilee. The northern province of Galilee was decisively distinct—in history, political status, and culture—from the southern province of Judea, which contained the holy city of Jerusalem. Even the name, Galilee, was descriptive of these differences, as it is translated as “Circle of Gentiles”.

 Even an impeccably Jewish Galilean in first-century Jerusalem was not among his own people; he was as much a foreigner as an Irishman in London or a Texan in New York. His accent would immediately mark him out as “not one of us,” and all the communal prejudice of the supposedly superior culture of the capital city would stand against his claim to be heard even as a prophet, let alone as the “Messiah,” a title which, as everyone knew, belonged to Judea. (text in purple is an excerpt from The Gospel Coalition web page.)

 Being true to His calling, Jesus has not been sent by God to the ‘healthy’ but to those who were ‘sick’. Mark 2 verses 15 through 17 tell us, “And it happened that Jesus was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating with tax collectors and sinners?” And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 Jesus may have been avoiding a conflict with the Pharisees at this point, or perhaps his words were full of sarcasm, because in Matthew chapter 23, He calls these same Pharisees and their scribes, hypocrites, blind guides, full of robbery and self-indulgence, whitewashed tombs full of dead men’s bones, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly, full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (see Matthew 23). At any rate, Jesus is teaching and leading by example. We should watch, listen and learn. (End Commentary Break).

“What does it say; what does it mean; what does it mean to me?” In other words, what should I now do, with what I know? 2 Timothy 3, verses 16 and 17 tell us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”

As Christians and disciples of Jesus, we are to imitate Jesus in our calling. We, too, should be going out into the ‘Galilee of our lives’, and not retreating to the religious pride and comfort of ‘our Judea’. We are to take the Good News to the world around us instead of preaching to one another in the confines of ‘our Nazareth’.

We are drawing ever closer to the amazing teaching of Jesus, which are not only beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness, but as you remain in Him, and His words remain in you, you may ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (see John 15:7 ) This is so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work!

You really don’t want to miss this!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 3, The Preaching of John the Baptist, The Baptism of Jesus.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 1 – The Genealogy, The Conception

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THE BOOK OF MATTHEW

The New Testament book of Matthew presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah sent by God to fulfill Old Testament prophecy.

Overview

The Gospel of Matthew serves as a transition that connects the story of the Old Testament with the story of the New Testament, helping us understand how the life and teaching of Jesus built on what had come before. Although written to a Jewish audience and a Jewish-Christian readership, this Book has a universal outlook.

With these connections in mind, pay close attention as Matthew gives a clear picture and description of the reasons, mission and methods of Jesus.

We will hear Him as He Speaks The Word so the world may hear;

We will See His Works and the world may marvel at His Wonders; and

We will see Him send His Workers so the many will come’.

This Book gives us the blueprint to God’s method of perfecting His creation in preparation for the End of The Age; and it gives us His eternal plan by way of His Son; and points to the revelation of the mystery of Christ, Jesus.

Grouping: Gospels

Author: Matthew, also called Levi.

Timeline: Early church period after Christ’s resurrection; between AD 50 and 70.

Genre: Narrative

Original Language: Greek

Audience: Greek-speaking Jewish Christians.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study and commentary, first, is for us, as His disciples and followers, to learn to walk in the steps of Jesus. We, have been commissioned and sent into all the world, to make disciples. We are to tell people about Him. We are to teach them to obey His words, and to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and  The Book of Matthew presents us with the model and methods of Jesus, which are to be our models and methods in order to accomplish our mission.

Secondly, the purpose of this study is to concurrently seek and find the prophetic words of Jesus, in order to pursue and apply them to our lives. This task and exercise will lead us to call on and to walk in the Holy Spirit with His guidance and power.

Finally, Jesus has told us we are to do the Works He has done and greater works than these, as He has gone to the Father,

If you are wondering about ‘these works’, you are not alone. The crowds that followed Jesus also asked, “What are we to do, so that we may habitually be doing the works of God?”  Jesus answered, “This is the Work of God: that you believe, [adhere to, trust in, rely on, and have faith] in the One whom He has sent.” (See John 6:28 & 29).

It is by this method – walking by faith, in the prophetic – that we are prepared and empowered to allow God to do His Works and even greater works – though our mortal bodies and through our lives.

(Please note: The entire book of Matthew is the Breathed Word of God, and all of it is important. That said,

*Chapters 1 – 3 establish the lineage of Jesus the Christ, the birth of Jesus, the announcement of Jesus, and the baptism of Jesus. (This may seem tedious at times, but is the vital groundwork, not to just know about Him, but to actually know Him).

**Chapters 4 through 28 give us the model, the mission, the purpose and the plan of God, through His Son, Jesus, as the Anointed One, to bring the Good News of Hope and the Way of Salvation to the world. (This is the exciting teachings and demonstration of the power of God).

***Chapters 4 though 28 also give us our mission, purpose and plan. We, the Body of Christ, must be obedient and available for Him to do His Works though us, until the end of the age. This is where we intentionally intersect with the Person and the Power of Jesus.(This is where you and I get personally involved, following Jesus).

Please read the chapters and the commentaries carefully, study them diligently and pray and meditate on them deeply. This is The Way!

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 1

The Genealogy, The Conception

(Amplified version of the Bible)

The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah

Matthew1:1, The record of the genealogy of [footnote ‘a’] Jesus the [footnote ‘b’] Messiah, the son (and descendant) of [footnote ‘c’] David, the son (and descendant) of Abraham:

Verse 2. Abraham [footnote ‘d’] was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of [footnote ‘e’] Judah and his brothers [who became the twelve tribes of Israel]. Verse 3. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. Verse 4. Ram was the father of Aminadab, Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. Verse 5. Salmon was the father of Boaz by [footnote ‘f’] Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. Verse 6 Jesse was the father of [footnote ‘g’] David the king.

David was the father of Solomon by [footnote ‘h’] Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah. Verse 7. Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. Verse 8. Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. Verse 9. Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Verse 10. Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah. Verse 11. Josiah became the father of Jeconiah [also called Coniah and Jehoiachin] and his brothers, at the time of the deportation (into exile) to Babylon.

Verse 12. After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. Verse 13. Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. Verse 14. Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. Verse 15. Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob. Verse 16. Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by [footnote ‘i’] whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah (the Christ).

Verse 17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen; from David to the Babylonian deportation (into exile), fourteen generations; and from the Babylonian deportation to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

(Commentary Break: You might wonder about the significance of the lineage of Jesus? You can find hundreds of commentaries on this matter. Some of which go into such academic detail as to lose their meaning.

However, the lineage of Jesus is important, if not helpful, to know. Rather than answer here, and in order to help answer this important question, I will offer an interesting and entertaining video presentation produced by the Bible Project on The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. (click the foregoing link, then look on the left side of the web page and select #1, The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah; play the video. (End Commentary Break).

Conception and Birth of Jesus

Verse 18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been [footnote ‘j’] betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. Verse 19. And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly. Verse 20. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been [footnote ‘k’] conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Verse 21. She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (meaning, The LORD is salvation), for He will [footnote ‘l’] save His people from their sins.” Verse 22. All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the [footnote ‘m’] prophet [Isaiah]: Verse 23. “BEHOLD, THE [footnote ‘n’] VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL”, which, when translated, means, “GOD WITH US.” Verse 24. Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and he took Mary [to his home] as his wife, verse 25, but he kept her a virgin until she had given birth to a Son [her firstborn child]; and he named Him Jesus (meaning, The LORD is salvation).

(Commentary Break: The account of this remarkable event has been told and re-told innumerable times; repeated so many times that it has perhaps become rote in many minds. But this is the central and pivotal event in messianic prophetic scriptures, and it has come to pass.

Isaiah 7:14 was written around 2,750 years ago and prophesied the virgin birth of Jesus as the coming Messiah. This is the one seminal event of the 450 prophecies written about Him, that have come to pass!

The odds are 1 to 10 to the 157th power. Written out, that is the numerical one hundred, followed by fifty two sets of zeros: 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000.

These are the odds against – yes, AGAINST – Jesus Christ having fulfilled just 48 of the over 450 prophecies written about Him.

In order to give you some perspective, electrons are very small objects. They’re smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 TIMES 10 to the 15th power of them, laid side by side, to make one inch. Even if we counted 250 of these electrons each minute, and counted day and night, it would still take 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long.  19 MILLION YEARS!

Read that again, please.  Why is that significant?

It is significant because it gives us evidence that the Bible is true and correct when it says that Christ Jesus came to earth and is the Savior of the world.

It gives YOU evidence, if you choose to pay attention, that your life can be eternal with the only LIFE source which gives eternal Peace, Safety, Security, Joy and fulfillment the universe has ever known or ever will know.

Just think about it: It is a scientific and a mathematical impossibility that HAS COME TO PASS! (And speaking of science.  

Scientific theory

A scientific theory is an explanation of an aspect of the natural world and universe that can be repeatedly tested and corroborated in accordance with the scientific method, using accepted protocols of observation, measurement, and evaluation of results. Where possible, some theories are tested under controlled conditions in an experiment. In circumstances not amenable to experimental testing, theories are evaluated through principles of abductive reasoning. Established scientific theories have withstood rigorous scrutiny and embody scientific knowledge. However, some scientific theories are untested and unprovable by the foregoing definition, such as the theory of  , to name just a few. Science and scientists have suspicion or ‘faith’ based on other observations that this ‘theory’ is valid or might be valid.

FAITH

According to Cambridge Dictionary, faith, as a noun is “great trust or confidence in something or someone”. This can be the type of faith as expressed by a scientist in a theory.

 The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  This kind of faith is observable and measurable in the millions of live changed for the better. This faith is measurable in the countless lives it has motivated to build schools, hospitals, churches, and any number of other projects and endeavors, too numerable to list, which have improved the lives of billions of people.

 Put more simply, the Biblical definition of faith is “trusting in something you cannot explicitly prove by mathematical formulae or by strict scientific standards.” However, it could safely be said that this is the type of faith employed by scientists when regarding theories of parallel universes, Dark Matter or Dark Energy.

Asking the obvious, “Why is this important”?

When it comes to this question, for the sake of time, space on this page, I will defer to an article on the Gospel Coalition we page, “Is Jesus Really the Virgin-Born Child in Isaiah 7:14?” (End Commentary Break).

Next, in chapter 2, we will look at the birth of Jesus and its immediate and dramatic effects as we work our way to His teachings about The Way, The Truth, the Life, and The End of The Age – and how we fit into His Plan and Purpose.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 2 – The Magi, The Escape to Egypt, King Herod’s Slaughter of the Babies

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