THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 26,

The Plot to Kill Jesus, Precious Ointment, Judas, Last Passover, The Lord’s Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ Betrayal, Caiaphas, Peter’s Denials

If this were a play, now begins the drama. And therein lies a problem with how the following real life events have been retold. They have been told and retold with such a mind-numbing frequency, that many authors have turned their efforts into a competition, taking literary license.  Even within the church community, poorly done plays and inaccurately retold ‘stories’ are desensitizing even the most ardent followers of Christ.

Instead, what you are about to read is a prophetic reality that has been lying in wait, dormant for thousands of years, and is now emerging, which will set in motion a cascade of events, increasing in intensity, such as the world has never seen before and will never see again. It is urgent that the reader use these following chapters to inform and prepare themselves for what is upon us.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Matthew 26:1, When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, Verse 2. “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”

(Commentary Break): This is the fourth time Jesus has informed his disciples of  His impending death. Additionally, there are at least twenty-eight prophecies found iun the Old Testament concerning Jesus’ death, so most Jews, and particularly the Pharisees, the Sadducees and Jesus’ disciples should have been aware of the significance of what Jesus was telling them. But it was ‘business as usual’. Each group focused on their own needs or agenda. But make no mistake, the world was about to be impacted and changed irreversibly.

How about you? Has it been ‘business as usual for you’, or have you been paying close attention or have you been focused on your own needs and agenda? Because if you are reading this, you and every person on the earth are nearing the cataclysmic climax of these events. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. At that time the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the courtyard of the high priest named Caiaphas; verse 4, and they plotted together to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. Verse 5. But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”

(Commentary Break): There is much conjecture about the kind of mindset and the kind of people who  would collectively decide to murder a man who’s only guilt was to call out the corruption of the existing religious order; a man whose transgression 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; all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and severe pain, demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed. Jesus’ greatest transgression in the minds of His adversaries however,  was that He claimed to be the Son of God! Please think about this. What kind of people in our world today would endorse the killing of a person or a group of people whose only real offense is that they claim to know the truth? Because they exists and they are among us and they may well be coming for you, too! (End Commentary Break).

The Precious Ointment

Verse 6. Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper, verse 7, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume, and she poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. Verse 8. But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? Verse 9. For this perfume could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” Verse 10. But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you bothering the woman? For she has done a good deed for Me. Verse 11. For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. Verse 12. For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Verse 13. Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

(Commentary Break): Jesus is telling His disciples, now for the fifth time, of His coming death. Yet they continue to be fixated on their personal needs and matters of the natural world.

Then, amazingly, Jesus announces the Gospel! This Good News has been prophesied in the Old Testament which the Jews know:

Psalms 96:2 – Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

 Isaiah 40:9 – Go up on a high mountain, Zion, messenger of good news, Raise your voice forcefully, Jerusalem, messenger of good news; Raise it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”

 Isaiah 52:7 – How delightful on the mountains Are the feet of one who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

 Isaiah 60:6 – “A multitude of camels will cover you, The young camels of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba will come; They will bring gold and frankincense, And proclaim good news of the praises of the LORD.

 Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD anointed me To bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners;

Nahum 1:15 – Behold, on the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace! Celebrate your feasts, Judah, Pay your vows. For never again will the wicked one pass through you; He is eliminated completely.”

The majority of Jews of that day knew of these things, and had been praying, teaching and eagerly anticipating the coming of their Messiah, particularly the educated Jews, such as the scribes, the Pharisees and the Sadducees – the very ones accusing and scandalizing Jesus. Did they misunderstand? Did they refuse to see? Either way,  Matthew 8:11-12 tells us this, “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and dine 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.”

Now the Light is on. No one will be able to hide from the Truth. It has begun. What will be your answer? (End Commentary Break).

Judas’ Scandalous Bargain

Verse 14. Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, verse 15, and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Jesus to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver (valued at approximately seven hundred dollars in today’s U.S. currency). Verse 16. And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.

Verse 17. Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” Verse 18. And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’” The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

The Last Passover

Verse 20. Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve. Verse 21. And as they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Verse 22. Being deeply grieved, they began saying to Him, each one: “Surely it is not I, Lord?” Verse 23. And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. Verse 24. The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Verse 25. And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”

(Commentary Break): There are no coincidences in prophetic scriptures, and the fact that this is occurring on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, leading up to the day of Passover should not escape our attention. Jesus is the Passover Lamb. He is celebrating the completion of His Mission. Now we, in the twenty-first century call it ‘easter’. This too, is scandalous!

Imagine with me being at this meal, knowing what you know today. What would you have been thinking? What would you now do? (End Commentary Break).

The Lord’s Supper Instituted

Verse 26. Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Verse  27. And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; verse 28, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. Verse 29. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.”

Verse 30. And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

(Commentary Break): Jesus has spoken and revealed this deepest of mysteries. He says you are ‘to eat His Body and to drink His Blood’. That is, we are to consume His Words, absorb His voice as if they are the flesh of the Son of Man and drink in His presence, His nature, His being and His existence as if it is His blood, and you have life in yourselves.  The one who consumes His Words (The Breath of God) as if they are eating His flesh and drinks in His presence as if it is His blood, has eternal life; and He will raise you up on the last day.  For His flesh is true food, and His blood is true drink. The one who eats His ‘flesh’ and drinks His ‘blood’ dwells in and remains in Him, and He in you. Just as God the Father sent Jesus, and He lives because of the Father, if you consume Jesus and all that HE IS, you also will live because of Him. Jesus is that Bread that came down out of heaven – not the same bread as the Jewish fathers ate and died; eat This Bread, you will live forever. (See John 6:53-58). It has been said that we become what we eat and we are as we think. This is indeed the case now! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 31. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK WILL BE SCATTERED (also see Zechariah 13:7).’ Verse 32. But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Verse 33. But Peter replied to Him, “Even if they all fall away because of You, I will never fall away!” Verse 34. Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Verse 35. Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” All the disciples said the same thing as well.

(Commentary Break): First, Jesus tells His disciples they will all ‘fall away’. This is NOT the same as the coming great apostasy, (apostasia), a falling away from the faith, as reference to in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This falling away (skandalizó, from whence we get our word, “scandal”), although similar to the ‘apostasia’, is the act of someone stumbling or falling into sin, perhaps due to a scandal. Jesus’ accusers attempt to make a scandal of His life, His Words, His claims and His deeds. The Pharisees and Sadducees promote lies and claims of fraud and deceit against Jesus, even going as far to say that His is an emissary of the Devil. Being associated with this kind of scandal can often lead someone into error or causing them to be offended in a way that leads them away from faith or righteous living. The term often carries a moral or spiritual connotation, indicating a serious hindrance to one’s relationship with God.

How about you? Have you been intimated? Are you fearful, timid or reluctant to be associated with Jesus? Be reminded that the Apostle Paul says, “But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming companions with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 

FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.” (see Hebrews 10:32-39).

Are you willing to proclaim, like Paul, that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ because it is power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”? Proudly endure it “when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Jesus. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (see Matthew 5:11). (End Commentary Break).

The Garden of Gethsemane

Verse 36. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane (meaning ‘oil press), and told His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Verse 37. And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and began to be grieved and distressed. Verse 38. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

Verse 39. And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Verse 40. And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Verse 41. Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Verse 42. He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.” Verse 43. Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. Verse 44. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Verse 45. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Verse 46. Get up, let’s go; behold, the one who is betraying Me is near!”

(Commentary Break): Luke’s account of this event (Luke 22:44), tells us that Jesus’ sweat became like great drops of blood, and many mistakenly believe Jesus actually sweated blood. There are many commentaries that try to explain that such great stress as Jesus was facing would cause capillaries and blood vessels to burst. But this is clearly not the case. The description in the book of Luke is carefully phrased as an idiom: It clearly and carefully says that “His sweat became LIKE”. I have heard many Christians say that Jesus was fearful, that sweating drops of blood was a sign of great fear. Please purge any such thoughts from your mind. Fear is the antithesis and an anathema of faith. Jesus NEVER suffered fear. Jesus was grieved. The two Greek words used here for ‘grieved’, in verse 37 is ‘lupeó’, which means to be in pain, to grieve, to experience sorrow and distress; and in verse 38, ‘perilupos’, which means to be deeply distressed, exceedingly sorrowful, very sad, a sense of being overwhelmed by grief or sadness, often in response to a significant or impending event. The New Testament uses these words to express the deep emotional turmoil experienced by individuals in moments of great trial or anticipation of suffering. Jesus is both man and God. This grief and grieving is the human side of Jesus.

This is perhaps a good example for those of us who might face times of great trials. Experiencing sorrows, distresses, sadness may cause a sense of being overwhelmed by grief or sadness in response to a significant or impending event. These are normal human emotions. But fear it is not! Jesus knows that His Father is the author and finisher! Fear Not!

I feel that the rest these verses speak clearly enough that any additional commentary would be superfluous. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus’ Scandalous Betrayal and Arrest

Verse 47. And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Verse 48. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.” Verse 49. And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Verse 50. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.

Verse 51. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. Verse 52. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. Verse 53. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Verse 54. How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”

Verse 55. At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a man inciting a revolt? Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me. Verse 56. But all this has taken place so that the Scriptures of the prophets will be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Jesus before the Scandals of Caiaphas

Verse 57. Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

Verse 58. But Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and he came inside and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.

Verse 59. Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. Verse 60. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, verse 61, and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” Verse 62. The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You offer no answer for what these men are testifying against You?” Verse 63. But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I place You under oath by the living God, to tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Verse 64. Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Verse 65. Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See, you have now heard the blasphemy; verse 66, what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!”

Verse 67. Then they spit in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, verse 68, and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

Peter’s Scandalous Denials

Verse 69. Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a slave woman came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” Verse 70. But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” Verse 71. When he had gone out to the gateway, another slave woman saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Verse 72. And again he denied it, with an oath: “I do not know the man.” Verse 73. A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “You really are one of them as well, since even the way you talk gives you away, Verse 74. Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. Verse 75. And Peter remembered the statement that Jesus had made: “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Key Words in this chapter: #The Plot to Kill Jesus, #Precious Ointment, #Judas, #The Last Passover, #The Lord’s Supper, #The Garden of Gethsemane, #Jesus’ Betrayal, #Caiaphas, #Peter’s Denials.

There has never been a greater scandal nor a deeper tragedy than the events found in this and preceding chapters that have led us to this point, and matters will only intensify. But this is the cost of our redemption. It should never, in our minds, become rote, routine or dulled by repetition. I pray that even the mention of the events surrounding Jesus’ death, resurrection and His ascension would fill us with deep amazement, inexpressible gratitude and eternal joy!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 25, Ten Virgins, The Talents, Judgement.

NEXT: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 27, Judas’ Remorse, Jesus Before Pilate, Jesus Mocked, The Crucifixion, Jesus Burial.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 25

Ten Virgins, The Talents, Judgement

This chapter begins with the word ‘then’, indicating that this chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter. Remember that chapter 24 is about Jesus’ glorious return, the parable of the fig tree and knowing the season of His return, and a caution to be ready for His coming’. Now Jesus continues in this vein, concluding with the starkest of warnings. Please dear friends, let’s not make the mistake of thinking this is just a ‘story’ or a gentle parable or a simple narrative of events. This is a dire warning.

(Please note:  A typical or traditional Bible commentary is a series of notes about passages of Scriptures from the Bible, explaining the meaning of those passages of Scripture. A commentary may explain the language used in a section of text. Or it may discuss the historical background. Almost all commentaries attempt to explain the passage in terms of some system of theology. In other words, the commentary is an explanation of how the Bible fits together and what it means. Since a Bible commentary is written by human authors, it will reflect the beliefs and perspective of those writers.

This study is not that kind of commentary. This is meant to be a study of the Bible as a letter written specifically to you for your instruction through teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness so that you, as a man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work, and not just a study about the Bible.

The distinction here is that a study about the Bible will give you information, with which you may decide what it means and even what it may mean to you. It may even lead you to adopt certain principles for your life. But, it is still largely information collected but not fully utilized for the reason it was given to us. (You can find many good Bible Reference and Commentary sources online that tell all about the Bible).

On the other hand, a study OF the Bible means that you are intent on consuming the words, thoughts, ideas, teachings, actions and behaviors found in the Bible, as one would eat food and take drink for nourishment and as sustenance. Another way of saying, ‘You become what you eat’. And in this instance. A study of the Bible will lead you to discover and partake, (eat and drink), the instructional, creative, causative and prophetic nature of the words of the Bible.

Jesus says as much when He said, “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the Bread that comes down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat from it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats from this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world also is My flesh.”

“Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, the one who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died; the one who eats this bread will live forever.” (See John 6:41-58).

Do this and the Word of God will speak the Truth to you and through you. By this, you are being transformed into the image and attitude of Jesus. You will never be the same.

That is also the intention and purpose of what I call “Commentary Breaks” in this study. They are intended to direct you into a study of the words of the Bible that lead you into a close, personal, interactive and conversational relationship with God.  (Links are also provided for greater insights, details, credits, citations and verification of scripture passages.)

Parable of Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Verse 2. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. Verse 3. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; verse 4, but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. Verse 5. Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. Verse 6. But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ Verse 7. Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. Verse 8. But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ Verse 9. However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ Verse 10. But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Verse 11. Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ Verse 12. But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Verse 13. Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.

(Commentary Break): The wording, “The Kingdom of Heaven is comparable to”, tells us this is a parable, a simple story illustrating a moral or religious lesson. However, since this is also a purposeful teaching and a Prophetic Word from Jesus, it bears far more weight and force that a simple parable.

This teaching binds, (that is it permits and manifests), on the earth, (which is the natural realm in which we live), what has already been bound, (confirmed and initiated) in heaven, (which is the spiritual realm, the creative realm where all things originate).

Beside the point, that the number ten has significant symbolism as a number of perfection and completion, the spiritual significance of the ten virgins in this teaching, is meant to represent you and every other person who claims to be a disciple and follower of Jesus.

Ten is the number of perfection; such a number of persons was required to form a synagogue, and to be present at any office, ceremony, or formal benediction. Talmudic authorities affirm that the lamps used in bridal processions were usually ten. The “virgins” here are the friends of the bride, who are arranged to sally forth to meet the bridegroom as soon as his approach is signaled.

More significant is that all ten appear to be and are titled as virgins. The spiritual significance of being a virgin represents purity, fidelity, and being undefiled. The perfection and purity is only made possible by the cleansing effect of the sacrificial blood of Christ, which was poured out and over you.

This parable, about a wedding feast, represents the time of the return of Christ for His Bride, the Church. But the larger meaning and message is about the necessity for believers and followers of Jesus to be in a continual state of readiness anticipating His return.

All the virgins represented have oil lamps. The lamps represent the light of Christ fueled perhaps by the oil of the Holy Spirit of God. But surprisingly, the five foolish virgins would run out of oil for their lamps. The question to be asked is, “Can a Christian run out of the oil of the Holy Spirit’? It would seem so from this parable.

The foolish virgins, while absent, searching to purchase more oil, returned late and were excluded from the wedding feast, and were locked out. No true, blood-bought virgin of Christ, which is every man, woman, boy and girl, who have received Christ Jesus as their savior and have humbly submitted themselves to His Lordship, will be left out of the Great Wedding Feast (also see GotQuestions.Org).

Furthermore, the foolish virgins were not left out just because they were late. It was because they lived their lives unprepared for His return.

There are many in our churches today who consider themselves as ‘born again believers’, but are not actually doing what Jesus taught, demonstrated and commanded them. And on that day of the Great Marriage Supper, they will find the door shut and will hear the tragic words, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’

The five virgins who are prudent and were living in a state of readiness. They are compared and contrasted to five who are foolish and are unprepared. Once again, all are virgins. But now Jesus reveals an earthshaking and a prophetic truth emerges by way of a comparison:

Although you may consider yourself a ‘virgin among the ten’, if you are not ready when He returns, that is to be found doing what He has commanded, you will be left behind.

We know of the parables of the sheep and the goats which mingled together until God’s judgement, and of the wheat and the tares which grew in the same field (the Church) until God’s judgement. Now you also know that being and doing are not the same as believing. If you believe Him, you will obey Him and you will be ready when He returns.

Now to the focal point of this parable (and the next parable), which is about your readiness. All these comparisons are like a mirror for you to look at yourself and decide. Which are you? The wise and prudent or the foolish one? Be honest with yourself and choose wisely. The consequence is grave. (End Commentary Break).

Parable of the Talents

Verse 14. “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. Verse 15. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Verse 16. The one who had received the five talents immediately went and did business with them, and earned five more talents. Verse 17. In the same way the one who had received the two talents earned two more. Verse 18. But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

Verse 19. “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Verse 20. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have earned five more talents.’ Verse 21. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’

Verse 22. “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have earned two more talents.’ Verse 23. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’

Verse 24. “Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. Verse 25. And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’

Verse 26. “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? Verse 27. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Verse 28. Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

Verse 29. “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Verse 30. And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Judgment

Verse 31. “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Verse 32. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; verse 33, and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left.

Verse 34. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Verse 35. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; verse 36, naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Verse 37. Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? Verse 38. And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? Verse 39. And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ Verse 40. And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’

Verse 41. “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; verse 42, for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; verse 43, I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ Verse 44. Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Verse 45. Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.’ Verse 46. These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

What more could Jesus say to instruct and warn all who profess the Name of Christ? Many are called but few are chosen!

The litmus test is in the works. Are you doing the works He prepared ahead of time for you to walk in?

So ask yourself, Christian. And ask yourself, pastor. When was the last time you personally witnessed Jesus to someone? Fed a hungry person? Cared for a widow? Preached, saying, ‘Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’, healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed those with leprosy, cast out demons? Do you freely give, or are you busy acquiring gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey?

The power, grace and mercy of God flows freely to and through the obedient, wise and prudent servant of God.

Key words to consider: #The right hand or the left hand of God, #Sheep and goats, #wheat and tares, #the wise and the foolish. #The wedding feast and #the closed door. #Outer darkness and gnashing of teeth. #Eternal punishment. #Enter the joy of your master. #Eternal life.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 24, verses 29-51, Part 3

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 26, The Plot to Kill Jesus, Precious Ointment, Judas, Last Passover, The Lord’s Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ Betrayal, Caiaphas, Peter’s Denials.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Part 3

Chapter 24, verses 29-51

The Great Tribulation Begins, His Glorious Return, The Parable of the Fig Tree, Be Ready for His Coming

 Matthew 24:29,. “But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 30. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. Verse 31. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

(Commentary Break): These are some of the most read yet most overlooked and misunderstood verses regarding the second advent of Christ. These verses are clearly written and easy to understand, yet amazingly, most theologians somehow ignore the plain language of Jesus second appearing, and consider Revelation 19:11-21, when Jesus appears in the heavens on a white horse, He judges and wages war as His second coming.

NOTE: The wording clearly states, in Matthew 24:30 that this is His second appearing and He will gather together His elect, and this is the perfect description of the anticipated rapture! “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

 NOTE: The wording in Revelation 19:11-21 clearly states that He is appearing to wage war, to strike down the nations, and to rule them with a rod of iron. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.  His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Secondly, and just as important, is the literal nature of Verse 29, which must not be overlooked or ignored. “But immediately after the tribulation of those days”. When? And, which days? Immediately after the days of tribulation which Jesus has just described in the verses six through twelve, which Jesus calls the Birth Pains of the tribulation. He is saying immediately after the first five tribulation scroll seals, referring to wars and rumors of war; nations rising against nations; death from wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes; persecutions and martyrdoms.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

Great worldwide earthquakes and upheavals of the earth’s surface, the blotting out of the sun, the moon turning blood red in color, accompanied by cataclysmic cosmic disturbances, including clusters of asteroids hitting the earth. This is the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal and the beginning of the Seven years of Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb.

It is important to know this, so you too can see all these things and recognize that He is near, right at the door. There is no time to wait. You must be ready, now! (End Commentary Break).

Parable of the Fig Tree

Verse 32. “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near; verse 33, so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Verse 34. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Verse 35. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

(Commentary Break): Jesus uses a simile to compare the unmistakable changes of earth’s seasons to the changes of the eschatological seasons, and tells us that when we see these changes, we will know that Jesus is near, in fact He is at our very gates.

AN IMPORTANT CHRONOLOGICAL MARKER:  Jesus emphasizes this point, telling us that this generation, the generation, which actaully translates as an era or an epoch that follows the unmistakable signs of his return, will not pass away until all the things to come, take place. This is the urgent message that with the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, we will have entered the final seven years of the Great Tribulation, the great and terrible day of the Lord, also known as Daniel’s 70th week. (You can get even a better understanding of the meaning of these verses by reading Daniel chapter 12.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 36. “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Verse 37. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. Verse 38. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, verse 39, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Verse 40. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 41. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

(Commentary Break): I will say little more than this is Jesus’ description, by way of a simile, of describing the coming rapture of God’s elect I will say little more than this is Jesus’ description, by way of a simile, of describing the coming rapture of God’s elect. He will  (from the Greek word, harpazó), ‘seize, catch up, snatch us away’, out of the way of harm and into His Eternal Presence. (End Commentary Break).

Be Ready for His Coming

Verse 42. “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Verse 43. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Verse 44. For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

(Commentary Break): All having been said, Jesus warns, “Therefore be on the alert”. He uses a metaphor comparing the stealth of a thief in the night to His return. It will be sudden and at an unexpected time. And, just like in the case of the thief, if you are not prepared, your most valued possessions, your family and your loved ones,  will be plundered. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 45. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Verse 46. Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Verse 47. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. Verse 48. But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ verse 49, and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and he eats and drinks with those habitually drunk; verse 50, then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, verse 51, and he will cut him in two and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(Commentary Break): Warning! These verses, forty-five through fifty-one, could be explained in various ways, such as, who indeed, is the ‘faithful and sensible slave’? The clear and obvious answer is that he is one who put in charge of the master’s ‘household’. A metaphor, for sure, but a clear picture, first, of one entrusted with the House of God, His Church. (This could also be considered to be one entrusted with his own household, but more likely, one who has assumed greater responsibilities in the Household of God).

Please read and re-read verses forty-six through forty-nine. These verses are both instructional for the servant over the household and the servants within the household. The primary message is one of encouragement to the faithful servant who provides food, (spiritual, mental and emotional nourishment and maintenance) and a warning to the unfaithful and evil servant, a controlling tyrant, a manipulator, and even a drunk.

These are also instructions to the servants AND member within the household. The faithful servant is appointed by God, and you should listen to him. But you should flee the evil servant, even if it means giving up convenience and comfort or risk suffering the inevitable consequences. (I have seen this happen in far too many churches, as the pastor gets ‘drunk with his own importance, his own agenda, and his own luxury’. Be warned. The signs may be subtle at first, but do not become ensnared. It will become worse, and you could be trapped.)

The final verse should be ample warning for the pastor or church leaders who think they are ‘the anointed of God’ or that they are important in their own rights. When Jesus returns “He will cut this errant and evil servant in two and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”. ( End Commentary Break).

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, rebuke, for correction and for training in righteousness; so that you, the man or woman of God, may be fully capable and equipped for every good work.

These chapters and verses, in particular, are the pathways into His kingdom, both now and eternally. They are especially salient and relevant to your everyday life, ‘as a lamp unto your feet’, guiding your through the darkness of this world, and through the thickets of life. Follow Him and His Words to safety and success.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 24, verses 15-28, Part 2, Perilous Times.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 25, Ten Virgins, The Talents, Judgement.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Part 2

Chapter 24, verse 15-28

Perilous Times

Jesus, having just enumerated the signs of His coming and the events leading up to the end of the age, is now describing what comes after the tribulation of those days:

Matthew 24:15, Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, let the reader understand, verse 16, then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Verse 17. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. Verse 18. And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. Verse 19. But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! Verse 20. Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. Verse 21. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again.

(Commentary Break): An ‘abomination’ is “something that causes disgust or hatred”; and ‘desolation’ is “a state of complete emptiness or destruction.” Jesus warned that something (or someone) that people detested would stand in the temple someday. When that horror occurred, residents of Judea should seek cover without delay. The Amplified Bible adds the note that the abomination of desolation is “the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate.”

Jesus referenced Daniel in His words in the Olivet Discourse. The prophet Daniel mentioned the abomination of desolation in three places:

“He will make a firm, (that is a binding and irrevocable) covenant with many for one week (which is seven years), but in the middle of the week, (that is, after three and one half years) he will put a stop to (the regular Jewish) sacrifice and (grain) offering. And the abomination, (that is, a disgusting thing or person, causing hatred and creating) desolation, (a state of complete emptiness complete and utter destruction), will be on a wing, (or on the pinnacle or the extremity) of the temple until the decreed destruction is (also) poured out on the desolator, (the one who causes these horrors).” (Daniel 9:27).

“Forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31, NKJV).

“From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days” (Daniel 12:11, NASB).

The wording in the above translations indicates that the abomination of desolation is an object; in some other translations, the abomination appears to be a person: “On the wing (or at the pinnacle or the height) of abominations shall come one who makes desolate” (Daniel 9:27, ESV).

Regardless of whether the abomination of desolation is a person or a thing, Daniel predicted the following:

 1.  A future ruler will make a treaty with the people of Israel, which should occur sometime before the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal, (see Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 6:12-17), which could occur at any time prior to the Second Coming of Christ as written in Matthew 24:30, and the rapture, but only after the “Man of Lawlessness”, the antichrist, is revealed (see 2 Thessalonians 3:4.)

2.  The terms of this treaty will be for a “week”, is taken to be a period of seven years (which is beginning at the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal).

3.  Midway through this time, the ruler will gather his troops and put an end to the sacrifices and offerings in the temple (which occurs at the blowing of the Sixth Tribulation Trumpet).

4.  At that time, the ruler will desecrate the temple, setting up some type of sacrilegious object.

5.  The desecration of the temple will continue until the judgment of God is finally meted out on the ruler and his followers, 1,290 days (3½ years and 1 month) later (at the end of the Seventh Tribulation Bowl).

Daniel’s prophecies about the abomination of desolation had a partial fulfillment in 167 B.C. which was a foreshadowing of what was to come, when a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus IV desecrated the temple in Jerusalem. Antiochus called himself “Epiphanies” (“illustrious one” or “god manifest”). He set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offering, and he sacrificed a pig on the altar. Antiochus went even further in his atrocities, slaughtering a great number of the Jews and selling others into slavery. And he issued decrees forbidding circumcision and requiring Jews to sacrifice to pagan gods and eat pig meat.

What Antiochus did certainly qualified as an abomination, but it was not a complete fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. Antiochus Epiphanies did not enter a covenant with Israel for seven years, for example. And in Matthew 24 Jesus, speaking some 200 years after Antiochus’s evil actions, spoke of Daniel’s prophecy as having a still future fulfillment.

The abomination of desolation prophecy as still future. In our view, Jesus was referring to the Antichrist who, in the end times, will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years and then break it by doing something similar to what Antiochus Epiphanies did in the temple. The sacrilegious object Jesus called “the abomination of desolation” could be the “image of the beast” that the Antichrist’s right-hand man, the false prophet, will order to be set up and worshiped (Revelation 13:14). Of course, for Matthew 24:15 to be yet future, the temple in Jerusalem will have to be rebuilt before the tribulation begins.

Those who are alive during the tribulation should be watchful and recognize that the breaking of the covenant with Israel and the abomination of desolation will herald the beginning of the worst 3½ years in history (see Matthew 24:21). “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). (Note: Much of the commentary in this one section, but not all, is derived from GotQuestions.Org). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 22. And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Verse 23. Then, if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him. Verse 24. For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Verse 25. Behold, I have told you in advance. Verse 26. So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. Verse 27. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Verse 28. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

(Commentary Break): Verses 22 through 28 tell us of the deadly horrors, the stress and chaos of these days. People will grope for and grasp at any sign of hope of relief, and false christs and false prophets will offer false hope, and Jesus warns they will provide ‘great signs of wonders, so as to mislead’ you. Jesus says, “do not believe them’. Then, Jesus will appear suddenly, at an unexpected time, just like when lightning flashes across the skies, and then, at the sound of the angel’s trumpet, you will be rescued. Therein lies our hope and certainty.

Verse 28 is open to many interpretations, none of which are certain. But one idea that seems to fit nicely, can be found in Revelation 19:11-21, when Jesus appears in the heavens on a white horse, He judges and wages war and His eyes aflame with fire. An angel standing in the sun, cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid-heaven, “Come, assemble for the great feast of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, and small and great. And those who bore the mark of the beast were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. (End Commentary Break).

Please click on the link below to proceed with Part 2, “Perilous Times”. We will discuss the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet. This will be the triggering event for the revealing of the antichrist, the rapture and the transition from the first five tribulation seals, also named the “Birth Pains” of the tribulation, (so named by Jesus), into the final seven years of the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and The Wrath of The Lamb.

Please click on this link as we conclude Matthew chapter 24, with Part 3, “The Glorious Return, Parable of the Fig Tree, Be Ready for His Coming”. We will peer into the glorious second coming of Jesus, learn from the parable of the Fig Tree and the season of His return, and finally, what it means to get ready and to look at our responsibilities prior to His return.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(Return to Matthew 24:1-14, The Signs of His Comine – Part 1)

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Part 1

Chapter 24, verses 1-14

The Signs of Christ’s Return

This chapter is one of the best descriptive eschatological synopses of the sign of Jesus’ coming and the End of The Age found in the Bible. It is also one of the best, if not the best book in the New Testament, for instruction, spiritual training and for gaining discernment regarding guidance for understanding and navigating these Last Days, the End of the Age, the coming Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, also known as the coming The Wrath of the Lamb.

 Eschatology is the study of end times. The word ‘eschatology’ comes from Ancient Greek word, éskhatos, meaning ‘last’, and (logy), ‘the study of’ is about the expectations of the end of the present age, human history, or of the world itself. The end of the world or end times. You and every believer and follower of Jesus needs to know these things by heart.

Signs of Christ’s Return

Matthew 24:1 Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him.

Verse 2. But He responded and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly, I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

Verse 3. And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Verse 4. And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you”.

(Commentary Break): It might seem a bit odd that such a simple observation of the temple buildings by Jesus’ disciples would provoke this response from Jesus, unless you had just read Matthew chapter twenty-three. Jesus had just had a heated exchange with the Pharisees. In that exchange Jesus denounces the Pharisees, proclaiming 8 woes over them, challenging them as being hypocrites, snakes, offspring of vipers, whitewashed tombs, and murderers of the prophets.

That encounter is reflected in His prophetic response to His disciples, “Do you not see all these things? Truly, I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down”!

Additionally, the disciples would appear to have been taken aback, as they wait until Jesus is alone, sitting on the Mount of Olives, before re-approaching Him to ask, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

The disciple’s question is representative of what many, Christians, Jesus disciples, have been asking over the ages: when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of His coming and of the end of the age?

I want to prepare you, the reader, to understand that, every word which Jesus spoke on this matter in these verses, are literal, although He may use a simile to make a distinction.

Jesus begins His answer with, “See to it that no one misleads you”. I want to emphasize that ‘no one’ includes people and organizations. This will become increasing relevant as the Church begins to stray, and Jesus prophetic warning of the coming apostasy. We are to be diligent, alert and able to discern or test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (see 1 John 4:1). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people.

(Commentary Break): I have heard many Christians, including pastors, preachers and Bible teachers say that we need to beware of those who would come along and claim to be Jesus, and that is good advice.

But, Jesus’ words are, that many will come in His name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’. Again, they will come in His Name, not necessarily using His Name. This can mean they will claim to be the Messiah, or the Anointed One, not necessarily Jesus reincarnated. Yes, the Greek word for Jesus is the transliteration of Yehoshua or Jehoshua, which means ‘Yahweh Saves’, but He is the One long anticipated by the Jews and most people will not connect the Name of Jesus specifically with the claim that they are the anticipated Messiah.

This may seem like a lesser point, but considering the prophesied great apostasy which is well under way, the rampant and spreading false teachings about God and the Bible, the spreading of false Gospels, and the millions being misled in these postmodern days, it is a significant issue.

Jesus is warning against both frauds claiming to be Him, as well as false prophets and false messiahs, whether they are individuals or groups of individuals or organizations of individuals (such as churches) claiming they are Jesus, or that they have the same authority as Jesus or that they speak for Jesus. (Examples would be the Mormons, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, The Emergent church leaders, the Worldwide Church of God (Herbert and Garner Ted Armstrong, and the scores of frauds and even those who actually claimed to be Jesus reincarnated.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

Verse 7. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Verse 8. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

Verse 9. Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

Verse 10. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another.

Verse 11. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people.

Verse 12. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. Verse 13. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. Verse 14. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

(Commentary Break): Let’s itemize this summary of events shown here in Matthew chapter 24, as well as the world conditions as we move toward what will be the sign of Jesus’ coming, and of the end of the age.

1. Many will come using the name of Jesus to mislead many. (Matthew verse 5).
2. There will be wars and rumors of war. (Matthew verse 6).
   1. Also see Revelation 6:4, “And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that people would kill one another; and a large sword was given to him”).
3. But that is not yet the end.
4. Then they will hand you over to tribulation, and you will be hated because of Jesus’ Name.
   1. And, they will kill you. (Also see Revelation 6:7-9, “When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come!” I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and the one who sat on it had the name Death, and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, and famine, and plague, and by the wild animals of the earth. When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained).
5. Many will die from famines and earthquakes. (Matthew 24:7)
6. At that time, many will fall away from the faith. (Matthew 24:10).
7. Many of you will hate one another and will betray one another. (Matthew 24:10)
8. Many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. (Matthew 24:11).
9. Lawlessness will increase.
10. Many people’s love will grow cold.
11. These things are just the beginning of the ‘Birth Pains’ of the tribulation – Seals One through Five. (End Commentary Break).

Please click on the link below to proceed with Part 2, “Perilous Times”. We will discuss the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet. This will be the triggering event for the revealing of the antichrist, the rapture and the transition from the first five tribulation seals, also named the “Birth Pains” (phase) of the tribulation, (so named by Jesus), into the final seven years of the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and The Wrath of The Lamb.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 23, Hypocrisy Explained, The Eight Woes

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW 24:15-28, Part 2 – Perilous Times.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes.)

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 23

Hypocrisy Exposed, The Eight Woes, Grieving Over Jerusalem.

Jesus’ engagement with the Pharisees had become a confrontation and is now at a boiling point. This is not just a report on an incident between Jesus and the Pharisees and the Jewish religious establishment of that day, this is a grave warning, a demonstration and a lesson for all future generations who would assume the name of pastor, priest, teacher, leader, rabbi or father in order to rule over others while pretending to shepherd the sheep of God.

Hypocrisy Exposed

Matthew23:1, Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, verse 2, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. Verse 3, Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. Verse 4. And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. Verse 5. And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. Verse 6. And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, verse 7, and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people. Verse 8. But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. Verse 9. And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Verse 10. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. Verse 11. But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Verse 12. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

(Commentary Break): These religious leaders may feign being nice and polite – at the right moments. But dare you disagree with them or step outside the boundaries of their self-righteous, self-crafted rules and you will feel the grind of the heel of their religious boot on your neck.

The Jewish people have complied with and endured this religious despotism for about two hundred years, and Jesus is in the process of breaking their legalistic hold, and will soon dispatch them, their influence, their rule and their very presence from the scene in Jewish life.(They will be dissolved by the year 73 A.D.)

More importantly, we should note that Jesus is dismantling the obstacles erected by religious authoritarians which prevent people’s direct access to God. Jesus is not just removing the religious-middleman, He is defining and redefining the role, posture and character of pastors, preachers, priests, theologians and Bible teachers. They are to be servants of The One True and Living God appointed to be servants in the likeness and type as Jesus. Protectors and shepherds of God’s people, The Church.

(I am astounded, as I read this, to see and hear our modern and postmodern churches violate these very mandates proclaimed by Jesus. I pray you will share my dismay and outrage as I share the outrage of Jesus. Our churches divide the ‘clergy from laity’, and elevate the former from the latter. Our churches call pastor, elders, deacons and teachers, “Leaders”, in direct disobedience to Jesus’ Words. Some churches call their pastors, “Father”, as an affront to Christ and The Fathers. Others call themselves “Rabbi”, despite the Words of Jesus.)

It is not the use of certain words that is so egregious. It is the attitude of defiance  and ignorance toward Jesus and His teaching, that is offensive.

This ignorant defiance has been and continues to be like a spreading virus, infecting the attitudes and behaviors of the Body of Christ. (And, if you or I fail to see and share the outrage of Jesus, then we likely share in the attitude of the Pharisees.)

Jesus makes it clear that to be first, one must put themself last. Only God is worthy to hold the premier position. (End Commentary Break).

Eight Woes

Verse 13. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter it yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

Verse 15. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Verse 16. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ Verse 17. You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? Verse 18. And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering that is on it is obligated.’ Verse 19. You blind men, which is more important, the offering or the altar that sanctifies the offering? Verse 20. Therefore, the one who swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. Verse 21. And the one who swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells in it. Verse 22. And the one who swears by [v]heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it.

Verse 23. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. Verse 24. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

Verse 25. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. Verse 26. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.

Verse 27. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Verse 28. So you too, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

(Commentary Break): Should we substitute the name “Pharisee” and replace it with Pastor, Preacher, Bible teacher, Elder, Deacon, Father, Priest or Rabbi, at times in the  various churches? (End Commentary Break).

Verse 29. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, verse 30, and you say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Verse 31. So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Verse 32. Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. Verse 33. You snakes, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?

Verse 34. “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will flog in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, verse 35, so that upon you will fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Verse 36. Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

(Commentary Break): There are many faithful and committed Pastors, Preachers, Elders, theologians and Bible Teachers who are faithful and true followers of Jesus. You will know them by their fruit. They will tell you that Jesus came into this world as a sacrifice for many. His sheep knew His voice and followed Him. He did not accumulate wealth, influence, fame, possessions or gold.

So, how about you, Christian? Pastor? Preacher? How about you? What are you accumulating?

Are you and those in ‘your church’ following you or are they following you because you are following Jesus? (End Commentary Break).

Grieving over Jerusalem

Verse 37. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who have been sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Verse 38. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! Verse 39. For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!’”

(Commentary Break): Matthew, while recording the words used by Jesus, “Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem”, spoken in the Hebrew form, desired to reproduce the actual sound of the Savior’s loving lament. And, with these words of tender and divine sorrow, Jesus completes His earthly mission. (End Commentary Break).

It is appropriate that, as Jesus concludes His earthly ministry, in chapter 24 we will see and hear Jesus’ disciples ask the question that has been on everyone’s mind, even to this day, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Coming up, Matthew Chapter 24, Jesus gives a synopsis and an outline of the tribulation period, beginning with the ongoing “Birth Pains” phase of the tribulation, and leading up to the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb.

We will read about the sign of the coming of the Son of man, immediately preceded by cosmological and astronomical disturbances, and followed by the rapture of the elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

Pray and prepare your heart, mind, soul and spirit for what is now upon us!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Part 1, Chapter 24, verses 1-14, The Signs of Christ’s Return.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 22, The Marriage Feast, The Poll-tax, Jesus and the Sadducees.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for coming episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 22

The Marriage Feast, The Poll-tax, Jesus and the Sadducees.

 Parable of the Marriage Feast

Matthew 22:1, Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, verse 2, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who held a wedding feast for his son. Verse 3. And he sent his servants to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. Verse 4. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened cattle are all butchered and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast!”’ Verse 5. But they paid no attention and went their separate ways, one to his own farm, another to his business, verse 6, and the rest seized his servants and treated them abusively, and then killed them. Verse 7. Now the king was angry, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire. Verse 8. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Verse 9. So go to the main roads, and invite whomever you find there to the wedding feast.’ Verse 10. Those servants went out into the streets and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests.

Verse 11. “But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, verse 12, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ And the man was speechless. Verse 13. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet, and throw him into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place.’ Verse 14. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

(Commentary Break): These verses seem to be a continuation from Matthew chapter 21, as Jesus is warning the Jews.

Jesus, as is His way, holds nothing back when speaking to matters of urgency. And in this case, He is warning the Jews, in no uncertain terms, of their fate if they do not repent and turn from their ways.

Let’s put these terms and images into perspective. The kingdom of heaven is being compared to a King.

(#1), There is only one King and He is God.

(#2), The wedding feast is the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus and His Church).

(#3), The servants are Jesus’ Apostles.

(#4), Those who have been invited are the Jews, those who are the nation of Israel by lineage, birthright and descendancy.

(#5), Those who were then called as guests to the wedding feast are the gentiles.

(#6), The wedding guest who had no wedding clothes is any man or woman who would feign to be a friend of Jesus, a follower of Jesus, mixing with the Body of believers.

Jesus is the long anticipated Jewish Messiah, who has been rejected by the Jews. So when the time comes for the wedding feast or the marriage supper of The Lamb, the eternal joining together of the Church with Christ in the heavens, those who have rejected Him, (those who are unwilling to come or have ignored the invitation), will be left behind. They not only refused the invitation, however, but they seized Jesus’ servants, treated them badly and killed them. Therefore, God has become angry with the Jews and “He has sent armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire”. This can be seen throughout history, and will be seen again in the Last Days, before God intervenes.

There will be those who are not true followers of Christ, but are tares (unbelievers), mixed among the wheat, (Christians), also known as goats who are separate from the sheep of God, both Jew and gentile, who will be found out and their fate is to be “cast into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”.

The wedding guest who had no wedding clothes is any man or woman who would feign to be a friend of Jesus, a follower of Jesus, mixing with the Body of believers. but he or she is not clothed ‘in the righteousness of Christ’; therefore, they are not wearing the required attire for this occasion and will be ‘tied up and also cast into the outer darkness.

Let’s not forget that we, gentile believers, Christians, have been grafted into the Olive Tree, (the Jewish lineage and heritage), and are held accountable, the same as the Jews in the parable. (End Commentary Break).

Poll-tax to Caesar

Verse 15. Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. Verse 16. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone. Verse 17. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible to pay a poll-tax, (which is a tax levied on every person in the census), to Caesar, or not?” Verse 18. But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Verse 19. Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. Verse 20. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” Verse 21. They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Verse 22. And hearing this, they were amazed; and they left Him and went away.

(Commentary Break): This should be viewed at face value. However, it has strong implications about the interaction and the separation of earthly and heavenly matters. Scriptures tell us that we are not to entangle ourselves in the matters of this world, for we are only in this world and not part of it.

When it comes to matters of politics, for example, the scriptures define and direct how we are to approach those matters. Those things are not our fight, so to speak. Our fight is of a spiritual nature and not one of flesh and blood. We are to follow the laws of the land, so as not to become entangled with them. We will have enough trouble with this world as we walk in the ways of Jesus, so we do not need to add to them or to be distracted by them. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Answers the Sadducees

Verse 23. On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, verse 24, saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother as next of kin shall marry his wife, and raise up children for his brother.’ Verse 25. Now there were seven brothers among us; and the first married and died, and having no children, he left his wife to his brother. Verse 26. It was the same also with the second brother, and the third, down to the seventh. Verse 27. Last of all, the woman died. Verse 28. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her in marriage.”

Verse 29. But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, since you do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God. Verse 30. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. Verse 31. But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: Verse 32. ‘I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Verse 33. When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.

Verse 34. But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Verse 35. And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: Verse 36. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” Verse 37. And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ Verse 38. This is the great and foremost commandment. Verse 39. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ Verse 40. Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Verse 41. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: Verse 42. “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David.” Verse 43. He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying,

Verse 44. ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD,

“SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,

UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES UNDER YOUR FEET”’? Verse 45. Therefore, if David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?” Verse 46. No one was able to offer Him a word in answer, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him any more questions.

(Commentary Break): These are interesting and useful dialogues. But I will leave them to you, the reader. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus’ encounters with the Pharisees and the Sadducees is heating up and will be coming to a climax in the next chapter. We should learn from these encounters that there is no room for compromise or syncretism, or ecumenicalism. We are not a war with other religions even though they be at war with us. We are to avoid those religions while offering them the Hope we have in Christ.

Be aware that, in addition to the emerging One World Government, there is an emerging One World Religion and Church, and it must be avoided at all costs. It is known as the Abrahamic Family House, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Introducing themselves as a “Human Fraternity”, Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issue and sign the Document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is jointly bestowed on His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb.

We are approaching chapter 24 which brings us to the great question of our day, “When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Jesus’ coming and the End of The Age?”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: (coming soon): THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 23, Hypocrisy Explained, The Eight Woes.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 21, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, Jesus Cleanses the Temple, The Barren Fig Tree, Authority Challenged, Parable of the Landowner.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for coming episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 21

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, Jesus Cleanses the Temple, The Barren Fig Tree, Authority Challenged, Parable of the Landowner

It may be time to reiterate that the purpose of this study and of this commentary. This is not meant to be an exhaustive commentary on the Greek language and words used; and, this is not meant to be an exhaustive commentary on each and every metaphor, simile, or ritual practice of that day; nor is it about the socio-political or geopolitical conditions of that day.

The purpose of this study and of this commentary is for us as His disciples and followers to learn to walk in the steps of Jesus. This is about gaining understanding coupled with wisdom for application.

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. 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 Triumphant Entry

Matthew21:1, When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, verse 2, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. Verse 3. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” Verse 4. Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:

Verse 5. “SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION,

‘BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU,

HUMBLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY,

EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A DONKEY.’” (see Zechariah 9:9).

Verse 6. The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, verse 7, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks. Verse 8. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. Verse 9. Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David;

BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;

Hosanna in the highest!” Verse 10. When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” Verse 11. And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

(Commentary Break): Read this carefully and at its face value and try to gain its full meaning and significance. “When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” All the city, or at the very least, most all the city, had no idea about Jesus. Some of the people considered Him to be a ‘prophet’. Others had no idea, and none of them, apparently knew Him as their long awaited Messiah! Ah, But the ’miracles’ of crowd hysteria! They were excited. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road before Him and others were cutting branches and putting them on the road before Him. And yet they were shouting ‘Hosanna’, which translates, “save now, we pray”. It was an intense cry both of happiness and a cry for help. One would expect the symbolism and the cries of the crowd would remind the Jews of the prophecies of the coming Messiah! But, alas, they have eyes and cannot see, and ears but cannot hear. How about you? Do you remember? Do you know? Do you believe all that He has said? (End Commentary Break).

Cleansing the Temple

Verse 12. And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. Verse 13. And He said to them, “It is written: ‘MY HOUSE WILL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER’; but you are making it a DEN OF ROBBERS.”

(Commentary Break): There are two things I would point out. First, it takes planning and forethought to braid cords into whips (the devices Jesus used), so this was not spontaneous. Jesus thought this through. This is a calculated and a well thought out response. And, secondly, the only times you see Jesus acting or behaving as if He is angry, is when anyone or anything obstructs the path and access to God, and this is one of those times. This is a perversion of the purpose, intention and symbolism of the Temple. And sadly, even tragically, we still see this in our churches today, but on a grander scale. What does this say? Think about it! What is your response to this type of defiance of God? (End Commentary Break).

Verse 14. And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. Verse 15. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, verse 16, and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘FROM THE MOUTHS OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF’?” (see Psalm 8:2) Verse 17. And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

(Commentary Break): The children may not have understood the full significance of their words and actions. They may have been repeating what they had seen in others or reacting to what they had been told, that Jesus was and is the One True Living God. Hosanna! This is significant on so many levels.

Jesus has told us that if we will train our children up in the way they should go so when they are old they will not depart from it; and that unless we believe as a child, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

We, Christians in the twenty first century church, whether we are willing to admit it or not, are generally ‘politely proud’, ‘surreptitiously arrogant’ and the result is that we are left weak and impotent in the ways of God. It would seem that it is more important to us that our preachers have a masters of divinity degree or a doctorate from a seminary than if he walks humbly in the ways of our Lord; showing the way by preaching the Gospel as Jesus preached, laying hands on the sick, healing the lame and blind, caring for the widow and the orphan, visiting those in our prisons. Instead, they take their place at the head table and send others to do the works. (End Commentary Break).

The Barren Fig Tree

Verse 18. Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. Verse 19. And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered.

Verse 20. Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, “How did the fig tree wither all at once?” Verse 21. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. Verse 22. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.”

(Commentary Break): This is an actual event. Jesus uses it as a ‘teaching moment’ and turns it into a metaphor, or sorts. The fig tree is every man and woman. And when you have ceased to be useful to your Lord, you wither and die. It is reminiscent of Matthew chapter 5, verse 13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.”

Then Jesus makes this astounding statement, WHICH IS NOT A METAPHOR: “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.”

Faith, without doubting, releases Jesus to do His Works through you! And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all! Yes, faith as a child! (End Commentary Break).

Authority Challenged

Verse 23. When He entered the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” Verse 24. But Jesus responded and said to them, “I will also ask you one question, which, if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Verse 25. The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ Verse 26. But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.” Verse 27. And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.

(Commentary Break): I ask you, the reader, by what authority did Jesus do these things, and who gave Him this authority?

This is a question which must be answered by anyone who would be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus tells His disciples that they will continue His Works, and will do even greater works than He (John 14:12), so it is imperative that we, His disciples, know the answer.

Another time, in the Temple, the Jews were persecuting Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath, and this time Jesus gives a response:

“But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”

“For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.” “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” – Matthew 5:17-19, 30

ACTION POINT:

We must attain to the Mind and Attitude of Christ

We must practice His ways. We must bear in mind that it is not we who do these works, but it is He.

We must know that we can only do what we see the Father doing. We say only what we hear the Father saying, because we can do nothing of ourselves.

We must listen and watch for the Father, literally.

We must be still and know that He is God, get alone with Him

We must allow the Holy Spirit to quicken and train our spirit to be alert and sensitive to the voice of God.

John 14:12, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

Please remember, we must study and be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (End Commentary Break).

Parable of Two Sons

Verse 28. “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ Verse 29. But he replied, ‘I do not want to.’ Yet afterward he regretted it and went. Verse 30. And the man came to his second son and said the same thing; and he replied, ‘I will, sir’; and yet he did not go. Verse 31. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They *said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. Verse 32. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even have second thoughts afterward so as to believe him.

Parable of the Landowner

Verse 33. “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who PLANTED A VINEYARD AND PUT A FENCE AROUND IT, AND DUG A WINE PRESS IN IT, AND BUILT A TOWER, and he leased it to vine-growers and went on a journey. Verse 34. And when the harvest time approached, he sent his slaves to the vine-growers to receive his fruit. Verse 35. And the vine-growers took his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Verse 36. Again, he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they did the same things to them. Verse 37. But afterward he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ Verse 38. But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let’s kill him and take possession of his inheritance!’ Verse 39. And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Verse 40. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers?” Verse 41. They said to Him, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other vine-growers, who will pay him the fruit in the proper seasons.”

Verse 42. Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures,  

‘A STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,

THIS HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE;

THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD,

AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’? (see Psalm 118:22).

Verse 43. Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruit. Verse 44. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and on whomever it falls, it will crush him.”

Verse 45. When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. Verse 46. And although they sought to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, since they considered Him to be a prophet.

(Commentary Break): I will let you decided the significance of these last verses. But I will point out that although Jesus was speaking directly to and about the Pharisees and their current religious establishment when He says, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruit”, He is also speaking to you and to me, today. Anytime we deny or excuse the Words of Jesus as ‘out dated’ or that they ‘no longer apply to our sophisticated era’, we too have ceased producing its fruit. (End Commentary Break).

These chapters, verses and teachings are meant to show us the way into the kingdom of God and how to live and operate in the might of His strength. They are meant to prepare us for an eternity with Him under His loving care and under His authority. Please, dear friend, let’s not be reluctant or shy to follow Him in all His ways and words. Let’s do as He has instructed and leave the results to Him, for they are His works.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 22, The Marriage Feast, The Poll-tax, Jesus and the Sadducees.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 20, The Kingdom of Heaven, Death and Resurrection Foretold, Asking For Preferred Treatment, Sight for the Blind.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 20,

The Kingdom of Heaven, Death and Resurrection Foretold, Asking For Preferred Treatment, Sight for the Blind.

This discourse goes from Jesus explaining and teaching the rich young ruler about eternal life and teaching His disciples about a disciple’s reward to teaching on the kingdom of heaven. But this is a continuation of those matters.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew20:1, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Verse 2. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. Verse 3. And he went out about the third hour, (9 a.m.), and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; verse 4, and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. Verse 5. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour (at noon and again at 3 p.m.), and did the same thing. Verse 6. And about the eleventh hour (at 5 p.m.), he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ Verse 7. They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

Verse 8“. Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ Verse 9. When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius, (a day’s wages). Verse 10. And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. Verse 11. When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, verse 12, saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ Verse 13. But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Verse 14. Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. Verse 15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ Verse 16. So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”

(Commentary Break): Although others may dispute a deathbed confession or that a person who is saved later in life, but hasn’t had the necessary time remaining in their life to purge himself or herself of all their ‘bad habits’, they are just as saved as the person who was saved early in their childhood, and entitled to all the same benefits of having become a child of God and a disciple of Jesus. In other words, it is never too early nor is it ever too late to submit yourself to God through faith in Jesus Christ, and be saved. The glorious gift reward of God’s grace, the forgiveness of your sins and His redemption is available to everyone. (End Commentary Break).

Death, Resurrection Foretold

Verse 17. As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, verse 18, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, verse 19, and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.”

(Commentary Break): This is just one of several times that Jesus warned of His coming crucifixion and death. Here is a more complete description of these times, taken from Got Questions Org: Jesus predicted His death at least three times in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and the book of John offers even more predictions.

The first time Jesus predicted His death is detailed in Matthew 16:21–23, Mark 8:31–32, and Luke 9:21–22. Jesus had just fed the multitudes, and He said that the “Son of Man must suffer many things” (Mark 8:31); be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes; be killed; and be raised again. Peter then rashly began to rebuke Jesus, and Christ responded, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:33; Mark 8:33). Jesus knew that His death must happen. It was necessary in God’s plan to save the world.

Jesus predicted His death a second time in Matthew 17:22–23, Mark 9:30–32, and Luke 9:43–45. This occurred shortly after the Transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John saw Christ in His heavenly glory. Perhaps this was the reason the disciples were so confused by Jesus telling them He was going to die. At this point, they believed His kingdom was just around the corner. Despite their lack of understanding, they were “afraid to ask” for clarification (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45).

Matthew 20:17–19, Mark 10:32–34, and Luke 18:31–34 describe the third time Jesus predicted His death. He spoke to His disciples as they were heading up toward Jerusalem for Passover, and He told them how He would be mocked, scourged, crucified, and then rise again. On this occasion also, the disciples did not understand Jesus’ saying because the meaning was hidden from them. They would soon learn what Jesus meant in the events of Good Friday and following. (End Commentary Break).

Request for Preferred Treatment

Verse 20. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. Verse 21. And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” Verse 22. But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” Verse 23. He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”

Verse 24. And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. Verse 25. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. Verse 26. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, verse 27, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; verse 28, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

(Commentary Break): There is so much that can be said about these verses and so little that needs to be said. Pride and arrogance are sin, and it existed even in the very earliest days. It remains a problem in the church today. However, Jesus does not miss the opportunity to make this a teaching moment. “Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

This is something, along with the many others of Jesus’ teachings on attitude and behavior and character qualities, that should be held as teaching priorities in our churches today.

These attitudes of pride, ego, entitlement, selfishness, arrogance and the such, are one of the more egregious stumbling blocks to the church – so much so, that when Peter interjected, Jesus called him by the name of Satan, for his errant attitude.

If your church neglects to make these a regular teaching or as a high priority, then you and I should make it a personal priority to pray, meditate and to dwell on Jesus’ Words. (End Commentary Break).

Sight for Those Who Are Blind

Verse 29. As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. Verse 30. And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” Verse 31. But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Verse 32. And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Verse 33. They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” Verse 34. Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

(Commentary Break): Once again, there is much that could be said here, and much has been written about answered prayer. However, little needs to be said. Here is the short and succinct lesson for us: Jesus knew they were blind, still He asked them what they wanted from Him. They told Him directly, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” And Jesus showed them mercy and compassion, and they regained their sight. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus knows what you need before you ask (see Matthew 6:7-8). Seek Him. Ask Him. Receive (see Matthew 7:7-11), and don’t complain like the laborers did, because others may have gotten more than you; don’t complain like Peter did, because you don’t understand how these things could be so. Just know that He gave you everything when He died for you, and is now walking with you, has secured your future and has erased your sinful past.

It is enough – be thankful and grateful.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 21, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, Jesus Cleanses the Temple, The Barren Fig Tree, Authority Challenged, Parable of the Landowner.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 19, Divorce, Children, The Rich Young Ruler, The Disciple’s Reward.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 19

Divorce, Children, The Rich Young Ruler, The Disciple’s Reward.

There seems to be no end to the Pharisee’s futile attempts to find fault in Jesus and with His teachings. I say futile because He is making it clear that, (#1), He is the Christ, the long awaited Jewish Messiah, and that He and the Father are one, (#2), He has been sent by God, the Father, and He has come to do His Father’s business; He is doing what He hears from the Father and what He sees the Father doing, and (#3), He has come to testify to the Truth.

Nonetheless, the Pharisees persist in their blind, stubborn, arrogant folly, and Jesus continues to teach and demonstrate The Truth!

Concerning Divorce

Matthew 19:1, When Jesus had finished these words, He left Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; Verse 2, and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.

Verse 3. Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” Verse 4. And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, Verse 5, and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? Verse 6. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”

Verse 7. They said to Him, “Why, then, did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND HER AWAY?”

Verse 8. He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. Verse 9. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Verse 10. The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” Verse 11. But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. Verse 12. For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

(Commentary Break): It is interesting that the Pharisees continue to question Jesus in order to find fault or to trap Him in a lie in order to persecute Him, or worse. The point here is for you and for me to examine ourselves and ask if we are doing the same as the Pharisees, which is finding all the ‘escape clauses’ to abrogate or negate the Law we say we follow, and in our case, it is NOT the Law but the teachings of Jesus. His teachings and commandments are not meant to tie us or to burden us down as the Law, but are a means to live to live free, to live an abundant life full of His love, joy, grace and hope. His words are a means to guide us, protect us, warn us of dangers and how to avoid them. He love us with a love so deep and complete that we can hardly comprehend it.

Jesus, in this case, is answering the Pharisees’ questions about what their Law says about divorce. Actually, this is an issue that begins as soon as a couple decides to get married. All marriages have their ups and downs, and someone, such as the pastor who marries a couple, should tell them in advance, of the seriousness nature of the wedding vows and the covenant of marriage. These are to be contracts that endure for a  lifetime. This is not only a contract between two people, but is a covenant between each of the two people with God!

The Bible says, “FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”

The REASON Jesus teaches this is for your ongoing wellbeing and protection, and for the safety and wellbeing of your family and friends.

God made us as emotional beings capable of thought with the power of choice (making decisions). In fact, the Bible tells us that we are made in His image, but with the flaw of a sin nature.

It is helpful to remember that the Bible consistently speaks to the triune God and of our triune nature: (#1), our physical body (from the Greek word, soma), (#2), our soul (from the Greek word pseuche), which includes our mind, will and emotions, and (#3), our spirit (from the Greek word pneuma), which is sometimes referred to as our ‘subconscious mind’ or our core, where we set our life views or core values. It is within this pneuma, or spirit, we hold and store our guiding principles for living. This is how God made us. It is how we are constructed.

Even though most of us are taught how we should think and act by our parents or by others, unfortunately, we initially make many of our decisions based on our own initial experiences and feelings. These initial decisions come from within our soul – our mind, will and emotions.

We will then solidify and galvanize those decisions as they seep down into our core (our heart or spirit). They become what is known as our ‘core-values’ or guiding principles.

Our heart, or spirit dictates, then dictates these decisions back to our soul (our mind, will and emotions), and we act them in our everyday life.

Once these attitudes and behaviors are set, it is very difficult to change them, regardless of the outcome, without suffering great consequences.

Please know that I would not spend all this time on this matter, if it were not so important. But we usually make decisions based on incomplete information, not knowing what the outcome of our decisions will be, and all of this is driven by emotions and preconceived notions. It is the perfect storm for a looming disaster.

Divorce is one of those storms. It is one of the most damaging and damning experiences a person can experience. It has lasting effects on the human psyche, which will affect the body in devastating ways. These are things that will drag you down and haunt you for life unless you deal with them according to the teachings of Jesus. Believe me, His is the only way back to sanity, peace, prosperity and life!

Nonetheless, I know many Christians who seek a divorce because their marriage becomes difficult or inconvenient. So people divorce and the mind, will and emotions justify this course of action. But Scriptures tell us that our spirit knows that we will be committing adultery and will be causing our ex-spouse to commit adultery. But, we go on anyway, living with a hidden remorse, calling ourselves Christians, pretending to follow Jesus, even though we know we have not done what He has told us to do.

(Additionally, when there are children involved, there a numerous studies that show the damage is multiplied in their lives. See “Focus on the Family, “How could divorce affect my children” and “Did God really say that?”)

What the Bible says can sound harsh, but in reality it is a dire warning: “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: they are like a person building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when there was a flood, the river burst against that house and yet it could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like the one who built a house on the ground without a foundation; and the river burst against it and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49).

And, “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. 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 miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

In reality, God is pleading with us to stop the insanity and self-destruction. He loves us. He wants the best for us, which is found in Jesus Christ!

So, what is the solution if you have already committed this sin? This may be hard to hear and even more difficult to do, but it is the way to peace:

Confess your sin, your wrongdoing. Confess to God that you have sinned against Him, against your ex-spouse and against your family. Repent. That is, turn away from ever being disobedient again. Jesus will hear your prayer and forgive you and cleanse you of your unrighteousness. He loves you, unconditionally. He will not condemn you. It is your unbelief that condemns you (see John 3:17).

NOW, if you initialed or even agreed to a divorce, go and tell your ex-spouse of your transgression, and even though you may not be able to rectify or restore what is in the past, you can apologize for your sin against them and seek their forgiveness. (Please be very careful not to compound this issue if your ex-spouse is remarried or if they are violent. Use discretion).

NOTE: If you cannot safely approach, talk to or write your ex-spouse, then take this to God alone, with all sincerity and be cleansed.

Either way, you need to take this as your responsibility even if it was your ex-spouse’s behavior that drove you away (see Matthew 5:22-48). Whether they accept your apology or not, you need not entangle yourself any further. You have cleared the way to go forward with your life.

If you have not yet committed this sin, then stop, and do not do it. You made a covenant with God in your marriage vows. If you divorce you not only break a vow with your spouse, you break you covenant with God and the psychological and physical harm to you will follow.

But please don’t be like the Pharisee and try to find a way around this. Jesus called the Pharisees liars, white washed tombs (looking good but full of dead men’s bones), cheats, and murderers. Please, don’t be those things! Those things will just follow you and drag you down.

NOTE: I realize that this can be a very complicated matter. And sometimes it can be dangerous to approach your ex-spouse. If that is the case, then again I say, take this to God, confess it all to Him. He will cleanse your heart and your mind and set you free.

This is an urgent teaching that even the Church and pastors have ignored and excused for lack of understanding. They are running the risk of being just like the Pharisees!

I also know, this is a very hard teaching. But, which teachings of Jesus are not hard if we persist in living in our fleshly passions? (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Blesses Little Children

Verse 13. Then some children were brought to Him so that He would lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. Verse 14. But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Verse 15. After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.

(Commentary Break): It seems curious that after His rebuttal to the Pharisees and His teaching on marriage and divorce, that He speaks of the children, is it not? (End Commentary Break).

The Rich Young Ruler

Verse 16. And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?” Verse 17. And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Verse 18. Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT GIVE FALSE TESTIMONY; Verse 19. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Verse 20. The young man said to Him, “All these I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Verse 21. Jesus said to him, “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.” Verse 22. But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

Verse 23. And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Verse 24. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Verse 25. When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” Verse 26. And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

(Commentary Break): The young man, (also referred to as the ‘rich young ruler’), was not so much asking how he many obtain eternal life, as he is asking how he may earn his way to heaven without paying the cost. Our churches are full of people demanding an answer to this same question, regardless of their financial status. They want the benefits of salvation but resist the cost. Please, don’t be like that.

 Jesus, in his answer, uses both hyperbole and a metaphor of a camel trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle, which is something that is ridiculously impossible.

However, Jesus was actually referring to a camel and an actual needle, and that the camel is a simile for ‘every man and women, boy and girl’ and the ‘eye of the needle’ is a simile for the gate to the Kingdom of Heaven.

So, everyone who is laden with ‘the baggage and possessions of pride, high self-esteem, education, personal achievements, wealth, pedigree, education and the like cannot enter the Kingdom. All of these things must first be put aside, discarded, before entering through the ‘narrow gate’.

AN ASIDE and a NOTE: There has been a story circulating, albeit false, which purports that there is actually a gate somewhere in Jerusalem called the “eye of the needle”, through which a camel could not pass unless it stooped down and had all its baggage first removed. After dark, when the main gates were closed, travelers and merchants would have to use this smaller gate. Great sermon material, with illustrations about how we must humble ourselves and remove our baggage before entering the kingdom.

It would be quite convenient if this myth were true because it would legitimize people’s affinity for money and probably the prosperity gospel as well. If the passage is about baggage and humility and not actually about wealth, then the prosperity preachers can breathe a big sigh of relief. However, this myth has been propagated since the 11th century, and it is completely made up. There is zero evidence to show that this gate ever existed other than stories brought back from Jerusalem tours.

But what about this image, showing the eye of the needle? This wall passage did not exist when Jesus walked the earth, or anytime close to his generation. This wall was built hundreds of years after Jesus’ time. The gates of Jerusalem were destroyed in 70 A.D. and later rebuilt. Josephus, the 1st century Jewish historian, wrote about the wall in Jerusalem (excepting the western wall): “All the rest of the wall surrounding Jerusalem, was so thoroughly laid even with the ground by those that dug it up to the foundation, that there was left nothing to make those that came thither believe it Jerusalem had ever been inhabited.” So, the image would not exist in Jesus’ time.

Furthermore, the passage states that is it easier for a camel to go through the eye of “a” needle, not “the” needle. “A needle” refers to any needle. “The needle” would refer to a specific needle. This is not a mistake. Greek is an incredibly precise language, and definite articles (the) are hard to confuse with an indefinite article ‘a’.

Finally, I would point out that this type of hyperbole is common in Jewish literature and as well as other literature. Jesus, again, uses the term of a ‘narrow gate’ in Matthew 7:13-14)

Thus, it is not necessary to try to bend Jesus’ words to mean something other than what they actually meant. This is why the disciples replied with this phrase in astonishment: When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25)

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

The Disciples’ Reward

Verse 27. Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” Verse 28. 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. Verse 29. 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. Verse 30. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

(Commentary Break): There are scarcely words that can better describe what Jesus has just said to Peter. This is both literal and symbolic. It is literal for Peter and the 12 apostles. It is symbolic in that we, too, will be with them, ruling with Jesus.

“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.” But first, we must go through the eye of that needle! The benefit begins now and lasts for an eternity! (End Commentary Break).

This is all based on faith. You can believe it or not. It is that cut and dried, and it is that extreme.

Even though, after Jesus had risen from the dead and just before He ascended to the Father, on Jesus’ instructions, “the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him, although some doubted”, they still had enough faith to follow His instructions to come and meet Him at the mountain. All this from faith the size of a mustard seed!

Jesus accepted and used them in His cause, ministry and calling. He is still doing just that. He is still calling you and me to follow Him despite our doubts.

And we will remain with Him, and He will be with us, both now and eternally!

Just believe!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: (coming soon) THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 20, Laborers In The Vineyard, Death and Resurrection Foretold, Asking For Preferred Treatment, Sight for the Blind.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 18, Kingdom Rank, Stumbling Blocks, 99 Plus One, Discipline and Prayer, Forgiveness.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 19

Divorce, Children, The Rich Young Ruler, The Disciple’s Reward.

There seems to be no end to the Pharisee’s futile attempts to find fault in Jesus and with His teachings. I say futile because He is making it clear that, (#1), He is the Christ, the long awaited Jewish Messiah, and that He and the Father are one, (#2), He has been sent by God, the Father, and He has come to do His Father’s business; He is doing what He hears from the Father and what He sees the Father doing, and (#3), He has come to testify to the Truth.

Nonetheless, the Pharisees persist in their blind, stubborn, arrogant folly, and Jesus continues to teach and demonstrate The Truth!

Concerning Divorce

Matthew 19:1, When Jesus had finished these words, He left Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; Verse 2, and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.

Verse 3. Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” Verse 4. And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, Verse 5, and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? Verse 6. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.” Verse 7. They said to Him, “Why, then, did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND HER AWAY?” Verse 8. He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. Verse 9. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Verse 10. The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” Verse 11. But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. Verse 12. For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

(Commentary Break): It is interesting that the Pharisees continue to question Jesus in order to find fault or to trap Him in a lie in order to persecute Him, or worse. The point here is for you and for me to examine ourselves and ask if we are doing the same as the Pharisees, which is finding all the ‘escape clauses’ to abrogate or negate the Law we say we follow, and in our case, it is NOT the Law but the teachings of Jesus. His teachings and commandments are not meant to tie us or to burden us down as the Law, but are a means to live to live free, to live an abundant life full of His love, joy, grace and hope. His words are a means to guide us, protect us, warn us of dangers and how to avoid them. He love us with a love so deep and complete that we can hardly comprehend it.

Jesus, in this case, is answering the Pharisees’ questions about what their Law says about divorce. Actually, this is an issue that begins as soon as a couple decides to get married. All marriages have their ups and downs, and someone, such as the pastor who marries a couple, should tell them in advance, of the seriousness nature of the wedding vows and the covenant of marriage. These are to be contracts that endure for a  lifetime. This is not only a contract between two people, but is a covenant between each of the two people with God!

The Bible says, “FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”

The REASON Jesus teaches this is for your ongoing wellbeing and protection, and for the safety and wellbeing of your family and friends.

God made us as emotional beings capable of thought with the power of choice (making decisions). In fact, the Bible tells us that we are made in His image, but with the flaw of a sin nature.

It is helpful to remember that the Bible consistently speaks to the triune God and of our triune nature: (#1), our physical body (from the Greek word, soma), (#2), our soul (from the Greek word pseuche), which includes our mind, will and emotions, and (#3), our spirit (from the Greek word pneuma), which is sometimes referred to as our ‘subconscious mind’ or our core, where we set our life views or core values. It is within this pneuma, or spirit, we hold and store our guiding principles for living. This is how God made us. It is how we are constructed.

Even though most of us are taught how we should think and act by our parents or by others, unfortunately, we initially make many of our decisions based on our own initial experiences and feelings. These initial decisions come from within our soul – our mind, will and emotions.

We will then solidify and galvanize those decisions as they seep down into our core (our heart or spirit). They become what is known as our ‘core-values’ or guiding principles.

Our heart, or spirit dictates, then dictates these decisions back to our soul (our mind, will and emotions), and we act them in our everyday life.

Once these attitudes and behaviors are set, it is very difficult to change them, regardless of the outcome, without suffering great consequences.

Please know that I would not spend all this time on this matter, if it were not so important. But we usually make decisions based on incomplete information, not knowing what the outcome of our decisions will be, and all of this is driven by emotions and preconceived notions. It is the perfect storm for a looming disaster.

Divorce is one of those storms. It is one of the most damaging and damning experiences a person can experience. It has lasting effects on the human psyche, which will affect the body in devastating ways. These are things that will drag you down and haunt you for life unless you deal with them according to the teachings of Jesus. Believe me, His is the only way back to sanity, peace, prosperity and life!

Nonetheless, I know many Christians who seek a divorce because their marriage becomes difficult or inconvenient. So people divorce and the mind, will and emotions justify this course of action. But Scriptures tell us that our spirit knows that we will be committing adultery and will be causing our ex-spouse to commit adultery. But, we go on anyway, living with a hidden remorse, calling ourselves Christians, pretending to follow Jesus, even though we know we have not done what He has told us to do.

(Additionally, when there are children involved, there a numerous studies that show the damage is multiplied in their lives. See “Focus on the Family, “How could divorce affect my children” and “Did God really say that?”)

What the Bible says can sound harsh, but in reality it is a dire warning: “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: they are like a person building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when there was a flood, the river burst against that house and yet it could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like the one who built a house on the ground without a foundation; and the river burst against it and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49).

And, “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. 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 miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

In reality, God is pleading with us to stop the insanity and self-destruction. He loves us. He wants the best for us, which is found in Jesus Christ!

So, what is the solution if you have already committed this sin? This may be hard to hear and even more difficult to do, but it is the way to peace:

Confess your sin, your wrongdoing. Confess to God that you have sinned against Him, against your ex-spouse and against your family. Repent. That is, turn away from ever being disobedient again. Jesus will hear your prayer and forgive you and cleanse you of your unrighteousness. He loves you, unconditionally. He will not condemn you. It is your unbelief that condemns you (see John 3:17).

NOW, if you initialed or even agreed to a divorce, go and tell your ex-spouse of your transgression, and even though you may not be able to rectify or restore what is in the past, you can apologize for your sin against them and seek their forgiveness. (Please be very careful not to compound this issue if your ex-spouse is remarried or if they are violent. Use discretion).

NOTE: If you cannot safely approach, talk to or write your ex-spouse, then take this to God alone, with all sincerity and be cleansed.

Either way, you need to take this as your responsibility even if it was your ex-spouse’s behavior that drove you away (see Matthew 5:22-48). Whether they accept your apology or not, you need not entangle yourself any further. You have cleared the way to go forward with your life.

If you have not yet committed this sin, then stop, and do not do it. You made a covenant with God in your marriage vows. If you divorce you not only break a vow with your spouse, you break you covenant with God and the psychological and physical harm to you will follow.

But please don’t be like the Pharisee and try to find a way around this. Jesus called the Pharisees liars, white washed tombs (looking good but full of dead men’s bones), cheats, and murderers. Please, don’t be those things! Those things will just follow you and drag you down.

NOTE: I realize that this can be a very complicated matter. And sometimes it can be dangerous to approach your ex-spouse. If that is the case, then again I say, take this to God, confess it all to Him. He will cleanse your heart and your mind and set you free.

This is an urgent teaching that even the Church and pastors have ignored and excused for lack of understanding. They are running the risk of being just like the Pharisees!

I also know, this is a very hard teaching. But, which teachings of Jesus are not hard if we persist in living in our fleshly passions? (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Blesses Little Children

Verse 13. Then some children were brought to Him so that He would lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. Verse 14. But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Verse 15. After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.

(Commentary Break): It seems curious that after His rebuttal to the Pharisees and His teaching on marriage and divorce, that He speaks of the children, is it not? (End Commentary Break).

The Rich Young Ruler

Verse 16. And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?” Verse 17. And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Verse 18. Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT GIVE FALSE TESTIMONY; Verse 19. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Verse 20. The young man said to Him, “All these I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Verse 21. Jesus said to him, “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.” Verse 22. But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

Verse 23. And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Verse 24. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Verse 25. When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” Verse 26. And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

(Commentary Break): The young man, (also referred to as the ‘rich young ruler’), was not so much asking how he many obtain eternal life, as he is asking how he may earn his way to heaven without paying the cost. Our churches are full of people demanding an answer to this same question, regardless of their financial status. They want the benefits of salvation but resist the cost. Please, don’t be like that.

 Jesus, in his answer, uses both hyperbole and a metaphor of a camel trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle, which is something that is ridiculously impossible.

However, Jesus was actually referring to a camel and an actual needle, and that the camel is a simile for ‘every man and women, boy and girl’ and the ‘eye of the needle’ is a simile for the gate to the Kingdom of Heaven.

So, everyone who is laden with ‘the baggage and possessions of pride, high self-esteem, education, personal achievements, wealth, pedigree, education and the like cannot enter the Kingdom. All of these things must first be put aside, discarded, before entering through the ‘narrow gate’.

AN ASIDE and a NOTE: There has been a story circulating, albeit false, which purports that there is actually a gate somewhere in Jerusalem called the “eye of the needle”, through which a camel could not pass unless it stooped down and had all its baggage first removed. After dark, when the main gates were closed, travelers and merchants would have to use this smaller gate. Great sermon material, with illustrations about how we must humble ourselves and remove our baggage before entering the kingdom.

It would be quite convenient if this myth were true because it would legitimize people’s affinity for money and probably the prosperity gospel as well. If the passage is about baggage and humility and not actually about wealth, then the prosperity preachers can breathe a big sigh of relief. However, this myth has been propagated since the 11th century, and it is completely made up. There is zero evidence to show that this gate ever existed other than stories brought back from Jerusalem tours.

But what about this image, showing the eye of the needle? This wall passage did not exist when Jesus walked the earth, or anytime close to his generation. This wall was built hundreds of years after Jesus’ time. The gates of Jerusalem were destroyed in 70 A.D. and later rebuilt. Josephus, the 1st century Jewish historian, wrote about the wall in Jerusalem (excepting the western wall): “All the rest of the wall surrounding Jerusalem, was so thoroughly laid even with the ground by those that dug it up to the foundation, that there was left nothing to make those that came thither believe it Jerusalem had ever been inhabited.” So, the image would not exist in Jesus’ time.

Furthermore, the passage states that is it easier for a camel to go through the eye of “a” needle, not “the” needle. “A needle” refers to any needle. “The needle” would refer to a specific needle. This is not a mistake. Greek is an incredibly precise language, and definite articles (the) are hard to confuse with an indefinite article ‘a’.

Finally, I would point out that this type of hyperbole is common in Jewish literature and as well as other literature. Jesus, again, uses the term of a ‘narrow gate’ in Matthew 7:13-14)

Thus, it is not necessary to try to bend Jesus’ words to mean something other than what they actually meant. This is why the disciples replied with this phrase in astonishment: When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25)

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

The Disciples’ Reward

Verse 27. Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” Verse 28. 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. Verse 29. 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. Verse 30. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

(Commentary Break): There are scarcely words that can better describe what Jesus has just said to Peter. This is both literal and symbolic. It is literal for Peter and the 12 apostles. It is symbolic in that we, too, will be with them, ruling with Jesus.

“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.” But first, we must go through the eye of that needle! The benefit begins now and lasts for an eternity! (End Commentary Break).

This is all based on faith. You can believe it or not. It is that cut and dried, and it is that extreme.

Even though, after Jesus had risen from the dead and just before He ascended to the Father, on Jesus’ instructions, “the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him, although some doubted”, they still had enough faith to follow His instructions to come and meet Him at the mountain. All this from faith the size of a mustard seed!

Jesus accepted and used them in His cause, ministry and calling. He is still doing just that. He is still calling you and me to follow Him despite our doubts.

And we will remain with Him, and He will be with us, both now and eternally!

Just believe!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 20, Laborers In The Vineyard, Death and Resurrection Foretold, Asking For Preferred Treatment, Sight for the Blind.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 18, Kingdom Rank, Stumbling Blocks, 99 Plus One, Discipline and Prayer, Forgiveness.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 18

Kingdom Rank, Stumbling Blocks, 99 Plus One, Discipline and Prayer, Forgiveness.

The topic of Jesus’ teaching, in this chapter, shifts to become very personal, but the seriousness of His tone is unchanged. Jesus emphasizes humility as being key to entering the kingdom of heaven. This is an element largely missing in many Christian’s lives today, and particularly in many if not most pastors and preachers who are occupying America’s pulpits to the detriment and weakening of the Body of Christ.

Rank in the Kingdom

Matthew 18:1, At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Verse 2. And He called a child to Himself and set him among them, verse 3, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Verse 4. So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 5. And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me; verse 6, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.

(Commentary Break): Oddly, one of Jesus disciples is concerning himself with the question of greatness, not unlike many Christians who occupy our churches today. But in His usual form, Jesus goes to the heart of the matter, which is ego and pride.

Understanding, that in the presence of God, willfully putting oneself under the authority of the Lord by putting oneself last, is the only proper and effective response. Jesus warns that deliberate humility is key to entering the kingdom.

Additionally, Jesus, as He always teaches, warns of the harsh penalty for obstructing people from direct access to God; in this case, obstructing the children. (This could also apply to a mature person who has become a child in his or her ‘new birth in Christ’).

These are the most profound attitudes:  “humble yourself”, “become like children”, “whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”, “whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me”.

 There is absolutely nothing more appealing than humility. Imagine the effects it can have in a community of believers as they reach out to the people trapped in a lost, confused and chaotic world, which is being manipulated and crushed by elitists operating on the idea their ultimate power is in ego-driven status, position and wealth.

Take heed pastors. Humble yourselves and protect the children!

Take heed parents. Humble yourselves and protect your children!

Take heed teachers. Humble yourselves and protect the children!

Take heed all you who are in positions of leadership or authority. Humble yourselves and protect the children!

This is not a Sunday school lesson. It is not a suggestion just for ‘church people’.

Anything less than what Jesus is teaching, warrants that a heavy millstone be hung around the offender’s neck, and that he or she be drowned in the depths of the sea! (End Commentary Break).

Stumbling Blocks

Verse 7. “Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to the person through whom the stumbling block comes!

Verse 8. “And if your hand or your foot is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better for you to enter life maimed or without a foot, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. Verse 9. And if your eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fiery hell.

Verse 10. “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

(Commentary Break): Once again, Jesus is teaching the Way. This time it is the inevitable stumbling blocks you will encounter in life. But keeping in context, Jesus is talking about the lack of humility, one of the most devious, onerous and difficult stumbling blocks we face.

The warning is dire: “If your hand or your foot is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better for you to enter life maimed or without a foot, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fiery hell.” Whether you take this warning and remedy as literal (which I recommend against) or as a metaphor advising you to remove the stumbling blocks of sin from your life at any cost, the end results are the same. It is better to remove the stumbling blocks of sin, than to end up in an eternal fiery hell, and this part, you can take literally!

Jesus finishes these verses advising that you never look down on or take the children for granted, because these children are constantly and carefully watched by angels and God the Father in heaven and offenders will be held accountable.

A SPECIAL NOTE: An acquaintance and friend admitted to me that he is struggling with his faith because of all the injustices and harm inflicted, particularly children, the most vulnerable and innocent among us, due to neglect, abuse, wars, poverty and crime. He asks, “how could a sovereign and loving God permit such things? Is God unable or unwilling to stop these atrocities, or is He really God at all?”

As hard as it may be to accept, and even harder to imagine, God has given us free will. We are free to live as we choose, either good or evil. Of course there are natural consequences for evil behavior, and there are eternal consequences as well, but the Bible is clear that God has allowed both good and evil to be present among us. The Bible says that God makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and God sends rain on the just and the unjust.

It is up you and me, the individual to take these matters into account and in the proper sequence, using the proper procedures, to take them into our own hands.

I, like you, would prefer that good prevail at all times for all people. But that is not the case and it is not God’s design.

The Apostle Peter rightly reminds us that, “Blessed and gratefully praised and adored be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again, that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose, to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, born anew into an inheritance which is imperishable, beyond the reach of change and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed for you] in the last time. In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in your praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ in your life.  Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy, receiving as the result, the outcome, the consummation of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (see 1 Peter 3-9). (End Commentary Break).

Ninety-nine Plus One

Verse 12. “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? Verse 13. And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. Verse 14. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.

(Commentary Break): This metaphor puts God’s exclamation point on His teaching and passionate love for His children (no matter their chronological age). It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish. Everyone has the power of choice or free will. But no one has the right to choose for another nor to cause another person to fall into condemnation. (End Commentary Break).

Discipline and Prayer

Verse 15. “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Verse 16. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. Verse 17. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Verse 18. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

Verse 19. “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. Verse 20. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”  

(Commentary Break): Verses sixteen through seventeen are usually referenced when dealing in church discipline, and rightly so. The process and procedure which are spelled out is for the purpose of protecting the church, restoring the sinner to a right walk with God, and renewing fellowship among the church members. When used, it is to be applied justly, in love but firmly, always remembering, “There but for the grace of God, go I’.

Verse 18 reminds us of the permanency and the gravity of making these kinds of determinations and decisions. ‘Binding’ is the process of declaring something to be prohibited or unlawful and once it is bound on earth it is eternally bound in heaven; the process of ‘loosing’ on earth is permitting our unleashing in heaven, which is the place all things originate and manifest on the earth, and become permanent.

Verses 19 and 20 repeat and emphasize that these things will be done for you by God, your Father which is in heaven, and about their permanence.

The idea of ‘whenever two or more of three agree’ is that this is done in concert with other Christians and that their decision is guided when Jesus is in their midst. (End Commentary Break).

Forgiveness

Verse 21. Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” Verse 22. Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.

Verse 23. “For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. Verse 24. And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Verse 25. But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made. Verse 26. So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ Verse 27. And the master of that slave felt compassion, and he released him and forgave him the debt.

Verse 28. But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe!’ Verse 29. So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ Verse 30. But he was unwilling, and went and threw him in prison until he would pay back what was owed. Verse 31. So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their master all that had happened. Verse 32. Then summoning him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Verse 33. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ Verse 34. And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him. Verse 35. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

(Commentary Break): This teaching and metaphor should explain itself. Although the significance of the talent and a monetary standard is not the point, it does help illustrate the absurdity of the attitude of the first slave in contrast to what was owed him. He was forgiven his a debt of  10,000 talents of silver, which in today’s dollars, is about $345,427,600 . But he would not forgive another slave for a relatively insignificant sum by comparison. He is willing to receive forgiveness, but unwilling to give it in return. So, he choked his fellow slave and had him thrown into prison, over one hundred denarii which is worth about three hundred ninety-eight dollars in today’s dollars.

Although the values of the debt is significant in making this point, this teaching is actually about forgiving others of their transgressions toward us, which in comparison to the debt the God has forgiven us, is also insignificant.

The reaction of the Master toward this unforgiving servant, is reflective of the verses in Matthew 6:12-15 which says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.” (End Commentary Break).

Eliminating the stumbling blocks of sin in a believer’s life, correcting the way of the sinner’s walk and purging sin from the Body of the Church are serious matters to God, and should be taken seriously by all of us.

Please believe with me that these words are the pneuma or the Breath of God, and they are instructional, creative, causative and prophetic. They are the way which leads to life.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 19, Divorce, Children, The Rich Young Ruler, The Disciple’s Reward.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 17, The Transfiguration, The demon-possessed boy, The Temple Tax.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 17

The Transfiguration, The demon-possessed boy, The Temple Tax.

This chapter seems to address three distinctly different subjects: The transfiguration of Jesus, the healing of a demon-possessed boy, and an example of paying the temple tax. However, it is a demonstration of the dependability of scriptures, their fulfillment, what that means to future generations of Christian disciples and how it enables us to continue and complete the works of Jesus, and about our responsibilities as Christians to not entangle ourselves with the worries, cares and arguments of this world which are only distractions from our calling and our mission as followers of Jesus.

The Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1, Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James, and his brother John, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. Verse 2. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. Verse 3. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Verse 4. Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Verse 5. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” Verse 6. When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. Verse 7. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” Verse 8. And raising their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.

(Commentary Break): In case you ever wondered what it meant that Jesus was transfigured, know this: The word, from the Greek language in which it was written is, metamorphóō, (from Strong’s concordance #3326, metá, “change after being with” and #3445, morphóō, means, “changing form in keeping with inner reality”, and is from a root word of the English terms “metamorphosis” and “metamorphize.” Something had taken place that was magnificent and irreversible. Read on to discover what had happened and what it means to you. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 9. When they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” Verse 10. And His disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Verse 11. And He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; Verse 12, but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Verse 13. Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

(Commentary Break): First, Jesus called this transfiguration a ‘vision’. Was it a real occurrence or was it a vision? This is a complex word, but it can mean that it could be seen spiritually, mentally and, or, physically. The main point, however, taken from the Hebrew understanding, is that they could discern clearly perceive, see and  experience passively, and take heed.

Secondly, what is the purpose of this vision and what does it have to do with you or with me? The answer is found in verses 10 through 13. It is the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures that the scribes The scribes were the Jewish religious teachers, mostly Pharisees and Sadducees, who provided commentary on the Jewish Scriptures. They knew about these scriptures, but they could not see what was happening before their very own eyes.

GotQuestions.Org explains that Malachi 4:5-6 offers an intriguing prophecy: “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” To this day, Jewish Seders include an empty chair at the table in anticipation that Elijah will return to herald the Messiah in fulfillment of Malachi’s word.

According to Malachi 4:6, the reason for Elijah’s return will be to “turn the hearts” of fathers and their children to each other. In other words, the goal would be reconciliation. In the New Testament, Jesus reveals that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy: “All the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:13-14). This fulfillment is also mentioned in Mark 1:2-4 and Luke 1:17; 7:27. This was the fulfillment of the prophetic scriptures, but only for those who had eyes to see. It would, later, be revealed to the watching world, but still only those who had the eyes to see would understand.

Finally, why would Jesus’s command the disciples to tell no one of this vision until the Son of Man had risen from the dead? This is somewhat open to speculation, but it appears that Jesus did not want a distraction from the events to come. Once Jesus had completed His earthly mission, all would be clear.

As for you and me, it means that scriptures a dependable and true. We can rest assured our hope in Him is not in vain. (End Commentary Break).

The Demon-possessed Boy

Verse 14.When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, verse 15, “Lord, have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers terribly; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. Verse 16. And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” Verse 17. And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” Verse 18. And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed at once.

Verse 19. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Verse 20. And He said to them, “Because of your meager faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

(Commentary Break): The takeaway from verses 14 through 20 could be about the disciple’s lack of faith, but don’t miss Jesus’ rebuke. I can hear Jesus telling us, today, that we are weak because of meager faith. If we had faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible. Of course, this kind of faith is meant for Kingdom purposes alone. And Jesus, in Mark 9:29, Jesus further explained that, “This kind can only come out by nothing but prayer and fasting”. Perhaps and our fleshy desires and lack of commitment are what weaken us. Also, James explains that “you ask and you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so you may spend what you request on your own pleasures”. Even when asking for the right things, the pride and ego of self, get in our way.

Jesus was clear that He had not such mixed motives or weaknesses. He said that did not come to earth and work His works on His own initiative, See John 5:19, ^“Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way.” And again in John 5:30, Jesus says, “I can do nothing on my own initiative. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” It must be the same for us. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 22. And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be handed over to men; verse 23, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved.

The Temple Tax

Verse 24. Now when they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” Verse 25. He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” Verse 26. When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. Verse 27. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a stater, (a sliver four-drachma Greek coin). Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”

(Commentary Break): There is a lot that could be said here, but again, it would be mostly conjecture. What we do know and can learn is that Jesus speaks to Peter in Peter’s language, so to say. Peter was a fisherman and Jesus speaks to him in that vernacular. So it should be with us. Using fancy terms of language and complex spiritualization can confuse the listener or the student. Yes, Jesus speaks in parables and metaphors, but they are specifically designed to teach the familiar to His disciples, both then and now. (End Commentary Break).

I have a personal question for you, the reader, and a personal comment to make. What do you imagine it would be like, after reading and considering these first seventeen chapters of Matthew, to actually follow Jesus as demonstrated here? Or have the traditions and rituals of the postmodern church captivated or enslaved your thinking? Would you ever dare go and follow Him as He instructed?

My personal comment: The typical church, most of which are doing their level best to obey and follow our Lord, have organized the ‘laity’ into an army of greeters, kitchen workers, property care helpers, deacons and elders who tend to the administration duties of the corporate church, but who do very little of what Jesus said to be doing.

To wit:

Matthew 10:7-15, says, each of you – everyone calling themself a Christina, are to go, “and 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. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.”

Please don’t take this as a criticism. I, too, struggle with these very matters. I would like to consider my personal comments, here, as a wake up call. We all know the condition of this world. We all suspect, one way or another, that Jesus return is very close, and we all hope to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Ener into the joy of your Master.” Will we?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 18, Kingdom Rank, Stumbling Blocks, 99 Plus One, Discipline and Prayer, Forgiveness.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 16, Pharisee and Sadducees Challenge Jesus, Peter’s Confession, Jesus Foretells His Death, Discipleship is Costly.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 16

Pharisee and Sadducees Challenge Jesus, Peter’s Confession, Jesus Foretells His Death, Discipleship is Costly.

The Word of God, the Bible, is creative, causative, prophetic and instructional. It is the same for the Book of Matthew. It is the breathed Word of God.

The book of Matthew is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

Studying the book, we are seeing that Jesus was born for the Purpose of God, which is to redeem humankind from the curse of sin, for all who would receive Him; to transform us into His children of light and into the image of Christ Jesus; to perfect us and to prepare us for an eternity with Him and with one another, in a new and perfect heaven and earth.

Please notice the progression of the movement of Jesus as He comes to earth to accomplish His Mission, His Ministry and the Methods and will of the Father. God prepares the way (Matthew chapters 1 through 3). Jesus proclaims and announces that we are to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”! He then teaches, demonstrates and shows the way until His ascension to the Father.

Chapters 1 through 3 establish the lineage of Jesus the Christ, the birth of Jesus, the announcement of Jesus, and the baptism of Jesus.

Having finished His preparations, chapters 4 through 28 give us the model, the mission, the purpose and the plan of God, through His Son. Jesus teaches and demonstrates what it means to

1. To be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:13-17 and Matthew 28:19).
2. To be led by the Spirit to be tested in preparation to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 5:1-14)).
3. To Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. (Matthew 4:17).
4. To go and proclaim, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, doing the works of Jesus, and greater works. (Matthew 10:7-15).
5. To know what it means to “endure to the end”. (Matthew 24:13, Matthew 10:16-23)

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).

Jesus, as the Anointed One, brings the Good News of Hope and the Way of Salvation to the world. (These are the exciting teachings and demonstration of the power of God).

The PURPOSE of the Book of Matthew reflects the PURPOSE and plan of God for His creation, for all of humanity, and specifically for His Elect, that is those who choose to follow Him.

The purpose of this study and commentary, is to learn to walk in the steps of Jesus. We, as His disciples, 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. The Book of Matthew presents us with the model and methods of Jesus, which are to be our model and method to accomplish His 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 read the chapters and the commentaries carefully, study them diligently and pray and meditate on them deeply. This is The Way!

Pharisees and Sadducees Test Jesus

Matthew 16:1, The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and putting Jesus to the test, they asked Him to show them a sign. (a confirming miracle), from heaven. Verse 2. But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ Verse 3. And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but are you unable to discern the signs of the times? Verse 4. An evil and adulterous generation wants a sign; and so a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away.

(Commentary Break): These verses may seem cryptic if you do not know the intentions of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They detest Jesus and plan to discredit Him. Ironically, these two group also detest one another, but as the saying goes, “and enemy of my enemy is my friend”, at least for this one matter.

Jesus’ reply is brief but communicates the idea that they can read simple things of the natural world, but fail to see the weightier things of Bible prophecies, such as the arrival of their long awaited Messiah – Jesus.

Jesus reference to Jonah can be understood to compare them to Jonah’s refusal to hear and see the voice of God, for which these two groups claim to be supremely qualified, but prove to be completely ignorant. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 5. And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. Verse 6. And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Verse 7. They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” Verse 8. But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Verse 9. Do you not yet understand nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you picked up? Verse 10. Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you picked up? Verse 11. How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Verse 12. Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

(Commentary Break): These verses are self-explanatory, but demonstrate once again, the direct and plain talk of Jesus. He seems to rebuke His disciples for failing to connect life circumstances with the obvious signs and works of God. Or, it could be that His disciples’ thinking still resembles the Pharisees and Sadducees with whom Jesus had just encountered. Or, It could be like us, they are in the process of ‘repenting’ in their thinking, but not quite there, yet. (End Commentary Break).

Peter’s Confession of Christ

Verse 13. Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Verse 14. And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.” Verse 15. He said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?” Verse 16. Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, (the Messiah), the Son of the living God.” Verse 17. And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Verse 18. And I also say to you that you are Peter, (that is Petros, a small stone), and upon this rock, (that is petra, a massive rock), I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Verse 19. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind, (or forbid) on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose, (or permit), on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” Verse 20. Then He gave the disciples strict orders that they were to tell no one that He was the Christ (the Messiah).

(Commentary Break): Verses 13 through 20 are both groundbreaking and earth shaking. First, we see the first demonstration and the new work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ disciples. It also demonstrates what confessing that Jesus is the Messiah accomplishes.

Additionally, Jesus make His first announcement of the Christian Church. Jesus uses a play on words of a sort, calling Peter, Petros, a small stone, and the rock upon which He will build His church, petros, which is a massive rock, constructed of innumerable small stones.

Finally, Jesus announces that He will soon give the keys of the kingdom of heaven to His disciples, then and now, and whatever you forbit on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you permit on earth shall be loosed in heaven. This is an amazing relationship of trust and responsibility coming upon Jesus’ disciples.

Please note, that there are many men and women who feign such authority today, only to promote themselves, having an appearance of godliness, but their behavior and character deny its power. God says we are to avoid these people! (see 2 Timothy 3:5).

Fortunately, God is not mocked, and only those who can be trusted will be given such authority. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Foretells His Death

Verse 21. From that time Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day. Verse 22. And yet Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God be merciful to you, Lord! This shall never happen to You!” Verse 23. But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but men’s.”

(Commentary Break): Jesus’ response to Peter, in these verses, reflects His no-nonsense approach to important kingdom matters. Jesus had just informed Peter of His mission and that He must suffer many things, including His death, but that He would be raised back to life. He had also told Peter that it was upon this rock, He would build His Church, and apparently Peter oversteps his authority by dictating to Jesus how things should be done. We should expect the same when and if we come up with our own methods and ideas of ministry in His Name! (End Commentary Break).

Discipleship Is Costly

Verse 24. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. Verse 25. For whoever wants to save his life (or soul) will lose it; but whoever loses his life (or soul) for My sake will find it. Verse 26. For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul? Verse 27. For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

(Commentary Break): If you are a Christian, you are a disciple of Jesus. If you are not His disciple, you are not a Christian. Plain and simple.

Jesus has warned and informed us, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me”.

It is a sad commentary that churches claiming the Name of Jesus, calling themselves Christian, do not adequately warn and inform this way. A ‘soft gospel’ or ‘cheap grace’ is no Gospel at all.

If you want to save your soul, you must take up your cross and follow Him – i.e., do the things He has taught, demonstrated and commanded. What will you give in exchange for your soul? The Son of Man is coming in the glory of His Father, with His angels, and He WILL REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. Put on the righteousness of Christ. Let the sacrifice of Jesus and His Blood cover your sins and clothe you in His righteousness, today! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 28. “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 17, The Transfiguration, The demon-possessed boy, The Temple Tax.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 15, Inner Purity, Faith of a Gentile, Jesus Heals, Jesus Feeds 4,000

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 15

Inner Purity, Faith of a Gentile, Jesus Heals, Jesus Feeds 4,000

The language and style of Jesus’ teaching and remarks in this chapter are striking. He is direct and does not dull His points with apologies nor does He sidestep the issues He faces. One might even ask if His speech is perhaps unnecessarily harsh? The answer is NO. His speech and demeanor are on target. Time is short and there is much work to be accomplished. There is no time for long accommodating oratories or pathetically compromised teachings to convince the rebellious. Jesus is here to call the children of Israel to repentance. His speech is sharp to the hard of hearing and gentle to the willing, whether He is speaking to the Pharisees, His disciples, the Jews or a gentile woman.

Please pay attention and learn. This is our model. The time is short. There is much work yet to be done.

Tradition and Commandment

Matthew 15:1, Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, verse 2, “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” Verse 3. And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves also break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? Verse 4. For God said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,’ and, ‘THE ONE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.’ Verse 5. But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” verse 6, he is not to honor his father or mother.’ And by this you have invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Verse 7. You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you, by saying:

Verse 8, ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,

BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.

Verse 9. ‘AND IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,

TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’”

(Commentary Break): Jesus is being challenged by the Pharisees about their tradition of washing one’s hands before eating bread. This tradition, known as netilat yadayim required that Jews wash their hands and say a blessing before eating any meal that includes bread or matzah. This ritual, although instituted by the religious establishment of priests and not found in the Talmud, it was a serious matter to the Jew and it was to be followed and obeyed or suffer imposed consequences (see myjewishlearning for more detail).

 Jesus call the Pharisees to account on this man-instituted ritual, comparing and contrasting their ritual demands to an actual requirement of the Torah, (the Jewish ‘bible’), one of the ten commandments, that of honoring father and mother. The Jews would find ways to side-step helping a parent in need by claiming all their excess of available finances or goods had had already been given to God. Jesus called these Pharisees, hypocrites, and quoted the commandment that such as these should be put to death. Jesus, thereby, invalidates their ritual and calls out their hypocrisy. Jesus continues to quote from Isaiah 29:13-14, saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the rituals of men.”

 This is not just to explain the context and the meaning of these verses, but to warn present and future generations of Christians against abrogating God’s law with the traditions of people. It leads to death, and a great majority of churches around the world are doing just that: replacing the plain teachings and commandments of God with what pleases men and women. Take note. Time is short. Jesus says we are to repent, today, and follow Him! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 10. After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, “Hear and understand! Verse 11. It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles the person.”

Verse 12. Then the disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?” Verse 13. But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. Verse 14. Leave them alone; they are blind guides of blind people. And if a person who is blind guides another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.”

(Commentary Break): Jesus says, “Hear and understand”. These Words are very important and specific.

The word “Hear” is from the Greek word ‘akoúō, which means to hear God’s voice which prompts Him to birth faith within the listener!

The word, “understand” from the Greek word, ‘syníēmi, means to ‘put the facts together’ to arrive at a final conclusion, complete with life-applications. This ideas is closely connected with discerning and doing the preferred will of God.

 Once again referring to Jewish teachings about rituals concerning dietary purity, Jesus explains that the Pharisees have it wrong again. They are seeing the outer laws but Jesus is and is explaining the indwelling law, the law that is to be written on our hearts. He says, it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles; for from the mouth spring issues of the heart. (see Proverbs 4:23).

Nowadays, it seems, that we don’t worry too much about silly, frivolous or profane speech, if it is all in fun, even in the church. And we establish many rituals, practices, habits or ‘legacies’ of our own and impose the on our Churches.

Jesus warns that those who practice such things are blind guides leading the blind, and they both will fall into a pit! (End Commentary Break).

The Heart of Man

Verse 15. Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” Verse 16. Jesus said, “Are you also still lacking in understanding? Verse 17. Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? Verse 18. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person. Verse 19. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements. Verse 20. These are the things that defile the person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the person.”

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

Verse 21. Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. Verse 22. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.” Verse 23. But He did not answer her with even a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!” Verse 24. But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Verse 25. But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” Verse 26. Yet He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Verse 27. And she said, “Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Verse 28. Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at once.

(Commentary Break): Once again, the language Jesus uses here seems stark and harsh.

A Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus to help here demon possessed daughter, and she apparently knew about Jesus, as she called Him “Lord, Son of David”. But Jesus seems to ignore her. Even the disciples urged Jesus to dispatch her.

Finally, Jesus answers and refers to her a ‘dog’ and says He has come only to the lost sheep of Israel.  But she would not relent nor would she be denied, so she pleads further, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus refers to her as a ‘dog’ again, but it is interesting to know that Greek word Jesus uses for ‘dog’ is more like a ‘puppy’ or a house pet, not a mongrel. Jesus is showing compassion while speaking in the local vernacular.

The woman continues to plead with Jesus and He says to her, “Woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at once! Demanding things or matters of Jesus only leads to silence, but Jesus shows grace, mercy and favor to the meek, the humble, the needy, and to those who believe. So, when you pray, take note of this teaching. Hear and understand. (End Commentary Break).

Healing Crowds

Verse 29. Departing from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee, and after going up on the mountain, He was sitting there. Verse 30. And large crowds came to Him bringing with them those who were limping, had impaired limbs, were blind, or were unable to speak, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. Verse 31. So the crowd was astonished as they saw those who were unable to speak talking, those with impaired limbs restored, those who were limping walking around, and those who were blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

Four Thousand Men Fed

Verse 32. Now Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” Verse 33. The disciples said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?” Verse 34. And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Verse 35. And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; verse 36, and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Verse 37. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. Verse 38. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

(Commentary Break): Verses 29 through 38, although bear great symbolism, are self-explanatory. What I would point out is that “Jesus felt compassion” for those who are following Him, and He did something about it.

Let me make that personal: “Jesus feels compassion for those who follow Him, and for those in need, He does something about it.” (End Commentary Break).

Verse 39. And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.

(Commentary Break): Magadan is locality on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee to which Jesus came after feeding the 4,000. Magadan was identical with, or at least included in, Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. Khirbet Mejdel, three miles N.W. of Tiberias is believed to stand on the site of Magdala today. (End Commentary Break).

Embracing Movement and Change

Jesus’ journey to Magadan underscores the importance of movement and change in the life of a believer. Just as Jesus traveled from place to place to fulfill His mission, modern Christians are called to embrace change and be willing to move wherever God leads them. This might mean physical relocation, changes in vocation, or shifts in ministry focus. The key lesson is to remain flexible and obedient to God’s direction.

The Power of Miracles

The mention of Magadan follows the miracle of feeding the four thousand. This event reminds Christians of the power of Jesus’ miracles and His ability to provide abundantly. Modern believers are encouraged to trust in Jesus’ power to meet their needs, both physical and spiritual. Miracles, both great and small, continue to testify to God’s active presence in the world.

Faithful Witness

The account of Jesus’ travels and the inclusion of places like Magadan serve as a reminder of the importance of being a faithful witness. Just as Jesus reached out to different regions, Christians are called to be witnesses of His love and truth in diverse settings. This involves sharing the gospel, serving others, and living out one’s faith authentically in various contexts.

Connection to a Loving God – God’s Care for All People

Jesus’ movement to regions like Magadan reflects God’s care for all people. Jesus did not limit His ministry to one place or one group of people. Instead, He demonstrated God’s love and compassion by reaching out to different communities. This underscores the inclusive nature of God’s love, reminding believers that God’s care extends to everyone, regardless of their location or background.

God’s Guidance in Transitions

The transitions in Jesus’ ministry, including His journey to Magadan, illustrate God’s guidance in times of change. Just as Jesus was guided by the Father in His earthly ministry, modern Christians can trust in God’s guidance during their own transitions. Whether facing personal, professional, or spiritual changes, believers can rely on God’s wisdom and direction.

Connection to Jesus Christ – Jesus as the Good Shepherd

Jesus’ movement to Magadan and other regions showcases Him as the Good Shepherd who goes after His flock, seeking to save and serve. This reflects His heart for the lost and His dedication to bringing God’s message to all. For modern Christians, this connection emphasizes the need to follow Jesus’ example in seeking out and ministering to those in need.

The Bread of Life

The miracle preceding Jesus’ departure to Magadan, where He fed the four thousand, highlights Jesus as the Bread of Life. This miracle symbolizes Jesus’ ability to satisfy the deepest needs of humanity. Christians are reminded that true fulfillment and sustenance come from Christ alone, who provides both physical and spiritual nourishment.

Conclusion

For modern Christians, this provides valuable lessons about embracing change, witnessing faithfully, and trusting in God’s provision and guidance. Understanding Magadan’s place in biblical history connects believers to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who continues to guide, provide, and care for His people. (the preceding 8 paragraphs are from videobible.com).

There is a lot to be considered in this chapter. I would caution us to remember, first, that Jesus is Lord and that we are His servants. We do not supersede Him, and that it is He who does His works through us.

Secondly, straight talk, delivered in love with the intention of drawing all people to Christ. We should remember to season our speech with the power and fire of the

Gospel of Jesus, but to temper it with the love and compassion shown by Christ our Lord.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT:THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 16, Pharisee and Sadducees Challenge Jesus, Peter’s Confession, Jesus Foretells His Death, Discipleship is Costly.

PREVIOUS:  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 14, John Beheaded, Jesus feeds the Five Thousand, Jesus Walks on The Water.