Mathew

[thefightinglamb]

Mathew 11- yesterday's reading

(3)
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come or do we look for another?

I have written in another study how, we as humans sometimes need to ask people if they are sent by God into our lives are have we trespassed into their lives, or they into ours...but this time, I want to write about how I see ironic I see John, in prison, when Jesus is preaching about freedom. Who wouldn't naturally ask, hey I'm in prison and I was suppose to preach about you freeing this world, what's going on? But also on another level, possibly his life is a parable about the law, we see in verse 13 it talks about the law and the prophets prophesying until John...so maybe him going into prison is kind of symbolic of how those under the law are in prison and not free? I wonder...

(7-8)
As they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in king's houses.

I am reminded of how so many pastors like wearing tuxedos, which I believe is silly. Many spiritually recognized the power that was in John, just as they recognized that which is in Jesus...not by a worldly dress, but by authenticy of their teachings. I really love people that have that deep sort of "gove everything for Christ" attitude.

(10,14)
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send y messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee...And if ye shall receive it, this is Elias, which was to come.

Someone asked about the relation between Elijah (Elias) and John the baptist...well, here you have Jesus affirming that he was the "Elijah to come".

(11)
Verily, I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

I am so puzzled by this verse. I know Jesus was greater than John the Baptist and Jesus was born of the Spirit and not of women...but what puzzles me about this verse is that it seems to be stating that all Christians are greater than John the Baptist? Or maybe, it is talking about his humility? Perhaps this is what it must be, John the Baptist was below everyone, serving them, so that they could se the Messiah and that is how he is the lowest?

(12-13)
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Maybe talking about John the Baptist's persecution? I think this is more likely than the true message but not here suggested message that it is teaching us to take heaven boldly. The second verse I also wonder over. the second verse seems to explain the first verse somehow..."for"...John came to prepare the way?

(15)
He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

I wonder if I understand this passage...hmmm...

(16-19)
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children, sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

I once wrote about how this verse says they are like the children calling and not listening...because the Jews listened to themselves and to what they wanted to hear rather than what Jesus and John were teaching them in truth. But it does seem to be teaching straightforwardly that John preahced a sad message and they refused to straighten out; Jesus preached a joyous message and they refused to rejoice. But instead they sat back and judged based on their own ideas of what was right or wrong.

(21)
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

I still see that God grants certain people graces he does not give everyone. He straightly says that these two cities would have repented given the same grace to see miracles and wonders that Chorazin and Bethsaida saw...yet it was not granted them. So what graces has the Lord given me that he has not given others, and have I used this grace well. It often sorrows me to think of invalids and those with physical/mental/financial defiencies who have not sinned against the Lord in all the ways I have. What sorrow is this that my soul rebels and has rebeled against the hand feeding it so plentifully?

(25-27)
At that time, Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

So, the message is somewhat hidden. I have not often contemplated the fact that scripture itself says it will be hard for the "wise and prudent" to find the truth of God and Jesus. Maybe sometimes, we meet God even as he hardened Pharoah's heart, when we talk to some people who think they are "so wise and prudent" that they know there is not a God. i have actually been texting a friend about this study of Mathew everyday, and he told me the other day that as "a rational and educated adult" it was difficult for him to believe the Bible. He does not believe right now. We always assume it is Satan, when sometimes it might be God catching the prideful in their arrogance....Also it seems to say that those Jews that reject Jesus, do not know God whatsoever. Some people hold that the whole Jewishline of decent is still chosen, but here it seems to suggest that only those that know Jesus can know God.

(28-30)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Love makes yoke's easy and burden's light. O Lord, this world wears me out so much...yet, here I am, and I come to you with my burdens in prayer, and with eager expectaion, that you will once again, ease my burden; grant me your peace, and lead me on--so that forsaking all, I can trust in you, and you alone. Amen

God bless
tony

 

[Lucy68]

11:10-11 Jesus talks about John to his disciples as the one that fulfilled OT scripture: Malachi 3:1 " I will send my messanger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you". John fulfilled the role of preparing Jesus' way.

After complimenting John as "among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist" he says something that might seem rude..."yet he who is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he".

QSB: "Jesus affirmed both the greatness of John the Baptist and the greater privileges kingdom citizens enjoy. Great as he was, John served only as a forerunner who announced that the kingdom was near. Under Christ's new covenant, we enjoy the fullest benefits of kingdom life (Col 1:13-13 'For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins')."

11:12 Jesus says "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefullly advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it".

QSB: "Probably Jesus meant that it takes courageous dedication to be part of his advancing kingdom. The poor in spirit will possess the kingdom, but Christ-like meekness includes bold, aggressive obedience (Luke 6:46, 9:57-62)."

11:18-19 Jesus says his and John's critics complained about John being anti-social and Jesus being too social.

QSB "Why were Jesus and John so different? They were not really as different as their detractors made them appear. John's simple life-style fit his message of repentence and self-denial, while Jesus' attendance at public dinners expressed his gracious willingness to mingle with those who needed him [a good example for us]. John and Jesus were neither demon-possessed nor over-indulgent, as their opponents charged; they simply refused to play along with their critics childish games."

It is human nature that when someone can't win an argument, they resort to character-assasination.

These 'differences' in John and Jesus also says, to me, that we need to be careful not to criticise someone else's witnessing style....it's these differences among Christians that speak to different walks-of-life.

11:20-24 Jesus warns unrepentent cities of their future doom because they did not respond to the sermons and miracles performed there.

Again He says those people who have heard the message are more accountable than those who haven't ...."greater knowledge implies greater accountability". Someone who knowingly disobeys will receive a greater punishment than someone who disobeys out of ignorance.

11:25-26 Jesus praises the Father for hiding these things [divine revelation] from the wise and learned [religious leaders of that time] and revealing them to little children [the disciples].

The 'wise and learned' were spiritually proud and arrogant, using their heritage of Mosiac tradition as an authoritative tool to control the people. They were UNTEACHABLE...that's why Jesus chose simple fishermen; they were humble (most of the time anyway )and they were TEACHABLE.

11:28-30 This is such a wonderful message of love and hope from Jesus Christ...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Reality is that we have to choose beween the yoke of Christ and the yoke of 'the world'. His yoke is much easier and more pleasant to carry. We may think that partying and porn and drugs/alcohol is a fun lifestyle but the fact is that these things make us into very unhappy slaves. Only the yoke of Christ gives our fallen souls the rest that they crave in this fallen world.

QSB "Why use a s ymbol of work and slavery to picture 'rest'? Farmers used yokes to bind their oxen together, so yokes came to represent labor, service and submission to authority. Yokes are oppressive when the ones in charge are harsh and cruel, but the Lord's commands are not burdensome ( 1 John 5:3) [because they are for our protection]. Christs' servants can find rest and refreshment in fellowship with him even when the work is difficult and stressful".

 

[thefightinglamb]

I will not have a computer tomorrow, I don't believe so will probably have to catch up Monday/Tuesday on posting; I will read on the scheduled dates the right chapter.

Mathew 12
(3-4)
But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

Here is yet proof again that the law is over. Jesus uses as evidence of how his disciples are blameless, that even scripture says that david did break the law somehow blamelessly.

(7)
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Hmmm...If we are focused on sacrificing rather than mercy and forgiveness, we oft do go astray.

(18-21)
Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
I have to ponder this more...

(25)
And Jesus knew their thoughts and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.
Is our house divided?

(28)
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of god, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

(30)
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

(31)
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

(33)
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by the fruit

(35-37)
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of jdgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
I have to learn to control what I say more...

(49-50)
And he stretched forth his hand toward hsi disciples and said, Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
We are to me closer than physical brothers, and even deny our physical family for the sake of the true heavenly faily that will be with us forever.

God bless
tony

 

[MrHonest]

Matthew 13:11 makes me think of 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God. (its on the cover of my Bible)

 

[thefightinglamb]

I was mistaken...i usually do not have assess to a computer on Sunday...

Matthew 13

(11-13)
He answered and said unto them, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

The reason Jesus poke in parables seems to be that he knew there would be many people who would not understand or take in his message, so that he clothed his stories in mystery so that he could preach to everyone and yet have his chosen understand. And then we have Jesus directly tellling us why they do not understand: Satan snatches the word, they have no root, the cares of this life choke the word-Then there are those who hear the Word of God in truth; understanding it, beareth fruit--multiplying.

(29-30, 41-43)
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn...The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the rightoues shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

I get from this that our lives are to have a fairly strong bond with unbelievers. It seems the reason God does not just zap all the unbelievers dead is because God knows that this might affect the faith of those who are near by them..and unroot them even as they are growing.

(35)
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

The wonder of this: Jesus revealing that which has been kept hidden throughout the ages...

(32-33, 47-48)
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened...and the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.


In the Revocery Version of the Bible, it takes these parables as being dark...which seems possible. We see the birds of the air in the parable of the seeds snatching the word of God from people, and now we see them lodging in the tree that faith grows...and also leaven usually is not a good thing, so that this parable could be saying how those of faith must be careful lest hypocrisy, and various other deceptions, sneak into the faith?

(44-46)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Hmmm...Those who see and find the kingdom, count not the cost of following Jesus, but gladly "give it all away" for the sake of chasing after the kingdom.

(52)
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

I wonder over the meaning of this. It seems that every person who who has been taught of the kingdom of heaven, can bring forth both new and old things that give evidence of the kingdom.

(57-58)
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

I remember back in high school, having the thought, "I will have to change completely if I am to follow Christ...and will these people believe that I am different?" The point being that sometimes the people that are closest to you, cause you to become "comfortable" with who you and they are; then thye resist change and doubt how God has changed you or what God can do to you...because they know your parents, or friends, or how you have been...

(59)
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
God's working depends on our belief.

God bless
tony

 

[Lucy68]

I'm sorry...I'm a little behind. We're having a minor family emergency

Matthew chapter 12

12:1-8 Jesus and his disciples picked some heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath and the Pharisees [the most influential Jewish religious-political party during NT times; they didn't want anything or anyone to threaten their wealth and control over the people] took the opportunity to say that the disciples were breaking Sabbath laws.

One of the Ten Commandments is to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy", which is one of the most important commands in the OT. God observed the first Sabbath by resting on the seventh day of creation. It was designated as a Holy Day....consecrated to God and set apart from ordinary days.

By the time of Jesus' day, the religious authorities had added many detailed rules that made life very hard for the common people.

QSB " These Jewish traditions, added by man, defined work with stifling legalism. The Pharisees considered it wrong even to pluck a bit of grain and rub it in one's hand before eating."

Jesus' reply to this accusation of desecrating a holy day was 12:6-8: "I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' [Hosea 6:6], you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

The Israelites, or Jews, had their priorities all messed up. The purpose of the Sabbath (and still is) is to spend the day in rest by communing with our Creator. In Him, we find our rest . Whether that day is Sat. or Sunday is not important. I would say any day of the week is fine though it is very uplifting to fellowship with other Christians and worship God at the same time.

Paul says in Romans 14:5 "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."

In God's statement in Hosea 6:6 "I desire mercy, not sacrifice", He was stating that He desired a heart change in His people...that was the original purpose of performing sacrifices and obeying the original OT law. But the Jewish leaders took the original OT law and turned it into something else. Jesus did not spare these false teachers' tender egos; He described them very well when He called them 'white-washed tombs' [looked nice on the outside but their insides were corrupt]....their hearts were dead.

May we Christians never forget that love is more important than legalism. Though God's Law is a very real law...it is love that draws people to Him. Once drawn, God speaks to a person's heart.

QSB "Did Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, change the rules? No, but he insisted that some values were being ignored. The Pharisees were so particular about nonessentials that they failed to see the deeper truths: Minimal food preparation on the Sabbath did not offend God. Doing good on the Sabbath did not violate the spirit of the law. Ultimately, Jesus offered himself as the central overriding principle. The Lord of the Sabbath was qualified to say what honored God and what did not"......."Jesus refused to obey man-made laws that violated what God intended for the Sabbath."

 

[Lucy68]

Matthew 12:9-14 Jesus heals a man's shriveled hand on the SAbbath which made the Pharisse somad that they wanted to kill him. Jesus said "....it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath". You would think that this is obvious and that everyone would have compassion for this man and celebrate with him over his healing. Sadly, as this time in the NT illustrates a culture CAN become very hard-hearted and cruel, even a 'religious' one [just look at radical Islam], and become so misguided that they think this is what God desires, to the point of even committing murder. 'Sanctity of life' is a learned concept from studying God's Word- love of 'life' is definitely not an inborn instinct.

12:15-21: Because of the Pharisees threat to his life, Jesus leaves the area. Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1-4 that prophecied that the Messiah would 'not quarrel or cry out;no one will hear his voice in the streets'. Though sometimes Jesus did preach in the streets, he knew when it was time to leave; at least until he had finished his ministry of teaching.

12:20-21 "A bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory."

I think a bruised reed represents hurting people and this verse means that he would not add more hurt....the Jewish teachers were adding more burdens on the people instead of helping them. And he would not put out a smoldering wick....he would not extinquish hope or life in oppressed people.

"...till he leads justice to victory"...according to Gills Exposition this mean "till he sends forth the gospel into their hearts, accompanied with his mighty power, in the light and comfort of it; which informs their judgments, enlightens their understandings, bows their wills, raises their affections, sanctifies their souls, and works effectively in them."

There is an obvious difference between Jesus' and the Pharisees' attitudes.

 

[thefightinglamb]

Matthew 14

(2)
And [Herod] said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

A bit paranoid? Like unto when anyone does something drastically wrong, instead of hearing good news, the only thing he can think of is how he sinned; and therefore he is haunted.

(4)
For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Artlessly declaring the word of Truth, even to kings...

(6-8)
But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, "Give me here John Baptist's head on a platter.

Note the ruthlessness, and how the child was infected with the evil desire of the mother.

(16,19-20)
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart, give ye them to eat...and he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

For some reason I like how the first verse, reassures the crowd that they need not leave to be fed...blessed and brake...and they were all filled, with 12 baskets left over.

(23)
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the even was come, he was there alone.

The deepness and sincerity of Jesus retreating for some heart to heart with his Father. Showing us how we to are to retreat unto our God.

(26-27)
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto themsaying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

I have used this first verse to sugggest that possibly the disciples believed in spirits/ghosts...I love how tenderhearted Jesus is to those in the boat: Be of Good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

(28-30)
And Peter answered him and said, Lord if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to come to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying "Lord, save me."

I love that last prayer; when the waves of this world are crashing round about, you need but remember the Lord and call unto him in truth to "save you."

(31-32)
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Hmmm...a Savior always ready to rescue his children, even when they doubt.

(33)
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

To be there marveling at the Creator painting the image of his Son with power and authority over the chaos of storms and seas.

(36)
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

I like the emphasis in stating that they were not only made well, but "perfectly whole."

God bless
tony

 

[Lucy68]

Matthew chp. 15

James Chp 3 "Taming the tongue" also talks about 'what comes out of the mouth'....as does Matthew 15:1-20. Our words are either building up or tearing down. As my mother also told me 'if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all' .

This chapter includes the story of Canannite woman asking Jesus for a miracle (15:21-28). It used to really bother me because it seems that Jesus is being arrogant and mean. She asks for healing for her daughter but Jesus said he was sent only to Israel and that "it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs".

It's very insulting to be called a dog. I think he was testing her...how would she react? You'd think that she'd get really mad but she not only accepts it but expands on it! ..."Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table". She must have had incredible humility along with incredible faith.

This makes me realize how big my ego is when I see myself reacting with hostility to an insult. Jesus was highly insulted on the Cross yet forgave his executioners. So I should be able to forgive a verbal insult. This is a good example of how much we can gain when we empty ourselves of our 'selves'.

I also appreciate the woman's persistence. She wasn't going to give up on trying to obtain a blessing. I know we have to be careful with our attitude as we approach the Throne but I think God honors a strong faith mixed with gentle persistence and love

 

[MrHonest]

I'm really excited when I read my daily chapter

Matthew 15:13 ...Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Its tough how a lot of people follow their church's traditions or completely wrong beliefs... Its hard for us to uproot some of these plants in our brothers & sisters! Without uprooting they are confused.

 

[thefightinglamb]

Mathew 15
(2-3)
Why do the disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat? But [Jesus] answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

We have to be careful about what are traditions and what is God's will. I used to think people brought up in the church had a strong advantage over those who aren't...but now, I think the commandment about denying thyself to follow God is equally true for all people. We all have traditions that we have done since we are young, but we have to be careful lest a manmade tradition interfere with God's will for our llife.

(4)
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

I think often times my generation has forgotten what it means to honour...much less to honour our parents.

(6)
And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Hmmm...I honestly had to take a clear look at some of the traditions around the holydays when I looked at verses similiar to this one. How often do we do things that have gone astray from worshiping God in Spirit and in truth?

(8-9)
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

We must be careful that we do not become more accustomed to doing things a certain way and leave God out of the equation.

(11)
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Hmmm...

(13-14)
But he answered and said, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

How often do we find people who want to lead that have no idea of where they are going? People wanting to teach, who have no idea of what it means to follow God...

(18-20)
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things that defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
There are so many people who are careful in this life about things that don't really matter. They are careful to wash their physical bodies, but give no thought to washing their soiled souls. They are careful to make sure their physical house is swept and in good order, but meanwhile their soul is a disillusioned mess.

(24)
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

I find thise verse really interesting. So many times we preach that Jesus came to help everyone with their problems with sin and evil, but here it seems to state that Jesus came for Israel alone. Gentiles seem to not enter the picture until the Israelites as a nation crucify their King and Lord.

(31)
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

How wonderous and amazing must this have been? To see the Divine doctor healing those who were hurting. Not for money as we see in today's world, but truly because he wanted to help them be free.

God bless
tony

 

[Lucy68]

Matthew Chp. 16

Matt 16:1 Teachers of the Law ask for a sign in the sky from Jesus (after He had already performed miracles!) but Jesus called them wicked and adulterous...wicked in that they lacked love and compassion; and addulterous because they had betrayed their first love - God.
Jesus explains the sign of Jonah in Matt 12:39-40: as Jonah was in the belly of ta fish for 3days and 3 nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth [a tomb] for 3 days and 3 nights.
This wasn't a full 3 days...more like part of the first day (Friday), all of the second day (Sat.) and part of the third day (Sunday). This was a common way that the Jewish people reckoned time.

Jesus was saying that His resurrection was going to be an incredible sign [He overcame death] and that they should really pay attention to it.

It is sad but even miracles will not convince some people to believe...they are determined to bend their knee to no one...even their Creator. There is plenty of evidence of God and Christ and the Holy Spirit but some will most stubbornly remain blind and deaf.

Jesus talks about the yeast of the Pharisees:

gracethrufaith.com: "...in the OT yeast can be seen as a symbol for sin (Ex 34:25). Specifically it came to signify the sin of pride because of their similar properties. Yeast actually begins a corruption process when mixed with flour and water, causing the dough to swell as it ferments. Pride does the same to us, hence the adage 'swelling with pride'. By removing all the yeast from their households before Passover, Jewish families symbolically rid themselves of sin in preparation for celebrating their deliverance from Egypt (Ex 12:15). The Lord Jesus, our Passover Lamb, took away our sin in preparation for our deliverance from earth."

Usually, yeast is used as a symbol for sin or evil except in Matt 13:33 where Jesus says "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough". Here it is a symbol of spiritual growth. The kingdom of heaven gradually spreads throughout a person's life and begins to affect everything he or she does. (www.godonthe.net)


Why did Jesus direct His famous statement directly to Peter ?

Notes about Peter- from the Holman Bible Dictionary:

-Peter is credited as the leader of the 12 disciples. His name always occurs first in the lists of the disciples.

-He frequently served as the spokesman for the disciples and was usually the one who raised the questions which they all seemed to be asking.

-Jesus often singled out Peter for teachings intended for the entire group of disciples (see Mark 8:29-33)

Where Jesus says to Peter '...you are Peter [meaning 'rock'] and on this rock I will build my church...' most likely Jesus is referring to confession of faith as the rock or foundation of the church.

Ephesians 2:19-20 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone".

Jesus is the foundation of the Church. Catholicism teaches that Peter was the foundation and was the first pope...or something similar.

Jesus' statement to Peter in Matt 16:17-19 has produced centuries of debate among Christians. 'The keys to the kingdom of heaven' attract many people who, like Simon the Sorcerer, seek power and control more so than a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

I see the 'keys' as simply access to the Kingdom given to those who repent, believe, and kneel in faith to Jesus Christ. The prayers of a righteous man are very powerful because of the access this man is given. He can bind and lose things on earth. God can trust this man (or her) do have HIS will and HIS desires as the basis for spiritual and physical action or inaction.

The Catholic Church teaches that the keys represent Papal authority and that Papal authority represents Christ perfectly...of course, the Protestants disagree very strongly with this since all men are fallible.

v. 20 Why would Jesus warn his disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ...wasn't this a purpose of His ministry? He still had teaching to do and He knew that eventually violence was going to erupt because of this truth. He wanted to put it off a little longer.


Matt 16:21-23 Poor Peter

. When you love someone, you want to protect them...a normal human reaction. Yet, there was something more important at stake - the salvation of mankind - so Jesus did not mince words or nicely cushion them.

Peter was a very intense person and I think he sometimes required harshness to make things register. I love the way God lets us have our unique personalities without condemnation for our human failings...and knows what we need to hear and how to make us hear it.

Matt 16:24-28 When we deny the world and proclaim Christ, there will most assuredly be crosses to bear. Jesus says it's worth it because we save our soul - well, HE saves it but we have to give it to Him first .

v. 28 has caused a lot of interesting discussion about prophecy and Christ's second coming. I think that the "Son of Man coming into his kindgom" happened with Jesus' resurrection - He now sits at the right hand of God, ready and willing to intercede for us anytime we ask. I think that's what He meant by 'this generation'....they would be living at the time of His resurrection.

 

[MrHonest]

Matt 16 done. As much as I want to share what I think I like to study & learn because I know this won't be the last time I read Matthew or this chapter or this verse. I know I'll be directed to whatever verse I will need for whatever cross I bear.

Matthew 22 & 23 always confused me when I was younger

 

[MrHonest]

Matthew 17 done I hope you come by and explain some more Lucy and thefightinglamb but I'll look up on my own for now

 

[MrHonest]

(I'm using e-sword)Matthew 17:2 -- Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In Exodus 34:29 Moses was glowing too!

I cant study so long because my mind isn't so strong and my thoughts wander away. Reading chapter by chapter is awesome for me who could barely read and be lost all the time. This makes everything easier to understand and to learn. Anyway the rereading of Genesis and Exodus for me a few times was a good studying

 

[Lucy68]

Hey Mr. Honest...you're ahead of us

I hope you'll eventually feel comfortable about posting your own thoughts about what we're reading....different perspectives are very helpful in understanding God's Word

MATTHEW CHP. 17

My study bible says that the transfiguration was
"1. a revelation of the glory of the Son fo God, a glory hidden now but to be fully revealed when He returns

2. a confirmation of the difficult teaching given to the disciples (16:13-20) [Jesus speaking to Peter about His church being bult on the rock of faith]

3. a beneficial experience for the disciples, who wre discouraged after having been reminded so recently of Jesus' impending suffering and death (16:21)

Peter, James, and John had an especially close relationship with Jesus (Matt 26:37; MK 5:37). "

James was not the James that wrote the book of James. The writer of that book was Jesus' half-brother. This James is John's brother and was martyred in 44 D (Acts 12:2). He was the first disciple to be martyred. His execution was ordered by King Herod Agrippa I of Judea - part of a larger persecution in which Peter was arrested.

NIV Study Bible:
" Jesus was transfigured...He appeared in his glorified state (Jn 17:5; 2 Pe 1:17).

Moses appears as the representative of the old covenant and the promise of salvation which was soon to be fulfilled in the death of Jesus. Elijah appears as the appointed restorer of all things (Mal 4:5-6; Mk 9:11-13)."

Luke 9:31 says that the three talked about Christ's death. It's comforting to know that even Jesus needed a pep talk

Matt 20-21

If we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains. So does this mean that the disciples couldn't heal the demonized boy because their faith was even smaller than a mustard seed? How are we today to have more faith than the disciples?? Surely their faith was much greater than ours? Not necessarily...there were people who witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard His teachings and still rejected Him. We have more revelation [because of recorded history] than they had, even though they were eye-witnesses. I think they were probably hindered by FEAR...just as we are today. Fear is the manifestation of lack of faith.

So why would anyone want to cast a mountain into the sea? I think this is just a figure of speech in which Jesus was emphasizing the authority God gives to a 'righteous' person. This was a power that would not work apart from God's Will. All mountain-moving needs prior approval

The temple tax:
"The annual temple tax was required of every male 20 years of age and older (Ex 30:13; 2 Ch 24:9, Ne 10:32). It was worth about two days wages and was used for the upkeep of the temple."

I like the drama associated with the finding of the money to pay the temple tax...why not just pull the coins supernaturally out of the air? Maybe this was also a test for Peter...would he do as he was told? And another proof that Jesus possessed special power.

"Then the sons are exempt"...."the implication is that Peter and the rest of the disciples belonged to God's royal household, but unbelieving Jews did not (see Matt 21:43)."

So, it looks like Jesus would sometimes conform to cultural expectations that He didn't agree with. This is similar to Paul advising Timothy to be circumcized even though Paul thought that circumcision was no longer required since the true lamb had been sacrificed once and for all ...the new covenant was in place.

I think this can apply to us to. We should not be pushy and dogmatic about non-salvation issues.

 

[Lucy68]

Matthew Chp. 18

18:3 "...unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
I doubt Jesus was talking about 'childishness' but was referring to some other qualities that children exhibit. He mentioned one in verse 4 - humility.

I think one of the main traits he's talking about is the inability to 'lie well'. Observing children trying to lie or deceive is very entertaining (just don't let them see you laugh ). They're delightfully terrible at it. 'Acting' is a learned behavior. Children can be brutally direct so you always know what they're thinking.

One thing I learned when my children were young was that if they were nowhere in sight and too quiet, they were up to something. And when my son kept starring at me, I knew he felt quilty about something. Those toddlers years were so much fun! (And so easy compared to the teenage years).

Children are also incredibly trusting. That's why parents have to teach them about being careful around strangers, etc. Also, children are not self-sufficient...as we are not to be independent of God.

18:7-9 : Jesus didn't mean for us to literally harm our bodies but was making the point that eternal consequences of sin are far greater than physical ones.

18:10-11 : I do believe in guardian angels. My daughter has been exhausting her regiment of guardian angels for years . When she was two years old, she told me that she woke up the previous night very scared but an angel told her 'not to be afraid'...she said it very casually and matter-of-factly. She did not know at that time that when angels appeared in the bible that that was one of the first things they said.

NIV Study Bible: "Guardian angels are not exlusively for chlddren but for God's people in general (Ps 34:7; 91:11; Heb 1:14)."

18:12-14 : This lost sheep is the un-saved sinner and the 99 left on the hill are saved sinners. Notice that the 99 are not in a pen but open to physical attack. Though Christians cannot be harmed spiritually, we can be harmed physically....obviously. We do have access for protection through prayer. Still, we do suffer from physical harm. All of the disciples, except John, were martyred.

"...your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost". To me, this does not say that everyone is going to be saved but that God DESIRES that everyone be saved. Free will allows everyone to choose for themselves. This probably goes against the predestination theories.

18:15-17: I wish we church people would get this command right. Every church I've attended has a gossip problem. If we have a problem with anyone (saved or unsaved) the right thing to do is to speak to them directly; not to others behind their back.
v. 17 establishes the basis for excommunication. Paul talks about this too....it's for the Christian who refuses to repent of a sin. It's purpose is to point out the dangers of sin and eventually motivate the person to stop the sin.

18:18 : "...whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven"
QSB: "Can we set people free from their sins? In the highest sense, God alone can forgive sins, for he is the absolute standard of justice and the perfect giver of grace. Yet the church plays an important role in extending God's love to sinners-through administering corrective discipline, extending sincere friendship, and announcing God's forgiveness."

18:19-20 QSB:"Do increased numbers make prayer more powerful? Whether we pray with others or alone, God promises to hear and answer requests made in line with his will (1 Jn 5:14-15). According to Jesus, though, there is a special sense of his presence and power during times of united prayer. This is especially reassuring when we must deal with problems of discipline and forgiveness, as the context suggests. However, God does not quarantee he will grant requests offered selfishly or foolishly."

18: 21-35 Parable of the unmerciful servant

This is a very strong parable about forgiveness. Since we are forgiven for a very large sin...rebellion against God... He expects us to forgive sins against us.

 

[MrHonest]

Matthew 18

Growing up was hard & facing the world is hard.. I had to change for the world & became callous & untrusting. I didn't know that wasn't what The Lord needs. I thought as adults we become whole... Only with The Lord in our hearts do we become whole. The world will seek the childish heart & attack it for its trust instead of learning from their beginning & how the world changed them.

Even after receiving mercy people won't realise the opportunity they abuse.

 

[Lucy68]

Matthew 18

Growing up was hard & facing the world is hard.. I had to change for the world & became callous & untrusting. I didn't know that wasn't what The Lord needs. I thought as adults we become whole... Only with The Lord in our hearts do we become whole. The world will seek the childish heart & attack it for its trust instead of learning from their beginning & how the world changed them.

Even after receiving mercy people won't realise the opportunity they abuse.

That is so true!!

Yes...the people we grow up around definitely influence our thinking. I come from a family that doesn't take anything seriously...everything's a joke. I became 'changed' in my early twenties. So glad!!

 

[MrHonest]

Are we supposed to be in Bible discussion thread ?