The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)

[GWH]

TOJ #66: John is the last OT prophet. [MT 11:4-15] This literal truth is amplified by a metaphorical truth: John is Elijah, the harbinger of the Messiah (ML 3:1 & 4:5). {MT 17:11-13//MK 9:12-13, LK 7:18-28, 16:16}

TOJ #67: Many souls are not truth-seekers. [MT 11:15-19//LK 7:31-35] They are deaf toward the truth, so they do not dance with joy at hearing the gospel; and they are hypercritical of GW, although they may be educated (1CR 1:18-25), so they will not learn no matter what teaching method is used. {MT 13:14-15, JN 8:43, 10:25a&26} This is similar to TOJ #46. Some statements {MT 11:25-26, MK 4:12//LK 10:21} sound as though Jesus or God wanted to prevent people from understanding the gospel, but since God is not tricky (TOJ #29, #30, #44, #53, etc.), we must infer that Jesus was employing irony.

TOJ #68: Woe to unbelievers! [MT 11:21-24//LK 10:13-15] This is the other side of TOJ #9. It is not a wish, but a tragic fact. Woe refers to hell, the just/logical consequence of rejecting God’s heaven. Unbelievers will lose all blessings and true knowledge. {MT 13:12, 18:6-9, 25:29, LK 6:24-26, 7:31-35, 17:1, JN 3:18}

TOJ #69: GRFS is simple enough for a child to satisfy. [MT 11:25-26//LK 10:21] Thus, Jesus commanded parents/adults to let little children hear the gospel and accept Him {MT 19:14//MK 10:14//LK 18:16}. Perhaps He had in mind Psalm 8:2. {MT 20:16} He does not give an exact age, but moral/spiritual understanding and consequent accountability seems to develop around the age of ten or just prior to puberty.

The Bible does not reveal the destiny of pre-moral or unaccountable children, but certainly they would not be damned. So, if a child accepts God/Christ as soon as he/she understands GRFS and remains Faithful until death, then there is no time when he/she is not saved. (See TOJ #99.) This is God’s “plan A”, although it might not make a very entertaining testimony!

 

[GWH]

TOJ #70: Genuine theists will become Christians. [MT 11:27//LK 10:22] Whoever truly loves/worships God will accept Jesus as God’s Son/Messiah. {JN 5:42-43, 6:45, 17:3} He/she will perceive that Jesus spoke the truth. {JN 7:16-17, 8:39,42&47} They are His sheep {JN 10:27, 14:1b}. This TOJ should be understood in conjunction with the fact that God desires to save or be known by all souls (v.28, JN 3:16, RM 5:8, PHP 2:10-11, 1TM 2:3-4). The reverse side of this truth is that whoever does not acknowledge Moses and other prophets will not accept Jesus as more than a prophet. (See TOJ #177, #179 & #202.) {LK 18:17, JN 8:42}

TOJ #71: Satisfying GRFS is as easy as an act of will. [MT 11:30] The act of will/Faith is like opening one’s hand to receive a gift. It is a condition for salvation, but it is not meritorious. How God is able to equip souls with volition is a mystery, and why anyone would reject truth, love and eternal joy by choosing to doubt in the absence of disproof is also unfathomable. (See TOJ #69 & #136.)

TOJ #72: It is lawful to do good work on the Sabbath. [MT 12:9-13] Jesus demonstrated this truth by healing a man with a shriveled hand {MK 3:4-5//LK 6:9-10} and a crippled woman {LK 13:10-17}. It is lawful to do good work every day, but employers should let workers have at least one day of rest per week (MK 2:27).

Many people then and now have trouble distinguishing between man-made mores and divine virtues. Even many of the God-inspired rules taught by Moses were meant to be temporary. Eternal moral laws are affirmed in the NT (GL 5:22-23). Paul (in CL 2:16-23 & RM 14:1-6&20-23) and the author of Hebrews (HB 10:1-16) tried to explain that certain Mosaic doctrines had the purpose of preserving Jewish culture until Messiah was born (RM 9:5), at which time they were superseded by a new covenant based on the eternal law of love (TOJ #55). {JN 7:21-24}

 

[GWH]

TOJ #73: The worst sinner may become the best witness. [LK 7:37-47] The most hateful persecutor can become the most loving disciple. The apostle Paul felt himself to fit in this category (1CR 15:9-10). (This and the following teaching from Luke would seem to fit about here in Matthew’s record, because they precede the Parable of the Sower.) This principle may be the basis for language about degrees of reward in heaven. The difference is not so much how God treats saints as it is their varying capacity to appreciate His blessings. (See TOJ #18.)

TOJ #74: Souls are saved by faith in God. [LK 7:48-50] Implicit in this teaching is that saving Faith is in God and His Messiah. Although Jesus spoke of Faith (vs. Sin) and working faith (vs. sins, see TOJ #51), He did not specify which type He meant {in MK 10:52//LK 18:42, LK 8:48, 17:19, JN 5:14}. Paul clarified the relation between them in passages such as Romans 3:21-4:16 and Ephesians 2:8-10. {JN 3:16, 6:29}

TOJ #75: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. [MT 12:25-32//MK 3:29//LK 12:10, LK 11:17-22] Jesus attempted (in v.25-29) to show the Pharisees how their logic was perverted. The meaning of “blasphemy” is speaking against, and speaking comes from the heart (see the next TOJ).

Speaking against the Spirit of love is a symptom of hatred for God/Good. Repentance and forgiveness is possible before death (TOJ #57) except for Believers who intentionally commit apostasy (HB 6:4-6) or repudiate their Faith, after which there is no reason for reconversion (HB 10:26-29), so God’s Spirit is no longer able to convict them of Sin (PS 53:11). They are callous (MT13:14-15) and thus “the final condition of that man is worse than the first.” {MT 12:45} (See TOJ #79.)

 

[GWH]

TOJ #76: What you say and do manifests who you are. [MT 12:33-37//LK 6:43-45] Jesus described vulgar language and immoral behavior as making a person unclean {MT 15:10&17-20//MK 7:14-23}. Paul also spoke against obscene language (EPH 5:4). We should say what we mean and mean what we say. Shooting off one’s mouth is as irresponsible and potentially harmful as firing a loose cannon. James compared evil words to fire and poison (JM 3:5-12). Words are deeds. Sin may precede sins (PR 16:2).

TOJ #77: Do not expect God to prove Himself by means of miracles. [MT 12:39//MK 8:12//LK 11:29-32] Jesus characterized sign-seekers as wicked and adulterous {MT 16:2-4}. The reason is because prideful people want proof. However, proof would be tantamount to being forced to follow God’s will from fear of damnation, which would not be free and genuine cooperation. Of course, only those who saw the miracle would be persuaded, and then only until the memory faded, so Jesus would have to work miracles for everyone now and then from then on if that way (rather than teaching the gospel/GW) were to be His “SOP” or normative method of conversion. (See TOJ #4.)

Thus, God’s typical mode of operation is not performing miracles {MT 24:24}. (TOJ #78) This is the point of Abraham’s discussion with Lazarus {LK 16:29-31}. God wants souls to live by Faith (2CR 5:7) and to freely reflect His love (1JN 4:10-11), although He did perform deniable miracles in order to enable Moses to free the Israelites from Egypt (EX 7:3-5) and in order to establish the New Covenant (JN 2:11, 10:38, 11:4, 14:11, 20:30-31). These miracles include prophesying {JN 13:19, 14:29, 16:4}.

We need to ponder this doctrine, because we products of modern science demand demonstrable evidence that something is true (cf. JN 4:48), and we may wish God would zap evildoers and disprove false preachers. [We can hope to learn the answers to such questions when we arrive in Heaven; cf. TOJ #92 :]

 

[GWH]

TOJ #78: God normatively communicates via human teachers. [MT 12:41-42] (See TOJ #3 & #77.) The apostle Paul taught this truth (in 1CR 1:22-23) and indicated that some form of preaching/teaching of GW is available worldwide (via general revelation, RM 10:14-18). As Peter wrote (2PT 1:5-15), I find myself in need of continual reminding of this truth and others that will add goodness to my faith. {LK 11:31-32, JN 20:29}

TOJ #79: Remain filled with the Holy Spirit. [MT 12:43-45//LK 11:24-26] Paul clarifies (in EPH 5:18) what Jesus implies. A new Believer grows spiritually by LGW and remaining Spirit-filled more and more of the time until his/her life is characterized by love as a mature Believer. (See EPH 4:11-15) Jesus taught this truth again by saying (in JN 8:11), “Leave your life of sin.” A Believer who becomes complacent about evil is in danger of committing apostasy. (See TOJ #60 & #75.)

TOJ #80: Christians are spiritual siblings. [MT 12:48-50//MK 34-35//LK 8:21] Christian spouses are siblings, and Christian parents are siblings of their believing children. Thus, teachings regarding relationships with fellow Believers are applicable to family. The brotherhood of mankind is an ideal that can only be made real by souls becoming children of God. {LK 11:28}

TOJ #81: Be teachable/humble. [MT 13:3-23//MK 4:3-9&13-20//LK 8:5-8&11-15] In Matthew 11:29 the word “yoke” represents humility, while teachability is literally denoted by Jesus’ command to learn (cf. PR 11:2). The Parable of the Sower is a figurative story that conveys a literal truth related to several other TOJ: on LGW (TOJ #3), on perseverance (#60), on worry (#40), and on humility (#10). Three attitudes opposed to teachability include: a hard heart or closed mind (v.11-15), a shallow or insincere desire to learn, and worries or materialism. {MT 18:4//MK 9:37}

 

[GWH]

TOJ #82: Disciples of Jesus are wise. [MT 13:11-17//MK 4:11-12&24-25//LK 8:10, 10:23-24] They are truly wise in the virtuous sense found in the Proverbs (PR 1:1-7, etc.), which is described by Paul as the mind of Christ (1CR 2:6-16). Unbelievers are foolish or deluded by lies disguised as wisdom (MT 11:25, RM 1:22, 1CR 1:17-25, 2CR 4:4, 11:14; cf. TOJ #59 & #89). {MT 25:29-30}

TOJ #83: There will be a final judgment. [MT 13:24-30, 37-43 & 47-50] At the moment “believing is seeing”, uncoerced conversion is not possible and fearful “faith” (MK 5:36, LK 2:10, 1JN 4:18) would negate the purpose of this mortal life. Without the Day of the Lord (1THS 5:2, RV 16:14) faith in Christ would be futile and life would be a farce. {MT 16:27-28, 22:13} (See TOJ #195.)

TOJ #84: The kingdom of heaven will be universal. [MT 13:31-33//MK 4:30-32//LK 13:18-21] The promise made to Abraham (GN 22:17-18, RM 4:16-18) is relevant in this regard. This teaching is similar to #49, but it emphasizes the extent rather than the content of faith. Jesus will become the head of one flock or body of Believers {JN 10:16}. (See TOJ #191.) Paul referred to this universal mission (EPH 1:9-10) and catholic church (CL 1:18-20).

TOJ #85: Heaven is worth everything. [MT 13:44-45//MK 10:29-30//LK 18:29-30] It is well worth the wait and the cost of every earthly pain or sacrifice or persecution for admitting Faith in Christ (PHP3:7-8). {MT 10:32-33, 16:25-27, 19:28-29, MK 8:36, LK 9:25-26} (See TOJ #38.)

 

[GWH]

TOJ #86: A prophet’s message tends to be demeaned by his/her family and friends. [MT 13:57//MK 6:4//LK 4:24] Stating this in terms of a well-known saying: Do not let familiarity with a truth-teacher breed contempt for his/her true teaching.

TOJ #87: Legalists cite tradition as an excuse for subverting morality. [MT 15:3-9//MK 7:6-13] Jesus cited the fact that traditionalists would water or rescue an animal on the Sabbath while prohibiting healing a human {LK 14:5, JN 7:23-24}. (See TOJ #72.) He connected this sin with hypocrisy (TOJ #134). Ungodly legalism is usually the case when people fight in the name of God. If Jews and Muslims truly worshipped the one true God, they would unite in Christian fellowship as Messianic Jews/Muslims (GL 3:28-29, EPH 2:19-22, TOJ #160). Whoever does not teach the truth is a blind guide {MT 15:13-14}, Pharisee {LK 11:39-44} and hypocrite {LK 13:15-16}.

TOJ #88: Jesus’ primary mission was to Israel. [MT 15:24//MK 7:27] However, Jesus commissioned Paul to focus on the Gentiles (ACTS 9:15, GL 2:9), who may be the “other sheep” Jesus cites in John 10:16 (TOJ #49). The persistent Gentile woman of Matthew 15:25-28 may be an example of the “forceful men” Jesus mentioned in 11:12. {Also, see MT 10:5-6.} The Koran is mistaken in teaching that God intends for Jews and Muslims to follow Moses and Mohammed rather than to fellowship in Christ Jesus. (See TOJ #84.)

TOJ #89: Be wise as well as educated. [MT 16:2-3, LK 12:54-57] We need to heed spiritual storm warnings, too, and to learn about spiritual reality {JN 3:10-12}. Do not let genius blind one to common sense {JN 9:39}, so that one becomes foolish. (See TOJ #59 & #82.)

TOJ #90: Ultimate truth may be expressed by figurative (non-literal) language. [MT 16:11-12//MK 8:15-17//LK 12:1] Yeast symbolizes teaching (cf. TOJ #95 for another example). In John’s gospel Jesus spoke of His flesh as the bread of life {JN 6:48-58}, and He also stated this truth literally {in JN 16:25}.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #91: The church of Christ and the kingdom of God are equivalent. [MT 16:18-19a] This truth is evident in Revelation (1:6, 21:2). This passage contains metaphorical language (cf. previous TOJ) meaning that Christ will build his church on the “rock” (petra) of faith (pistis) like that of Peter (petros) in the Gospel,. The references to “keys” and being “bound” (cf. MT 18:18) are enigmatic allusions that we may not understand until we get to heaven, but Papalists have claimed that power for popes.

TOJ #92: God’s plan of salvation may not always seem logical. [MT 16:23-25//MK 8:35//LK 9:24] Paul discussed this point (in 1CR1:18-25). God’s thoughts may not be perfectly comprehensible now (IS 55:8-9, 1CR 2:14), but they are perfectly rational and will become clear in heaven (1CR 13:9-12). {MT 10:39, LK 14:8-11, JN 12:25}

TOJ #93: The “Second Coming” of Christ will be soon. [MT 16:28//MK 9:1] This is a significant reiteration of TOJ #57. Apparently, Jesus thought it would occur before some of His disciples died {MT 10:23, 24:34//MK 13:30//LK 21:32, MK 9:13}, although He asserted that only God the Father knows the time (TOJ #143).

Peter (in 2PT 3:9) stated that God delayed Judgment Day in order to enable more souls to be saved, although presumably more souls might choose not to Repent, too. We should be ready at any time (MT 24:42), so we can say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (RV 22:20) {LK 9:27}

TOJ #94: Jesus would be resurrected. [MT 17:9&22-23//MK 10:34] This teaching builds on TOJ #4 and rekindles the hope that was dashed in TOJ #54. {MT 28:9-10, MK 9:9} Paul indicated (in 1CR 15:17-19) that this is the only biblical miracle which is kerygmatic or necessary to believe in order to be saved (in other words, that may be a test of orthodoxy versus heresy). {JN 2:19}. Going to heaven afterward must have been what Jesus meant when He said “I go to the one who sent me” {JN 7:33-34, 8:21, 13:33&36, 16:16b, 20b, 22b}. (See TOJ #128.) {LK 26:32}

 

[GWH]

At this point I will rather arbitrarily include teachings in Mark and Luke that apparently occurred before the Transfiguration event.

TOJ #95: LGW prepares souls for Judgment Day. [MK 4:26-29] The seed symbolizes GW (MK 4:14, LK 8:11), the grain is Christ-like moral maturity (GL 5:22, 6:7-9), and the harvest is the end of the world (MT 13:30, MK 4:26-29), when truth-seekers will be separated from ungodly souls.

TOJ #96: Be kind to all without prejudice. [LK 10:29-37] This is the point of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (which is located before the Sample Prayer). Kindness is akin to love (GL 5:22, CL 3:12). {LK 6:35b} (See TOJ #113.)

TOJ #97: Be persistent in prayer/Faith. [LK 11:5-8, MT 15:23&28] (This teaching immediately follows the Sample Prayer.) Righteous prayer is a manifestation of both saving Faith and working faith (TOJ #51). God is not bothered by Believers’ reasonable concerns, and His answer may be “not yet” rather than “no” (cf. TOJ #92). {LK 18:1-8}

 

[GWH]

After the Transfiguration, Jesus concluded His ministry in Galilee and moved toward Judea (MT 19:1) in preparation for the final events of His earthly mission.

TOJ #98: Pay appropriate taxes. [MT 17:27] How much is appropriate is not specified, but the principal “no taxation without representation” seems to be a logical check on government excess. {MT 22:21// MK 12:17//LK 20:25} I wonder if it is right for a (non-voluntary) tax to government to exceed the (cheerfully given, 2CR 9:7) biblical tithe (tenth of a person’s income) to ministry (MAL 3:10). Although it seems fair for wealthy persons to contribute a greater percentage than poor folks, determining an equitable scale requires having the wisdom of Solomon.

TOJ #99: Be good stewards of children. [MT 18:5-6&10//LK 17:1-2] All adults are responsible to be good witnesses, who encourage children (one of life’s most wonderful blessings) to accept GRFS (EPH 6:4; TOJ #69). {MK 9:37&42} The logical or implicit corollary of this TOJ is that parents who will not be good stewards/witnesses should not procreate. Of course, discerning unqualified people and enforcing this principle is very problematic, but at least we should realize that parenthood is not an unconditional divine right. At least hindsight should be able to indicate some people (e.g., child abusers) definitely should be discouraged and perhaps prohibited from producing more children.

TOJ #100: Communicate! [MT 18:15-17a] Or in the words of Paul, speak the truth in love (EPH 4:15). This TOJ is closely related to the next one. Communication is the method for converting Sinners (RM 10:14) and for maturing saved sinners (HB 5:11-6:1). Note the four steps for resolving disagreements: talk privately, include a neutral third party to facilitate the discussion, enlist mature church representatives to act in lieu of a court, and then excommunicate the person who is rightfully discerned (rather than wrongfully judged) to be acting like a pagan (TOJ #102).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #101: Watch yourself before rebuking fellow sinners. [LK 17:3a] The location of this TOJ, found in the gospels only in Luke, seems to fit between the TOJ regarding communication and excommunication. Those who obey this command should first be sure they are obeying Jesus’ commands not to be judgmental (MT 7:3-5, TOJ #42) and to forgive (v.17:3b, TOJ #14), lest they become hypercritical and hypocritical.

Paul also taught self-examination (2CR 13:5-8) and rebuking (in his “pastoral” epistles, 1TM 5:20, 2TM 4:2, TIT 2:15). The motive for a rebuke must be divine love (RV 3:19), so the words conveying reproof should be gentle or redemptive (GL 6:1).

TOJ #102: Excommunicate fruitless “Christians”. [MT 18:17-18] Although saints are not perfect, someone who typically exhibits sinful fruit (GL 5:19-21) apparently is not a genuine Believer (TOJ #48 & #148). The reference to binding and loosing {also in MT 16:19 & 18:18-20} is problematic, because it can be applied incorrectly, as it was most notably by the Roman popes against Martin Luther and the Protestants.

Jesus does seem to say {also in JN 20:23} that, if Believers represent God’s will on earth rightly, then their disfellowship reflects the ultimate status of the excommunicant. (See TOJ #65, #123 & #152.) However, this is a big “if”, so the danger of committing the sin of judgmentalism should lead us to adopt the view that disfellowship does not mean Christians cease all interaction with a sinning or carnal person (1CR 3:1-3), but rather that they change the nature of the relationship from fellowshipping to witnessing and reproving. Paul once advocated this doctrine (in 1CR 5:1-13).

TOJ #103: Worship and pray with fellow Christians. [MT 18:20] The first two or three worshippers form the nucleus of a local congregation or church. The writer of Hebrews affirmed this command (in HB 10:25).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #104: Marriage is a spiritual union until death. [MT 19:4-6] The phrase about leaving one’s father and mother means that a man—and a woman—should be ready for marriage by attaining a sufficient degree of independence from their parents, both financial and psychological. They should be prepared to become parents themselves, even if they hope not to have a child for awhile, which means they should be rather spiritually mature, having the same love for each other as Christ has for His bride, the church.

The marital commitment is (or should be, cf. TOJ #109) signified by sexual union or becoming “one flesh” (GN 2:24), although it may be proper to fulfill legal and traditional expectations such as licenses and ceremonies for the purpose of avoiding being “a stumbling block to the weak” (1CR 8:9), who do not understand the essence of marriage.

Obviously, that which must not be separated is the spiritual unity, so the sin of divorce also is a spiritual event and reality before it becomes a legal one. This realization should motivate spouses to work on the quality of their communication before serious problems develop in their relationship. (See TOJ #26.)

TOJ #105: It may be best not to marry if you have the gift of celibacy. [MT 19:11-12] This teaching is related to TOJ #27 & #109. God grants some (but not many) people celibacy so they may focus their time and energy on other ways of serving God (1CR 7:1,7-9,25-28&32-38), although requiring celibacy for clergy who do not have that gift can contribute to sexual immorality.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #106: Only God is good (loving/perfect). [MT 19:17//MK 10:18//LK 18:19] Created souls are innocent until their first sin and volitional (GN 3:6-13) after the age of accountability (TOJ #69). They may share God’s goodness if they accept His Lordship and reflect His love (1JN 4:10-17; TOJ #19, 21 & #148).

TOJ #107: Obey the moral commandments. [MT 19:18-19] Jesus implicitly affirmed two of the Ten Commandments against murder and adultery in the Sermon on the Mount, but His answer to the man’s question here specifically affirms these and three more of the Decalogue. Each of these is significant enough to warrant separate enumeration and discussion.

TOJ #108: Do not murder. [MT 19:18] Society has clearly understood this to mean that it is wrong to terminate a human life after birth. The question being debated currently is whether a fetus has the divine right to life, because the Bible does not provide the specific answer to this issue. {MK 10:19, LK 18:20}

TOJ #109: Do not commit adultery. [MT 19:18] Certainly, this teaching could be viewed as part of TOJ #24, but our society stresses (idolizes?) sexuality so much that it is needful to reiterate that sexual intercourse is the act of marriage in the eyes of God (TOJ #104), so that anyone who has sex with a second partner commits both fornication (extra-marital sex) and adultery.

Much of secular society (music, movies, etc.) normalizes (and almost requires via peer pressure) sexual sins (“playboys”, “responsible sex”, “alternative lifestyles”, etc.). Such morally weak people should hope someone invents a pill (called “Cold Shower”?) that diminishes their libido and temptation to be promiscuous! {MK 10:19, LK 18:20}

 

[GWH]

TOJ #110: Do not steal. [MT 19:18, 15:19] Paul wrote (in EPH 4:28) that believers (and everyone should believe) ought to earn their living (necessities) plus something extra that may be shared with those in need, thus eliminating any compelling reason to steal. {MK 10:19, LK 18:20}

TOJ #111: Do not lie. [MT 19:18, 15:19] It is better to say nothing than to allow the devil to speak through us (JN 8:44). Paul also echoed this commandment (in EPH 4:25). Lying kills the truth and is akin to physical murder (TOJ #135). {MK 10:19, LK 18:20}

TOJ #112: Honor your parents. [MT 19:19] Godly parents represent God our heavenly parent, and their godly discipline promotes obedience of God’s laws. (See EPH 6:1-4.) Hopefully, children are not more spiritually mature than their parents, although this sometimes happens (in which case MT 7:3 applies)! Believing parents are spiritual siblings of their Christian children (TOJ #80). {MK 10:19, LK 18:20}

TOJ #113: Love your fellow human beings. [MT 19:19] (See TOJ #129.) The power to love is the miracle Believers should perform (EPH 3:16-19). They are wise to pray for this along with the power to resist sin (TOJ #37). The purpose of LGW includes knowing how to apply this principle. Applications are given in TOJ #96 & #117. {MT 22:39}

 

[GWH]

The following unique teachings from Luke 15-17 are included at this point because the next teachings in Matthew 19 are parallel with verses in Luke 18.

TOJ #114: God forgives those who repent. [LK 15:11-32] In the Parable of the Lost Son, notice that every sin was forgiven (1JN 1:9). Surely we will leave jealousy and other sinful attitudes behind when we graduate to heaven. The heavenly or holy saint is described by Paul in several places (such as CL 3:1-14; cf. TOJ #8, #29 & #74).

TOJ #115: Utilize material assets in order to witness for God. [LK 16:9-12] This is Jesus’ second teaching about shrewdness (TOJ #59). Paul refers to “true riches” or spiritual wealth several times (EPH 1:18, 2:7, 3:8& 16, CL 2:2-3).

TOJ #116: Be grateful for God’s grace. [LK 17:17-18] Thankfulness is near to godliness (1THS 5:18). The Greek word for grace (charis) also means “gift”, so see TOJ #121.

 

[SabbathBlessing]

Then according to the OT Sabbath law you should be put to death, but according to the NT law of love it wouldn't matter.

The key to jibing these different teachings is a third teaching found in MT 9:13 = HOS 6:6, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

Harmonizing Scripture in this manner utilizes the method of synthesis made famous by the philosopher Hegel: When contemplating thesis a and antithesis b, the resolution is synthesis c.

In this case the logic involves viewing the Sabbath law as part of the OT sacrificial system that was instituted for the purpose of keeping Israel separate from the Gentiles until it provided Messiah for the "mercy" of everyone.

Of course, a five-year-old cannot understand this adult level of reasoning, but that is not necessary for them to understand that Jesus loves them even when they disobey their parents and will forgive them if they are sorry and will try to do better.

OT law adulterers should be put to death, does that mean this commandment doesn't matter either and free to violate too? According to Jesus none of the commandments of God should be violated in the NT Mat 5:19-30 Mat 15:3-14 Mark 7:7-13

 

[GWH]

OT law adulterers should be put to death, does that mean this commandment doesn't matter either and free to violate too? According to Jesus none of the commandments of God should be violated in the NT Mat 5:19-30 Mat 15:3-14 Mark 7:7-13

This time the part I said that you missed is:

The primary sin per the NT is transgression of GRFS (GL 3:1-14), and secondary sins are transgression of Christ’s law (JN 13:34), which summarizes the OT moral laws (MT 22:37-40) affirmed by the NT (MT 5:17-48) [adultery is included here] and calls them the fruit of the Spirit (GL 5:22-23), which does NOT include all 613 laws of Moses, such as those pertaining to mildew and infectious disease in LV 14. [or the Sabbath]

 

[SabbathBlessing]

Here are other commandments that also came with the death penalty in the OT.

Murder Exo 21:12,14
Adultery Lev 20:10
Idolatry Exo 22:20
Lying (false witness) Deut 19:16-21

These are just a few and came from the same unit of Ten, the Sabbath commandment came from.

Exo 20:1 And God spoke all these words, saying:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of [a]bondage.
3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor [b]serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting[c] the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
13 “You shall not murder.
14 “You shall not commit adultery.
15 “You shall not steal.
16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

The wages of sin is death even in the NT Rom 6:23 sin is breaking God’s law 1 John 3:4- His version James 2:10-12 Rom 7:7 Mat 5:19-30. The fact the Sabbath commandment carried a death decree just like committing murder, just like committing adultery shows its is one of God’s moral commandments.

Who gets to deem what is moral to God- man or God?

God did a great job of claiming His moral law- He spoke it with His own voice Exo 20:1 He wrote it with His own finger Exo 31:18 He numbered them by design Exo 34:28 like He would know man would try to reduce His commandments to an unbiblical number and then claimed the unit of Ten as His own Exo 20:6 He added no more to His commandments Deut 5:22 and placed only the Ten Commandments onside the ark. Is there someone who has more authority than God?

Out of the Ten Commandments - with the 4th commandment He did something different. He placed His seal/signature right in the Sabbath commandment- it has His name- God- His title- Creator and Territory - Heaven and Earth Exo 20:11 God claimed ownership of the Ten Commandments and His seal is the Sabbath commandment.


He claimed the Sabbath as My holy day, the holy day of the Lord thy God Isa 58:13 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath - because this is the day God claimed as His in His very own Words and His- My holy day, not the one man assigned to Him He said is for works and labors Exo 20:9. He used the Word- Remember on this one commandment and and uses the words holy and blessed. Once God blesses something man cannot reverse Num 23:20. Are we suppose to obey man and forget or obey God and Remember, because He asked us to so it must be important to Him.

What gives anyone the right to claim the Sabbath as not moral or binding for God’s people? When did man have more authority than God? God never abrogated His Sabbath commandment- He put it in the same unit as only worship God. Did Jesus teach we can break this commandment? No, He faithfully kept every Sabbath and all of the commandments John 15:10 Luke 4:16 and said follow Me- I am the way.

I think its best to let God be God and let Him define what is moral and what is not and us to be His humble creation living by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God Mat 4:4


Isa 56:1 Thus says the Lord:

“Keep justice, and do righteousness,
For My salvation is about to come,
And My righteousness to be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who lays hold on it;
Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath,

Doing what is righteous is doing what is moral

Why Jesus taught not to break or teach others to break the least of these commandments Mat 5:19-30.

Sadly, instead of teaching what Jesus told us to teach, they do the opposite - teach to break the least of God’s commandments and make themselves teachers just as we were told would happen before His Second Coming

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears

Its best we trust Jesus and follow Him, He is the only way to the narrow path back to reconciliation Rev 22:14

 

[GWH]

Here are other commandments that also came with the death penalty in the OT.

The four commandments you cited, unlike the Sabbath commandment, were specifically affirmed in the NT.

The wages of sin is death and hell per the NT, but Paul assigns such punishment to earthly governments in RM 13:1-5.

Re "The fact the Sabbath commandment carried a death decree just like committing murder, just like committing adultery shows its is one of God’s moral commandments.": Not necessarily; there are many other OT commands that carried the death penalty unless I am having a senior moment.

Isaiah had some insights, but not as complete as the apostles, who taught that righteousness is attained by having it imputed to Christians because of their oneness with Jesus by faith.

God deems what is moral and what supersedes what, so you cannot tell him not to say the OT including Sabbath law is superseded by the NT. Instead, you should amend your understanding to conform with the NT teaching that the Sabbath law is no longer binding for God’s people.

Jesus taught that we could break the Sabbath commandment by doing good works, although he usually observed it in order to fulfill it as he superseded it with his sacrificial atonement, until which he taught the Jews not to break the least of the commandments. Speaking of which, you are behind the times and need to get caught up with your LGW as the HS inspired Paul, so that YOU will not be the one spoken of by him in 2 Tim 4:3, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine...".

 

[SabbathBlessing]

The Ten Commandments reaffirmed in the NT because God keeps His promises Psa 89:34 Mat 5:18-19

1."You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve" (Matthew 4:10).
2. "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21). "Since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising" (Acts 17:29).
3. "That the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed" (1 Timothy 6:1).
4. "He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: 'And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.' There remains therefore a Sabbath rest ["keeping of a sabbath," ] for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His, on the seventh day (Hebrews 4:4, 9, 10).
they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment Luke 23:56
5. "Honor your father and your mother" (Matthew 19:19).
6. "You shall not murder" (Romans 13:9).
7. "You shall not commit adultery" (Matthew 19:18).
8. "You shall not steal" (Romans 13:9).
9. "You shall not bear false witness" (Romans 13:9).
10. "You shall not covet" (Romans 7:7).

When Jesus said not to break or teach others to break the least of these commandments as it affects our status in heaven i.e. sin and judgement Mat 5:18-30 we should believe what He says.

The Sabbath is mentioned 55+ times in the NT and the Sabbath is the only day God both named and gave a number

Exo 20:10 the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. The fact the Sabbath is still called the Sabbath is proof enough it didn’t go anywhere.