Living Without Regrets
by Dr. Angelina Boots
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Monday, April 29, 2013
Daily Bible Commentary (29th April-3rd May 2013)
Monday – 29th April
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:15-22
On Tuesday of Passover week, our Lord's enemies tried to trap Him by using a series of' 'loaded" questions. These men were still smarting from the treatment they had received in the series of parables He had given. He had exposed their evil intentions and warned them that they were, only asking for judgment. The religious leaders did not enjoy being humiliated before the crowds. They were wholeheartedly bent on destroying Jesus, and they hoped to trap Him into saying something that would permit them to arrest Him.
But there was another reason for the questions, one that' His enemies did not realize. Jesus was going to die as the Lamb of God, and it was necessary for the lamb to be examined before Passover (Ex. 12:3-6). If any blemish whatsoever was found on the Lamb, it could not be sacrificed. Jesus was examined publicly by His enemies, and they could find no fault in Him.
Of course, this personal interchange between our Lord and the religious leaders was also an opportunity for them to believe and be saved. In fact, one Pharisee came very close to the kingdom (Mark 12:32-34). Even at the last minute, there is hope for the lost sinner, if he will receive the truth, repent and believe.
There are four questions involved in this public discussion, three of them from the enemy, and one from Jesus Christ.
A Political Question about Taxes (Matt. 22:15-22)
The Pharisees and the Herodians were enemies; but their common foe brought them together. The Pharisees opposed the Roman poll tax for several reasons: (I) They did not want to submit to a Gentile power; (2) Caesar was revered as a god; and (3) they had better uses for the money than to give it to Rome. Since the Herodians were the party supporting Herod, they were in favor of the tax. After all, Herod's authority was given to him by Caesar; and Herod would have had a difficult time staying in power without Rome's support.
Palestine was an occupied nation, and the Jews had no special love for their conquerors. Every tax the poor people had to pay was another reminder that they were not free. The Zealots, an "underground" organization of fanatical Jews, often staged protests against Rome. They would oppose any Roman tax.
It is easy to see why the Pharisees and Herodians chose the poll tax as the bait for their trap. It appeared that no matter which side Jesus took, He would create problems for Himself and His ministry. If He opposed the tax, He would be in trouble with Rome. If He approved the tax, He would be in trouble with the' Jews.
Jesus immediately saw through their scheme. He knew that their real purpose was not to get an answer to a question, but to try to trap Him. They were only acting a part, and this made them hypocrites. On this basis alone, He could have refused to answer them. But He knew the people around Him would not understand. Here was an opportunity for Him to silence His enemies and, at the same time, teach the people an important spiritual truth.
Each ruler minted his own coins and put his own image on them. The "penny" (denarius) had Caesar's image on it, so it belonged to Caesar. "Give hack to Caesar what belongs to Caesar," was His reply. "And give back to God what belongs to God." In this simple, but profound reply, Jesus taught several important truths.
Tuesday – 30th April
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:23-33
Christians must honor and obey rulers. This is taught elsewhere in the New Testament (Rom. 13:1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Tim. 2: 1ff). Christians have a dual citizenship, in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and on earth. We must respect our earthly rulers (or elected leaders), obey the law, pay taxes and pray for all who are in authority.
Christians must honor and obey God. Caesar was not God. While governments cannot enforce religion (Acts 5:29), neither should they restrict freedom of worship. The best citizen honors his country because he worships God.
Man bears God's image and owes God his all. Caesar's image was on the coin; God's image is on man (Gen. 1:26-27). Sin has marred that image, but through Jesus Christ, it can be restored (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3: 10).
The relationship between religion and government is personal and individual. It is right for the people of God to serve in government (remember Daniel and Joseph). But it is wrong for government to control the church, or for the church to control government.
A Doctrinal Question about the Resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33)
In spite of the fact that the Pharisees and Herodians had been worsted, the Sadducees entered the field and tried their attack. Keep in mind that this group accepted only the authority of the five Books of Moses. The Sadducees did not believe in a spirit world or in the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:8). They had often challenged the Pharisees to prove the doctrine of the resurrection from Moses, but the Pharisees were not too successful with their arguments.
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:15-22
On Tuesday of Passover week, our Lord's enemies tried to trap Him by using a series of' 'loaded" questions. These men were still smarting from the treatment they had received in the series of parables He had given. He had exposed their evil intentions and warned them that they were, only asking for judgment. The religious leaders did not enjoy being humiliated before the crowds. They were wholeheartedly bent on destroying Jesus, and they hoped to trap Him into saying something that would permit them to arrest Him.
But there was another reason for the questions, one that' His enemies did not realize. Jesus was going to die as the Lamb of God, and it was necessary for the lamb to be examined before Passover (Ex. 12:3-6). If any blemish whatsoever was found on the Lamb, it could not be sacrificed. Jesus was examined publicly by His enemies, and they could find no fault in Him.
Of course, this personal interchange between our Lord and the religious leaders was also an opportunity for them to believe and be saved. In fact, one Pharisee came very close to the kingdom (Mark 12:32-34). Even at the last minute, there is hope for the lost sinner, if he will receive the truth, repent and believe.
There are four questions involved in this public discussion, three of them from the enemy, and one from Jesus Christ.
A Political Question about Taxes (Matt. 22:15-22)
The Pharisees and the Herodians were enemies; but their common foe brought them together. The Pharisees opposed the Roman poll tax for several reasons: (I) They did not want to submit to a Gentile power; (2) Caesar was revered as a god; and (3) they had better uses for the money than to give it to Rome. Since the Herodians were the party supporting Herod, they were in favor of the tax. After all, Herod's authority was given to him by Caesar; and Herod would have had a difficult time staying in power without Rome's support.
Palestine was an occupied nation, and the Jews had no special love for their conquerors. Every tax the poor people had to pay was another reminder that they were not free. The Zealots, an "underground" organization of fanatical Jews, often staged protests against Rome. They would oppose any Roman tax.
It is easy to see why the Pharisees and Herodians chose the poll tax as the bait for their trap. It appeared that no matter which side Jesus took, He would create problems for Himself and His ministry. If He opposed the tax, He would be in trouble with Rome. If He approved the tax, He would be in trouble with the' Jews.
Jesus immediately saw through their scheme. He knew that their real purpose was not to get an answer to a question, but to try to trap Him. They were only acting a part, and this made them hypocrites. On this basis alone, He could have refused to answer them. But He knew the people around Him would not understand. Here was an opportunity for Him to silence His enemies and, at the same time, teach the people an important spiritual truth.
Each ruler minted his own coins and put his own image on them. The "penny" (denarius) had Caesar's image on it, so it belonged to Caesar. "Give hack to Caesar what belongs to Caesar," was His reply. "And give back to God what belongs to God." In this simple, but profound reply, Jesus taught several important truths.
Tuesday – 30th April
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:23-33
Christians must honor and obey rulers. This is taught elsewhere in the New Testament (Rom. 13:1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Tim. 2: 1ff). Christians have a dual citizenship, in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and on earth. We must respect our earthly rulers (or elected leaders), obey the law, pay taxes and pray for all who are in authority.
Christians must honor and obey God. Caesar was not God. While governments cannot enforce religion (Acts 5:29), neither should they restrict freedom of worship. The best citizen honors his country because he worships God.
Man bears God's image and owes God his all. Caesar's image was on the coin; God's image is on man (Gen. 1:26-27). Sin has marred that image, but through Jesus Christ, it can be restored (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3: 10).
The relationship between religion and government is personal and individual. It is right for the people of God to serve in government (remember Daniel and Joseph). But it is wrong for government to control the church, or for the church to control government.
A Doctrinal Question about the Resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33)
In spite of the fact that the Pharisees and Herodians had been worsted, the Sadducees entered the field and tried their attack. Keep in mind that this group accepted only the authority of the five Books of Moses. The Sadducees did not believe in a spirit world or in the doctrine of the resurrection (Acts 23:8). They had often challenged the Pharisees to prove the doctrine of the resurrection from Moses, but the Pharisees were not too successful with their arguments.
The Sadducees' hypothetical illustration was based on the Jewish law of "levirate marriage" from Deuteronomy 25:5-10. (The word levirate comes from the Latin word levir which means "a husband's brother." It has nothing to do with the tribe of Levi.) The purpose of this custom was to preserve a man's name should he die without a male heir. In a nation like Israel, where family inheritance was a major thing, it was important that each family have a male heir. It was considered a disgrace for a man to refuse to raise up a family for his dead brother.
The Sadducees based their disbelief of the resurrection on the fact that no woman could have seven husbands in the future life. Like many people today, they conceived of the future life as an extension of their present life-only better.
But Jesus told them that they were ignorant. They did not know the Scriptures, nor did they know the power of God, which inferred that they really did not know God. There will be no need for marriage in the next life because there will be no death. Therefore it will not be necessary to bear children to replace those who die.
Jesus did not say that we would be angels when we are glorified in heaven. He said we would be "as the angels" in that we would be sexless and not married or given in marriage. The foolish stories we hear and the cartoons we see about people dying and becoming angels are certainly unbiblical.
Wednesday – 1st May
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:34-40
OUR Lord was not content to refute the Sadducees' foolish views about the future life. He also wanted to answer their claim that there was no resurrection; and He did it by referring to Moses! He knew that Moses was the only authority they would accept. He reminded them of Exodus 3:6 where God said to Moses, "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." He did not say, "I was the God of Abraham . . ." for that would mean that Abraham was no more. By saying" I am," the Lord made it clear that these three men of faith were at that time alive. And by repeating "the God of," the Lord was saying that He knew them and loved them personally and individually.
It is a dangerous thing to speculate about the future life. We must rest upon the authority of the Word of God, for only there do we have truth that answers man's questions about the future. The Bible does not tell us everything about the future life, but is does encourage and enlighten us. Jesus answered the foolish, ignorant Sadducees so completely that they were "muzzled" (the word silence in Matt. 22: 34). Even the crowds were astonished and amazed at His answer.
An Ethical Question about the Law (Matt. 22:34-40)
The Pharisees probably enjoyed the embarrassment of their enemies, the Sadducees. One of their number showed respect for the Lord and His answer (Mark 12:28) and asked a question of his own: "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" (Matt. 22:36, NASB). We have every reason to believe that he asked the question in sincerity and with a humble attitude.
This was not a new question, for the scribes had been debating it for centuries. They had documented 613 commandments in the Law, 248 positive and 365 negative. No person could ever hope to know and fully obey all of these commandments. So, to make it easier, the experts' divided the commandments into "heavy" (important) and "light" (unimportant). A person could major on the "heavy comandments" and not worry about the trivial ones.
The fallacy behind this approach is obvious: You need only break: one law, heavy or light, to be guilty before God. "For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).
Jesus quoted the "Shema" (Deut. 6:4), a statement of faith that was recited daily by every orthodox Jew. (The word "Shema" comes from the Hebrew word which means "to hear." The confession of faith begins with, "Hear, 0 Israel!") The greatest commandment is to love God with all that we are and have-heart, soul, mind, strength, possessions, service. To love God is not to "have good feelings about Him." for true love involves the will as well as the heart. Where there is love, there will be service and obedience.
But love for God cannot be divorced from love for one's neighbor; so Jesus also quoted Leviticus 19: 18 and put it on the same level as the Shema, All of the Law and the Prophets hang on both of these commandments. We might add that the teachings of the Epistles in the New Testament agree with this statement. If a man really loves God, he must also love his brother and his neighbor (1 John 3:10-18; 4:7-21).
Thursday – 2nd May
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:41-46
If we have a right relationship with God, we will have no problems with His commandments. Love is the basis for obedience. In fact, all of the Law is summed up by the command to love (Rom.1 3:8-10). If we love God, we will love our neighbor; and if we love our neighbor, we will not want to do anything to harm him.
But Jesus had a deeper meaning to convey in this marvelous answer.
The Jews were afraid of idolatry. When Jesus claimed to be God, they opposed Him because they could not believe it was right to worship a creature. Jesus received worship and did not rebuke those who honored Him. Was this idolatry? No, because He was God! But if the Law commands us to love God and our neighbor then it would not be wrong for the Jews to love Jesus. Instead, they were plotting to kill Him. He had said to them one day, "If God were your Father, you would love Me “ (John 8:42). They accepted the authority of the Law, yet they refused to obey it in their lives.
The scribe who had asked the original question seemed to be an honest and sincere man. Not all of the Pharisees were hypocrites. He publicly agreed with Jesus (Mark 12:32-33). This must have given his fellow Pharisees a fright. Jesus discerned that the man's heart was sincere, and He commended him for his intelligence and honesty. Did the man ever get all the way into the kingdom, when he was so very near? We trust so.
Jesus had now answered three difficult questions. He had dealt with the relationship between religion and government, between this life and the next life, and between God and our neighbors. These are fundamental relationships; and we cannot ignore our Lord's teachings. But there is a question more fundamental than these, and Jesus asked it of His enemies.
A Personal Question about the Messiah (Matt. 22:41-46)
Jesus did not phrase this question as He had when He asked His disciples, "Whom say you that I am?" (Matt. 16:15) These men who had been arguing with Him were not sympathetic with His cause, nor were they honest in their assessment of His credentials. Jesus had to take an indirect approach with His enemies. He made this sound like another theological question, when in reality it was the most important personal question they would ever face.
"Whose Son is the Messiah?" He asked them. As trained experts in the Law, they knew the answer: "He is the Son of David. " Had they been asked, they could have referred to numbers of Old Testament Scriptures, including 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Psalm 78:68-72, and Micah 5:2. Once they had given this answer, Jesus asked a second question, this time quoting from Psalm 110:1ff"The LORD [Jehovah] said unto my Lord [Hebrew "Adonai"], 'Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.' "
The Sadducees based their disbelief of the resurrection on the fact that no woman could have seven husbands in the future life. Like many people today, they conceived of the future life as an extension of their present life-only better.
But Jesus told them that they were ignorant. They did not know the Scriptures, nor did they know the power of God, which inferred that they really did not know God. There will be no need for marriage in the next life because there will be no death. Therefore it will not be necessary to bear children to replace those who die.
Jesus did not say that we would be angels when we are glorified in heaven. He said we would be "as the angels" in that we would be sexless and not married or given in marriage. The foolish stories we hear and the cartoons we see about people dying and becoming angels are certainly unbiblical.
Wednesday – 1st May
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:34-40
OUR Lord was not content to refute the Sadducees' foolish views about the future life. He also wanted to answer their claim that there was no resurrection; and He did it by referring to Moses! He knew that Moses was the only authority they would accept. He reminded them of Exodus 3:6 where God said to Moses, "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." He did not say, "I was the God of Abraham . . ." for that would mean that Abraham was no more. By saying" I am," the Lord made it clear that these three men of faith were at that time alive. And by repeating "the God of," the Lord was saying that He knew them and loved them personally and individually.
It is a dangerous thing to speculate about the future life. We must rest upon the authority of the Word of God, for only there do we have truth that answers man's questions about the future. The Bible does not tell us everything about the future life, but is does encourage and enlighten us. Jesus answered the foolish, ignorant Sadducees so completely that they were "muzzled" (the word silence in Matt. 22: 34). Even the crowds were astonished and amazed at His answer.
An Ethical Question about the Law (Matt. 22:34-40)
The Pharisees probably enjoyed the embarrassment of their enemies, the Sadducees. One of their number showed respect for the Lord and His answer (Mark 12:28) and asked a question of his own: "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" (Matt. 22:36, NASB). We have every reason to believe that he asked the question in sincerity and with a humble attitude.
This was not a new question, for the scribes had been debating it for centuries. They had documented 613 commandments in the Law, 248 positive and 365 negative. No person could ever hope to know and fully obey all of these commandments. So, to make it easier, the experts' divided the commandments into "heavy" (important) and "light" (unimportant). A person could major on the "heavy comandments" and not worry about the trivial ones.
The fallacy behind this approach is obvious: You need only break: one law, heavy or light, to be guilty before God. "For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).
Jesus quoted the "Shema" (Deut. 6:4), a statement of faith that was recited daily by every orthodox Jew. (The word "Shema" comes from the Hebrew word which means "to hear." The confession of faith begins with, "Hear, 0 Israel!") The greatest commandment is to love God with all that we are and have-heart, soul, mind, strength, possessions, service. To love God is not to "have good feelings about Him." for true love involves the will as well as the heart. Where there is love, there will be service and obedience.
But love for God cannot be divorced from love for one's neighbor; so Jesus also quoted Leviticus 19: 18 and put it on the same level as the Shema, All of the Law and the Prophets hang on both of these commandments. We might add that the teachings of the Epistles in the New Testament agree with this statement. If a man really loves God, he must also love his brother and his neighbor (1 John 3:10-18; 4:7-21).
Thursday – 2nd May
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:41-46
If we have a right relationship with God, we will have no problems with His commandments. Love is the basis for obedience. In fact, all of the Law is summed up by the command to love (Rom.1 3:8-10). If we love God, we will love our neighbor; and if we love our neighbor, we will not want to do anything to harm him.
But Jesus had a deeper meaning to convey in this marvelous answer.
The Jews were afraid of idolatry. When Jesus claimed to be God, they opposed Him because they could not believe it was right to worship a creature. Jesus received worship and did not rebuke those who honored Him. Was this idolatry? No, because He was God! But if the Law commands us to love God and our neighbor then it would not be wrong for the Jews to love Jesus. Instead, they were plotting to kill Him. He had said to them one day, "If God were your Father, you would love Me “ (John 8:42). They accepted the authority of the Law, yet they refused to obey it in their lives.
The scribe who had asked the original question seemed to be an honest and sincere man. Not all of the Pharisees were hypocrites. He publicly agreed with Jesus (Mark 12:32-33). This must have given his fellow Pharisees a fright. Jesus discerned that the man's heart was sincere, and He commended him for his intelligence and honesty. Did the man ever get all the way into the kingdom, when he was so very near? We trust so.
Jesus had now answered three difficult questions. He had dealt with the relationship between religion and government, between this life and the next life, and between God and our neighbors. These are fundamental relationships; and we cannot ignore our Lord's teachings. But there is a question more fundamental than these, and Jesus asked it of His enemies.
A Personal Question about the Messiah (Matt. 22:41-46)
Jesus did not phrase this question as He had when He asked His disciples, "Whom say you that I am?" (Matt. 16:15) These men who had been arguing with Him were not sympathetic with His cause, nor were they honest in their assessment of His credentials. Jesus had to take an indirect approach with His enemies. He made this sound like another theological question, when in reality it was the most important personal question they would ever face.
"Whose Son is the Messiah?" He asked them. As trained experts in the Law, they knew the answer: "He is the Son of David. " Had they been asked, they could have referred to numbers of Old Testament Scriptures, including 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Psalm 78:68-72, and Micah 5:2. Once they had given this answer, Jesus asked a second question, this time quoting from Psalm 110:1ff"The LORD [Jehovah] said unto my Lord [Hebrew "Adonai"], 'Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.' "
Every orthodox Jewish scholar interpreted this to refer to the Messiah. Only the Messiah could sit at the right hand of Jehovah God. Jesus believed in the inspiration and accuracy of the Old Testament Scriptures, for He said that David spoke these words "in the Spirit" (v. 43, NASB). Nobody dared to question the accuracy or the authority of the text. .
"If Messiah is David's Son," Jesus asked, "then how could Messiah also be David's Lord?" There is only one answer to this question. As God, Messiah is David's Lord; as man, He is David's Son. He is both "the root and the offspring of David" (Rev. 22:16). Psalm 110:1 teaches the deity and the humanity of Messiah. He is David's Lord and He is David's Son.
"If Messiah is David's Son," Jesus asked, "then how could Messiah also be David's Lord?" There is only one answer to this question. As God, Messiah is David's Lord; as man, He is David's Son. He is both "the root and the offspring of David" (Rev. 22:16). Psalm 110:1 teaches the deity and the humanity of Messiah. He is David's Lord and He is David's Son.
Friday – 3rd May
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:15-22
When He was ministering on earth, Jesus often accepted the messianic title "Son of David" (see Matt. 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; 21:9, 15), The rulers had heard the multitudes proclaim Him as "Son of David" when He rode into Jerusalem. The fact that He accepted this title is evidence that Jesus knew Himself to be the Messiah, the Son of God. As God, He was David's Lord; but as man, He was David's Son, for He was born into the family of David (Matt. 1:1, 20).
The scholars in that day were confused about the Messiah. They saw two pictures of Messiah in the Old Testament and could not reconcile them. One picture showed a suffering servant, the other a conquering and reigning monarch. Were there two Messiahs? How could God's servant suffer and die? (See 1 Peter 1:10-12.)
Had they listened to what Jesus said, they would have learned that there was only one Messiah, bur that He would be both human and divine. He would suffer and die as a sacrifice for sins. He would then rise from the dead in triumph, and one day return to defeat His enemies. However, these religious leaders had their own ideas, and they did not want to change. If they had accepted His teaching, then they would also have to accept Him as the Messiah; and this they were unwilling to do.
The result of this day of dialogue was silence on the part of His enemies, They dared not ask Jesus any more questions, not because they had believed the truth, but because they were afraid to face the truth. "For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything". (Luke 20:40,NASB). But neither did they have courage to face the truth and act upon it.,
Making a decision about Jesus Christ is a matter of life or death. The evidence is there for all to examine. We can examine it defensively and miss the truth. Or we can examine it honestly and humbly, and discover the truth, believe, and be saved. The religious leaders were so blinded by tradition, position, and selfish pride that they could not-and would not-see the truth and receive it.
We dare not make the same mistake today.
Topic: The King’s Defense
Read: Matthew 22:15-22
When He was ministering on earth, Jesus often accepted the messianic title "Son of David" (see Matt. 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; 21:9, 15), The rulers had heard the multitudes proclaim Him as "Son of David" when He rode into Jerusalem. The fact that He accepted this title is evidence that Jesus knew Himself to be the Messiah, the Son of God. As God, He was David's Lord; but as man, He was David's Son, for He was born into the family of David (Matt. 1:1, 20).
The scholars in that day were confused about the Messiah. They saw two pictures of Messiah in the Old Testament and could not reconcile them. One picture showed a suffering servant, the other a conquering and reigning monarch. Were there two Messiahs? How could God's servant suffer and die? (See 1 Peter 1:10-12.)
Had they listened to what Jesus said, they would have learned that there was only one Messiah, bur that He would be both human and divine. He would suffer and die as a sacrifice for sins. He would then rise from the dead in triumph, and one day return to defeat His enemies. However, these religious leaders had their own ideas, and they did not want to change. If they had accepted His teaching, then they would also have to accept Him as the Messiah; and this they were unwilling to do.
The result of this day of dialogue was silence on the part of His enemies, They dared not ask Jesus any more questions, not because they had believed the truth, but because they were afraid to face the truth. "For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything". (Luke 20:40,NASB). But neither did they have courage to face the truth and act upon it.,
Making a decision about Jesus Christ is a matter of life or death. The evidence is there for all to examine. We can examine it defensively and miss the truth. Or we can examine it honestly and humbly, and discover the truth, believe, and be saved. The religious leaders were so blinded by tradition, position, and selfish pride that they could not-and would not-see the truth and receive it.
We dare not make the same mistake today.
Saturday – 4th May
PRAY FOR MALAYSIA
GET ON YOUR KNEES AND FIGHT LIKE REAL MEN & WOMEN!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Daily Bible Commentary (22-27th Apr 2013)
Monday – 22nd April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
We now enter the fourth major section of Matthew's Gospel, "The Rejection of the King." In this section (Matt. 21:1-22:14), the Lord Jesus revealed the sins of Israel and explained why the religious leaders rejected Him and His message.
Spiritual Blindness (Matt 21:1-11)
Since it was Passover, there were probably about 2 million people in and around Jerusalem. This was the only time in His ministry that Jesus actually planned and promoted a public demonstration. Up to this time, He had cautioned people not to tell who He was, and He had deliberately avoided public scenes.
Why did Jesus plan this demonstration? For one thing, He was obeying the Word and fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9. 'This prophecy could apply only to Jesus Christ, for He is the only one with credentials that prove He is Israel's King. We usually do not associate the lowly donkey with kingship, but this was the royal animal of Jewish monarchs (1 Kings 2:32ff). There were actually two animals involved, the mother and the colt (foal). Jesus sat upon the colt with the mother walking beside.
By comparing Matthew's quotation with the original prophecy in Zechariah, we discover some interesting facts. Zechariah's prophecy opens with, "Rejoice greatly" but Matthew omitted this phrase. When Jesus approached the city, He wept! How could He (or the people) rejoice when judgment was coming? Matthew also omitted "He is just, and having salvation." Our Lord's coming to Jerusalem was an act of mercy and grace, not an act of justice or judgment. He did have salvation for them, but they refused to accept it (John 1:11). The next time Israel sees the King, He will ride in great power and glory (Rev. 19:11ff).
This colt had never been ridden (Mark 11:2), yet he meekly bore his burden. The presence of the mother helped, of course. But keep in mind that his rider was the King who has "dominion over ... all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field'" (Ps. 8:6-7). The fact that Jesus rode this beast and kept him in control is another evidence of His Kingship.
There was a second reason for this public presentation: It forced the Jewish leaders to act. When they saw the spontaneous demonstration of the people, they concluded that Jesus had to be destroyed (see John 12:19). The prophetic Scriptures required that the Lamb of God be crucified on Passover. This demonstration of Christ's popularity incited the rulers to act.
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
We now enter the fourth major section of Matthew's Gospel, "The Rejection of the King." In this section (Matt. 21:1-22:14), the Lord Jesus revealed the sins of Israel and explained why the religious leaders rejected Him and His message.
Spiritual Blindness (Matt 21:1-11)
Since it was Passover, there were probably about 2 million people in and around Jerusalem. This was the only time in His ministry that Jesus actually planned and promoted a public demonstration. Up to this time, He had cautioned people not to tell who He was, and He had deliberately avoided public scenes.
Why did Jesus plan this demonstration? For one thing, He was obeying the Word and fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9. 'This prophecy could apply only to Jesus Christ, for He is the only one with credentials that prove He is Israel's King. We usually do not associate the lowly donkey with kingship, but this was the royal animal of Jewish monarchs (1 Kings 2:32ff). There were actually two animals involved, the mother and the colt (foal). Jesus sat upon the colt with the mother walking beside.
By comparing Matthew's quotation with the original prophecy in Zechariah, we discover some interesting facts. Zechariah's prophecy opens with, "Rejoice greatly" but Matthew omitted this phrase. When Jesus approached the city, He wept! How could He (or the people) rejoice when judgment was coming? Matthew also omitted "He is just, and having salvation." Our Lord's coming to Jerusalem was an act of mercy and grace, not an act of justice or judgment. He did have salvation for them, but they refused to accept it (John 1:11). The next time Israel sees the King, He will ride in great power and glory (Rev. 19:11ff).
This colt had never been ridden (Mark 11:2), yet he meekly bore his burden. The presence of the mother helped, of course. But keep in mind that his rider was the King who has "dominion over ... all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field'" (Ps. 8:6-7). The fact that Jesus rode this beast and kept him in control is another evidence of His Kingship.
There was a second reason for this public presentation: It forced the Jewish leaders to act. When they saw the spontaneous demonstration of the people, they concluded that Jesus had to be destroyed (see John 12:19). The prophetic Scriptures required that the Lamb of God be crucified on Passover. This demonstration of Christ's popularity incited the rulers to act.
The people acclaimed Jesus as their King both by their words and their deeds. They shouted Hosanna which means, "Save now!" They were quoting from Psalm 118:25-26, and this Psalm is definitely messianic in character. Later that week, Jesus Himself would refer to this Psalm and apply it to Himself (Matt. 21:42; Ps. 118:22-23).
Keep in mind that this Passover crowd was composed of at Ieast three groups: the Jews who lived in Jerusalem, the crowd from Galilee, and the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead (John 12:17-18). Sharing the news of this miracle undoubtedly helped to draw such a large crowd. The people wanted to see this miracle-worker for themselves.
But the Jews still did not recognize Jesus as their King. What caused Israel's spiritual blindness? For one thing, their religious leaders had robbed them of the truth of their own Word and had substituted man-made traditions (Luke 11:52). The leaders were not interested in truth; they were concerned only with protecting their own interests (John 11:47-53). "We have no king but Caesar!" was their confession of willful blindness. Even our Lord's miracles did not convince them. And the longer they resisted the truth, the blinder they became (John 12:35ff) .
Tuesday – 23rd April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:12-22
Hypocrisy (Matt 21:12-22)
Jesus performed two acts of judgment: He cleansed the temple, and He cursed a fig tree. Both acts were contrary to His usual manner of ministry, for He did not come to earth to judge, but to save (John 3:17). Both of these acts revealed the hypocrisy of Israel: The temple was a den of thieves, and the nation (symbolized by the fig tree) was without fruit. Inward corruption and outward fruitlessness were evidences of their hypocrisy.
Cleansing the temple (Matt. 21:12-16). Jesus had opened His ministry with a similar act (John 2:13-25). Now, three years later, the temple was defiled again by the "religious business" of the leaders. They had turned the Court of the Gentiles into a place where foreign Jews could exchange money and purchase sacrifices. What had begun as a service and convenience for visitors from other lands soon turned into a lucrative business. The dealers charged exorbitant prices and no one could compete with them or oppose them. Historians tell us that Annas, the former high priest, was the manager of this enterprise, assisted by his sons.
Keep in mind that this Passover crowd was composed of at Ieast three groups: the Jews who lived in Jerusalem, the crowd from Galilee, and the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead (John 12:17-18). Sharing the news of this miracle undoubtedly helped to draw such a large crowd. The people wanted to see this miracle-worker for themselves.
But the Jews still did not recognize Jesus as their King. What caused Israel's spiritual blindness? For one thing, their religious leaders had robbed them of the truth of their own Word and had substituted man-made traditions (Luke 11:52). The leaders were not interested in truth; they were concerned only with protecting their own interests (John 11:47-53). "We have no king but Caesar!" was their confession of willful blindness. Even our Lord's miracles did not convince them. And the longer they resisted the truth, the blinder they became (John 12:35ff) .
Tuesday – 23rd April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:12-22
Hypocrisy (Matt 21:12-22)
Jesus performed two acts of judgment: He cleansed the temple, and He cursed a fig tree. Both acts were contrary to His usual manner of ministry, for He did not come to earth to judge, but to save (John 3:17). Both of these acts revealed the hypocrisy of Israel: The temple was a den of thieves, and the nation (symbolized by the fig tree) was without fruit. Inward corruption and outward fruitlessness were evidences of their hypocrisy.
Cleansing the temple (Matt. 21:12-16). Jesus had opened His ministry with a similar act (John 2:13-25). Now, three years later, the temple was defiled again by the "religious business" of the leaders. They had turned the Court of the Gentiles into a place where foreign Jews could exchange money and purchase sacrifices. What had begun as a service and convenience for visitors from other lands soon turned into a lucrative business. The dealers charged exorbitant prices and no one could compete with them or oppose them. Historians tell us that Annas, the former high priest, was the manager of this enterprise, assisted by his sons.
The purpose of the Court of the Gentiles in the temple was to give the "outcasts" an opportunity to enter the temple and learn from Israel about the true God. But the presence of this "religious market" turned many sensitive Gentiles away from the witness of Israel. The Court of the Gentiles was used for mercenary business, not missionary business.
When Jesus called the temple "My house," He was affirming that He was God. When He called it "My house of prayer," He was quoting Isaiah 56:7. The entire Is. 56 chapter of Isaiah denounces the unfaithful leaders of Israel. The phrase “den of robbers" comes from Jeremiah 7:11 and is part of a long sermon that Jeremiah delivered in the gate of the temple, rebuking the people for the same sins that Jesus saw and judged in His day.
Why did Jesus call the temple "a den of thieves."? Because the place where thieves hide is called a den. The religious leaders, and some of the people, were using the temple and the Jewish religion to cover up their sins.
What does God want in His house? God wants prayer among His people (1 Tim. 2:1ff), for true prayer is an evidence of our dependence on God and our faith in His Word. He also wants people being helped (Matt 21:14). The needy should feel welcome and should find the kind of help they need. There should be power in God's house, the power of God working to change people. Praise is another feature of God's house (Matt 21:15-16).
Here Jesus quoted from Psalm 8:2.
Wednesday – 24th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:17-22:14
Cursing the tree (Matt. 21:17-22). That Jesus would curse a tree may surprise us. The same power that killed the tree could also have given it new life and fruit. Jesus certainly would not hold a tree morally responsible for being fruitless.
When we consider the time and place of this event, we understand it better. Jesus was near Jerusalem in the last week of His public ministry to His people. The fig tree symbolized the nation of Israel (Luke 13:6-9; Jer. 8:13; Hosea 9:10,16). Just as this tree had leaves but no fruit, so Israel had a show of religion hut no practical experience of faith resulting in godly living. Jesus was not angry at the tree. Rather, He used this tree to teach several lessons to His disciples.
God wants to produce fruit in the lives of His people. Fruit is the product of life. The presence of leaves usually indicates the presence of fruit, but this was not the case. In the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9), the gardener was given more time to care for the tree; but now the time was up. This tree was taking up space and doing no good.
While we can make a useful personal application of this event, the main interpretation has to do with Israel. The time of judgment had come. The sentence was pronounced by the Judge, but it would not be executed for about 40 years. Then Rome would come and destroy the city and temple and scatter the people.
Jesus used this event to teach His disciples a practical lesson about faith and prayer. The temple was supposed to be a "house of prayer," and the nation was to be a believing people. But both of these essentials were missing. We, too, must beware of the peril of fruitlessness.
Disobedience to the Word (Matt. 21:23-22:14)
This series of three parables grew out of the demand of the chief priests and elders for Jesus to explain what authority He had for cleansing the temple. As the custodians of the spiritual life of the nation, they had the right to ask this question. But we are amazed at their ignorance. Jesus had given them three years of ministry, and they still would not face the facts. They wanted more evidence.
In taking them back to the ministry of John, Jesus was not trying to avoid the issue. John had prepared the way for Jesus. Had the rulers received John's ministry, they would have received Jesus. Instead, the leaders permitted Herod to arrest John and then to kill him. If they would not accept the authority of John, they would not accept the authority of Jesus; for both John and Jesus were sent by God.
It is a basic principle of Christian living that we cannot learn new truth if we disobey what God has already told us, “If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God." (John 7:17, NASB). The religious rulers had rejected the truth preached by John, and therefore Jesus could not impart new truth. Both He and John were under the same authority.
Thursday – 25th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:23-22:14
When Jesus called the temple "My house," He was affirming that He was God. When He called it "My house of prayer," He was quoting Isaiah 56:7. The entire Is. 56 chapter of Isaiah denounces the unfaithful leaders of Israel. The phrase “den of robbers" comes from Jeremiah 7:11 and is part of a long sermon that Jeremiah delivered in the gate of the temple, rebuking the people for the same sins that Jesus saw and judged in His day.
Why did Jesus call the temple "a den of thieves."? Because the place where thieves hide is called a den. The religious leaders, and some of the people, were using the temple and the Jewish religion to cover up their sins.
What does God want in His house? God wants prayer among His people (1 Tim. 2:1ff), for true prayer is an evidence of our dependence on God and our faith in His Word. He also wants people being helped (Matt 21:14). The needy should feel welcome and should find the kind of help they need. There should be power in God's house, the power of God working to change people. Praise is another feature of God's house (Matt 21:15-16).
Here Jesus quoted from Psalm 8:2.
Wednesday – 24th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:17-22:14
Cursing the tree (Matt. 21:17-22). That Jesus would curse a tree may surprise us. The same power that killed the tree could also have given it new life and fruit. Jesus certainly would not hold a tree morally responsible for being fruitless.
When we consider the time and place of this event, we understand it better. Jesus was near Jerusalem in the last week of His public ministry to His people. The fig tree symbolized the nation of Israel (Luke 13:6-9; Jer. 8:13; Hosea 9:10,16). Just as this tree had leaves but no fruit, so Israel had a show of religion hut no practical experience of faith resulting in godly living. Jesus was not angry at the tree. Rather, He used this tree to teach several lessons to His disciples.
God wants to produce fruit in the lives of His people. Fruit is the product of life. The presence of leaves usually indicates the presence of fruit, but this was not the case. In the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9), the gardener was given more time to care for the tree; but now the time was up. This tree was taking up space and doing no good.
While we can make a useful personal application of this event, the main interpretation has to do with Israel. The time of judgment had come. The sentence was pronounced by the Judge, but it would not be executed for about 40 years. Then Rome would come and destroy the city and temple and scatter the people.
Jesus used this event to teach His disciples a practical lesson about faith and prayer. The temple was supposed to be a "house of prayer," and the nation was to be a believing people. But both of these essentials were missing. We, too, must beware of the peril of fruitlessness.
Disobedience to the Word (Matt. 21:23-22:14)
This series of three parables grew out of the demand of the chief priests and elders for Jesus to explain what authority He had for cleansing the temple. As the custodians of the spiritual life of the nation, they had the right to ask this question. But we are amazed at their ignorance. Jesus had given them three years of ministry, and they still would not face the facts. They wanted more evidence.
In taking them back to the ministry of John, Jesus was not trying to avoid the issue. John had prepared the way for Jesus. Had the rulers received John's ministry, they would have received Jesus. Instead, the leaders permitted Herod to arrest John and then to kill him. If they would not accept the authority of John, they would not accept the authority of Jesus; for both John and Jesus were sent by God.
It is a basic principle of Christian living that we cannot learn new truth if we disobey what God has already told us, “If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God." (John 7:17, NASB). The religious rulers had rejected the truth preached by John, and therefore Jesus could not impart new truth. Both He and John were under the same authority.
Thursday – 25th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:23-22:14
They rejected God the Father (Matt. 21:23-32). The vineyard, of course, speaks of the nation of Israel (Isa. 5; Ps. 80:8-16). The two sons represent the two classes of people in that nation: the self-righteous religious people and the publicans and sinners. When John came ministering, the religious crowd showed great interest in his work, but they would not repent and humble themselves and be baptized (Matt. 3:7-12; John 1:19-28). The nonreligious crowd, however, confessed their sins and obeyed John's words and were baptized.
The leaders committed two sins: They would not believe John's message and they would not repent of their sins. Of course, they felt that they had no need to repent (Luke 18:9-14). But when they saw what repentance did for the publicans and sinners, they should have been convinced that John's message was true and salvation was real, Again and again, the religious rulers rejected the clear evidence God gave them.
Their rejection of John was actually a rejection of the Father who had sent him. But God is gracious, and instead of sending judgment, He sent His Son. This leads to the next parable.
They rejected the Son! (Matt. 21:33-46). We are still at the vineyard. This parable is based on Isaiah 5:1-7, and in it Jesus reminded the Jews of God's goodness to them as a nation. God delivered them from Egypt and planted them in a rich land of milk and honey. He gave them material and spiritual blessings and asked only that they bear fruit for His glory. From time to time, God sent His servants (the prophets) to the people to receive the fruit. But the people mistreated the servants, and even killed some of them.
What should the householder do? He could have sent his armies to destroy these wicked men. But instead he sent his own son to them, the reference, of course, is to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is "the Heir" (Heb. 1:2). Instead of receiving and honoring the son, the men cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Jesus was crucified" outside the gate" (Heb. 13:12-13, NASB), rejected by His own nation.
The people listening to the parable were caught up in the drama and did not realize that they passed sentence on themselves. Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23 to explain that He was that Son and the religious leaders were the husbandmen (Matt 21:45). The crowds had quoted from Psalm 118:26 when they had welcomed Jesus into the city, so this Scripture was fresh in the minds of the rulers.
Often in the Old Testament, God is referred to as a rock or a stone (Deut 32:4,18, Deut 32:30-31; Ps. 18:2, Ps. 18:31-46). The stone is also a messianic title. To Israel, Jesus was a stumbling stone (Isa. 8:14-15; Rom. 9:32-33; 1 Cor. 1 :23). Israel rejected the Messiah, but in His death and resurrection He created the church. To the church, Jesus is the foundation stone, the head of the corner (Eph. 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5). At the end of the age, Jesus will come as the smiting stone (Dan. 2:34), destroy Gentile kingdoms, and establish His own glorious kingdom.
Friday – 26th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 22:1-14
Of course, the Jewish leaders knew the messianic import of the Scripture Jesus quoted. They were the builders who rejected the stone (Acts 4:11). What were the consequences? For one thing, the kingdom would be taken from Israel and given to another nation, the church (1 Peter 2:9), and note the context, 1 Pet 2:6-10). Those who would attack this stone would be "pulverized"; those whom Christ judges will be crushed to bits.
The leaders committed two sins: They would not believe John's message and they would not repent of their sins. Of course, they felt that they had no need to repent (Luke 18:9-14). But when they saw what repentance did for the publicans and sinners, they should have been convinced that John's message was true and salvation was real, Again and again, the religious rulers rejected the clear evidence God gave them.
Their rejection of John was actually a rejection of the Father who had sent him. But God is gracious, and instead of sending judgment, He sent His Son. This leads to the next parable.
They rejected the Son! (Matt. 21:33-46). We are still at the vineyard. This parable is based on Isaiah 5:1-7, and in it Jesus reminded the Jews of God's goodness to them as a nation. God delivered them from Egypt and planted them in a rich land of milk and honey. He gave them material and spiritual blessings and asked only that they bear fruit for His glory. From time to time, God sent His servants (the prophets) to the people to receive the fruit. But the people mistreated the servants, and even killed some of them.
What should the householder do? He could have sent his armies to destroy these wicked men. But instead he sent his own son to them, the reference, of course, is to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is "the Heir" (Heb. 1:2). Instead of receiving and honoring the son, the men cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Jesus was crucified" outside the gate" (Heb. 13:12-13, NASB), rejected by His own nation.
The people listening to the parable were caught up in the drama and did not realize that they passed sentence on themselves. Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23 to explain that He was that Son and the religious leaders were the husbandmen (Matt 21:45). The crowds had quoted from Psalm 118:26 when they had welcomed Jesus into the city, so this Scripture was fresh in the minds of the rulers.
Often in the Old Testament, God is referred to as a rock or a stone (Deut 32:4,18, Deut 32:30-31; Ps. 18:2, Ps. 18:31-46). The stone is also a messianic title. To Israel, Jesus was a stumbling stone (Isa. 8:14-15; Rom. 9:32-33; 1 Cor. 1 :23). Israel rejected the Messiah, but in His death and resurrection He created the church. To the church, Jesus is the foundation stone, the head of the corner (Eph. 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5). At the end of the age, Jesus will come as the smiting stone (Dan. 2:34), destroy Gentile kingdoms, and establish His own glorious kingdom.
Friday – 26th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 22:1-14
Of course, the Jewish leaders knew the messianic import of the Scripture Jesus quoted. They were the builders who rejected the stone (Acts 4:11). What were the consequences? For one thing, the kingdom would be taken from Israel and given to another nation, the church (1 Peter 2:9), and note the context, 1 Pet 2:6-10). Those who would attack this stone would be "pulverized"; those whom Christ judges will be crushed to bits.
They rejected the Holy Spirit (Matt. 22:1-14). This parable must not be confused with the parable of the great supper (Luke 14:16-24) even though they have elements in common. Again we meet the Father and the Son; and the Son is alive (in spite of what the husbandmen did) and has a bride. The suggestion is that the Lord Jesus and His church are depicted (Eph. 5:22-33). The period described in this parable must be after His resurrection and ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Father is still inviting the people of Israel to come, in spite of what they did to His Son. When we study the first seven chapters of Acts, we discover that the message is going out to none but Jews (Acts 2:5, 10, 14, 22,36; 3:25; 6:7). "To the Jew first" was God's plan (Rom. 1:16; Acts 3:26). How did the nation's leaders respond to the ministry of the Holy
The Father is still inviting the people of Israel to come, in spite of what they did to His Son. When we study the first seven chapters of Acts, we discover that the message is going out to none but Jews (Acts 2:5, 10, 14, 22,36; 3:25; 6:7). "To the Jew first" was God's plan (Rom. 1:16; Acts 3:26). How did the nation's leaders respond to the ministry of the Holy
Spirit through the apostles? They rejected the Word and persecuted the church. The same rulers who permitted John to be killed, and who asked for Jesus to be killed, themselves killed Stephen! Later, Herod killed James (Acts 12:1ff).
How did the king in the parable respond to the way the people treated his servants? He became angry and sent his armies to destroy them and their city. He then turned to other people and invited them to come to the feast. This is a picture of God's dealing with Israel. They rejected the Father when they refused to obey John the Baptist's preaching. Israel rejected the Son when they arrested Him and crucified Him. In His grace and patience, God sent other witnesses. The Holy Spirit came upon the early believers and they witnessed with great power that Jesus was alive and the nation could be saved (Acts 2:32-36; 3:19-26). The miracles they did were proof that God was at work in and through them.
But Israel also rejected the Holy Spirit! This was Stephen's indictment against the nation: "You do always resist the Holy Ghost" (Acts 7:51). With the stoning of Stephen, God's patience with Israel began to end, although He delayed the judgment for almost 40 years. In Acts 8 we read that the message went ·to the Samaritans, and in Acts 10 we read that it even went to the Gentiles.
Saturday – 27th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:17-22:14
This final rejection is, to me, the awful "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 12:22-32. This was a national sin, committed by Israel. When they rejected John, they rejected the Father who sent him; but there remained the ministry of the Son. When they rejected the Son, they were forgiven because of their ignorance (Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17). No sinner today can be forgiven for rejecting Christ, for this rejection is what condemns the soul (John 3:16-22).
But there remained the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit came upon the church at Pentecost, and the apostles performed great signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; Heb. 2:1-4). The rulers rejected the witness of the Spirit, and this brought final judgment. They had rejected the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, and there were no more opportunities left.
This "sin against the Holy Spirit" cannot be committed today in the same way as Israel committed it, because the situation is different. The Spirit of God is bearing witness through the Word to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit who convinces the world of sin (John 16:7-11). The Spirit can be resisted by unbelievers (Acts 7:51), but nobody knows that crisis hour (if there is one) when the Spirit stops dealing with a lost sinner.
Matt.21:11-14 seem like an appendix to the parable, but they are vitally important. The wedding garment was provided by the host so that everybody was properly attired and the poor did not feel conspicuous. Salvation is personal and individual. We must accept what God gives to us-the righteousness of Christ - and not try to make it on our own. Since these parables had a definite national emphasis, this personal emphasis at the end was most important.
The nation's leaders were guilty of spiritual blindness, hypocrisy, and deliberate disobedience to the Word. Instead of accepting this indictment from Jesus and repenting" they decided to attack Him and argue with Him. The result: judgment. We should be careful not to follow their example of disobedience.
How did the king in the parable respond to the way the people treated his servants? He became angry and sent his armies to destroy them and their city. He then turned to other people and invited them to come to the feast. This is a picture of God's dealing with Israel. They rejected the Father when they refused to obey John the Baptist's preaching. Israel rejected the Son when they arrested Him and crucified Him. In His grace and patience, God sent other witnesses. The Holy Spirit came upon the early believers and they witnessed with great power that Jesus was alive and the nation could be saved (Acts 2:32-36; 3:19-26). The miracles they did were proof that God was at work in and through them.
But Israel also rejected the Holy Spirit! This was Stephen's indictment against the nation: "You do always resist the Holy Ghost" (Acts 7:51). With the stoning of Stephen, God's patience with Israel began to end, although He delayed the judgment for almost 40 years. In Acts 8 we read that the message went ·to the Samaritans, and in Acts 10 we read that it even went to the Gentiles.
Saturday – 27th April
Topic: The King’s Judgments
Read: Matthew 21:17-22:14
This final rejection is, to me, the awful "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 12:22-32. This was a national sin, committed by Israel. When they rejected John, they rejected the Father who sent him; but there remained the ministry of the Son. When they rejected the Son, they were forgiven because of their ignorance (Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17). No sinner today can be forgiven for rejecting Christ, for this rejection is what condemns the soul (John 3:16-22).
But there remained the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit came upon the church at Pentecost, and the apostles performed great signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; Heb. 2:1-4). The rulers rejected the witness of the Spirit, and this brought final judgment. They had rejected the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, and there were no more opportunities left.
This "sin against the Holy Spirit" cannot be committed today in the same way as Israel committed it, because the situation is different. The Spirit of God is bearing witness through the Word to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit who convinces the world of sin (John 16:7-11). The Spirit can be resisted by unbelievers (Acts 7:51), but nobody knows that crisis hour (if there is one) when the Spirit stops dealing with a lost sinner.
Matt.21:11-14 seem like an appendix to the parable, but they are vitally important. The wedding garment was provided by the host so that everybody was properly attired and the poor did not feel conspicuous. Salvation is personal and individual. We must accept what God gives to us-the righteousness of Christ - and not try to make it on our own. Since these parables had a definite national emphasis, this personal emphasis at the end was most important.
The nation's leaders were guilty of spiritual blindness, hypocrisy, and deliberate disobedience to the Word. Instead of accepting this indictment from Jesus and repenting" they decided to attack Him and argue with Him. The result: judgment. We should be careful not to follow their example of disobedience.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Daily Bible Commentary (15 April-20 April 2013)
Monday
– 15th April
Topic:
The King’s Demands
Read: Matthew 19:16–19We Must Love Christ Supremely (19:16-26).
We cannot follow the King without paying a price. After all, He went to the cross for us! Have we the right to escape sacrifice and suffering? In this section, our Lord explains the rightful demands that He makes upon those who want to trust Him and be His disciples.
Each
of the first three Gospels records this event. When we combine the facts, we
learn that this man was rich, young, and probably the ruler of a synagogue. We
can certainly commend this young man for coming publicly to Christ and asking
about eternal matters. He seemed to have no ulterior motive and was willing to
listen and learn. Sadly, he made the wrong decision.
The
event seems to develop around several important questions .
'What
good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (19:16-17) The man was obviously sincere, although his approach to
salvation was centered on works and not faith. But this was to be expected
among the Jews of that day. However, in spite of his position in society, his
morality, and his religion, he felt a definite need for something more.
But
our Lord's reply did not focus on salvation. He forced the young man to think
seriously about the word good that he had used in addressing Jesus. "Only
God is good," Jesus said. "Do you believe that I am good and
therefore that I am God?" If Jesus is only one of many religious teachers
in history, then His words carry no more weight than the pronouncements of any
other religious leader. But if Jesus is good, then He is God, and we had better
heed what He says.
Why
did Jesus bring up the commandments? Did He actually teach that people receive
eternal life by obeying God's Law? If anyone could keep the commandments, he
certainly would enter into life. But no one can keep God's Law perfectly,
"Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in
His sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20). Jesus did not introduce the Law to show the young man
how to be saved, but to show him that he needed to be saved. The Law is a
mirror that reveals what we are (James
1:22ft).
"Which commandments?" (19:18-19) Was the young man being evasive? I don't think so. But
he was making a mistake, for one part of God's Law cannot be separated from
another part. To classify God's laws into "lesser" and"
greater" is to miss the whole purpose of the Law. "For whosoever
shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of
all" (James 2:10). The Law
represents the authority of God, and to disobey what we may think: is a minor
law is still to rebel against His authority.
Of
course, the young man thought only of external obedience. He forgot about the
attitudes of the heart. Jesus had taught in the Sermon on the Mount that hatred
was the moral equivalent of murder, and that lust was the equivalent of
adultery. We rejoice that this young man had such good manners and morals. But
we regret that he did not see his sin, repent, and trust Christ.
Tuesday
– 16th April
Topic:
The King’s Demands
Read: Matthew 19:20 - 26
The
one commandment that especially applied to him, Jesus did not quote: "Thou
shalt not covet" (Ex. 20:17).
The young man should have pondered all of the Commandments and not just the
ones that Jesus quoted. Was he looking for easy discipleship? Was he being
dishonest with himself? I believe that his testimony was sincere, as far as he
knew. But he did not permit the light of the Word to penetrate deeply enough.
Jesus felt a sudden love for this young man (Mark 10:21), so He continued to try to help him.
"What
lack I yet?' (19:20-22). No where in
the Bible are we taught that a sinner is saved by selling his goods and giving
the money away. Jesus never told Nicodemus to do this or any other sinner whose
story is recorded in the Gospels. Jesus knew that this man was covetous; he
loved material wealth. By asking him to sell his goods, Jesus was forcing him
to examine his own heart and determine his priorities. With all of his
commendable qualities, the young man still did not truly love God with all of
his heart. Possessions were his god. He was unable to obey the command,
"Go and sell. . . come and follow . . ."
The
young man went away grieved, but he could have gone away in great joy and
peace. We cannot love and serve two masters (Matt. 6:24ff). We can be sure that, apart from Christ, even the
material possessions of life give no lasting joy or pleasure. It is good to
have the things money can buy provided we do not lose the things 'that money
cannot buy’. Unless this rich ruler eventually turned to Christ, he died
without salvation, one of the "richest" men in the cemetery.
"Who
then can be saved?" (19:23-26).
The Jewish people of that day believed that riches were an evidence of God's
blessing. They based this on the promises God gave the Jewish nation at the
beginning of their history. It is true that God did promise material blessing
if they obeyed, and material loss if they disobeyed (see Deut. 26-28). But in the infancy of the race, the only way God
could teach them was through rewards and punishments. We teach young children
in the same manner.
However,
the highest kind of obedience is not based on a desire for reward or the fear
of punishment. It is motivated by love. In His life and His teaching, Jesus
tried to show the people that the inner spiritual blessings are far more
important than the material gains. God sees the heart, and God wants to build
character. Salvation is the gift of God in response to man's faith. Material
riches are not a guarantee that God is pleased with a man.
The
disciples, being good Jews, were amazed at the Lord's statement about riches.
Their question reflected their theology: "If a rich man cannot be saved, what
hope is there for the rest of us?" Of course, Jesus did not say that the
possessing of wealth kept a man from the kingdom. Some manuscripts of Mark 10:24 read, "How hard it is
for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God." This is
certainly the import of our Lord's teaching. Abraham was a very wealthy man,
yet he was a man of great faith. It is good to possess wealth if wealth does
not possess you.
We
cannot follow the King and live for worldly wealth. We cannot serve God and
money, The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:6-10), Jesus Christ demands of all who will follow Him
that they love Him supremely.
Wednesday
– 17th April
Topic:
The King’s Demands
Read: Matthew 19:27 – 20:16
We
Must Obey Him Unreservedly (19:27-20:16)
Peter
was quick to sec the contrast between the wealthy ruler and the poor disciples.
"We have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have
therefore?" Jesus gave them a marvelous promise of rewards in this life
and in the next. They would even share thrones when HE established His kingdom.
Whatever good things they had forsaken for His sake would be returned to them a
hundredfold. In other words, they were
not making sacrifices-they were making investments. But not all of the dividends
would be received in this life.
However,
Jesus detected in Peter's question the possibility of a wrong motive for
service, This was why He added the warning that some who were first in their
own eyes would be last in the judgment, and some who were last would end up
first. This truth was amplified in the parable of the workers in the vineyard.
This
parable has nothing to do with salvation. The penny (a day's wages in that
time) does not represent salvation, 'for nobody works for his salvation. Nor is
the parable talking about rewards, for we are not all going to receive the same
reward. "And every man shall receive his own reward according to his own
labor" (1 Cor. 3:8).
The
parable is emphasizing a right attitude in service. It is important to note
that there were actually two kinds of workers hired that day: those who wanted
a contract and agreed to work for a penny a day, and those who had no contract
and agreed to take whatever the owner thought was right. The first laborers
that he hired insisted on a contract.
This
explains why the householder paid the workers as he did: He wanted those who
were hired first (who insisted on a contract) to see how much he paid the
workers who were, hired later. It was one way the owner could show those workers
how really generous he was.
Put
yourself in the place of those workers who were hired first but paid last. They
each expected to get a penny, because that was 'what they agreed to accept. But
imagine their surprise when they saw the laborers who were hired last each
receiving a penny! This meant their own wages should have been 12 pennies each!
.
But
the three o'clock workers also received a penny-for only three hours of work.
The men last in line quickly recalculated their wages: four pennies for the
day's work. When the men hired at noon also were paid a penny, this cui the
salary of the contract workers considerably, for now they would earn only two
pennies.
But
the Owner gave them one penny each. Of course, they complained! But they had no
argument, because they had agreed to work for a penny. They received what they
asked for. Had they trusted the goodness of the owner, they would have received
far more. But they insisted on a contract.
Thursday
– 18th April
Topic:
The King’s Demands
Read: Matthew 20:1-16
The
lesson for Christ's disciples is obvious. We should not serve Him because we
want to receive an expected reward, and we should not insist on knowing what we
will get. God is infinitely generous and gracious and will always give us
better than we deserve.
Now
we can understand the perils that were hidden in Peter's question in verse 27. For one thing, we must not
"Suppose" (20:10) that we
will get something more if we really do not deserve it. It is possible to do
the Father's work and yet not do HIS will from the heart (Eph. 6:6). If we serve Him only for the benefits (temporal and
eternal), then we will miss the best blessings He has for us. We must trust Him
unreservedly and believe that He will always give what is best.
There
is the danger of pride. “What shall we have?" asked Peter. This parable
warned him, "How do you know you will have anything?" Beware of
overconfidence when it comes to the rewards God will give, for those first in
their own eyes (and in the eyes of others) may end up last! Likewise, do not
get discouraged; for those who consider themselves "unprofitable
servants" may end up first.
Beware
of the danger of watching 'other workers and measuring yourself by them.
"Judge nothing before the time," Paul warns in I Corinthians 4:5. We
see the worker and the work, but God sees the heart.
Finally,
we must beware of criticizing God and feeling that we have been left out. Had
the early morning workers trusted the owner and not asked for an agreement, the
owner would have given them much more. He was generous, but they would not
trust him. They did not rejoice that others received more; instead, they were
jealous and complained. The goodness of the Owner did not lead them to
repentance (Rom. 2:4). It revealed
the true character of their hearts: They were selfish! Whenever we find a
complaining servant, we know he has not fully yielded to the master's will.
Friday
– 8th April
Topic:
The King’s Demands
Read: Matthew 20:17-34
We Must Glorify Him
Completely (20:17-34)
For
the third time, Jesus announced His arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection (see 16:21; 17:22). In the previous
announcements, He had not specified how He would die. But now He clearly
mentioned the cross. He also clearly mentioned His resurrection, but the
message did not penetrate the disciples' hearts.
In
contrast to this announcement of suffering and death we have the request of
James and John and their mother, Salome. Jesus spoke about a cross, but they were
interested in a crown. They wanted reserved seats on special thrones! We get
the impression that the mother, Salome, was the real inspiration behind this
request, and that she was interested in promoting her sons.
Before
we criticize what they did, let's notice some commendable features in this
event. For one thing, they did believe in prayer; and they dared to believe the
promise Jesus had given about sitting on thrones (19:28). The word "regeneration" in that verse means
"new birth," and refers to the new world over which Jesus and His
followers will reign when He returns to earth. It must have taken faith on
their part to believe He would establish these thrones, because He had just
told them that He was going to die.
But
there were several things wrong with their request. To begin with, it was born
in ignorance. "Ye know not what ye ask," Jesus replied. Little did
Salome realize that the path to the throne is a difficult one. James was the first
of the disciples to be matyred , and John had to endure hard days on the Isle
of Patmos. These three believers wanted their win, not God's will, and they
wanted it their way.
Another
factor was their lack of heavenly direction. They were thinking like the
world: James and John wanted to "lord it over" the other disciples
the way the unsaved Gentile rulers lorded it over their subjects. Their request
was fleshly (sensual), because they were selfishly asking for glory for
themselves, not for the Lord. No doubt they felt relieved that they had gotten
to Jesus with this request before Peter did!
Finally,
the request was not only of the world and the flesh, but it was of the devil.
It was motivated by pride. Satan had sought a throne (Isa. 14:12-15) and had been cast down. Satan had offered Jesus a
throne and had been refused (Matt.
4:8-11). Satan magnifies the end (a throne) but not the means to that end.
Jesus warned Salome and her sons that the special thrones were available to
those who were worthy of them. There are no shortcuts in the kingdom of God:
The
result of this request was "indignation" on the part of the other
disciples-probably because they had not thought of it first! The wisdom from
above always leads to peace; the wisdom of this world leads to war (James 3:
13-4:3). Selfishness will only result in dissention and division.
Saturday
– 20th April
Topic:
The King’s Demands
Read: Matthew 20:1-34
This
disagreement gave Jesus the opportunity to teach a practical lesson of
leadership. In His kingdom, we must not follow the examples of the world. Our
example is Jesus, not some corporation president or wealthy celebrity. Jesus
came as a servant; therefore, we should serve one another. He came to give His
life; therefore, we should give our lives in service to Him and others.
The
word minister in verse 26 simply means "a servant." Our English word
"deacon" comes from it. The word Servant in verse 27 means "a slave." Not every servant was a slave,
but every slave was a servant. It is sad to note in the church today that we
have many celebrities, but very few servants. There are many who want to
"exercise authority" (v. 25),
but few who want to take the towel and basin and wash feet.
The
key to greatness is not found in position or power, but in character.
We
get a throne by paying with our lives, not by praying with our lips. We must
identify with Jesus Christ in His service and suffering, for even He could not
reach the throne except by way of the cross. The best commentary on this is Philippians 2:1-18.
To
improve our praying we must improve our serving. If we are serving Him and
others, then we will not be praying selfishly. If we honestly can say,
"Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth, then He will say to us,
"Speak, servant, for thy Lord heareth." If our prayers do not make us
better servants, then there is something wrong with them.
Do
our prayers make us easier to live with? The two disciples prayed selfishly and
threw the whole fellowship into an uproar! Do our prayers make us more like
Jesus Christ?
Do
our prayers cost us anything? Prayer in the will of God does not mean escape;
it means involvement. If our prayers do not bring us nearer to the cross, then
they are out of God's will.
Salome
learned her lesson. When Jesus was crucified, she was standing near the cross (John 19:25, "his mother's sister'
') and sharing in His sorrow and pain. She did not see two thrones on either
side of her Lord-she saw two thieves on two crosses. And she heard Jesus give
her son, John, to His mother Mary. Salome's selfishness was rebuked, and she
meekly accepted it.
The
closing event of Matthew 20 is the
healing of Bartimaeus and his friend, both of whom were blind (see Mark 10:46-52). Here Jesus put
into practice what He had just taught the disciples. He became a servant to two
rejected blind beggars. The crowds around Jesus tried to silence the two men.
After all, what claim did they have on the great Teacher? But Jesus had
compassion on them and healed them. He was the servant even of beggars.
This
chapter contains some hard things for us to receive and practice. If we love
the things of this world, we cannot love God supremely. If we are not yielded
completely to His will, we cannot obey Him unreservedly. If we seek glory for
ourselves, or if we compare ourselves with other believers, then we cannot
glorify Him.
We
cannot acknowledge Jesus as our King unless we love Him supremely, obey Him
unreservedly, and glorify Him completely. But if we do these things, we will
share in His life and joy, and one day reign with Him!
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Daily Bible Commentary (8th-13th April)
Monday – 8th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:1-5
The King's "retirement" from the crowds was about to come to an end. But the attacks of the enemy would grow more intense, culminating in His arrest and crucifixion. The religious leaders had already tried to ensnare Him with questions about' the Sabbath and signs, and they had failed. They tried again, this time with a most controversial issue- divorce.
This subject is both important and controversial today. The divorce rate continues to climb (at this writing, one divorce for every 1.8 marriages), and divorce has invaded even the homes of Christian leaders. Someone has commented that' couples "are married for better or for worse, but not for long," We need to examine again what Jesus taught about this subject. He explained four different laws relating to marriage and divorce.
The Original Creation Law (Matt 19:3-6)
Instead of going back to Deuteronomy, Jesus went back to Genesis. What God did when He established the first marriage teaches us positively what He had in mind for a man and a woman. If we build a marriage after God's ideal pattern, we will not have to worry about divorce laws.
The reasons for marriage. The only thing that was not "good" about Creation was the fact that the man was alone (Gen. 2:18). The woman was created to meet this need. Adam could not find fellowship with the animals. He needed a companion who was equal to him and with whom he could find fulfillment. God's answer to this need was Eve.
Marriage makes possible the continuation of the race. "Be fruitful, and multiply . . ." was God's mandate to the first married couple (Gen. 1:28). From the beginning it was God's command that sex be practiced in the commitment of marriage. Outside of marriage, sex becomes a destructive force; but within the loving commitment of marriage, sex can be creative and constructive.
Marriage is one way to avoid sexual sins (1 Cor. 7:1-6). Of course, a man should not marry simply to legalize lust! If he is lustful outside of marriage, he will no doubt be lustful after he is married. He should not think that getting married will solve all of his personal problems with lust. But marriage is God's appointed way for a man and a woman to share the physical joys of sex.
Paul used marriage as an illustration of the intimate relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22-23). Just as Eve was taken from the side of Adam (Gen. 2:21), so the church was born from the suffering and death of Christ at the cross. Christ loves His church, nourishes it with His Word, cleanses it, and cares for it. Christ's relationship to His church is the example for all husbands to follow.
Tuesday – 9th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:5-10
The characteristics of marriage. By going back to the original Edenic Law, Jesus reminded His listeners of the true characteristics of marriage. If we remember these characteristics, we will better know how to build a happy and enduring marriage.
It is a divinely appointed union. God established marriage, and therefore only God can control its character and laws. No court of law can change what God has established.
It is a physical union. The man and woman become "one flesh." While it is important that a husband and wife be of one mind and heart, the basic union in marriage is physical. If a man and woman became "one spirit" in marriage, then death would not dissolve the marriage; for the spirit never dies. Even if a man and woman disagree, are "incompatible," and cannot get along, they are still married; for the union is a physical one.
It is a permanent union. God's original design was that one man and one woman spend one life together. God's original law knows nothing of "trial marriages." God's Law requires that the husband and wife enter into marriage without reservations,
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:1-5
The King's "retirement" from the crowds was about to come to an end. But the attacks of the enemy would grow more intense, culminating in His arrest and crucifixion. The religious leaders had already tried to ensnare Him with questions about' the Sabbath and signs, and they had failed. They tried again, this time with a most controversial issue- divorce.
This subject is both important and controversial today. The divorce rate continues to climb (at this writing, one divorce for every 1.8 marriages), and divorce has invaded even the homes of Christian leaders. Someone has commented that' couples "are married for better or for worse, but not for long," We need to examine again what Jesus taught about this subject. He explained four different laws relating to marriage and divorce.
The Original Creation Law (Matt 19:3-6)
Instead of going back to Deuteronomy, Jesus went back to Genesis. What God did when He established the first marriage teaches us positively what He had in mind for a man and a woman. If we build a marriage after God's ideal pattern, we will not have to worry about divorce laws.
The reasons for marriage. The only thing that was not "good" about Creation was the fact that the man was alone (Gen. 2:18). The woman was created to meet this need. Adam could not find fellowship with the animals. He needed a companion who was equal to him and with whom he could find fulfillment. God's answer to this need was Eve.
Marriage makes possible the continuation of the race. "Be fruitful, and multiply . . ." was God's mandate to the first married couple (Gen. 1:28). From the beginning it was God's command that sex be practiced in the commitment of marriage. Outside of marriage, sex becomes a destructive force; but within the loving commitment of marriage, sex can be creative and constructive.
Marriage is one way to avoid sexual sins (1 Cor. 7:1-6). Of course, a man should not marry simply to legalize lust! If he is lustful outside of marriage, he will no doubt be lustful after he is married. He should not think that getting married will solve all of his personal problems with lust. But marriage is God's appointed way for a man and a woman to share the physical joys of sex.
Paul used marriage as an illustration of the intimate relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22-23). Just as Eve was taken from the side of Adam (Gen. 2:21), so the church was born from the suffering and death of Christ at the cross. Christ loves His church, nourishes it with His Word, cleanses it, and cares for it. Christ's relationship to His church is the example for all husbands to follow.
Tuesday – 9th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:5-10
The characteristics of marriage. By going back to the original Edenic Law, Jesus reminded His listeners of the true characteristics of marriage. If we remember these characteristics, we will better know how to build a happy and enduring marriage.
It is a divinely appointed union. God established marriage, and therefore only God can control its character and laws. No court of law can change what God has established.
It is a physical union. The man and woman become "one flesh." While it is important that a husband and wife be of one mind and heart, the basic union in marriage is physical. If a man and woman became "one spirit" in marriage, then death would not dissolve the marriage; for the spirit never dies. Even if a man and woman disagree, are "incompatible," and cannot get along, they are still married; for the union is a physical one.
It is a permanent union. God's original design was that one man and one woman spend one life together. God's original law knows nothing of "trial marriages." God's Law requires that the husband and wife enter into marriage without reservations,
It is a union between one man and one woman. God did not create two men and one woman, two women and one man, two men, or two women. "Group marriages," "gay marriages" and other eccentric variations are contrary to the will of God, no matter what some psychologists and jurists may say.
The Seventh Commandment (Matt 5:27-30)
While Jesus did not refer to the Seventh Commandment in this discussion, He did quote it in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:27-32). Let's examine What He said.
Jesus and the New Testament writers affirm the authority of "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14). While the word fornication seems to cover many kinds of sexual sins (see Mark 7:21; Rom. 1:29; 1 Cor. 6:13), adultery involves only married people. When a married person has intercourse with someone other than his or her mate,that is adultery. God has declared that it is wrong and it is sin. There are numerous warnings in the New Testament against sexual sins, including adultery (Acts 15:20; 1 Cor. 6:15-18; Gal. 5:19ff; Eph. 4:17,5:3-12; Col. 3:5; I Thes. 4:3-7; Heb. 13:4).
This Commandment affirms the sanctity of sex. God created it, God protects it, and God punishes when His law is violated. Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament for us to heed. (The Sabbath Commandment was given only to Israel and does not apply to the church today.) We must not think that because we are "under grace" we can flaunt God's Law and get away with it. "Fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13:4, NASB).
However, Jesus went much deeper in His discussion of adultery. He showed that this can be a sin of the heart as well as a sin of the body. It is not enough simply to control the body; we must also control the inner thoughts and desires. To look at a woman for the purpose of lusting after her is to commit adultery in the heart. This does not mean that we cannot admire a beautiful person, or picture; for it is possible to do that and not sin. It is when we look with the intention of satisfying lustful desires, that we commit adultery in the heart.
Wednesday – 10th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:10-15
A sanctified sex life begins with the inner desires. Jesus singled out the eye and the hand, because seeing and feeling are usually the first steps toward sexual sin. Of course, He did not command us to perform physical surgery, since He was clearly dealing with the inner desires. He commanded us to deal drastically with sin, to remove from our lives anything that would pamper our wrong desires. We must "hunger and thirst after righteousness."
Jesus did not alter the original Edenic Law of marriage, nor did He annul the Seventh Commandment. What He taught was based solidly on God's creation and God's moral law.
The Mosaic Law of Divorce (19:7-8)
Like many people' who "argue religion," these Pharisees Were not interested in discovering truth. They were interested only in defending themselves and what they believed. This was why they asked about the Jewish law of divorce recorded in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.
I suggest you read this important passage in the New American Standard Bible to distinguish the tenses of the verbs. This translation makes it clear that Moses gave only one commandment: The divorced wife could not return to her first husband if she was put away by a second husband. Moses did not command divorce; he permitted it. He commanded that the husband give his ex-wife a legal bill of divorcement. But the wife could not return to her first husband after being remarried and divorced.
What a wise law this was. To begin with, the husband would think twice before hastily putting away his wife, since he could not get her back again, Futhermore, it would have taken time to find a scribe (not everyone could write legal documents), and during that time the two estranged people might have been reconciled. The Pharisees were interpreting Moses' Law as though it were a commandment. Jesus made it clear that Moses was only giving permission for divorce.
But what did Moses mean by some uncleanness in her? The Hebrew means "some matter of nakedness," but this need not refer to sexual sin. That phrase is the equivalent of "some shameful thing" (see Gen. 2:25; 3:7, 10). It is the interpretation of this phrase that divided the two schools of Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai, famous first-century Jewish scholars. Hillel took a very lax view and said that the husband could divorce his wife for almost any reason, while Shammai took the stricter view and said Moses was speaking only about sexual sin.
While Jesus did not refer to the Seventh Commandment in this discussion, He did quote it in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:27-32). Let's examine What He said.
Jesus and the New Testament writers affirm the authority of "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14). While the word fornication seems to cover many kinds of sexual sins (see Mark 7:21; Rom. 1:29; 1 Cor. 6:13), adultery involves only married people. When a married person has intercourse with someone other than his or her mate,that is adultery. God has declared that it is wrong and it is sin. There are numerous warnings in the New Testament against sexual sins, including adultery (Acts 15:20; 1 Cor. 6:15-18; Gal. 5:19ff; Eph. 4:17,5:3-12; Col. 3:5; I Thes. 4:3-7; Heb. 13:4).
This Commandment affirms the sanctity of sex. God created it, God protects it, and God punishes when His law is violated. Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament for us to heed. (The Sabbath Commandment was given only to Israel and does not apply to the church today.) We must not think that because we are "under grace" we can flaunt God's Law and get away with it. "Fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13:4, NASB).
However, Jesus went much deeper in His discussion of adultery. He showed that this can be a sin of the heart as well as a sin of the body. It is not enough simply to control the body; we must also control the inner thoughts and desires. To look at a woman for the purpose of lusting after her is to commit adultery in the heart. This does not mean that we cannot admire a beautiful person, or picture; for it is possible to do that and not sin. It is when we look with the intention of satisfying lustful desires, that we commit adultery in the heart.
Wednesday – 10th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:10-15
A sanctified sex life begins with the inner desires. Jesus singled out the eye and the hand, because seeing and feeling are usually the first steps toward sexual sin. Of course, He did not command us to perform physical surgery, since He was clearly dealing with the inner desires. He commanded us to deal drastically with sin, to remove from our lives anything that would pamper our wrong desires. We must "hunger and thirst after righteousness."
Jesus did not alter the original Edenic Law of marriage, nor did He annul the Seventh Commandment. What He taught was based solidly on God's creation and God's moral law.
The Mosaic Law of Divorce (19:7-8)
Like many people' who "argue religion," these Pharisees Were not interested in discovering truth. They were interested only in defending themselves and what they believed. This was why they asked about the Jewish law of divorce recorded in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.
I suggest you read this important passage in the New American Standard Bible to distinguish the tenses of the verbs. This translation makes it clear that Moses gave only one commandment: The divorced wife could not return to her first husband if she was put away by a second husband. Moses did not command divorce; he permitted it. He commanded that the husband give his ex-wife a legal bill of divorcement. But the wife could not return to her first husband after being remarried and divorced.
What a wise law this was. To begin with, the husband would think twice before hastily putting away his wife, since he could not get her back again, Futhermore, it would have taken time to find a scribe (not everyone could write legal documents), and during that time the two estranged people might have been reconciled. The Pharisees were interpreting Moses' Law as though it were a commandment. Jesus made it clear that Moses was only giving permission for divorce.
But what did Moses mean by some uncleanness in her? The Hebrew means "some matter of nakedness," but this need not refer to sexual sin. That phrase is the equivalent of "some shameful thing" (see Gen. 2:25; 3:7, 10). It is the interpretation of this phrase that divided the two schools of Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai, famous first-century Jewish scholars. Hillel took a very lax view and said that the husband could divorce his wife for almost any reason, while Shammai took the stricter view and said Moses was speaking only about sexual sin.
No matter which side Jesus took, He would surely offend somebody.
Thursday – 11th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:1-8
There were several laws of marriage given to the Jews, and we must examine them in order to get some perspective. For example, if a man · married a woman and discovered that she was not a virgin, he could expose her sin and have her stoned (Deut. 22:13-21 ). Of Course, he had to have proof; and if he did not, he was fined and had to live with the woman all of his life. This law was as much a protection to the woman as to the man.
If a man suspected his wife of unfaithfulness, he followed the procedure outlined in Numbers 5:11ff. We cannot follow that procedure today (which certainly included elements of divine judgment since there is no priesthood or tabernacle.
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:1-8
There were several laws of marriage given to the Jews, and we must examine them in order to get some perspective. For example, if a man · married a woman and discovered that she was not a virgin, he could expose her sin and have her stoned (Deut. 22:13-21 ). Of Course, he had to have proof; and if he did not, he was fined and had to live with the woman all of his life. This law was as much a protection to the woman as to the man.
If a man suspected his wife of unfaithfulness, he followed the procedure outlined in Numbers 5:11ff. We cannot follow that procedure today (which certainly included elements of divine judgment since there is no priesthood or tabernacle.
Remember that the Law of Moses demanded the death penalty for those who committed adultery (Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10). Our Lord's enemies appealed to this law when they tried to trap Him (John 8:1). While we have no record in the Old Testament that anyone was stoned for committing adultery, this was the divine law. The experience of Joseph (Matt.1:18-25) indicates that the Jews used divorce rather than stoning in dealing with an adulterous wife.
Why did God command that the adulterer or adulteress be stoned to death? Certainly as an example to warn the people, for adultery undermines the very fabric of society and the home. There must be commitment in marriage, and faithfulness to each other and to God, if there is to be stability in society and in the church. GOD had to preserve Israel because the promised Saviour would come through that nation. God opposed divorce in Israel because it weakened the nation and threatened the birth of the Messiah (see Mal. 2:10-16).
But there was another reason for capital punishment: This left the other party free to marry again. Death breaks the marriage bond, since marriage is a physical union (Rom. 7:1-3). It was important that families he continued in Israel that they might protect their inheritance (Num. 36).
Why did God command that the adulterer or adulteress be stoned to death? Certainly as an example to warn the people, for adultery undermines the very fabric of society and the home. There must be commitment in marriage, and faithfulness to each other and to God, if there is to be stability in society and in the church. GOD had to preserve Israel because the promised Saviour would come through that nation. God opposed divorce in Israel because it weakened the nation and threatened the birth of the Messiah (see Mal. 2:10-16).
But there was another reason for capital punishment: This left the other party free to marry again. Death breaks the marriage bond, since marriage is a physical union (Rom. 7:1-3). It was important that families he continued in Israel that they might protect their inheritance (Num. 36).
We must note one final fact before leaving this section: The divorce that Moses permitted in Deuteronomy 24 actually severed the original marriage relationship. God permitted the woman to marry again, and her second marriage was not considered adulterous. The second man she married was called a "husband" and not an adulterer. This explains how the woman of Samaria could have had five husbands, and yet be living with a man not her husband (John 4:16-18). Apparently all five of those marriages had been legal and scriptural.
This means that scriptural divorce does sever the marriage relationship. Man cannot break this relationship by his laws, but God can break it. The same God who gives the laws that join people together can also give laws to put them asunder. God can do it, but man cannot.
Finally, Jesus made it clear that this Mosaic Law of divorce was a concession on God's part. God's original law of marriage left no room for divorce, but that law was laid down before man had sinned. Rather than have two people living together in constant conflict, with one or both of them seeking fulfillment elsewhere and thus commit sin; God permitted divorce. This divorce included the right remarriage. The Pharisees did not ask about remarriage, for this was no problem. They accepted the fact that the parties would seek other mates, and this was allowed by Moses.
Friday– 12th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:9-12
Our Lord's Law of Marriage (Matt. 19:9-12; 5:31-32)
When Jesus said "And I say unto you," He was claiming to be God; for only God can establish or alter the laws of marriage. He declared that marriage was a permanent union that could only he broken by sexual sin. The word fornication in the New Testament covers many kinds of sexual sins. The definition of fornication as' 'sexual sin between two unmarried persons" would not apply here, for Jesus was talking about married .persons. Are we to believe that the 23,000 men who committed fornication under the enticement of Baalam (Num. 25) were all unmarried men? Was the admonition of Acts 15:20, 29 sent only to single church members?
Marriage is a permanent physical union that can be broken only by a physical cause: death or sexual sin. ( I would take it that homosexuality and bestiality would qualify.) Man cannot break the union, but God can. Under the Old Testament Law, the sinner was stoned to death. But the church today does not bear the sword (Rom. 13:1-4). Were adultery and fornication more serious under the Law than the same sins are today? Of course not! If anything, such sins are even worse today in the light of the full revelation of God's grace and holiness that we now have in Jesus Christ.
The conclusion seems to be that divorce in the New Testament is the equivalent of death in the Old Testament: It permitted the innocent party freedom to remarry.
Notice that our Lord's new law of marriage and divorce was based on the three previous laws. From the Edenic Law a) took the principle that marriage was a physical union that could only be broken b); a physical cause, and that only God could permit the breaking of the union. From the Seventh Commandment He took the principle that sexual sin did indeed break the marriage union. From the Mosaic Law of Divorce He took the principle that God could ordain divorce and effectively break the marriage union, and that the freed party could remarry and not be guilty of adultery.
Our Lord's teaching is that there is only one scriptural basis for divorce, and that is sexual sin (fornication). If two people are divorced on any other basis, and marry other mates, they are committing adultery.
Finally, Jesus made it clear that this Mosaic Law of divorce was a concession on God's part. God's original law of marriage left no room for divorce, but that law was laid down before man had sinned. Rather than have two people living together in constant conflict, with one or both of them seeking fulfillment elsewhere and thus commit sin; God permitted divorce. This divorce included the right remarriage. The Pharisees did not ask about remarriage, for this was no problem. They accepted the fact that the parties would seek other mates, and this was allowed by Moses.
Friday– 12th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:9-12
Our Lord's Law of Marriage (Matt. 19:9-12; 5:31-32)
When Jesus said "And I say unto you," He was claiming to be God; for only God can establish or alter the laws of marriage. He declared that marriage was a permanent union that could only he broken by sexual sin. The word fornication in the New Testament covers many kinds of sexual sins. The definition of fornication as' 'sexual sin between two unmarried persons" would not apply here, for Jesus was talking about married .persons. Are we to believe that the 23,000 men who committed fornication under the enticement of Baalam (Num. 25) were all unmarried men? Was the admonition of Acts 15:20, 29 sent only to single church members?
Marriage is a permanent physical union that can be broken only by a physical cause: death or sexual sin. ( I would take it that homosexuality and bestiality would qualify.) Man cannot break the union, but God can. Under the Old Testament Law, the sinner was stoned to death. But the church today does not bear the sword (Rom. 13:1-4). Were adultery and fornication more serious under the Law than the same sins are today? Of course not! If anything, such sins are even worse today in the light of the full revelation of God's grace and holiness that we now have in Jesus Christ.
The conclusion seems to be that divorce in the New Testament is the equivalent of death in the Old Testament: It permitted the innocent party freedom to remarry.
Notice that our Lord's new law of marriage and divorce was based on the three previous laws. From the Edenic Law a) took the principle that marriage was a physical union that could only be broken b); a physical cause, and that only God could permit the breaking of the union. From the Seventh Commandment He took the principle that sexual sin did indeed break the marriage union. From the Mosaic Law of Divorce He took the principle that God could ordain divorce and effectively break the marriage union, and that the freed party could remarry and not be guilty of adultery.
Our Lord's teaching is that there is only one scriptural basis for divorce, and that is sexual sin (fornication). If two people are divorced on any other basis, and marry other mates, they are committing adultery.
Saturday – 13th April
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:12-15
Jesus did not teach that the offended mate had to get a divorce. Certainly they can be forgiveness, patient healing, and a restoration of the broken relationship. This would be the Christian approach to the problem. But, sad to say, because of the hardness of our hearts, it is sometimes impossible to heal the wounds and save the marriage. Divorce is the final option, not the first option.
Topic: The King’s Instructions
Read: Matthew 19:12-15
Jesus did not teach that the offended mate had to get a divorce. Certainly they can be forgiveness, patient healing, and a restoration of the broken relationship. This would be the Christian approach to the problem. But, sad to say, because of the hardness of our hearts, it is sometimes impossible to heal the wounds and save the marriage. Divorce is the final option, not the first option.
Happy marriages are not accidents. They are the result of commitment, love, mutual understanding, sacrifice, and hard work. If a husband and wife are fulfilling their marriage vows, they will enjoy a growing relationship that will satisfy them and keep them tree to each other. Except for the possibility of sudden temptation, no husband or wife would think of a relationship with another person, so long as their relationship at home is growing and satisfying. And the pure love of a husband or wife is a great protection against even sudden temptation.
The disciples' response to Christ's teaching showed that they disagreed with Him. "If there is no way to get out of a bad marriage, then you are better off staying single!" was their argument. Jesus did not want them to consider divorce as an "out" because then they would not have a serious attitude toward marriage.
In verse 12, Jesus made it clear that each man (and woman) must consider God's will concerning marriage. Some people should not get married because of physical or emotional problems from birth. Others should not get married because of their responsibilities in society; they have been "made eunuchs by man." An only child who must care for aged parents might be an example of this category. Some, like the Apostle Paul, Stay single that they might better serve the Lord (1 Cor. 7:7).
It is fitting that our Lord's teaching about marriage should be followed by His blessing of the children for children are the happy heritage of those who are married. Jesus did not look upon the children as a curse or a burden. "Two shall become one flesh" is fulfilled in the birth of children, and the love of the parents is deepened and matured as it is shared with others in the home.
The parents brought the children to Jesus that He might bless them. There is no thought here of baptism or even of salvation. Children who have not reached the age of accountability (Isa. 7:16) are surely covered by the death of Christ (Rom. 5:17-21). Children are born sinners (Ps. 51:5); but if they die before they are accountable, they are regenerated and taken to heaven (2 Sam. 12:23; Ps. 23:6).
The children were certainly privileged to have Jesus take them in His arm and pray for them. Our practice of baby dedication today seeks to follow this example. How happy those children are whose parents are married in the will of God, and who are seeking to obey God, and who bring them to Jesus for His blessing.
The disciples' response to Christ's teaching showed that they disagreed with Him. "If there is no way to get out of a bad marriage, then you are better off staying single!" was their argument. Jesus did not want them to consider divorce as an "out" because then they would not have a serious attitude toward marriage.
In verse 12, Jesus made it clear that each man (and woman) must consider God's will concerning marriage. Some people should not get married because of physical or emotional problems from birth. Others should not get married because of their responsibilities in society; they have been "made eunuchs by man." An only child who must care for aged parents might be an example of this category. Some, like the Apostle Paul, Stay single that they might better serve the Lord (1 Cor. 7:7).
It is fitting that our Lord's teaching about marriage should be followed by His blessing of the children for children are the happy heritage of those who are married. Jesus did not look upon the children as a curse or a burden. "Two shall become one flesh" is fulfilled in the birth of children, and the love of the parents is deepened and matured as it is shared with others in the home.
The parents brought the children to Jesus that He might bless them. There is no thought here of baptism or even of salvation. Children who have not reached the age of accountability (Isa. 7:16) are surely covered by the death of Christ (Rom. 5:17-21). Children are born sinners (Ps. 51:5); but if they die before they are accountable, they are regenerated and taken to heaven (2 Sam. 12:23; Ps. 23:6).
The children were certainly privileged to have Jesus take them in His arm and pray for them. Our practice of baby dedication today seeks to follow this example. How happy those children are whose parents are married in the will of God, and who are seeking to obey God, and who bring them to Jesus for His blessing.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Sermon Recap 31st March
Click here to listen
Resurrection Sunday by Ps. John Kirby
Jesus has risen from the dead and He is coming again.
Gen 3:15- Is fulfilled in the coming of the Son of God, Jesus.
The Grace of God is that sustains, keeps and still speaks to us today through Jesus’ act on the cross and resurrection.
John 11
Lazarus was sick and later died.
Jesus was called but He delayed and arrived four days later.
V24- Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Matthew 27:51-52
51. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52. and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised
John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
-Don’t be involved in talking & worshipping the dead.
- take the stone away Jesus said. He called Lazarus to come out alive.
- Jesus was there to resurrect Lazarus, He is here to resurrect us today; so don’t feed the stone (hindrances), just repent and let Jesus come in.
We need to roll away our stone that hinders and troubles us from coming to Jesus. We need to move from hopelessness and bring about the dreams that God has purposed for us.
2 Cor 6:16 - And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God…
John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
Jesus’ tomb is open, so that we may go in and have an encounter and relationship with Him.
May the same Spirit/ power that resurrected Jesus Christ be with us and lead us to be fruitful, bringing glory to God and blessings to one another every day.
Resurrection Sunday by Ps. John Kirby
Jesus has risen from the dead and He is coming again.
Gen 3:15- Is fulfilled in the coming of the Son of God, Jesus.
The Grace of God is that sustains, keeps and still speaks to us today through Jesus’ act on the cross and resurrection.
John 11
Lazarus was sick and later died.
Jesus was called but He delayed and arrived four days later.
V24- Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Matthew 27:51-52
51. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52. and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised
John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
-Don’t be involved in talking & worshipping the dead.
- take the stone away Jesus said. He called Lazarus to come out alive.
- Jesus was there to resurrect Lazarus, He is here to resurrect us today; so don’t feed the stone (hindrances), just repent and let Jesus come in.
We need to roll away our stone that hinders and troubles us from coming to Jesus. We need to move from hopelessness and bring about the dreams that God has purposed for us.
2 Cor 6:16 - And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God…
John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
Jesus’ tomb is open, so that we may go in and have an encounter and relationship with Him.
May the same Spirit/ power that resurrected Jesus Christ be with us and lead us to be fruitful, bringing glory to God and blessings to one another every day.
Daily Bible Commentary (1-5 April)
Monday – 1st April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:1-4
A. The heart of a child and care for God’s little ones.
1. (Matthew 18:1) The disciples ask a question.
a. Who then is greatest: The disciples were often concerned about the question of greatness. They seem to ask this question thinking that Jesus has already chosen one of them as greatest, or as if they want Jesus to decide among them right then. We can imagine the disciples arguing among themselves about which one was the greatest (as they did in Luke 22:46 and other places), and then saying, “Let’s let Jesus settle this!”
2. (Matthew 18:2-4) Jesus sets a child as an example of humility.
a. Jesus called a little child to Him: We think that Jesus should have answered the question, “who is the greatest?” by saying, “Hey dummies - I’m the greatest.” Instead, Jesus draws their attention to His nature by having them look at a child as an example.
b. Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven: How the disciples’ faces must have fallen when Jesus said this! They knew that in that day, children were regarded more as property than individuals. It was understood that they were to be seen and not heard. Jesus said we have to take this kind of humble place to enter the kingdom, much less be the greatest in the kingdom.
i. Children are not threatening; we aren’t afraid of meeting a five-year old in a dark alley. When we have a tough, intimidating presence, we aren’t like Jesus.
ii. Children are not good at deceiving; they are pretty miserable failures at fooling their parents. When we are good at hiding ourselves and deceiving others, we aren’t like Jesus.
iii. Jesus knew that we must be converted to be like little children. It isn’t in our nature to take the low place and to humble ourselves.
c. Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom: Jesus then addressed the issue of greatness. When we most fulfill the humble place a child had in that culture, we are then on our way to greatness.
i. We know that one Man was actually the greatest in the kingdom: Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus Himself was humble like a little child. He wasn’t concerned about his own status. He didn’t have to be the center of attention. He could not deceive, and He didn’t have an intimidating presence.
Tuesday– 2nd April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:5-9
3. (Matthew 18:5-6) Woe to the one who causes one of these to stumble!
a. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me: Since the nature of Jesus is like one of these little children, how we treat children shows how we regard the nature of Jesus.
b. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin: Jesus takes it seriously when one of His little ones is led into sin. Little ones does not only mean children, but those who humble themselves like children as Jesus described.
i. It is a wicked thing to sin, and it is a far greater evil to lead others into sin. But leading one of Jesus’ little ones into sin is far worse, because you then initiate someone into an instance or a pattern of sin that corrupts whatever innocence they had.
c. It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea: A severe punishment is described here. It would be better for the offending one to receive this punishment of the millstone.
4. (Matthew 18:7) Offenses are inevitable, but we are to have no part in offending.
a. Woe to the world because of offenses! The first woe is a cry of pity for a world in danger of offenses. The second woe is a warning to the one who brings or introduces evil to others.
b. Woe to that man by whom the offense comes: We live in a fallen world, and it is inevitable that sin and hurt and offenses come. Yet the person who brings the offense is guilty before God, and has no excuse.
i. We can imagine Joseph’s brothers saying, “Look at how wonderfully God used it when we sold our brother Joseph into slavery. God used it to send him ahead of us into Egypt and save the whole family. Because God used it for good, it must not have been sin for us.” Jesus would answer, “Not at all. Offenses must come, that is for certain. And God will use the offenses of others in our life. But you are still responsible as the one by whom the offense comes.”
ii. This teaches us that we can let go of the anger and the bitterness for what people have done against us. God promised to deal with those by whom the offense comes.
iii. This teaches us that in Jesus Christ, no other person can wreck our life. If they bring offense in our life, God will deal with them, but not forsake us - not in time or eternity.
5. (Matthew 18:8-9) In light of the judgment awaiting those who cause others to sin, It is worth it to sacrifice in the battle against sin.
a. If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you: Some people only keep from sin if it is easy or convenient to do it. Jesus warns us that we must be willing to sacrifice in fighting against sin, that nothing is worse than facing the wrath of a righteous God. It really is better to sacrifice in the battle against sin now than to face the punishment of eternity later.
b. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you: There are significant problems in taking these words as literal instruction instead of conveying an attitude. The problem is not only from the obvious physical harm that one might bring upon themselves, but more so in the problem that bodily mutilation does not go far enough in controlling sin. We need to be transformed from the inside out.
i. If I cut off my right hand, I can still sin with my left. If my left eye is gouged out, my right eye can still sin - and if all such members are gone, I can still sin in my heart and mind. God calls us to a far more radical transformation than any sort of bodily mutilation can address.
Wednesday – 3rd April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:10-18
6. (Matthew 18:10) Another reference to our responsibility to guard God’s little ones.
a. Do not despise one of these little ones: Because God’s mind and eye is always on His little ones, we do well to treat them with love and respect. God protects the humble.
b. Their angels: This is often taken as a reference to “guardian angels.” We certainly do have angels watching over us and ministering to us (Hebrews 1:14), but there is no need to limit it to only one specific “guardian angel.”
7. (Matthew 18:11-14) Disciples must share Jesus’ heart and care for individuals.
a. Does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? This story demonstrates the value God places on individuals. Jesus exhorts us to reflect the same care.
b. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish: Some take this as an assurance that before the age of accountability, children are saved. But this is absolutely certain only of the children of believers (1 Corinthians 7:14). For the rest, we must trust in God’s mercy and the knowledge that the judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25).
B. Relating to one another in the Kingdom Community.
1. (Matthew 18:15) If you are sinned against, go and confront the guilty party directly.
a. Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: It is essential that we go to the offending brother first - not griping and gossiping to others, especially under the guise of “sharing a prayer request” or “seeking counsel.” Instead, speak to the party directly.
i. It would be wrong for anyone to take Jesus’ word here as a command to confront your brother with every sin they commit against you. The Bible says we should
b. If he hears you, you have gained your brother: You have gained him in two ways. First, the problem has been cleared up. Perhaps you realized that he was right in some ways and he realized you were right in some ways, but the problem is resolved. Second, you have gained him because you have not wronged your brother by going to others with gossip and half the side of a dispute.
2. (Matthew 18:16-18) If one among the church is adamantly unrepentant, they are to be removed from fellowship.
a. If he will not hear, take with you one or two more: The circle of people in the situation only becomes wider as the offending party refuses to listen. If the stubborn, unrepentant attitude remains they are to be refused fellowship (let him be to you like a heathen).
i. This sense of being refused full standing and participation in the body of Christ is what Paul meant when he said to deliver such a one to Satan (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). There is a sense in which the unrepentant one is chastened by their being placed outside of the “protection” of fellowship.
b. Like a heathen and a tax collector: Even so, the unrepentant one must be treated just as we should treat a heathen and a tax collector - with great love, with the goal of bringing about a full repentance and reconciliation.
c. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven: If this process is done humbly and according to the Word, this is quite binding in the eyes of God, even if the unrepentant ones just go to another church.
Thursday– 4th April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:19-34
3. (Matthew 18:19-20) The power and blessing in fellowship that is denied the unrepentant.
a. If two of you agree on earth: There is real power in agreement in prayer and in the presence of Jesus. This is exactly what the unrepentant ones miss out on.
i. In the ancient Greek, agree is literally “to symphonize.” Jesus wants us to complement each other like a great orchestra.
b. It will be done for them by My Father in heaven: We must take advantage of the power of agreement, which works on the principle related in Deuteronomy 32:30, where one sets a thousand enemies to flight, but two set ten thousand enemies to flight. There is real power the prayer of agreement.
c. Where two or three are gathered together in My name: Gathering in the name of Jesus means gathering according to His character and will, and gathering in a manner Jesus would endorse. This is when Jesus is really present (I am there in the midst of them).
4. (Matthew 18:21-22) Peter’s question about forgiveness and Jesus’ answer.
a. Up to seven times? Peter, in light of what Jesus said about agreement and unity, tries to sound extremely loving by suggesting forgiving a repentant brother up to seven times when three times was the accepted limit taught by the Jewish rabbis of that time.
b. Up to seventy times seven: Jesus answers unexpectedly, saying we are to forgive the repentant an unlimited number of times. Surely, Jesus didn’t mean to have us count to 490.
5. (Matthew 18:23-34) The parable of the unforgiving servant.
a. Who owed him ten thousand talents: Though commentators list the modern value of 10,000 talents as anywhere between $12 million and $1 billion, the figure clearly represents an unpayable debt.
b. His master commanded that he be sold: The master would sell the man who could not pay, his family, and all he had. But this would do virtually nothing to pay off the debt, because slaves at their top price were sold at a talent apiece.
c. The master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt: The master shows mercy prompted by compassion, forgiving a debt that obviously could never be repaid, no matter what promises the servant made.
d. One of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii: The forgiven servant confronts another man about a debt of 100 denarii (which was equal to 100 day’s wages). This was not an insignificant amount, but it was almost nothing compared to the debt forgiven by his master.
e. Have patience with me, and I will pay you all: The man who owed 100 denarii uses the exact same plea that brought man forgiven the great debt mercy. But it gains nothing, because the forgiven servant puts the man into a debtor’s prison.
f. You wicked servant . . . delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him: The master hears of this and is angry. He then gives the first servant what he deserved - justice instead of mercy.
Friday – 5th April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:35
6. (Matthew 18:35) Jesus applies the story: genuine forgiveness, from the heart, is required of all who have been forgiven.
a. So My heavenly Father also will do to you: God has forgiven you such a great debt, that any debt owed to you is absolutely insignificant in comparison. No man can possibly offend me to the extent that my sins have offended God. This principle must be applied in the little things done to us, but also to the great things done unto us.
b. If each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses: In context, Jesus is speaking only of forgiving the repentant. When a person is unrepentant or unaware of their sin against us, we can’t really forgive them, though we can (and must) make a promise of forgiveness to God (as Jesus did in Luke 23:34). We must keep our hearts open for reconciliation at the slightest true repentance and keeping ourselves free from bitterness.
c. However, we are under strict obligation to forgive the repentant, and without judging the validity of their repentance (Luke 17:4). When we do not, we pay a terrible price for our unforgiveness.
i. Much of the chastening that we as Christians undergo can be traced to our hard and oftentimes relentless attitude toward those who offend us. Who knows how much blessing and fruit is hindered because of unforgiveness?
ii. They may not deserve forgiveness, but for your sake, it is best to forgive. You are the one most hurt by your unforgiveness.
d. Can we lose our salvation from unforgiveness? Unforgiveness is not the “unforgivable sin”, but forgiveness is the mark of one truly forgiven. Habitually unforgiving heart shows a bitterness that may mean that such a person’s heart has never really been touched by the love of Jesus.
i. Our salvation may be sure, yet we may be “tortured” by our own unforgiveness towards others.
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:1-4
A. The heart of a child and care for God’s little ones.
1. (Matthew 18:1) The disciples ask a question.
a. Who then is greatest: The disciples were often concerned about the question of greatness. They seem to ask this question thinking that Jesus has already chosen one of them as greatest, or as if they want Jesus to decide among them right then. We can imagine the disciples arguing among themselves about which one was the greatest (as they did in Luke 22:46 and other places), and then saying, “Let’s let Jesus settle this!”
2. (Matthew 18:2-4) Jesus sets a child as an example of humility.
a. Jesus called a little child to Him: We think that Jesus should have answered the question, “who is the greatest?” by saying, “Hey dummies - I’m the greatest.” Instead, Jesus draws their attention to His nature by having them look at a child as an example.
b. Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven: How the disciples’ faces must have fallen when Jesus said this! They knew that in that day, children were regarded more as property than individuals. It was understood that they were to be seen and not heard. Jesus said we have to take this kind of humble place to enter the kingdom, much less be the greatest in the kingdom.
i. Children are not threatening; we aren’t afraid of meeting a five-year old in a dark alley. When we have a tough, intimidating presence, we aren’t like Jesus.
ii. Children are not good at deceiving; they are pretty miserable failures at fooling their parents. When we are good at hiding ourselves and deceiving others, we aren’t like Jesus.
iii. Jesus knew that we must be converted to be like little children. It isn’t in our nature to take the low place and to humble ourselves.
c. Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom: Jesus then addressed the issue of greatness. When we most fulfill the humble place a child had in that culture, we are then on our way to greatness.
i. We know that one Man was actually the greatest in the kingdom: Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus Himself was humble like a little child. He wasn’t concerned about his own status. He didn’t have to be the center of attention. He could not deceive, and He didn’t have an intimidating presence.
Tuesday– 2nd April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:5-9
3. (Matthew 18:5-6) Woe to the one who causes one of these to stumble!
a. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me: Since the nature of Jesus is like one of these little children, how we treat children shows how we regard the nature of Jesus.
b. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin: Jesus takes it seriously when one of His little ones is led into sin. Little ones does not only mean children, but those who humble themselves like children as Jesus described.
i. It is a wicked thing to sin, and it is a far greater evil to lead others into sin. But leading one of Jesus’ little ones into sin is far worse, because you then initiate someone into an instance or a pattern of sin that corrupts whatever innocence they had.
c. It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea: A severe punishment is described here. It would be better for the offending one to receive this punishment of the millstone.
4. (Matthew 18:7) Offenses are inevitable, but we are to have no part in offending.
a. Woe to the world because of offenses! The first woe is a cry of pity for a world in danger of offenses. The second woe is a warning to the one who brings or introduces evil to others.
b. Woe to that man by whom the offense comes: We live in a fallen world, and it is inevitable that sin and hurt and offenses come. Yet the person who brings the offense is guilty before God, and has no excuse.
i. We can imagine Joseph’s brothers saying, “Look at how wonderfully God used it when we sold our brother Joseph into slavery. God used it to send him ahead of us into Egypt and save the whole family. Because God used it for good, it must not have been sin for us.” Jesus would answer, “Not at all. Offenses must come, that is for certain. And God will use the offenses of others in our life. But you are still responsible as the one by whom the offense comes.”
ii. This teaches us that we can let go of the anger and the bitterness for what people have done against us. God promised to deal with those by whom the offense comes.
iii. This teaches us that in Jesus Christ, no other person can wreck our life. If they bring offense in our life, God will deal with them, but not forsake us - not in time or eternity.
5. (Matthew 18:8-9) In light of the judgment awaiting those who cause others to sin, It is worth it to sacrifice in the battle against sin.
a. If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you: Some people only keep from sin if it is easy or convenient to do it. Jesus warns us that we must be willing to sacrifice in fighting against sin, that nothing is worse than facing the wrath of a righteous God. It really is better to sacrifice in the battle against sin now than to face the punishment of eternity later.
b. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you: There are significant problems in taking these words as literal instruction instead of conveying an attitude. The problem is not only from the obvious physical harm that one might bring upon themselves, but more so in the problem that bodily mutilation does not go far enough in controlling sin. We need to be transformed from the inside out.
i. If I cut off my right hand, I can still sin with my left. If my left eye is gouged out, my right eye can still sin - and if all such members are gone, I can still sin in my heart and mind. God calls us to a far more radical transformation than any sort of bodily mutilation can address.
Wednesday – 3rd April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:10-18
6. (Matthew 18:10) Another reference to our responsibility to guard God’s little ones.
a. Do not despise one of these little ones: Because God’s mind and eye is always on His little ones, we do well to treat them with love and respect. God protects the humble.
b. Their angels: This is often taken as a reference to “guardian angels.” We certainly do have angels watching over us and ministering to us (Hebrews 1:14), but there is no need to limit it to only one specific “guardian angel.”
7. (Matthew 18:11-14) Disciples must share Jesus’ heart and care for individuals.
a. Does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? This story demonstrates the value God places on individuals. Jesus exhorts us to reflect the same care.
b. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish: Some take this as an assurance that before the age of accountability, children are saved. But this is absolutely certain only of the children of believers (1 Corinthians 7:14). For the rest, we must trust in God’s mercy and the knowledge that the judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25).
B. Relating to one another in the Kingdom Community.
1. (Matthew 18:15) If you are sinned against, go and confront the guilty party directly.
a. Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: It is essential that we go to the offending brother first - not griping and gossiping to others, especially under the guise of “sharing a prayer request” or “seeking counsel.” Instead, speak to the party directly.
i. It would be wrong for anyone to take Jesus’ word here as a command to confront your brother with every sin they commit against you. The Bible says we should
b. If he hears you, you have gained your brother: You have gained him in two ways. First, the problem has been cleared up. Perhaps you realized that he was right in some ways and he realized you were right in some ways, but the problem is resolved. Second, you have gained him because you have not wronged your brother by going to others with gossip and half the side of a dispute.
2. (Matthew 18:16-18) If one among the church is adamantly unrepentant, they are to be removed from fellowship.
a. If he will not hear, take with you one or two more: The circle of people in the situation only becomes wider as the offending party refuses to listen. If the stubborn, unrepentant attitude remains they are to be refused fellowship (let him be to you like a heathen).
i. This sense of being refused full standing and participation in the body of Christ is what Paul meant when he said to deliver such a one to Satan (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). There is a sense in which the unrepentant one is chastened by their being placed outside of the “protection” of fellowship.
b. Like a heathen and a tax collector: Even so, the unrepentant one must be treated just as we should treat a heathen and a tax collector - with great love, with the goal of bringing about a full repentance and reconciliation.
c. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven: If this process is done humbly and according to the Word, this is quite binding in the eyes of God, even if the unrepentant ones just go to another church.
Thursday– 4th April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:19-34
3. (Matthew 18:19-20) The power and blessing in fellowship that is denied the unrepentant.
a. If two of you agree on earth: There is real power in agreement in prayer and in the presence of Jesus. This is exactly what the unrepentant ones miss out on.
i. In the ancient Greek, agree is literally “to symphonize.” Jesus wants us to complement each other like a great orchestra.
b. It will be done for them by My Father in heaven: We must take advantage of the power of agreement, which works on the principle related in Deuteronomy 32:30, where one sets a thousand enemies to flight, but two set ten thousand enemies to flight. There is real power the prayer of agreement.
c. Where two or three are gathered together in My name: Gathering in the name of Jesus means gathering according to His character and will, and gathering in a manner Jesus would endorse. This is when Jesus is really present (I am there in the midst of them).
4. (Matthew 18:21-22) Peter’s question about forgiveness and Jesus’ answer.
a. Up to seven times? Peter, in light of what Jesus said about agreement and unity, tries to sound extremely loving by suggesting forgiving a repentant brother up to seven times when three times was the accepted limit taught by the Jewish rabbis of that time.
b. Up to seventy times seven: Jesus answers unexpectedly, saying we are to forgive the repentant an unlimited number of times. Surely, Jesus didn’t mean to have us count to 490.
5. (Matthew 18:23-34) The parable of the unforgiving servant.
a. Who owed him ten thousand talents: Though commentators list the modern value of 10,000 talents as anywhere between $12 million and $1 billion, the figure clearly represents an unpayable debt.
b. His master commanded that he be sold: The master would sell the man who could not pay, his family, and all he had. But this would do virtually nothing to pay off the debt, because slaves at their top price were sold at a talent apiece.
c. The master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt: The master shows mercy prompted by compassion, forgiving a debt that obviously could never be repaid, no matter what promises the servant made.
d. One of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii: The forgiven servant confronts another man about a debt of 100 denarii (which was equal to 100 day’s wages). This was not an insignificant amount, but it was almost nothing compared to the debt forgiven by his master.
e. Have patience with me, and I will pay you all: The man who owed 100 denarii uses the exact same plea that brought man forgiven the great debt mercy. But it gains nothing, because the forgiven servant puts the man into a debtor’s prison.
f. You wicked servant . . . delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him: The master hears of this and is angry. He then gives the first servant what he deserved - justice instead of mercy.
Friday – 5th April
Topic: The King’s Rebuke
Read: Matthew 18:35
6. (Matthew 18:35) Jesus applies the story: genuine forgiveness, from the heart, is required of all who have been forgiven.
a. So My heavenly Father also will do to you: God has forgiven you such a great debt, that any debt owed to you is absolutely insignificant in comparison. No man can possibly offend me to the extent that my sins have offended God. This principle must be applied in the little things done to us, but also to the great things done unto us.
b. If each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses: In context, Jesus is speaking only of forgiving the repentant. When a person is unrepentant or unaware of their sin against us, we can’t really forgive them, though we can (and must) make a promise of forgiveness to God (as Jesus did in Luke 23:34). We must keep our hearts open for reconciliation at the slightest true repentance and keeping ourselves free from bitterness.
c. However, we are under strict obligation to forgive the repentant, and without judging the validity of their repentance (Luke 17:4). When we do not, we pay a terrible price for our unforgiveness.
i. Much of the chastening that we as Christians undergo can be traced to our hard and oftentimes relentless attitude toward those who offend us. Who knows how much blessing and fruit is hindered because of unforgiveness?
ii. They may not deserve forgiveness, but for your sake, it is best to forgive. You are the one most hurt by your unforgiveness.
d. Can we lose our salvation from unforgiveness? Unforgiveness is not the “unforgivable sin”, but forgiveness is the mark of one truly forgiven. Habitually unforgiving heart shows a bitterness that may mean that such a person’s heart has never really been touched by the love of Jesus.
i. Our salvation may be sure, yet we may be “tortured” by our own unforgiveness towards others.
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