SCRIPTURE
Matthew 19:16-22
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
LANGUAGE
Vs 16 good deed - ἀγαθός agathos; a primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): — benefit, good(-s, things), well. Good, good thing, that which is good, the thing which is good, well, benefit, of good constitution or nature; useful, salutary; good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy; excellent, distinguished; upright, honourable
COMMENT
First, a comment about something I read in a commentary once. What if this unidentified young man in the story was someday to become the apostle Paul? It does make for an interesting thought while trying to understand this story.
So many interesting details are embedded in this story, but I want to focus on what I see as the main idea. I see the main idea as Jesus teaching true repentance. I see that idea in a lot of what Jesus teaches, starting with the Sermon on the Mount. What we seem to have here is a young man who is "perfect" in his observance of the law, and yet perhaps sees that that still might not be enough to secure his place in heaven for eternity. He is correct, but Jesus, knowing his understanding of religion, needs to guide him to a different way of thinking. The question the man asks is, "What good thing must I do to have eternal life?" I presume his thinking is that their is some tangible act that he can perform that will tip the scales of balance assuredly in his favor. Wouldn't we all want that? But rather than give him a direct answer, Jesus focuses on the phrase, "good deed." Another way to think about this, and perhaps with better understanding of what the man was truly asking is, "What distinguished act can I perform that will set me apart in the eyes of God (and therefore others as well) that will assure my salvation?" Jesus needs to address this idea of "good." Since even our righteous acts are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), Jesus makes it clear that only God is good in this sense. Then He goes on to say, "If you would enter life, keep the commandments."
What? Jesus advice here is to follow the law, to do the very thing this young man already believes? Understand, that Jesus is still trying to convince this man that this path is still a vain one. The man responds, asking Jesus, "Which ones?" Seems as though the young man understands the difficulty, if not the impossibility of keeping them all, so in effect he seems to be saying, "Which ones do I really have to keep, because no one could keep them all." So Jesus plays along, and gives him so to follow. Great, the man must be thinking, I am good here and have kept all these. But surely there is still something missing, so he asks his final question, "What do I still lack?" The answer Jesus gives is mind-blowing, not just for this man, but for about everyone who has heard it since. "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." What? Everything? That's too much, I can't... and he walks away in sorrow, because he had a lot of possessions.
Where was Jesus leading this man? I believe that He was leading him to an understanding that the law was not enough. That no matter what this man did, he would not appear perfect before God. But since this is also recorded in Scripture, what is He saying to us? Must I sell the house and car, take out the retirement plans and distribute them to the poor? I have heard some say, "Well, you just have to be willing to do that." Really? And I suppose I just have to be willing to pick up my cross and carry it? I think that line of reasoning just seeks to do the very thing the young man in the story is trying to do, justify our behavior, justify a lack of true perfection and obedience.
The truth of the matter is that no one can meet this level of perfection. I believe this is the truth that Jesus is trying to convey here. Notice Jesus does not just say give it all away, He also says "come, follow me." That is where the needs get met. That is where perfection is given. That is what I believe is the true main idea of this story, repentance. Not just the turning away from sin, but the turning to Jesus. You can't give away everything and live. For is you follow that logic to the extreme, you could not ever eat or even drink again. For if someone gave you some food or drink, you would be obligated to give that to someone else before meeting your own needs. But in repentance, we turn from what we have and depend on Jesus to provide. Maybe then we sell that house, or at least downsize so that others may be taken care of too. Or we trade for a cheaper car, or eat Ramen noodles instead of caviar and lobster. We take on a mind that is transformed, and it is no longer about us, it is about Jesus. In other words, we repent.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Repentance or Forgiveness? (Matthew 18:21-35)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 18:21-35
COMMENT
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. A perfect question in light of Jesus telling His disciples what they should do if a brother sins against them. Now Peter was a smart guy, and he knew that Jesus expected more than the norm. Rabbis thought three times was sufficient, Peter extends it to seven. Jesus takes it a little farther by saying seventy-seven (some versions say seventy times seven).
So what is Jesus getting at here? He seems to be making the point that there is no limit to how often we should forgive. Now sure, there will be some who will count, and at seventy-eight they are done. But I am confident that was not Jesus's intention. To make that clear, He tells a parable.
In the parable, a servant owed a debt he could not pay. The master was within the law when he ordered not only the man, but his entire family to be sold to recover the debt. The man pleaded for mercy, saying he would repay, even though the possibility of that was almost zero. Out of pity, the master not only releases him from being sold, but he forgives the debt. That is huge! The man owed 10 talents. In today's money, over 10 million dollars! Contrast that with his fellow servant who owed him what amounts to a few dollars. In anger over what he might have perceived as a part of the reason he could not pay his master, he ignores his fellow servants pleas and has him jailed.
But others witnessed this, others who surely must have known how this first servant was forgiven a debt of millions. So they did what probably many of us would have done, they went to the master and tattled on him. The master summoned the man, and because of his behavior he reinstated his debt and had him jailed until the debt was paid, a life sentence. Jesus goes on to say that this is how we will be treated if we do not forgive "from the heart."
Now would could bet legalistic here, and say that forgiveness itself is a requirement for salvation, but I don't think that is true. Jesus doesn't just call for forgiveness, He calls for forgiveness "from the heart." Forgiveness that is not given to appease God, but rather in praise of God and the salvation that He gives. This is repentance in my opinion. Repentance is not merely turning away from sin (legalism), it is a turning to God, a change of life that occurs because of the massive debt that Jesus has paid on our behalf. The kind of change that the master here expected of his servant who had been forgiven millions.
This passage, to me, is more about repentance than it is about forgiveness.
Matthew 18:21-35
COMMENT
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. A perfect question in light of Jesus telling His disciples what they should do if a brother sins against them. Now Peter was a smart guy, and he knew that Jesus expected more than the norm. Rabbis thought three times was sufficient, Peter extends it to seven. Jesus takes it a little farther by saying seventy-seven (some versions say seventy times seven).
So what is Jesus getting at here? He seems to be making the point that there is no limit to how often we should forgive. Now sure, there will be some who will count, and at seventy-eight they are done. But I am confident that was not Jesus's intention. To make that clear, He tells a parable.
In the parable, a servant owed a debt he could not pay. The master was within the law when he ordered not only the man, but his entire family to be sold to recover the debt. The man pleaded for mercy, saying he would repay, even though the possibility of that was almost zero. Out of pity, the master not only releases him from being sold, but he forgives the debt. That is huge! The man owed 10 talents. In today's money, over 10 million dollars! Contrast that with his fellow servant who owed him what amounts to a few dollars. In anger over what he might have perceived as a part of the reason he could not pay his master, he ignores his fellow servants pleas and has him jailed.
But others witnessed this, others who surely must have known how this first servant was forgiven a debt of millions. So they did what probably many of us would have done, they went to the master and tattled on him. The master summoned the man, and because of his behavior he reinstated his debt and had him jailed until the debt was paid, a life sentence. Jesus goes on to say that this is how we will be treated if we do not forgive "from the heart."
Now would could bet legalistic here, and say that forgiveness itself is a requirement for salvation, but I don't think that is true. Jesus doesn't just call for forgiveness, He calls for forgiveness "from the heart." Forgiveness that is not given to appease God, but rather in praise of God and the salvation that He gives. This is repentance in my opinion. Repentance is not merely turning away from sin (legalism), it is a turning to God, a change of life that occurs because of the massive debt that Jesus has paid on our behalf. The kind of change that the master here expected of his servant who had been forgiven millions.
This passage, to me, is more about repentance than it is about forgiveness.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Greatness (Matthew 18:1-6)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 18:1-6
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
COMMENT
The disciples came and asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Perhaps, as in Mark 9, their real question was "Which one of us is the greatest?" Judging by Jesus's answer, I think this would be the case. So Jesus calls a child to himself, puts the child in their midst, and tells them that unless they become like a child, they will not even enter the kingdom.
A few things I want to address here. One is the difference between being child-like and childish. The disciples were already behaving childish, bickering about who was the greatest. That is not what Jesus is wanting. He is wanting child-likeness. The idea of wonderment, the idea of dependence, the idea of not acting like you already know it all. (Obviously, the child Jesus showed them was not near his teenage years yet!)
"Turn and become like children." A change must take place, and perhaps had not yet taken place among the disciples. Humble, this word draws me back to the Sermon in the Mount again. Specifically the Beatitudes. This is a change, a turn from the religious thinking of the day. Perhaps a turn that is needed again today. One thing that has always puzzled me is the idea that some (many?) have that they got it right, that their belief system is THE ONE that Jesus is most proud if. Perhaps they go to church multiple times a week, give over the 10% minimum (allegedly) required, don't drink, cuss, or go to R-rated movies, or whatever. Maybe it is their doctrinal stance, when they take communion, are they baptized, how their church is governed, etc. 2,000 years after His death, and they are the one who have it right. Maybe it is whether they are Calvinists, Arminians, or neither. Maybe it is it is something else. Whatever the case, Jesus seems to be looking for something else. Attitude, humility. What if the real church is scattered among the church itself, along with the weeds that will be removed later. That is a scary thought, yet fitting considering His words that those who do not turn will never enter the kingdom.
How do we receive the children, those new to faith? Do we indoctrinate them into our belief system, so that they become like one of us? Or do we show them Jesus through our humility and graciousness? Because how you receive the child indicates a lot about your own destination.
Matthew 18:1-6
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
COMMENT
The disciples came and asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Perhaps, as in Mark 9, their real question was "Which one of us is the greatest?" Judging by Jesus's answer, I think this would be the case. So Jesus calls a child to himself, puts the child in their midst, and tells them that unless they become like a child, they will not even enter the kingdom.
A few things I want to address here. One is the difference between being child-like and childish. The disciples were already behaving childish, bickering about who was the greatest. That is not what Jesus is wanting. He is wanting child-likeness. The idea of wonderment, the idea of dependence, the idea of not acting like you already know it all. (Obviously, the child Jesus showed them was not near his teenage years yet!)
"Turn and become like children." A change must take place, and perhaps had not yet taken place among the disciples. Humble, this word draws me back to the Sermon in the Mount again. Specifically the Beatitudes. This is a change, a turn from the religious thinking of the day. Perhaps a turn that is needed again today. One thing that has always puzzled me is the idea that some (many?) have that they got it right, that their belief system is THE ONE that Jesus is most proud if. Perhaps they go to church multiple times a week, give over the 10% minimum (allegedly) required, don't drink, cuss, or go to R-rated movies, or whatever. Maybe it is their doctrinal stance, when they take communion, are they baptized, how their church is governed, etc. 2,000 years after His death, and they are the one who have it right. Maybe it is whether they are Calvinists, Arminians, or neither. Maybe it is it is something else. Whatever the case, Jesus seems to be looking for something else. Attitude, humility. What if the real church is scattered among the church itself, along with the weeds that will be removed later. That is a scary thought, yet fitting considering His words that those who do not turn will never enter the kingdom.
How do we receive the children, those new to faith? Do we indoctrinate them into our belief system, so that they become like one of us? Or do we show them Jesus through our humility and graciousness? Because how you receive the child indicates a lot about your own destination.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
40,000+ People Can't Be Wrong, Right? (Matthew 16:24-28)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 16:24-28
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 24 come - accompany
Vs 24 after - follow
Vs 25 save - protect
Vs 25 lose - destroy
Vs 25 find - find, get, obtain, perceive, see
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just foretold His death to the disciples. Peter rebukes Him, because Peter is thinking the way a man thinks. But Jesus rebukes Peter for not setting his mind on the things of God.
COMMENT
Jesus is continuing His thoughts after rebuking Peter for telling Him that He should not have to die. I think Peter might have easily be taken in by someone like Joel Osteen and his "Your Best Life Now" philosophy. But now Jesus is speaking to everyone, and it is not about your best life now. In fact, it is just the opposite. This is a hard truth. But if we interpret this teaching in light of the idea that repentance is the change of life one experiences after really understanding and knowing Jesus, and not just a matter of wanting to get to heaven or avoid hell, then it makes perfect sense.
To save or protect your life is to destroy it. Again, in light of the Corona Virus, I cannot help but think of people who are putting their own survival (or just even comfort) in front of everyone else. I just watched a video from Germany where a woman was struggling to carry more toilet paper than she was probably able, while others in the background were also stock piling supplies. How are some of these people going to live with themselves when this is over? And in their effort to protect themselves, are they not already losing some of themselves in the process? But we do tend to live in the moment, don't we?
I keep thinking of Jesus's teaching about the narrow road. I also think about how many people think they are on that road. People who believe that God owes them something, that they can get on God's good side by flashing their sacrifice (which Isaiah calls "filthy rags) before Him. All that travel just to get to a road whose end is not their desired destination. Wake up, people.
Matthew 16:24-28
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 24 come - accompany
Vs 24 after - follow
Vs 25 save - protect
Vs 25 lose - destroy
Vs 25 find - find, get, obtain, perceive, see
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just foretold His death to the disciples. Peter rebukes Him, because Peter is thinking the way a man thinks. But Jesus rebukes Peter for not setting his mind on the things of God.
COMMENT
Jesus is continuing His thoughts after rebuking Peter for telling Him that He should not have to die. I think Peter might have easily be taken in by someone like Joel Osteen and his "Your Best Life Now" philosophy. But now Jesus is speaking to everyone, and it is not about your best life now. In fact, it is just the opposite. This is a hard truth. But if we interpret this teaching in light of the idea that repentance is the change of life one experiences after really understanding and knowing Jesus, and not just a matter of wanting to get to heaven or avoid hell, then it makes perfect sense.
To save or protect your life is to destroy it. Again, in light of the Corona Virus, I cannot help but think of people who are putting their own survival (or just even comfort) in front of everyone else. I just watched a video from Germany where a woman was struggling to carry more toilet paper than she was probably able, while others in the background were also stock piling supplies. How are some of these people going to live with themselves when this is over? And in their effort to protect themselves, are they not already losing some of themselves in the process? But we do tend to live in the moment, don't we?
I keep thinking of Jesus's teaching about the narrow road. I also think about how many people think they are on that road. People who believe that God owes them something, that they can get on God's good side by flashing their sacrifice (which Isaiah calls "filthy rags) before Him. All that travel just to get to a road whose end is not their desired destination. Wake up, people.
Friday, March 20, 2020
How About Some Jelly for That? (Matthew 16:5-12)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 16:5-12
When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
COMMENT
Jesus spoke to the disciples, and in trying to interpret what Jesus was saying, they looked at what was going on around themselves. Jesus told them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They immediately came to the conclusion He was getting on them for not bringing any bread. What? How does that become their thinking, after all that they had just witnessed? Well, maybe it was because they are human, and that is how we think. It is why Jesus calls us sheep. And we are sheep, the not so brightest of the animal kingdom. The animal that if it falls into a hole, does not have the sense to step out of it. But we think we are so smart. We think God owes us so much. We willingly follow those who misinterpret Scripture to confirm this to us.
No bread. Really? After all the time you have listened to me and all the miracles you have observed? Did you not notice that in the feedings of the multitudes, we had more left overs than we started with? No bread?
Then they reconsidered. Then they thought clearer. It wasn't about bread, but the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
We would do so well to hear this message today. today, when we have Osteen telling us that God wants us to have our best life now. Batterson telling us to pray in circles. Furtick, T. D. Jakes, Meyer, and so many others preaching what itching ears want to hear. Preaching to sheep.Preaching law, obedience, sacrifice. While these things are not bad in themselves, they are useless without mercy. And mercy does not happen if we do not see a God who is merciful. Not a god who is weak and wants everything to work out, but a God who is powerful, in charge, and will have His way in every situation, good and bad. The kind of God who Paul and Silas sang to in prison. Not the kind of god who reprimands you cause now He can't have toast.
Matthew 16:5-12
When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
COMMENT
Jesus spoke to the disciples, and in trying to interpret what Jesus was saying, they looked at what was going on around themselves. Jesus told them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They immediately came to the conclusion He was getting on them for not bringing any bread. What? How does that become their thinking, after all that they had just witnessed? Well, maybe it was because they are human, and that is how we think. It is why Jesus calls us sheep. And we are sheep, the not so brightest of the animal kingdom. The animal that if it falls into a hole, does not have the sense to step out of it. But we think we are so smart. We think God owes us so much. We willingly follow those who misinterpret Scripture to confirm this to us.
No bread. Really? After all the time you have listened to me and all the miracles you have observed? Did you not notice that in the feedings of the multitudes, we had more left overs than we started with? No bread?
Then they reconsidered. Then they thought clearer. It wasn't about bread, but the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
We would do so well to hear this message today. today, when we have Osteen telling us that God wants us to have our best life now. Batterson telling us to pray in circles. Furtick, T. D. Jakes, Meyer, and so many others preaching what itching ears want to hear. Preaching to sheep.Preaching law, obedience, sacrifice. While these things are not bad in themselves, they are useless without mercy. And mercy does not happen if we do not see a God who is merciful. Not a god who is weak and wants everything to work out, but a God who is powerful, in charge, and will have His way in every situation, good and bad. The kind of God who Paul and Silas sang to in prison. Not the kind of god who reprimands you cause now He can't have toast.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Changing the Rules (Matthew 15:1-9)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 15:1-9
Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
COMMENT
Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots football team, is a football rules expert. He knows how to take advantage of certain situations for the benefit of his team using those rules. He is also known for allegedly violating those rules as well. The Pharisees and scribes knew the rules. I am told they committed the first five books of the Bible to memory. Amazing. But it is one thing to know the rules, and another to know the intent of those rules.
The Pharisees and scribes were like the referees in God's economy. They interpreted the words of God. But sometimes, as is human nature, they did it to their own advantage. Jesus gives the example of forsaking the command to care for parents because they had given that money "to God."
The Pharisees and scribes were bothered because Jesus's disciples broke the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands when they eat. Especially today, in light of the Corona Virus, this is not a bad thing and might actually offend some. But it was tradition, part of the Jewish customary law. Jesus does not really address this issue, but when questioned, turns a question on them. I think perhaps the important issue here is not what the disciples were doing, but the fact that the Pharisees were scrutinizing the behavior of others when their own behavior had issues that needed to be addressed.
This is not a small matter, as Jesus links this to a matter of worship. He says that the honor given by the Pharisees was only lip service, their heart was actually distant from God. So what does this say about those who focus on rules today, but little else? I would tend to think it says the same thing, that perhaps their heart is actually far from God. Does this mean that behavior does not matter? Of course not, but the first person who we should be scrutinizing is ourselves.
Matthew 15:1-9
Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
COMMENT
Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots football team, is a football rules expert. He knows how to take advantage of certain situations for the benefit of his team using those rules. He is also known for allegedly violating those rules as well. The Pharisees and scribes knew the rules. I am told they committed the first five books of the Bible to memory. Amazing. But it is one thing to know the rules, and another to know the intent of those rules.
The Pharisees and scribes were like the referees in God's economy. They interpreted the words of God. But sometimes, as is human nature, they did it to their own advantage. Jesus gives the example of forsaking the command to care for parents because they had given that money "to God."
The Pharisees and scribes were bothered because Jesus's disciples broke the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands when they eat. Especially today, in light of the Corona Virus, this is not a bad thing and might actually offend some. But it was tradition, part of the Jewish customary law. Jesus does not really address this issue, but when questioned, turns a question on them. I think perhaps the important issue here is not what the disciples were doing, but the fact that the Pharisees were scrutinizing the behavior of others when their own behavior had issues that needed to be addressed.
This is not a small matter, as Jesus links this to a matter of worship. He says that the honor given by the Pharisees was only lip service, their heart was actually distant from God. So what does this say about those who focus on rules today, but little else? I would tend to think it says the same thing, that perhaps their heart is actually far from God. Does this mean that behavior does not matter? Of course not, but the first person who we should be scrutinizing is ourselves.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
In the Midst of the Storm (Matthew 14:22-33)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just finished feeding the 5,000, a miracle that surely must have blown the disciples minds. I wonder how many of the crowd was even aware that a miracle had taken place. But the disciples saw it all, they knew they had not brought enough to feed 5,000 men plus the women and children. How quickly they forget, as they are caught in the midst of a storm while crossing the lake and encounter Jesus walking towards them on the water.
COMMENT
Jesus sent His disciples on ahead while He dismissed the crowds after feeding the 5,000. He then went into the mountains by Himself to pray. I would love to know what was said during those prayer times. The disciples, meanwhile, are struggling to get across the lake due to a storm. It must have been a bad one, because they were terrified, and many of these men were experienced sailors. And Jesus let them suffer the storm for a while, until He decides to meet up with them by walking across the lake in the storm. When they see him, their first thought is, it's a ghost! They even cry out loud in their panic and fear. But Jesus speaks to them, telling them who He is.
Peter responds with a test. If it is you, tell me to come out to you on the water. Jesus says "Come," and Peter WALKS ON THE WATER. But even this is not enough to overcome the fears that take place, perhaps because in getting out of the boat, Peter expected the storm to calm down. So he yells out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus takes hold of him. But according to the text, the storm did not die down until they got in the boat. Then they worshiped Him.
In today's climate of fear, let me make a few observations. 1) Jesus allowed the disciples to go on the boat and head into a storm. How much did He know about what would happen? Scripture does not say, but I believe Jesus knew they would face a storm. 2) Fear is not an unforgivable sin. As a matter of fact, fear is a God-given emotion. Fear keeps up safe at times. 3) On first sight, they did not see Jesus in the storm. In fact, they thought He was a ghost. But Jesus was there in the storm, and they were not out of His hands at any time. 4) When Jesus reveals Himself to them, His words are "Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid." So He reveals Himself to them in a personal way, and this helps them deal with the fear. 5) Peter tests Him. I do not think this is uncommon. We want real evidence. We want to know that Jesus can and will help. 6) Peter stepped out on faith, but again became overwhelmed when things did not go as he had hoped. 7) Peter calls out for help. A position of humility, perhaps a forced one, but he does not try to get back in the boat or ask for a rope. He looks to Jesus alone, and Jesus alone can save him. 8) Jesus takes hold of him. It does not say the storm is over yet, just that Jesus took hold of him. 9) Jesus confronts him. "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 10) Jesus saves them. Once in the boat, then the storm calms down. 11) They worship Him.
Is this a picture of the salvation process? I believe it is, at least for some. Look at each step. Jesus allows us in the storm, we fear, we are overwhelmed by what is going on around us, Jesus reveals Himself, we might test Him, He draws closer to us, saves us, the storm clams down. Trust in Him. Without that trust, we cannot know His peace.
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just finished feeding the 5,000, a miracle that surely must have blown the disciples minds. I wonder how many of the crowd was even aware that a miracle had taken place. But the disciples saw it all, they knew they had not brought enough to feed 5,000 men plus the women and children. How quickly they forget, as they are caught in the midst of a storm while crossing the lake and encounter Jesus walking towards them on the water.
COMMENT
Jesus sent His disciples on ahead while He dismissed the crowds after feeding the 5,000. He then went into the mountains by Himself to pray. I would love to know what was said during those prayer times. The disciples, meanwhile, are struggling to get across the lake due to a storm. It must have been a bad one, because they were terrified, and many of these men were experienced sailors. And Jesus let them suffer the storm for a while, until He decides to meet up with them by walking across the lake in the storm. When they see him, their first thought is, it's a ghost! They even cry out loud in their panic and fear. But Jesus speaks to them, telling them who He is.
Peter responds with a test. If it is you, tell me to come out to you on the water. Jesus says "Come," and Peter WALKS ON THE WATER. But even this is not enough to overcome the fears that take place, perhaps because in getting out of the boat, Peter expected the storm to calm down. So he yells out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus takes hold of him. But according to the text, the storm did not die down until they got in the boat. Then they worshiped Him.
In today's climate of fear, let me make a few observations. 1) Jesus allowed the disciples to go on the boat and head into a storm. How much did He know about what would happen? Scripture does not say, but I believe Jesus knew they would face a storm. 2) Fear is not an unforgivable sin. As a matter of fact, fear is a God-given emotion. Fear keeps up safe at times. 3) On first sight, they did not see Jesus in the storm. In fact, they thought He was a ghost. But Jesus was there in the storm, and they were not out of His hands at any time. 4) When Jesus reveals Himself to them, His words are "Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid." So He reveals Himself to them in a personal way, and this helps them deal with the fear. 5) Peter tests Him. I do not think this is uncommon. We want real evidence. We want to know that Jesus can and will help. 6) Peter stepped out on faith, but again became overwhelmed when things did not go as he had hoped. 7) Peter calls out for help. A position of humility, perhaps a forced one, but he does not try to get back in the boat or ask for a rope. He looks to Jesus alone, and Jesus alone can save him. 8) Jesus takes hold of him. It does not say the storm is over yet, just that Jesus took hold of him. 9) Jesus confronts him. "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 10) Jesus saves them. Once in the boat, then the storm calms down. 11) They worship Him.
Is this a picture of the salvation process? I believe it is, at least for some. Look at each step. Jesus allows us in the storm, we fear, we are overwhelmed by what is going on around us, Jesus reveals Himself, we might test Him, He draws closer to us, saves us, the storm clams down. Trust in Him. Without that trust, we cannot know His peace.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Not Having It My Way (Matthew 14:1-12)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 14:1-12 (ESV)
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.
COMMENT
We live in an age of wanting everything to be our way. Burger King capitalized on this idea with their ad campaign, "Have it your way." But this is seen in so many other areas of life. Look at the following of Bernie Sanders. People are upset because some have more wealth than others, and they think that wealth should be shared. Forget about the skill it might have taken, or the effort, or the risk, it just isn't fair! Look at reaction to the Corona Virus. People stealing masks from hospitals, hoarding toilet paper and other items. At least if I get the infection, my hiney will be clean! So many other examples, but for times sake I will leave that up to you as I am sure you have experienced many examples of your own.
So what about John the Baptist? Jesus called him the great (Matt 11:11), yet he met his demise being beheaded at the hands of Herod. Where is your prosperity theology for him? John faced this death because he stood up to Herod for taking his brother's wife. A noble task. Yet that did not spare him an awful fate. Again, I heard of a church today that is continuing to meet during the Corona Virus quarantine. Their logic is that God will protect them if they are acting in faith. John acted in faith, and there was none greater. I am not advocating panic. But if it rains on the just and the unjust (Matt 5:45), will not the Corona Virus do the same?
What I am trying to say is, let the Bible says what it says without making it say what you want it to say.
Matthew 14:1-12 (ESV)
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.
COMMENT
We live in an age of wanting everything to be our way. Burger King capitalized on this idea with their ad campaign, "Have it your way." But this is seen in so many other areas of life. Look at the following of Bernie Sanders. People are upset because some have more wealth than others, and they think that wealth should be shared. Forget about the skill it might have taken, or the effort, or the risk, it just isn't fair! Look at reaction to the Corona Virus. People stealing masks from hospitals, hoarding toilet paper and other items. At least if I get the infection, my hiney will be clean! So many other examples, but for times sake I will leave that up to you as I am sure you have experienced many examples of your own.
So what about John the Baptist? Jesus called him the great (Matt 11:11), yet he met his demise being beheaded at the hands of Herod. Where is your prosperity theology for him? John faced this death because he stood up to Herod for taking his brother's wife. A noble task. Yet that did not spare him an awful fate. Again, I heard of a church today that is continuing to meet during the Corona Virus quarantine. Their logic is that God will protect them if they are acting in faith. John acted in faith, and there was none greater. I am not advocating panic. But if it rains on the just and the unjust (Matt 5:45), will not the Corona Virus do the same?
What I am trying to say is, let the Bible says what it says without making it say what you want it to say.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
The Value of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
COMMENT
I want to address these verses because I believe that they hold a critical part to understanding the Gospel. If the Gospel is the good news that Jesus has paid the price for our sins, then what does that really mean to us? Some would say that we just need to accept this fact and we are saved. Some include baptism as a part of that process. Others add repentance, sinner's prayers or a combination of what has been said. But I want to focus on the reaction to finding the kingdom that should be a part of our salvation. And I will even go so far as to say, if a similar reaction is not a part of your salvation,
Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, which a man found, then hid in a field. In his joy, he sells all he has and purchases that field. So a man finds something of great worth. Something that is much more valuable than all that he already possesses. We know this, because he sells all that he already possesses to obtain the field. I believe that this is what repentance is all about. When we are willing to turn from one set of values to another. In selling all that he owned, he likely parted ways with some near and dear items. But these items he now considered worthless in comparison to the treasure that he had found. Jesus also compared the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great worth, where again, a man sold all that he had to possess it.
What does possessing the kingdom mean to us? Is it merely a matter of salvation? Is it merely a matter of not spending eternity in hell? Perhaps if that is all that possessing the kingdom is, then you do not grasp the meaning of the kingdom of heaven. I recall Matt Chandler saying something along the lines of "Heaven is not a place for those who do not want to go to hell, it is a place for those who love God." Not sure it that is the exact quote, but I think this parable makes that point. Jesus said that first and foremost is that we love the Lord God with ALL our heart, soul, and mind. What does the Gospel message mean to you, and what will you give in exchange for it?
Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
COMMENT
I want to address these verses because I believe that they hold a critical part to understanding the Gospel. If the Gospel is the good news that Jesus has paid the price for our sins, then what does that really mean to us? Some would say that we just need to accept this fact and we are saved. Some include baptism as a part of that process. Others add repentance, sinner's prayers or a combination of what has been said. But I want to focus on the reaction to finding the kingdom that should be a part of our salvation. And I will even go so far as to say, if a similar reaction is not a part of your salvation,
Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, which a man found, then hid in a field. In his joy, he sells all he has and purchases that field. So a man finds something of great worth. Something that is much more valuable than all that he already possesses. We know this, because he sells all that he already possesses to obtain the field. I believe that this is what repentance is all about. When we are willing to turn from one set of values to another. In selling all that he owned, he likely parted ways with some near and dear items. But these items he now considered worthless in comparison to the treasure that he had found. Jesus also compared the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great worth, where again, a man sold all that he had to possess it.
What does possessing the kingdom mean to us? Is it merely a matter of salvation? Is it merely a matter of not spending eternity in hell? Perhaps if that is all that possessing the kingdom is, then you do not grasp the meaning of the kingdom of heaven. I recall Matt Chandler saying something along the lines of "Heaven is not a place for those who do not want to go to hell, it is a place for those who love God." Not sure it that is the exact quote, but I think this parable makes that point. Jesus said that first and foremost is that we love the Lord God with ALL our heart, soul, and mind. What does the Gospel message mean to you, and what will you give in exchange for it?
Friday, March 13, 2020
Which Team Are You On? (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 13:24-30
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:36-43
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
LANGUAGE
Vs 24 good - καλός kalos; beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic)
Vs 25 weeds - ζιζάνιον zizanion; false grain: — tares.
BACKGROUND
Just prior to telling this parable, Jesus tells the Parable of Soils, in which he speaks of 4 different types of sol and how they represent the various responses to the Gospel. He then is questioned by his disciples as to why He speaks in parables. He states, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
There seems to be a sense of understanding being given to some and not to others. While I struggle with understanding this, and again have many questions about these verses, I must most worry about my own heart and level of understanding, and pray that I am not among those who are dull or hard of hearing.
COMMENT
Today I just want to stick to what I see as the main idea of this parable, that being that in the kingdom of God on earth, the church, there will be sinners and saints, there will be those who are saved and those who are not, there will be true Christians and those who perhaps just believe themselves to be Christians OR are not really Christians at all. We don't know who is genuine and who is not, so for us to attempt to weed out the bad would inevitably tear out some of the real thing in the process. (See Matt 7:21-23)
This past Sunday, I sat in Sunday School, and the leader asked us to name some heroes. One person named Mark Batterson, a preacher and author you may or may not be familiar with. My personal opinion regarding this man is that he falls into the category of Prosperity Gospel preachers, and is one that I would identify as not a Christian, or perhaps even a wolf among Christians. What to do! Do I start a discussion about this man and his theology or let it go? If I do say something, am I ripping up some wheat with the weeds? I chose to remain silent, yet this choice still eats at me.
Sometimes you have to call a wolf a wolf. Scripture is clear about this. But I still am not sure that that was the time and place to do this. I think we have let God's people down as we have flocked to the feet of many wolves such as Joel Osteen, Mark Batterson, or Steven Furtick, making them millionaires grasping at a gospel that is not really a gospel at all. But perhaps even among the vast field of weeds that follow such teachers are stalks of wheat.
The main point Jesus is making here is that in the church there will be sheep and goats. While it is important for us to deal with this, it is not within our purview to label who is which. I notice that Jesus does not say treat all of the wheat and the weeds the same, but this would almost have to be the case in some instances. Maybe it is more about what we teach than about knocking someone who does not fall in line with our specific set of beliefs. God is the ultimate judge. Come harvest time, the wheat and weeds will no longer be treated the same. In the end, weeds are burned and wheat will shine like the sun. That is a hard teaching for someone who likes things to be neat and clean most of the time.
Matthew 13:24-30
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:36-43
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
LANGUAGE
Vs 24 good - καλός kalos; beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic)
Vs 25 weeds - ζιζάνιον zizanion; false grain: — tares.
BACKGROUND
Just prior to telling this parable, Jesus tells the Parable of Soils, in which he speaks of 4 different types of sol and how they represent the various responses to the Gospel. He then is questioned by his disciples as to why He speaks in parables. He states, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
There seems to be a sense of understanding being given to some and not to others. While I struggle with understanding this, and again have many questions about these verses, I must most worry about my own heart and level of understanding, and pray that I am not among those who are dull or hard of hearing.
COMMENT
Today I just want to stick to what I see as the main idea of this parable, that being that in the kingdom of God on earth, the church, there will be sinners and saints, there will be those who are saved and those who are not, there will be true Christians and those who perhaps just believe themselves to be Christians OR are not really Christians at all. We don't know who is genuine and who is not, so for us to attempt to weed out the bad would inevitably tear out some of the real thing in the process. (See Matt 7:21-23)
This past Sunday, I sat in Sunday School, and the leader asked us to name some heroes. One person named Mark Batterson, a preacher and author you may or may not be familiar with. My personal opinion regarding this man is that he falls into the category of Prosperity Gospel preachers, and is one that I would identify as not a Christian, or perhaps even a wolf among Christians. What to do! Do I start a discussion about this man and his theology or let it go? If I do say something, am I ripping up some wheat with the weeds? I chose to remain silent, yet this choice still eats at me.
Sometimes you have to call a wolf a wolf. Scripture is clear about this. But I still am not sure that that was the time and place to do this. I think we have let God's people down as we have flocked to the feet of many wolves such as Joel Osteen, Mark Batterson, or Steven Furtick, making them millionaires grasping at a gospel that is not really a gospel at all. But perhaps even among the vast field of weeds that follow such teachers are stalks of wheat.
The main point Jesus is making here is that in the church there will be sheep and goats. While it is important for us to deal with this, it is not within our purview to label who is which. I notice that Jesus does not say treat all of the wheat and the weeds the same, but this would almost have to be the case in some instances. Maybe it is more about what we teach than about knocking someone who does not fall in line with our specific set of beliefs. God is the ultimate judge. Come harvest time, the wheat and weeds will no longer be treated the same. In the end, weeds are burned and wheat will shine like the sun. That is a hard teaching for someone who likes things to be neat and clean most of the time.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Can I Do That? (Matthew 12:9-14)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:9-14
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
LANGUAGE
Vs 14 destroy - ἀπόλλυμι apollymi; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just been through the grainfields with His disciples on the Sabbath. While going through the fields, the disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate. The Pharisees saw this, and said to Jesus that His disciples were breaking the law, harvesting on the Sabbath. Jesus referred to the Scripture where when David and those with him were hungry, they entered the house of God and ate the bread of Presence, which was only lawful for priests to eat. Also, he referred them to how on the Sabbath the priests profane the temple, yet are guiltless. Then He goes on to say that something greater than the temple is here, He desires mercy over sacrifice, and He is lord of the Sabbath.
COMMENT
It is still the Sabbath, and Jesus enters the synagogue. There is a man with a hand that is obviously deformed. The Pharisees, knowing of Jesus's ability to heal, ask Him if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
Some questions: Had Jesus not healed anyone on the Sabbath before? I do not know. If Jesus had not healed on the Sabbath before, was He waiting for this opportunity? I do not know. Were the Pharisees asking this only to trap Jesus? I do not know, but my first thought is to say yes.
Mercy: Doing what is right because you are trying to honor God. Sacrifice: Doing what is required by the law. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought it was okay to break the law? Maybe your wife is about to give birth, and you are taking her to the hospital, speeding, running lights and stops signs? What if you saw a child drowning in a lake, but it was posted with several "No Trespassing" signs? Under what circumstance is it okay to break the law?
I find this interesting, because in the previous test, the disciples were hungry, but I doubt they were starving. In this text, the man obviously has a physical impairment that is greatly affecting his quality of life. Is it okay for Jesus to heal this man in the moment? Could he wait until tomorrow, or even perhaps the few hours until the Sabbath has passed?
Another analogy from Jesus, "You have a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath. Will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" But by doing so, the law has been broken. So Jesus continues, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he heals the man.
The Pharisees reaction is just insane. They wanted to destroy him. I personally believe their hatred of Jesus combined with the idea of losing their own power was blinding them. Strong emotions can do that to you. They wanted him gone, even if that meant dead. All for healing a man on the Sabbath.
I see this in churches today. We build walls of laws to follow. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, watch "R" rated movies, etc., and then we judge those who do. Hate allows some to bomb abortion clinics and justify it. Don't question the pastor! All the while, love and care for the hurting has been put on the back burner. Churches spend millions to have showcase buildings with built in coffee houses, gyms, and more while people nearby live in poverty. Where is mercy?
Matthew 12:9-14
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
LANGUAGE
Vs 14 destroy - ἀπόλλυμι apollymi; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just been through the grainfields with His disciples on the Sabbath. While going through the fields, the disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate. The Pharisees saw this, and said to Jesus that His disciples were breaking the law, harvesting on the Sabbath. Jesus referred to the Scripture where when David and those with him were hungry, they entered the house of God and ate the bread of Presence, which was only lawful for priests to eat. Also, he referred them to how on the Sabbath the priests profane the temple, yet are guiltless. Then He goes on to say that something greater than the temple is here, He desires mercy over sacrifice, and He is lord of the Sabbath.
COMMENT
It is still the Sabbath, and Jesus enters the synagogue. There is a man with a hand that is obviously deformed. The Pharisees, knowing of Jesus's ability to heal, ask Him if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
Some questions: Had Jesus not healed anyone on the Sabbath before? I do not know. If Jesus had not healed on the Sabbath before, was He waiting for this opportunity? I do not know. Were the Pharisees asking this only to trap Jesus? I do not know, but my first thought is to say yes.
Mercy: Doing what is right because you are trying to honor God. Sacrifice: Doing what is required by the law. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought it was okay to break the law? Maybe your wife is about to give birth, and you are taking her to the hospital, speeding, running lights and stops signs? What if you saw a child drowning in a lake, but it was posted with several "No Trespassing" signs? Under what circumstance is it okay to break the law?
I find this interesting, because in the previous test, the disciples were hungry, but I doubt they were starving. In this text, the man obviously has a physical impairment that is greatly affecting his quality of life. Is it okay for Jesus to heal this man in the moment? Could he wait until tomorrow, or even perhaps the few hours until the Sabbath has passed?
Another analogy from Jesus, "You have a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath. Will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" But by doing so, the law has been broken. So Jesus continues, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he heals the man.
The Pharisees reaction is just insane. They wanted to destroy him. I personally believe their hatred of Jesus combined with the idea of losing their own power was blinding them. Strong emotions can do that to you. They wanted him gone, even if that meant dead. All for healing a man on the Sabbath.
I see this in churches today. We build walls of laws to follow. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, watch "R" rated movies, etc., and then we judge those who do. Hate allows some to bomb abortion clinics and justify it. Don't question the pastor! All the while, love and care for the hurting has been put on the back burner. Churches spend millions to have showcase buildings with built in coffee houses, gyms, and more while people nearby live in poverty. Where is mercy?
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
More Questions Than Answers? Matthew 11:25-30
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 25 hidden - conceal, keep secret
Vs 25 revealed - take off the cover (same again in Vs 27, "reveal")
Vs 26 gracious - satisfaction, delight, kindness
Vs 27 chooses - be willing, intend
Vs 28 labor - feel fatigue, to work hard
Vs 28 heavy laden - to overburden (with ceremony)
Vs 29 yoke - a coupling, the beam of balance (such as used when hitching two oxen together)
Vs 29 mild - humble
Vs 29 lowly - depressed, humiliated, cast down
Vs
COMMENT
This section brings up lots of questions, and challenges what I and many want to believe. I want to believe that the decision to follow God is my decision. I want to believe that I can understand and know the truth. But this section begins with the statement that these things are hidden from those who think they know, and even that this was a kindness from God. A kindness for who?
So back I go to the beatitudes. A kindness for the humble, the meek, the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The children of God. So another question comes up, who are the little children? What qualifies one to be a child of God? The Pharisees and Sadducees were dedicated, giving their lives to the understanding of God. They memorized long passages of Scripture, they studied the law and knew every part of it. Yet for all of His ministry, these are portrayed as the very ones in opposition to Jesus. Did their wisdom and understanding bling them to the truth, or did God "hide" it from them? If so, how can they be accountable? Was God responding to their pride? I do not have the answers.
Jesus goes on to say, "no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Vs 27) So what does it mean that Jesus has to choose who God will be revealed to? Might this relate to the idea in Matthew 7, where Jesus tells some to depart from Him, because they never knew Him? Again, tough questions where I do not have the answers.
Then, in verse 28, He tells some to come to Him. Is this an invitation for everyone? According to the verse, it is an invitation for those who labor and are heavy laden. Is He perhaps speaking to those who, under the leadership of the Pharisees and scribes, have been put under a burden that no one could carry? Similar to today, those who by well-meaning but misguided preachers, are told more about how to be a good Christian than why? Who preach living to such a high standard of holiness, but seldom mention the reason we should strive for holiness? Who preach actions but not the beauty of the Savior who should be the basis for those actions?
Verse 29 tells us to take His yoke, to learn from Him. Not the yoke of the Pharisees, scribes, or even today's legalistic preachers. His yoke. For he is humble and lowly in heart, and therein lies rest. (Again, this reminds me of what He taught in the beatitudes.) For His yoke is better. I much prefer the use of the word better than easy. I do not think Jesus ever taught that being a disciple would be easy. Better, yes. Better in many ways. Better in helping us to deal with the challenges of life, better for our eternal souls, better in offering peace and true joy, even in the midst of suffering. And his burden is light. Not a list of 1,000,000 do's and don'ts. Just a couple of things to remember: Love God and your neighbor. That I can do. Not perfectly, but offering me perfection is why Jesus came in the first place, that part of the burden is on His side of the yoke.
Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 25 hidden - conceal, keep secret
Vs 25 revealed - take off the cover (same again in Vs 27, "reveal")
Vs 26 gracious - satisfaction, delight, kindness
Vs 27 chooses - be willing, intend
Vs 28 labor - feel fatigue, to work hard
Vs 28 heavy laden - to overburden (with ceremony)
Vs 29 yoke - a coupling, the beam of balance (such as used when hitching two oxen together)
Vs 29 mild - humble
Vs 29 lowly - depressed, humiliated, cast down
Vs
COMMENT
This section brings up lots of questions, and challenges what I and many want to believe. I want to believe that the decision to follow God is my decision. I want to believe that I can understand and know the truth. But this section begins with the statement that these things are hidden from those who think they know, and even that this was a kindness from God. A kindness for who?
So back I go to the beatitudes. A kindness for the humble, the meek, the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The children of God. So another question comes up, who are the little children? What qualifies one to be a child of God? The Pharisees and Sadducees were dedicated, giving their lives to the understanding of God. They memorized long passages of Scripture, they studied the law and knew every part of it. Yet for all of His ministry, these are portrayed as the very ones in opposition to Jesus. Did their wisdom and understanding bling them to the truth, or did God "hide" it from them? If so, how can they be accountable? Was God responding to their pride? I do not have the answers.
Jesus goes on to say, "no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Vs 27) So what does it mean that Jesus has to choose who God will be revealed to? Might this relate to the idea in Matthew 7, where Jesus tells some to depart from Him, because they never knew Him? Again, tough questions where I do not have the answers.
Then, in verse 28, He tells some to come to Him. Is this an invitation for everyone? According to the verse, it is an invitation for those who labor and are heavy laden. Is He perhaps speaking to those who, under the leadership of the Pharisees and scribes, have been put under a burden that no one could carry? Similar to today, those who by well-meaning but misguided preachers, are told more about how to be a good Christian than why? Who preach living to such a high standard of holiness, but seldom mention the reason we should strive for holiness? Who preach actions but not the beauty of the Savior who should be the basis for those actions?
Verse 29 tells us to take His yoke, to learn from Him. Not the yoke of the Pharisees, scribes, or even today's legalistic preachers. His yoke. For he is humble and lowly in heart, and therein lies rest. (Again, this reminds me of what He taught in the beatitudes.) For His yoke is better. I much prefer the use of the word better than easy. I do not think Jesus ever taught that being a disciple would be easy. Better, yes. Better in many ways. Better in helping us to deal with the challenges of life, better for our eternal souls, better in offering peace and true joy, even in the midst of suffering. And his burden is light. Not a list of 1,000,000 do's and don'ts. Just a couple of things to remember: Love God and your neighbor. That I can do. Not perfectly, but offering me perfection is why Jesus came in the first place, that part of the burden is on His side of the yoke.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Who Do You Love? Matthew 10:34-39
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:34-39
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
LANGUAGE
Vs 34 peace - (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: — one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
Vs 34 sword - a knife, figuratively, war, judicial punishment: — sword.
Vs 36 enemy - hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan): — enemy, foe.
Vs 37 loves - phileō; to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling
Vs 38 worthy - deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): — due reward, meet, (un-)worthy.
Vs 39 lose - to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
COMMENT
I think this section of Scripture is often overlooked. And for good reason, it seems to ask a lot from us, and today, that is not a popular thought. We want the comfy Jesus. The feels good Jesus. The Jesus who is ONLY full of love and compassion. This Scripture leads me to believe that picture is not a complete picture of Jesus.
This section begins with a statement that Jesus did not come to bring peace to the earth. That word translated peace can also be implied to mean prosperity. I actually find this to be a better translation, because of how our minds see things. Jesus, getting ready to leave His disciples, tells them, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27-28) Same Greek word. But notice He qualifies it by saying, "my peace," and not the peace (or prosperity) of the world. Ephesians 2:14 tells us, "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace." Again, same Greek word. Jesus did not come to bring the peace or prosperity that most of the world chases after. His peace is different, in that it rests on our faith in an eternal God and the Son he sent. This is the interpretation that best connects with His Sermon on the Mount, as well as many of His other teachings.
Jesus came to bring a sword. Many times the word sword indicates judgement, and I believe that may be the case here. I do not believe that Jesus intentionally came to tear families apart, but that He know that many times this would be the result. Perhaps you have not experienced that, but many have. In some cultures, to confess Christ is to get an instant rejection from family, thus forcing some to forfeit the peace that the know. Even within "Christian" households, a radical acceptance or devotion to Jesus may be frowned upon, causing a person to think twice about what it really means to be a Christian.
Many families are tight knit groups. I find it interesting that the word "love" here is not the Greek "agape," but rather the Greek "phileo." Agape being a stronger, more committed love and Phileo being a friendship (think Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love). Jesus calls His disciples "friends" (Greek: philo) in John 15:15. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. The bond that friends have is different than the bond that a husband/wife or other relatives might have. Jesus seems to be saying that if our friendship is not the utmost among all of your friendships, it is not worthy of the type of friendship this relationship needs. He is not telling us to hate our families. But He does know that our friendship with Him might cause a strain on some relationships. This is where I see the idea of judgement coming in. Not that Jesus needs to judge us in this, but we can judge ourselves as to whether or not truly He is our friend.
To take up our cross is not a pretty picture. Have you seen, "The Passion of the Christ?" That is a choice we must make. Not a choice to just accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, but a choice to actually mean those words. It is as if the choice were to accept Him as Lord OR Savior. Yes, I'll take Savior please, but I still want to be lord of my own life. That is not an option. Lord means master, and if Jesus is not both your Lord and your Savior, that's a problem.
Jesus concludes saying, "Whoever finds his life will lose it." That word lose carries with it the idea of destruction. So He is effectively saying, "Whoever is their own lord will destroy their life." Looking at the big picture, where eternity is concerned, this is without a doubt, the truth.
Matthew 10:34-39
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
LANGUAGE
Vs 34 peace - (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: — one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
Vs 34 sword - a knife, figuratively, war, judicial punishment: — sword.
Vs 36 enemy - hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan): — enemy, foe.
Vs 37 loves - phileō; to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling
Vs 38 worthy - deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): — due reward, meet, (un-)worthy.
Vs 39 lose - to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
COMMENT
I think this section of Scripture is often overlooked. And for good reason, it seems to ask a lot from us, and today, that is not a popular thought. We want the comfy Jesus. The feels good Jesus. The Jesus who is ONLY full of love and compassion. This Scripture leads me to believe that picture is not a complete picture of Jesus.
This section begins with a statement that Jesus did not come to bring peace to the earth. That word translated peace can also be implied to mean prosperity. I actually find this to be a better translation, because of how our minds see things. Jesus, getting ready to leave His disciples, tells them, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27-28) Same Greek word. But notice He qualifies it by saying, "my peace," and not the peace (or prosperity) of the world. Ephesians 2:14 tells us, "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace." Again, same Greek word. Jesus did not come to bring the peace or prosperity that most of the world chases after. His peace is different, in that it rests on our faith in an eternal God and the Son he sent. This is the interpretation that best connects with His Sermon on the Mount, as well as many of His other teachings.
Jesus came to bring a sword. Many times the word sword indicates judgement, and I believe that may be the case here. I do not believe that Jesus intentionally came to tear families apart, but that He know that many times this would be the result. Perhaps you have not experienced that, but many have. In some cultures, to confess Christ is to get an instant rejection from family, thus forcing some to forfeit the peace that the know. Even within "Christian" households, a radical acceptance or devotion to Jesus may be frowned upon, causing a person to think twice about what it really means to be a Christian.
Many families are tight knit groups. I find it interesting that the word "love" here is not the Greek "agape," but rather the Greek "phileo." Agape being a stronger, more committed love and Phileo being a friendship (think Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love). Jesus calls His disciples "friends" (Greek: philo) in John 15:15. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. The bond that friends have is different than the bond that a husband/wife or other relatives might have. Jesus seems to be saying that if our friendship is not the utmost among all of your friendships, it is not worthy of the type of friendship this relationship needs. He is not telling us to hate our families. But He does know that our friendship with Him might cause a strain on some relationships. This is where I see the idea of judgement coming in. Not that Jesus needs to judge us in this, but we can judge ourselves as to whether or not truly He is our friend.
To take up our cross is not a pretty picture. Have you seen, "The Passion of the Christ?" That is a choice we must make. Not a choice to just accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, but a choice to actually mean those words. It is as if the choice were to accept Him as Lord OR Savior. Yes, I'll take Savior please, but I still want to be lord of my own life. That is not an option. Lord means master, and if Jesus is not both your Lord and your Savior, that's a problem.
Jesus concludes saying, "Whoever finds his life will lose it." That word lose carries with it the idea of destruction. So He is effectively saying, "Whoever is their own lord will destroy their life." Looking at the big picture, where eternity is concerned, this is without a doubt, the truth.
Friday, March 6, 2020
Follow me Matthew 9:9-13
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 13 mercy - compassion
Vs 13 sacrifice - the act or the victim
COMMENT
The choices that Jesus made for His disciples are interesting, and I think should speak clearly to us about what kind of followers he does and does not expect.
Take Matthew for instance. Matthew was a tax collector. On the scale of socially acceptable people, you could not get much lower than a tax collector. For one thing, tax collectors bought the privilege to be a tax collector, and then used that job to get wealthy by taking extra tax money from those they were collecting from. Another thing is, as a tax collector, they had to be in contact with gentiles, thereby defiling themselves constantly. So, if you really want to make a statement and tick off the established rulers, you definitely want a tax collector as one of your disciples.
So when Jesus was in the house (not sure from the text if it was Matthew's or not), it just made sense that some of the others would be friends and acquaintances of his disciples as well, including Matthew. And that appears to be the case. Here was a Rabbi who not only tolerated this type of individual, he embraced them! Boy, did this get him noticed. The Pharisees questioned His choice of companions, interestingly here not too Jesus's face, but to His disciples. Why does your teacher hang with such riff-raff? (To which they might have answered, "You mean people like us?) But Jesus must have overheard their question. Or perhaps the disciples went and brought the question to Him. Either way, Jesus makes two important statements in his answer.
The first one is that He came for the sick, and not the healthy. He came to set the prisoners free (Isaiah 51:14). He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). This again, goes back to the type of person Jesus was talking about in the Sermon on the Mount. Humble, hurting (mourning), meek people who need a physician (think Savior), and not proud and self-righteous people who God owed salvation. Healthy people don't go to the doctor, and self-righteous people don't need to go to the cross.
Second is that Jesus desires mercy over sacrifice. In other words the heart of compassion is what Jesus desires, not just the mere act of sacrifice (obedience). Again, go back to the Sermon on the Mount. Or better yet, think about the Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." (Luke 18:11,12) Now here was an obedient man, one who had sacrificed mightily for his faith. Yet it was the tax collector who went away justified.
I recall being asked to talk to a youth who was a Junior or Senior as I recall, very active and faithful in church, but had not been baptized. During our conversation he explained, "But I am a sinner, and there are some things I need to fix before I do that." I told him he had it backwards, we don't fix ourselves in order to come to Jesus, we come to Jesus because we need Him to fix us. I pray that we all might understand and pray like the tax collector, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13)
Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 13 mercy - compassion
Vs 13 sacrifice - the act or the victim
COMMENT
The choices that Jesus made for His disciples are interesting, and I think should speak clearly to us about what kind of followers he does and does not expect.
Take Matthew for instance. Matthew was a tax collector. On the scale of socially acceptable people, you could not get much lower than a tax collector. For one thing, tax collectors bought the privilege to be a tax collector, and then used that job to get wealthy by taking extra tax money from those they were collecting from. Another thing is, as a tax collector, they had to be in contact with gentiles, thereby defiling themselves constantly. So, if you really want to make a statement and tick off the established rulers, you definitely want a tax collector as one of your disciples.
So when Jesus was in the house (not sure from the text if it was Matthew's or not), it just made sense that some of the others would be friends and acquaintances of his disciples as well, including Matthew. And that appears to be the case. Here was a Rabbi who not only tolerated this type of individual, he embraced them! Boy, did this get him noticed. The Pharisees questioned His choice of companions, interestingly here not too Jesus's face, but to His disciples. Why does your teacher hang with such riff-raff? (To which they might have answered, "You mean people like us?) But Jesus must have overheard their question. Or perhaps the disciples went and brought the question to Him. Either way, Jesus makes two important statements in his answer.
The first one is that He came for the sick, and not the healthy. He came to set the prisoners free (Isaiah 51:14). He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). This again, goes back to the type of person Jesus was talking about in the Sermon on the Mount. Humble, hurting (mourning), meek people who need a physician (think Savior), and not proud and self-righteous people who God owed salvation. Healthy people don't go to the doctor, and self-righteous people don't need to go to the cross.
Second is that Jesus desires mercy over sacrifice. In other words the heart of compassion is what Jesus desires, not just the mere act of sacrifice (obedience). Again, go back to the Sermon on the Mount. Or better yet, think about the Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." (Luke 18:11,12) Now here was an obedient man, one who had sacrificed mightily for his faith. Yet it was the tax collector who went away justified.
I recall being asked to talk to a youth who was a Junior or Senior as I recall, very active and faithful in church, but had not been baptized. During our conversation he explained, "But I am a sinner, and there are some things I need to fix before I do that." I told him he had it backwards, we don't fix ourselves in order to come to Jesus, we come to Jesus because we need Him to fix us. I pray that we all might understand and pray like the tax collector, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13)
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
No Soup for You! (Matthew 8:5-13)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 8:5-13
LANGUAGE
Vs 10 marveled - θαυμάζω thaumazō; to wonder; by implication, to admire: — admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder.
COMMENTS
Remember the passage in the sermon Jesus just finished where he says, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Mt 7:21-23)? I think this passage follows that train of thought.
A Roman Centurion, leader over a group of 100 soldiers, comes to Jesus on behalf of on of his servants. I imagine he thinks much of this servant, as this leader does not send someone to get Jesus, but goes himself. I also imagine that if he wanted to, he could have sent for Jesus, and the expectation would have been that if Jesus did not come, there would be consequences. So from the start, we see a certain sense of humility in this man.
Then, when Jesus offers to go with him, he tells Jesus that such action is not needed. In fact, he says that he is not worthy to have Jesus as a guest. Chew on that for a moment. A Roman Centurion not worthy to have a poor, itinerant rabbi to visit his home. Wow! Next level of humility. The Centurion goes on to say that he does not have to see Jesus there, but that he just needs for Jesus to say the word, and he trusts that his servant will be well. He reasons that he does not have to individually speak to each soldier and then follow them and watch them to know that his orders are followed.
The text says that Jesus "marveled" at his faith. I like the idea that the word translated marveled also carries the idea that Jesus "admired" his faith. Imagine, Jesus looking at your faith and admiring it. That thought sends chills through me. But why did he marvel or admire this man's faith? I see a couple of reasons. One, this man was not a Jew. Somehow he knew of Jesus, he knew of the miracles, he knew of the power this rabbi possessed. Yet among those who should have known more, those who had the Old Testament prophets and their teachings, those who studied the Scriptures and even memorized huge portions of them, they did not have such regard for Jesus. Two, this man did not need to see to believe. Remember Thomas, who would not believe until he saw that scars on Jesus' body? Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." His own disciples had issue with this! But here is a man who simply trusts Jesus at His word.
So back to Matthew 7. The scribes and the Pharisees thought they were doing the will of the Father, even to the very moment they has His Son crucified on the cross. Many today, think they are doing the will of the Father. They might go to church, give, and live a righteous life. But go back to the wise and foolish builders, what was the missing piece? What is the will of the Father? Is it not to believe in His Son? Not a statement of faith, a prayer, a ritual followed through with, but the complete understanding that Jesus is God's Son, and that by dying on the cross He paid the price for our sin. And if that is truly believed, then a change of life takes place. Without the foundation of rock, the house will not stand. Without belief in His Son, no place at the feast in the kingdom. No soup for you!
Matthew 8:5-13
LANGUAGE
Vs 10 marveled - θαυμάζω thaumazō; to wonder; by implication, to admire: — admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder.
COMMENTS
Remember the passage in the sermon Jesus just finished where he says, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Mt 7:21-23)? I think this passage follows that train of thought.
A Roman Centurion, leader over a group of 100 soldiers, comes to Jesus on behalf of on of his servants. I imagine he thinks much of this servant, as this leader does not send someone to get Jesus, but goes himself. I also imagine that if he wanted to, he could have sent for Jesus, and the expectation would have been that if Jesus did not come, there would be consequences. So from the start, we see a certain sense of humility in this man.
Then, when Jesus offers to go with him, he tells Jesus that such action is not needed. In fact, he says that he is not worthy to have Jesus as a guest. Chew on that for a moment. A Roman Centurion not worthy to have a poor, itinerant rabbi to visit his home. Wow! Next level of humility. The Centurion goes on to say that he does not have to see Jesus there, but that he just needs for Jesus to say the word, and he trusts that his servant will be well. He reasons that he does not have to individually speak to each soldier and then follow them and watch them to know that his orders are followed.
The text says that Jesus "marveled" at his faith. I like the idea that the word translated marveled also carries the idea that Jesus "admired" his faith. Imagine, Jesus looking at your faith and admiring it. That thought sends chills through me. But why did he marvel or admire this man's faith? I see a couple of reasons. One, this man was not a Jew. Somehow he knew of Jesus, he knew of the miracles, he knew of the power this rabbi possessed. Yet among those who should have known more, those who had the Old Testament prophets and their teachings, those who studied the Scriptures and even memorized huge portions of them, they did not have such regard for Jesus. Two, this man did not need to see to believe. Remember Thomas, who would not believe until he saw that scars on Jesus' body? Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." His own disciples had issue with this! But here is a man who simply trusts Jesus at His word.
So back to Matthew 7. The scribes and the Pharisees thought they were doing the will of the Father, even to the very moment they has His Son crucified on the cross. Many today, think they are doing the will of the Father. They might go to church, give, and live a righteous life. But go back to the wise and foolish builders, what was the missing piece? What is the will of the Father? Is it not to believe in His Son? Not a statement of faith, a prayer, a ritual followed through with, but the complete understanding that Jesus is God's Son, and that by dying on the cross He paid the price for our sin. And if that is truly believed, then a change of life takes place. Without the foundation of rock, the house will not stand. Without belief in His Son, no place at the feast in the kingdom. No soup for you!
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-28
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:24-28
COMMENTS
When looking at this passage, one must realize that it is not a stand-alone parable, but rather a conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, and should be interpreted in that light.
Some notes about the story. There are 2 men, one who is considered foolish and one who is considered wise. On the outside, they look the same. The comparison is to two houses.The difference is not in the houses themselves, but in the foundation of said houses. You cannot see the basis of the foundation merely by looking at the house, although it is interesting to note that if the house is surrounded by sand, it is most likely built on sand and if it is surrounded by rock, it is most likely built on rock.
The foundation on the rock is the one who hears and does the words Jesus has been preaching. Again, start with the beatitudes and continue up to this parable, His words talk about an attitude behind the actions. You can be proud and give, but Jesus says the poor in spirit inherit the kingdom. You can live in sin and still go to church, but Jesus says the pure in heart shall see God. You can live the whole package, and yet still not have salt in your character or shine a light in the darkness. You can give an offering, but still harbor anger. You can be pure in body and speech, but lust is still present. The list goes on... Unless the heart is producing the behavior, it is not built on the rock, but perhaps just a white-knuckle attempt to avoid the punishment of hell.
The foolish man looks just like the wise man on the outside. Maybe he does not cuss, gives to charity, goes to church, mows his lawn every week, drives an SUV, etc. But the foundation of the actions are weak, or perhaps even non-existent. Many are trying to pay a debt to God that they cannot pay. It is through surrender to Christ that one achieves salvation, not deeds or good works. Yet the ironic thing is, that surrender should and must lead us to deeds and good works! Perhaps this is why it is said that God loves a cheerful giver. He loves the one whose sacrifice is a sacrifice of praise and not an obligation or attempt to pacify God's wrath.
Matthew 7:24-28
COMMENTS
When looking at this passage, one must realize that it is not a stand-alone parable, but rather a conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, and should be interpreted in that light.
Some notes about the story. There are 2 men, one who is considered foolish and one who is considered wise. On the outside, they look the same. The comparison is to two houses.The difference is not in the houses themselves, but in the foundation of said houses. You cannot see the basis of the foundation merely by looking at the house, although it is interesting to note that if the house is surrounded by sand, it is most likely built on sand and if it is surrounded by rock, it is most likely built on rock.
The foundation on the rock is the one who hears and does the words Jesus has been preaching. Again, start with the beatitudes and continue up to this parable, His words talk about an attitude behind the actions. You can be proud and give, but Jesus says the poor in spirit inherit the kingdom. You can live in sin and still go to church, but Jesus says the pure in heart shall see God. You can live the whole package, and yet still not have salt in your character or shine a light in the darkness. You can give an offering, but still harbor anger. You can be pure in body and speech, but lust is still present. The list goes on... Unless the heart is producing the behavior, it is not built on the rock, but perhaps just a white-knuckle attempt to avoid the punishment of hell.
The foolish man looks just like the wise man on the outside. Maybe he does not cuss, gives to charity, goes to church, mows his lawn every week, drives an SUV, etc. But the foundation of the actions are weak, or perhaps even non-existent. Many are trying to pay a debt to God that they cannot pay. It is through surrender to Christ that one achieves salvation, not deeds or good works. Yet the ironic thing is, that surrender should and must lead us to deeds and good works! Perhaps this is why it is said that God loves a cheerful giver. He loves the one whose sacrifice is a sacrifice of praise and not an obligation or attempt to pacify God's wrath.
Monday, March 2, 2020
A Word to the Wise...Matthew 7:15-23
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:15-23
COMMENT
While these verses contain two thoughts, I believe they are very connected. The first in a warning to beware of false prophets. So to go back to verse 1 of Chapter 7, let me pose this question: How can we not judge others, yet beware of false prophets? Does not discerning what is false involve judgement? Of course it does. He even gives the means to determine if they are false, Jesus says "You will recognize them by their fruits." (Vs 16) If we interpret fruits to be actions, specifically behavioral actions, then we are to judge. Again, I am not sure that we are the ones to judge the ultimate fate of the individual, but if their actions are not in line with the Spirit, then red flags should fly. Verse 19 seems especially harsh, saying that such trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.
Do not cheer at that statement. Remember, "with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged." (Vs 2) Pray for such people. Warn others of such people. But you are not God's lumberjack, set to determine which trees fall and which stand.
Now to the second section. I have heard people refer to this section as a very scary section of Scripture, and I believe it is. How is it possible that some will call Jesus Lord, and not enter the kingdom of heaven? How is it possible that some will prophesy in his name, and even cast out demons in his name, and not enter into the kingdom of heaven? Could I be one of these people?
The short answer is, yes, I could be. But the important question is, who are these people? Again, look at the context of the entire message, starting with the beatitudes. So here are some points by which you might examine yourself, and if you fall short, look at how you might grow in these areas.
Matthew 7:15-23
COMMENT
While these verses contain two thoughts, I believe they are very connected. The first in a warning to beware of false prophets. So to go back to verse 1 of Chapter 7, let me pose this question: How can we not judge others, yet beware of false prophets? Does not discerning what is false involve judgement? Of course it does. He even gives the means to determine if they are false, Jesus says "You will recognize them by their fruits." (Vs 16) If we interpret fruits to be actions, specifically behavioral actions, then we are to judge. Again, I am not sure that we are the ones to judge the ultimate fate of the individual, but if their actions are not in line with the Spirit, then red flags should fly. Verse 19 seems especially harsh, saying that such trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.
Do not cheer at that statement. Remember, "with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged." (Vs 2) Pray for such people. Warn others of such people. But you are not God's lumberjack, set to determine which trees fall and which stand.
Now to the second section. I have heard people refer to this section as a very scary section of Scripture, and I believe it is. How is it possible that some will call Jesus Lord, and not enter the kingdom of heaven? How is it possible that some will prophesy in his name, and even cast out demons in his name, and not enter into the kingdom of heaven? Could I be one of these people?
The short answer is, yes, I could be. But the important question is, who are these people? Again, look at the context of the entire message, starting with the beatitudes. So here are some points by which you might examine yourself, and if you fall short, look at how you might grow in these areas.
- Are you "poor in spirit?" Are you humble, meek, or do you have to be the king and have it your way?
- Do you desire to be righteous?
- Are you merciful, or is revenge a dish best served by you?
- Do you suffer for the sake of the kingdom? Do you rejoice in your suffering?
- Does your light shine in such a way that God is glorified in what you do?
- Does your righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees? In other words, is it a matter of head and heart, or are you just exercising your faith enough to avoid the punishment of hell without a heart that loves God?
- Do you turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give and lend to those in need?
- Do you love your enemies, and not just those who love you?
- Do you give without needing to be recognized for it?
- Do you forgive others without needing their forgiveness first?
- Do you lay up your treasures in heaven, or are they here on earth?
- Do you worry worry about things you have no control over?
- Are you the judge and jury for God's kingdom?
- Do you treat others how you would like to be treated?
Wow! That's a tough list. One which we all fail at to varying degrees. But it is not a test, and this is where the message of the gospel is key. One that Jesus will delve into deeper as He concludes the message. Spoiler alert, on what foundation is your house built? More on this in the next post.
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