Prophecy from the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24)

Let’s look at an often misunderstood prophecy in Matthew 24. Before studying it, let’s consider the four major views.

Preterism (or past fulfillment) believes that all such prophecies were fulfilled around 70 AD. Historicism (or present ongoing fulfillment) is a view that these events are fulfilled throughout the history of the church. Futurism (or future fulfillment) teaches that these prophecies will be fulfilled just before the return of Christ. And finally, there is a view that in many ways combines them all (past, present and future), called variously the spiritual, idealist or symbolic view.

How does this prophecy begin? Was it fulfilled in 70 AD with the Siege of Jerusalem or was that just a forerunner to later prophecies?

Now Jesus left the temple and was going away. His disciples came to point out to him the temple buildings. He responded, “Do you see all these things? I assure that no stone will be left on another. Everything will be demolished.” (Matthew 24:1-2 CEB)

What are the basic questions this prophecy answers? This is often called the Olivet Prophecy because Jesus was on the Mount of Olives.

Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him in private and asked, “When will this happen? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world [age]?” (Matthew 24:3 CEV)

Don’t be Led Astray

From politics to religion have many claimed that they are the anointed one, the Christ, the Messiah?

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. (Matthew 24:4-5 ESV)

How vague or non-specific are these next comments? Is that deliberate?

You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24:6-8 HCSB)

Is this just the beginning of troubles?

All these are the beginning of sorrows [birth pains]. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 24:8-9 KJV)

Have these things long been happening?

And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. (Matthew 24:11-12 NASB)

Stand Firm

When is salvation fully complete, as soon as one confesses Christ or after a life of endurance? Is eternal security, or the “once saved always saved” view, weak on this point?

but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13 NIV)

When will the end come? Are preterist and historicist views weak on this point?

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 NLT)

Was this next prophecy fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes, who put idols in the holy place, or had many priests already defiled the temple with their hypocrisy and money making scams? Is there possibly a yet future symbolic fulfillment of this prophecy?

When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), (Matthew 24:15 WEB cp. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)

Is there a certain sense of urgency in this prophecy coming to pass? Would city gates be shut and Jews possibly persecute those who fled on a long journey on the Sabbath?

then those in Judea must escape to the mountains. Those on the roof shouldn’t come down to grab things from their houses. Those in the field shouldn’t come back to grab their clothes. How terrible it will be at that time for women who are pregnant and for women who are nursing their children. Pray that it doesn’t happen in winter or on the Sabbath day. (Matthew 24:16-20 CEB)

Have there been historic times of great tribulation? Are Christians in some nations like North Korea and Afghanistan suffering great tribulation today? When it says nobody would be saved could that indicate worldwide tribulation?

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:21-22 ESV)

Don’t Believe It

Is it judgmental to avoid false prophets and discern deceptive, false miracles?

If anyone tells you then, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it! False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance. So if they tell you, ‘Look, He’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; ‘Look, He’s in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. (Matthew 24:23-26 HCSB)

Is Jesus’ return associated with these events? Are preterist and historicist views weak on this point? Will Christ’s return be as sudden, dazzling and unexpected as a flash of lightning?

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:27 KJV)

What do these signs indicate?

Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near. (Matthew 24:28 NLT)

Has this next sign yet appeared?

But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:29-30 NASB)

What will then happen to true Christians, the elect, the chosen ones?

And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24:31 NIV)

Should we be always ready because we don’t know the exact day of His return? Will these things occur within a generation?

Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. (Matthew 24:32-35 NLT)

Is predicting the day or hour foolish?

But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36 WEB)

Will the days before Christ’s return seem normal?

When the Son of Man appears, things will be just as they were when Noah lived. People were eating, drinking, and getting married right up to the day the flood came and Noah went into the big boat. They didn't know anything was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man appears. (Matthew 24:37-39 CEV)

Stay Alert

Is this more like Noah’s flood taking people away than some rapture theory which says the opposite? Can we predict the day?

At that time there will be two men in the field. One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left. Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know what day the Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:40-42 CEB)

Stay Awake

Is this more of a warning to stay awake and be ready than engage in some kind of prediction addiction?

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:42-44 ESV)

Be Found Working

Is the overall lesson of this Olivet prophecy that we be found doing God’s work? Is there a reward for faithful workers?

Who then is a faithful and sensible slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time? That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded. I assure you: He will put him in charge of all his possessions. (Matthew 24:45-47 HCSB)

Is a symbolic view, which incorporates aspects of preterist, historicist and futurist views, perhaps the most balanced? What of lazy Christians who lose a sense of urgency?

But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:48-51 KJV)

Is this prophecy deliberately general enough that it cannot be used to predict dates? Does it warn us not to be led astray, stand firm, stay alert, stay awake and be always ready, diligently doing God’s work on earth? Are we? You decide!

7 Woes on Religious Leaders (Matthew 23)

Jesus warned about hypocrisy among religious leaders and accompanying woes. Have we ever heard this taught? Is it just too painful to admit that we church leaders can sometimes be just like the Pharisees? Let’s learn some hard lessons from Jesus in Matthew 23.

Hypocrisy

Do we practice what we preach?

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. (Matthew 23:1-4 NLT)

What are some false motives for church leadership? Do we love our titles like father, reverend, preacher or pastor?

But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi by men. (Matthew 23:5-7 WEB)

Should we demand religious titles?

But you shouldn’t be called Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Don’t call anybody on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is heavenly. Don’t be called teacher, because Christ is your one teacher. (Matthew 23:8-10 CEB)

What’s the real problem here, mere descriptions like father or teacher, or puffing ourselves up over others instead of having the attitude of a servant?

Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored. (Matthew 23:11-12 CEV)

The attitude of demanding a title or other fawning recognition is not godly. Do we choose arrogance or humility? You decide!

The 7 Woes

This passage is suspiciously left out of the Revised Common Lectionary, a preaching guide. Why? It contains strong warnings for church leaders.

1. Shut Up the Kingdom

Do we shut the door of God’s kingdom in people’s faces?

But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13 HCSB)

2. Housing the Poor

Do we ignore the housing needs of poor widows and such like, and make long prayers to cover it up?

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (Matthew 23:14 KJV)

3. Make Converts Worse

Do we teach our converts to be even worse hypocrites than we are?

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. (Matthew 23:15 NASB)

4. Money Hungry

Do offerings mean more to us than holy ground?

Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? (Matthew 23:16-17 NIV)

Are gifts more important to us than God’s altar?

And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding. How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred? (Matthew 23:18-19 NLT)

How important are our promises to God?

He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it. He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who has been living in it. He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it. (Matthew 23:20-22 WEB)

Do we focus on minutiae and forget the essentials of our faith?

How terrible it will be for you legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You give to God a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, but you forget about the more important matters of the Law: justice, peace, and faith. You ought to give a tenth but without forgetting about those more important matters. You blind guides! You filter out an ant but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24 CEB)

5. Greed & Self-Indulgence

Do we look good on the outside but inside is greed and self-indulgence?

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26 ESV)

6. Hypocrisy & Lawlessness

Do we look good on the outside while inside is a dead person, every impurity, hypocrisy and lawlessness?

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity. In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:27-28 HCSB)

7. Children of Murderers

Are we descended from those who murdered Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Anabaptists or other Christians in history?

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. (Matthew 23:29-31 KJV)

Do we have a spirit of murder, hating and falsely accusing those who believe differently from us on non-essentials of our common faith?

Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. You snakes, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell? Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will flog in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, so that upon you will fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. (Matthew 23:32-36 NASB)

Why did Jesus grieve over Jerusalem?

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ (Matthew 23:37-39 NIV)

We are all a prophet to somebody, even if only to our family and friends. Will we take these stern warnings from Jesus seriously, and examine our hearts lest we too fall short like the teachers of the law and Pharisees? You decide!

Love & Taxes (Matthew 22)

Let’s look at lessons on God’s invitation, paying taxes, marriage in heaven and love in Matthew 22.

God’s Invitation

What is our response to God’s invitation? What does God expect us to wear? Let’s look at the Parable of the Wedding Banquet in Matthew 22:1-14. Did many refuse to accept the invitation?

Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. (Matthew 22:1-3 NIV)

Is this an allegory of salvation, the world’s most important invitation? The king invites us politely. The decision is ours. What did others choose? Did some even insult and kill the messengers?

So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them. (Matthew 22:4-6 NLT)

How did the king respond?

When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. (Matthew 22:7 WEB)

Were those who refused the invitation declared unworthy? Is this a picture of the invitation now opened to Gentiles too?

Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding party is prepared, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.’ (Matthew 22:8-9 CEB)

Is the invitation to both bad and good people?

They went out on the streets and brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike. And the banquet room was filled with guests. (Matthew 22:10 CEV)

What happened to one of the guests?

But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 22:11-13 ESV)

Why is appropriate clothing important?

For many are invited, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14 HCSB)

We clothe ourselves with Christ (Romans 13:14). When we are baptized we put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Salvation is only possible in Jesus Christ and those who ultimately refuse Him refuse salvation.

What is our response to God’s invitation? Will we choose the right clothing? Let us accept God’s invitation and those He sends with the message. Shall we wear the right clothing, putting on Jesus every day? You decide!

Paying Taxes

Ought Christians to be good citizens? Is paying taxes a participation in evil acts by human governments? What’s the difference between love and idolatry of a country? Let’s look at the moral dilemma of paying taxes in Matthew 22:15-22. Was Jesus deceived by obsequious flattery?

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? (Matthew 22:15-17 KJV)

It was a trap. What did Jesus say about what they were doing?

But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?” (Matthew 22:18 NASB)

Should we Christians always be nice even to those who abuse us? Jesus answered their trap bluntly. Pastor beware! When your new church flatters you, while vilifying the previous pastor, they may soon betray you. If they speak kindly of the previous pastor, they may also treat you with kindness.

Schmoozing can seem encouraging, but beware of the ambush. Jesus was not fooled by their insincere flattery. How wisely did He reply?

Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” (Matthew 22:19-20 NIV)

A false dilemma or false dichotomy suggests that only one of two sides is right. But both may be right or wrong, and there may be other options. In an immoral world we pay tribute to corrupt governments AND to God.

Poor Jews often lost their lands to unjust, excessive Roman taxes. They also did not want to serve a false god, Caesar. Roman coins often called Caesar divine or a son of divinity, blasphemous claims which offended Jews. Whose image was on the coins, and what did Jesus say to that?

“Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22:21 NLT)

Jesus was not asked about worshiping Caesar, but paying taxes. We owe governments for the use of their roads and many other things, just as we owe God for His providence. How did they react to Jesus’ wisdom?

When they heard it, they marveled, and left him and went away. (Matthew 22:22 WEB)

It is impossible to live and work in this world without handling tainted things like money. Jesus’ answer addressed the practical reality of life in an evil world. We cannot change the whole world. Should we begin with ourselves, love our neighbors, and prepare for our part in God’s heavenly reign? You decide!

No Marriages in Heaven

What puzzle did the Sadducees put to Jesus?

That same day Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Jesus. They asked, “Teacher, Moses said, If a man who doesn’t have children dies, his brother must marry his wife and produce children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married, then died. Because he had no children he left his widow to his brother. The same thing happened with the second brother and the third, and in fact with all seven brothers. Finally, the woman died. At the resurrection, which of the seven brothers will be her husband? They were all married to her.” (Matthew 22:23-28 CEB)

Was Jesus tactful or blunt with them?

Jesus answered: You are completely wrong! You don't know what the Scriptures teach. And you don't know anything about the power of God. (Matthew 22:29 CEV)

What was Jesus’ explanation?

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching. (Matthew 22:30-33 ESV)

Does this also explain who the sons of God were, angels or men (Genesis 6:4)? Is there a love greater than marital love? Will the love we experience for all eternity be so far above marital love, that we won’t miss it at all? You decide!

Love

What was the Pharisees’ question about the greatest commandment? Let’s learn from Jesus in Matthew 22:34-46.

When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” (Matthew 22:34-36 HCSB)

Does Jesus’ answer summarize Christianity? When we teach what neither Jesus nor the Apostles taught, are we like the Pharisees and Sadducees? How can any church claim to be apostolic, yet add dogmas not taught by Jesus or the apostles? If he was here on earth today, would we accept him? Did Jesus expound the Ten Commandments or other commandments from the Hebrew scriptures?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38 KJV)

Mark adds a fourth word because the Greek more fully explains the Hebrew word “mind” with two words “mind” and “strength.”

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30 KJV)

This Shema Yisrael (“Hear O Israel” from Deuteronomy 6:5) teaches us to love God with our entire heart. The soul, breath or spirit thirsts for God like a deer panting for water (Psalm 42), a passionate spiritual desire. We assemble with others who love God, pray, study the Bible and meditate on godly things. An anti-intellectual bias contradicts the Bible, because Jesus taught us to love God with our minds.

How much do we love God?

My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:2 NKJV)

Does agape mean divine love? No. Agape does not always mean divine love. It can refer to the wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), and this world (2 Timothy 4:10). What kind of agape does God expect (1 Corinthians 13)?

Loving God is neither just emotional, nor intellectual, nor just spiritual, but it includes all of those dimensions. Jesus taught us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and our neighbor as ourselves.

What about the second great command? Do the law and the prophets, the whole Old Testament, hang on the Ten Commandments or something else?

The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 22:39-40 NASB cp. Leviticus 19:17-18)

The world shows reckless disregard for others. The second Great Commandment is a version of the golden rule (Matthew 7:12). This is so fundamentally important that even non-Christian religions and atheists recognize it as valid (Romans 1:19-21)?

If we say we love God and hate our brother, we are liars (1 John 4:20). If we love our brother and disobey God, we believe a social Gospel (Hebrews 1:9). If we love God with our hearts but not our minds, we worship emotionalism. If we love God with our minds and not our hearts, we worship intellectualism. Let’s look at the Messiah Riddle.

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Matthew 22:41-46 NIV)

Why did David refer to his son or descendant as “my Lord.” The Messiah is divine.

God invites us to participate in a love that is infinitely greater and more fulfilling than marital love. Do we accept His invitation? You decide!

Palm Sunday (Matthew 21)

Palm Sunday brings lessons on the purpose of church buildings, faith, heavenly versus human authority, following through after saying yes, and producing fruit. Let’s review them in Matthew 21.

Palm Sunday

Christianity reveals God’s love. Pontius Pilate is a caricature of the failure of human governments. Let’s compare God’s wonderful government, the kingdom of heaven in the Palm Sunday parade from Matthew 21:1-11. Who set the parade up?

When Jesus and his disciples came near Jerusalem, he went to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives and sent two of them on ahead. He told them, “Go into the next village, where you will at once find a donkey and her colt. Untie the two donkeys and bring them to me. If anyone asks why you are doing this, just say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ He will at once let you have the donkeys.” (Matthew 21:1-3 CEV)

Why did this take place?

This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 21:4-5 ESV)

Does Jesus on a humble donkey contrast dramatically with those who ride gold coaches pulled by thoroughbreds or expensive limousines?

The disciples went and did just as Jesus directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt; then they laid their robes on them, and He sat on them. (Matthew 21:6-7 HCSB)

Worldly leadership is self-aggrandizing and arrogant. Godly leadership is self-effacing and humble. The colt symbolizes a new day for humanity, a change in leadership style. Those who change will join Jesus at his return. Did people think Jesus was a political Messiah who came to rescue Israel from Rome?

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. (Matthew 21:8 KJV)

Palm Sunday not only fulfilled prophecy but mocked Pontius Pilate, the governor of Roman Judea (which included historic Judea, Samaria and Idumea). Pilate insulted the Jews by hanging worship images of the emperor throughout Jerusalem and minted coins with both pagan and Jewish religious symbols. Jesus’ insulting parade could have obtained a death sentence for Him.

History shows Pilate marching into west Jerusalem as Christ entered from the north, a challenge to the government of the day. The world comes with a war horse. Heaven’s king came on a donkey’s colt. What did the people shout?

Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9 NASB)

Who did they think Jesus was? What does this foreshadow?

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:10-11 NIV)

When Jesus returns, He will be riding a white horse (Revelation 19:11-14). Passover pilgrims chanted "Hosanna" (“save now” Psalm 118:25). Let’s welcome the King of Peace into our lives.

Pontius Pilate is a caricature of human leadership failure. Palm Sunday symbolizes the humility of God’s government. Let’s be a part of the future. Join God’s kingdom today. Hosanna! Lord, save us now! You decide!

A House of Prayer

What abuse of the Temple did Jesus confront?

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Matthew 21:12-13 NLT)

When criticized by religious authorities, what did Jesus say? What did even children recognize that some religious leaders did not understand?

The lame and the blind came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children who were crying in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the son of David!” they were indignant, and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of children and nursing babies, you have perfected praise?’” He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and camped there. (Matthew 21:14-17 WEB cp. Psalm 8:2)

A Fig Tree

What did Jesus do to a fig tree?

Early in the morning as Jesus was returning to the city, he was hungry. He saw a fig tree along the road, but when he came to it, he found nothing except leaves. Then he said to it, “You’ll never again bear fruit!” The fig tree dried up at once. When the disciples saw it, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree dry up so fast?” they asked. (Matthew 21:18-20 CEB)

What was Jesus’ explanation? Do we have that kind of faith?

But Jesus said to them, “If you have faith and don't doubt, I promise you can do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do even more. You can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for.” (Matthew 21:21-22 CEV)

Authority

Is religious authority always from God? Let’s discern as we explore Jesus’ confrontation with religious leaders over His authority and the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:23-32. Did religious leaders question Jesus’ authority?

When He entered the temple complex, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to Him as He was teaching and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? Who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23 HCSB)

Jesus had the highest authority possible, direct from God the Father. Can we discern between heavenly and human authority? What was Jesus’ answer?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? (Matthew 21:24-25a KJV)

We cooperate with faulty human church authorities, but if they should permit or encourage sin, we submit to heaven. Why did the religious leaders dither?

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” (Matthew 21:25b-27a NIV)

What was Jesus’ answer? Is refusing to answer a question always an option?

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things. (Matthew 21:27b NLT)

Jesus answered a deceitful question with a skillful question and ultimately refused to give an answer. We don’t always have to answer a hostile question. Under what circumstances may a non-answer be the best answer? You decide!

The Two Sons

Have we ever changed our minds after giving a yes or no answer to a request? Let’s look at the parable of the two sons in Matthew Matthew 21:28-32.

But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went. He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I’m going, sir,’ but he didn’t go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” (Matthew 21:28-31a WEB)

Jonah also said no at first. How did Jesus explain the parable to the religious leaders?

Jesus said to them, “I assure you that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering God’s kingdom ahead of you. For John came to you on the righteous road, and you didn’t believe him. But tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. Yet even after you saw this, you didn’t change your hearts and lives and you didn’t believe him. (Matthew 21:31b-32 CEB)

Are we like those religious leaders? What would Jesus say to us? Have we initially said yes but not followed Christ? You decide!

The Vineyard

What kind of faith is saving faith? Let’s look at living faith, its fruit, its evidence and the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21:33-46.

Jesus told the chief priests and leaders to listen to this story: A land owner once planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it and dug a pit to crush the grapes in. He also built a lookout tower. Then he rented out his vineyard and left the country. When it was harvest time, the owner sent some servants to get his share of the grapes. But the renters grabbed those servants. They beat up one, killed one, and stoned one of them to death. He then sent more servants than he did the first time. But the renters treated them in the same way. Finally, the owner sent his own son to the renters, because he thought they would respect him. (Matthew 21:33-37 CEV)

Does this picture the persecution of God’s prophets? Pashhur beat Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1-6). Jezebel killed prophets (1 Kings 18:1-13). Joash stoned Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). What did they do to the owner’s own son?

But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. (Matthew 21:38-39 ESV)

What did Jesus ask the priests and elders?

“Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?” “He will completely destroy those terrible men,” they told Him, “and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his produce at the harvest.” (Matthew 21:40-41 HCSB)

How did Jesus reply?

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (Matthew 21:42-44 KJV)

Did they understand who Jesus was talking about? What did they want to do but were afraid to?

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. And although they sought to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, since they considered Him to be a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46 NASB)

Let’s summarize this passage in four dimensions: literally, allegorically, morally and eternally. Here is a story of a literal betrayal by murderous tenants, but of course, it goes much deeper than that. The spiritual meaning contains three more dimensions. First, this is an allegory picturing people killing God’s servants down through the ages. It is also a moral lesson, suggesting that we also can reject or accept those messengers that God sends. Finally, there are eternal implications for accepting or rejecting God’s servants.

The kingdom of God will be given to a people who will produce its fruit. Are we (Matthew 3:8-10; 7:17; 13:23; John 15:1-16; Galatians 5:22-23)? What fruit are we allowing God to produce in us? You decide!

Matthew 19 (Divorce, Children & Wealth)

Do our churches avoid talking about divorce and money because we are embarrassed? Should children be seen and not heard? Let’s examine what Jesus has to say about these important topics in Matthew 19.

Divorce

What was the question that the Pharisees asked?

When Jesus finished saying these things, he left Galilee and came to the area of Judea on the east side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them. Some Pharisees came to him. In order to test him, they said, “Does the Law allow a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:1-3 CEB)

What basic principle did Jesus give?

Jesus answered, “Don't you know in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman? That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple God has joined together.” (Matthew 19:4-6 CEV)

Why did Moses allow divorce?

They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:7-9 ESV)

Is it better not to marry?

His disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry!” But He told them, “Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those it has been given to. For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” (Matthew 19:11-12 HCSB)

What if an unbelieving spouse divorces us? Has an abusive spouse also in effect left the marriage?

But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the believing husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace. (1 Corinthians 7:15 NLT)

Divorce is the exception and not the rule. How should we treat divorced people in our churches? Should we err on the side of grace and mercy or judgmental legalism? You decide!

Children

How did Jesus treat little children?

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. (Matthew 19:13-15 KJV)

Wealth

Should we keep the commandments? Which ones? Why does Jesus never command keeping the Sabbath?

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 19:16-19 NASB)

What could the young man not do? Should we also sell everything, and live in poverty, or was this young man being invited to be Jesus’ disciple and later an apostle? 

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:20-22 NIV)

Nicholas of Myra (Saint Nicholas) obeyed this, but did not sell everything at once, rather spending his life giving away an inherited fortune to genuine needs. What principle did Jesus teach about wealth and the kingdom? Is it possible for a rich person to enter?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:23-26 NLT)

What reward is there for the faithful?

Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. But many will be last who are first, and first who are last. (Matthew 19:27-30 WEB)

Should divorce be the exception and not the rule? Should children be seen and not heard? Is wealth just to spend on self-indulgence or to share with the needy? You decide!

Matthew 18 (Offenses & Forgiveness)

Are children welcome in our churches? Are they tolerated? Is any part of the service of interest to them? What would Jesus say? Can we learn anything from watching them? Let’s find out in Matthew 18.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. (Matthew 18:1-5 NIV)

What does Jesus warn about causing one of these little ones to lose faith and sin?

But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matthew 18:6 NLT)

If I say that’s the cutest little baby in the world, am I speaking literally or hyperbolically? The same would be true of some of Jesus’ teachings. Here’s an example.

Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire. See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:7-11 WEB)

What does Jesus' parable of the lost sheep mean?

What do you think? If someone had one hundred sheep and one of them wandered off, wouldn’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go in search for the one that wandered off? If he finds it, I assure you that he is happier about having that one sheep than about the ninety-nine who didn’t wander off. In the same way, my Father who is in heaven doesn’t want to lose one of these little ones. (Matthew 18:12-14 CEB)

Is conflict a part of life? In every church in Christendom, will we eventually be confronted with some great personal offenses? How can we better deal with major conflict? Is a resolution always possible or even realistic? What are our options when our grievances are ignored? Let’s look at Matthew 18:15-20 and learn some broad principles of working through great personal offenses.

The setting is a time when the disciples WERE the Church. After the resurrection, small house churches were the norm for 300 years, until Constantine officially recognized Christianity and persecution began to wane in the Roman Empire. Megachurches, such as the assembly on Pentecost, were and still are rare exceptions.

Taking most interpersonal disputes to a large megachurch is impractical, but the spirit of these instructions is still applicable. As long as sin exists, conflict will be part of church life. Sometimes we can resolve things easily and sometimes we must separate for a time, like Barnabas and Paul (Acts 15:36-39). Even the universal Church has had its schisms through history.

Great Offense

The sense in Greek is to call to account and demand an explanation. This is obviously not an everyday quibble. Normally we bear with one another (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:2). In this case the offense is a major sin.

Do we normally forbear one another’s weaknesses? What use is creating an argument over every minor infraction? Who wants an intolerably toxic, authoritarian atmosphere of fear? Forgiveness and forbearance of each other’s faults makes a joyful church. But does that mean that we should never say anything? Should our attitude be to try and win our brother?

If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower. (Matthew 18:15 CEV)

Was there a legal obligation in the Old Testament of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15)?

What kinds of offenses deserve to be taken up a level? Should we escalate every single dispute? Do we mostly just forgive and forget, agree to disagree and part as friends? Do we only escalate really bad situations?

But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (Matthew 18:16 ESV)

Did they take the dispute to the small house church? Would this mean excommunication in some severe cases? Would it mean to simply continue in fellowship, but realize they may not yet be spiritually mature? Should we shun such people or simply treat them as kindly as we do all our other non-Christian neighbors?

“if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

Church Decisions

In the context of handling disputes, Jesus expands the promise given Peter (Matthew 16:19) to all the Apostles and by extension to the whole Christian community. Does the church community make a decision to excommunicate, absolve of guilt or simply forbear? Are such decisions inspired by heaven?

Does Jesus’ statement mean that all formal dogmas are infallible? Are we quiet for the sake of peace or are some causes too important to stay quiet? Some translations give the more correct Greek sense, that such decisions will have already been decided in heaven, not that heaven follows what we decide on earth.

Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18 NASB)

Is God obligated to answer a prayer agreed to by at least two Christians? What of groups of two Christians praying contradictory prayers? The context is God’s blessing on the witnesses in a church dispute.

The following verses are often misused to support exaggerated views of spiritual warfare, group prayer, or husbands and wives praying together. The difference between a mature and immature Christian church is not an absence of conflict, but how it is handled. Jesus gives us three broad principles of conflict resolution. Coupled with prayer for wisdom from heaven this can go along way to working through some very sticky interpersonal situations. It may not be a successful formula in situations outside the church, where prayer may not be a factor. However, among brothers and sisters who are anxious to live together in harmony, it can be very helpful in solving many conflicts.

Again, I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18:19-20 HCSB)

The principles here apply to a wide variety of conflicts, from personal to church wide decisions. Whatever the decision, we are called to live in peace. Sometimes like Barnabas and Paul, we will separate for a time. Is our goal eventual reconciliation? You decide!

How Often Forgive

How often should we forgive? Let’s explore the difficulty and necessity of forgiving from the heart. Let’s look at what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:21-35.

How often must we be abused and bruised by others and still forgive? Peter’s suggestion seemed generous compared to an ancient Jewish idea of begging for forgiveness three times. How often ought we to ask God's forgiveness? If the answer is only 7 times, then we are all in trouble.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (Matthew 18:21 KJV)

Forgiveness often accompanies deep personal pain. It’s a choice, despite pain and lack of trust. Holding grudges hurts us deep in our souls. Forgiving blesses us forever. Jesus answered hyperbolically. If we have to keep track perhaps we have not really forgiven at all.

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:22 NASB)

The Unforgiving Servant

Jesus gave an example to illustrate. Are we like the servant, our sins forgiven by our king in heaven?

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. (Matthew 18:23-27 NIV)

Having been forgiven by heaven, are we then unforgiving of others?

But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. (Matthew 18:28-34 NLT)

Will God do the same to us if we refuse to forgive others?

So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds. (Matthew 18:35 WEB)

Forgiveness is a very difficult task. We must differentiate between trust and forgiveness. Trust is not demanded. Trust takes a long time to regain, but forgiveness is demanded. Do we pray, Father, help me! I’m angry at sin and I don’t trust weak humanity, but I have decided to forgive? You decide!

Hosea and Gomer

Would we take an adulterous spouse back, or empty our bank account to buy them back from a sex slave market? That's what Hosea did for his wayward wife Gomer. Let’s examine love in the midst of heartache and unfaithfulness.

When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to him,“Go, marry a prostitute and have children of prostitution, for the people of the land commit great prostitution by deserting the Lord.” 3 So Hosea went and took Gomer, Diblaim’s daughter, and she became pregnant and bore him a son. (Hosea 1:2-3 CEB)

Gomer’s adulterous ways mirrored Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Does the change in terms for God picture a deeper relationship?

I promise from that day on, you will call me your husband instead of your master. I will no longer even let you mention the names of those pagan gods that you called “Master.” (Hosea 2:16-17 CEV)

Does God look forward to the day when His people repent and become faithful to Him?

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. 20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord. (Hosea 2:19-20 ESV)

Gomer ended up as a sex slave. Hosea rescued his unfaithful wife from a sex trafficking pimp, paying all the money he had and the rest of the 30 shekel price in produce. Jesus was betrayed for the same price.

Then the Lord said to me, “Go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.” So I bought her for 15 shekels of silver and five bushels of barley. (Hosea 3:1-2 HCSB)

The rocky marriage of Hosea and Gomer is a love story picturing God’s love for His often unfaithful people. Jesus gave all to save us from ourselves. Will we remain faithful to Him forever? You decide!

Forgiveness Scriptures

Do we pray like Jesus on the cross, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” Let’s look at a few other passages on forgiveness.

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Colossians 3:13 NKJV)

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV)

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV)

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12 NKJV)

Grateful for God’s forgiveness, do we forgive others from the heart? You decide!

Matthew 17 (Transfiguration)

What does life look like beyond the grave? Let’s examine our transformation now and in eternity, by looking at the transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9.

A small attendance and a large miracle went hand-in-hand. False prophets often draw large crowds (Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:13-14). Numbers alone prove nothing about the message. Jesus did rarely teach thousands, occasionally a hundred plus, most often a dozen or so and sometimes just three of His disciples.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. (Matthew 17:1 NIV)

Is it wrong to talk to the dead or ask departed saints to pray for us? We Protestants sometimes quote Saul’s experience with a seance (1 Samuel 28), but he went to the wrong source, a witch. Here, Jesus also talks to departed saints. So, is it wrong to do so?

Is this transfiguration the same as a transformation? It is the same word used in the letter to the Romans about us being “transformed” by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), and being inwardly “transformed” into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (Matthew 17:2-3 NKJV)

A Vision

Some say Moses and Elijah are still dead in their graves, claiming this a vision of a future after Jesus’ return. Were Moses and Elijah discussing a past event for them or a then future event?

And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:31b NLT)

Peter acted impetuously, which was his personality. A tabernacle or tent was quickly made from branches and leaves.

Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4 WEB)

Listen to Whom

A little of their conversation is only recorded in Luke, but we are told what God said in four accounts (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–18).

The present imperative active voice of the original Greek can be translated as: “you [plural] keep on listening to him,” that is, ahead of Moses or Elijah. Many churches rightly make Jesus’ words central. I can only find one Bible version that fully translates this Greek sense. [International Standard Version (ISV) Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.]

He was still speaking when a bright cloud suddenly overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with him. [You plural] Keep on listening to him!” (Matthew 17:5 ISV)

Jesus set an example of human touch. Babies and animals can die without a loving touch. In a cold-blooded world a touch of human kindness is a need.

Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. (Matthew 17:6-8 CEB)

Tell No One

Some things are better learned later in our spiritual growth. Jesus instructed the three not to tell anyone until later. He spoke in parables, to disguise the truth from those not yet ready for it (Matthew 13:10-14).

On their way down from the mountain, Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had been raised from death. (Matthew 17:9 CEV)

Who was the “Elijah” to come?

And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:10-13 ESV)

Peter later wrote of his experience (2 Peter 1:16-21). Do we look beyond our decaying, earthly existence to our metamorphosis into joyful, gloriously shining children of God? Has that transformation already begun inside us? You decide!

Prayer & Fasting

Did Jesus drive out a demon?

When they reached the crowd, a man approached and knelt down before Him. “Lord,” he said, “have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers severely. He often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.” Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and from that moment the boy was healed. (Matthew 17:14-18 HCSB)

Why couldn’t the disciples heal the boy?

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:19-21 KJV)

Did Jesus again predict His crucifixion?

And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be handed over to men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved. (Matthew 17:22-23 NASB)

Temple Tax

Why did Jesus pay the temple tax?

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matthew 17:24-27 NASB)

Are the teachings of Jesus something understood in depth only as our lives are transformed in spiritual maturity? Do we look forward to when even our bodies will be transfigured by immortality? You decide!

Matthew 16 (The Rock)

Let’s look at some important scriptures for Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians and how they affect us all. Let’s examine Matthew 16.

A Sign

Are we sometimes like the Pharisees, seeking a sign instead of living by faith? Are we looking for conspiracies rather than simply discerning the signs of the times?

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

Is there leaven or yeast that still exists in the teachings of religious leaders?

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:5-12 NIV)

The Rock

Is Protestantism legitimate? What are the keys to the kingdom? If true Christians agree on essential matters, why the rivalry? Let’s look at Rome’s exclusive claim in Matthew 16:13-20. Who is Jesus?

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16:13-14 NKJV)

Caesarea Philippi, was a city built on a rock for Caesar Augustus. This brutal leader called himself the son of a god. Who is Jesus?

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. (Matthew 16:15-17 NLT)

Why do men wish to promote human church leadership? When we understand who Jesus is, then are we too rocks of the Rock and receive the keys to the kingdom? Let’s look at a few translations of this controversial verse.

In looking at this verse, we need to ask two important questions. What does the verse say and what does it not say? Does it say anything about Peter being the first pope, or a line of successive popes after him? No, it does not. That’s called eisegesis, reading into a passage something that is simply not there.

I tell you that you are Peter. And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. (Matthew 16:18 CEB)

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18 KJV)

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18 NASB)

Hades is simply the grave, and the church will outlive the death of us all.

Early Church Fathers

How did early church fathers understand this passage?

Origen wrote, “if we too have said like Peter, "Thou art the Christ, … we become a Peter… a rock is every disciple of Christ … and upon every such rock is built every word of the church… all bear the surname of ‘rock’ who are the imitators of Christ…” (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 9, Book XII, 10)

Roman Catholic Scholar, George Salmon, observed that 44 of 85 early church fathers said the “rock” was Peter’s faith, 16 said it was Christ, and 8 all of the apostles. Only 17 of 85 thought that it was Peter. The greater number of fathers disagree with Rome on this passage.

The pronoun “this” does not agree grammatically with “Peter.” The conversation moves from “you” to “this.” If it meant Peter in Aramaic then, why choose a different meaning in Greek? Peter is not the rock. It is more plausible grammatically, that the rock is Christ or Peter’s confession of faith.

Even if Jesus nicknamed Cephas “Rock,” it would be nothing more than all followers of Christ being named Christian. Nothing declares Peter as the first pope. Nothing in the Bible or early church writings universally supports the dogma of a Roman papacy as the sole Christian authority throughout church history. (Augustine, Retractions. 20.1 and Sermons. vol 6, sermon 229)

Wouldn’t Jesus say, “upon YOU I will build my church”? The word “this” contradicts Roman dogma, directing our attention away from Peter as its intended meaning. What did it point to? Many early church fathers said that “this rock” was Peter’s confession of faith. Others said it was Christ Himself. (Sakr, Johnny. Peter, the Rock & Matthew 16:18: A Grammatical Analysis inc. Response to Tim Staples. Academia.edu)

Rome claims that the conversation was originally in Aramaic. Where is the evidence? People from Galilee commonly spoke several languages. Internal linguistic evidence suggests that Jesus most likely spoke in Greek. Linguistic markers of a translation from Aramaic are absent. Many early church Fathers did not agree with Rome’s interpretation of this. (Sakr, Johnny. Peter, the Rock & Matthew 16:18: A Grammatical Analysis inc. Response to Tim Staples. Academia.edu)

Augustine of Hippo wrote, “Christ is the rock (Petra), Peter is the Christian people. For the rock (Petra) is the original name. Therefore Peter is so called from the rock; not the rock from Peter; as Christ is not called Christ from the Christian, but the Christian from Christ.”

He continued, “Thou art Peter; and upon this Rock” which thou hast confessed, upon this Rock which thou hast acknowledged, saying, ‘...I build My Church;’ that is upon Myself, the Son of the living God, ‘will I build My Church.’ I will build thee upon Myself, not Myself upon thee.” (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Volume VI, Sermon XXVI)

Chrysostom of Constantinople also wrote, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church;” that is, on the faith of his confession… Peter’s authority … did not continue beyond his grave … “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ [1 Corinthians 3:11]…” (St. Chrysostom: Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew; Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians)

Jesus most likely used the pagan Greek term “Hades” as a metaphor for the grave. That which overthrows all other societies will not overthrow the church. Many have tried. All failed to destroy the church. Authority was given to Peter AND other Apostles (Matthew 18:18). “Ye” is “you plural.”

Authority over all Christians from China to Britain was historically unrealistic at that time and a matter of practical impossibility. Early church fathers did not interpret this verse as Rome later came to. More logically, wherever the right faith is to be found, there are the keys to the kingdom.

Tertullian believed our faith follows Peter’s. “(Peter) himself, therefore, was the first to unbar, in Christ's baptism, the entrance to the heavenly kingdom…” Any who confess Christ, have the key, “from that time forward, every number (of persons) who may have combined together into this faith is accounted ‘a Church’.” (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 4, Chapter XXI)

The Keys

What are the keys? To what do they open a door?

And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:19 NLT)

Is this divine endorsement of mere human decisions or divine guidance, enabling us to faithfully obey God’s decisions?

The catholic or universal church includes all who are Christians. When the church was once truly catholic, early church fathers had no consensus on Peter’s role. This verse is also silent about Peter being a pope nor does it describe an apostolic succession of popes.

Aren’t we ALL Christians of Christ, rocks of the Rock WHEN we, with Peter, openly declare that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God? Because of our CONFESSION, are we not also then His church, over which the gates of Hades shall not prevail? You decide!

Carrying our Cross

Why do evil people seem to prosper, while good people suffer? Is there any justice? Let’s realize that payday is coming, for good and evil. Let’s discuss carrying our cross in Matthew 16:21-28.

From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. (Matthew 16:21 WEB)

Jewish Messiahs were traditionally conquering military heroes who saved Israel from enemies. Jesus went totally against that paradigm, prophesying His crucifixion. This seemed to be admitting defeat. Peter’s immediate response was to reprimand Jesus. Yet, in Jesus loss is gain, defeat is victory. The cross transcends all vain human ideals.

Then Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him: “God forbid, Lord! This won’t happen to you.” But he turned to Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a stone that could make me stumble, for you are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” (Matthew 16:22-23 CEB)

Satan means “adversary.” The word “behind” is translated in the next verse as “follow” me. Jesus wanted Peter to quit opposing Him, being an adversary, but rather get behind Him and follow Him. When we try to take the lead from Jesus, to be more righteous than Jesus, we are adversaries.

Various translations render this “you think like everyone else and not like God” (CEV), “you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but men’s” (NASB), “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s” (NLT).

Have we expected the Christian life to be one of health and wealth and no suffering? That is a false modern gospel. Life includes suffering. We may want to try and prevent pain. Yet, our good intentions may actually do more harm. Like Peter, we may be benefiting the devil.

Peter went from rock of the Rock to rock of stumbling very quickly indeed. Even worse, he later denied Jesus. Do we sometimes look at God’s plans and cry out, “Lord; this shall not happen!” Are we also tempted to lose faith or cry out to heaven in objection? What would Jesus say?

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 ESV)

How does this affect the direction of our lives?

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. (Matthew 16:25 HCSB)

Does Jesus ask us to be willing to lose this temporal life, to gain eternal life? Does this mean giving up self-centered ways, taking up the cross of self-sacrifice and following Him?

What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul? (Matthew 16:26 CEV)

How are we rewarded in eternity?

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27 KJV)

Did Jesus also predict the transfiguration?

Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. (Matthew 16:28 NASB)

We have been saved through faith; and this is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Our salvation is complete at Christ’s return. Until then we are called to a life of self sacrifice and good deeds and are rewarded accordingly. Have we taken up our cross? You decide!

Matthew 15 (Not Offended)

Would we be offended if Jesus critiqued some of our church traditions as being vain? Let’s examine Matthew 15.

Vain Traditions

Was Jesus criticized over a man-made tradition?

Then some 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 bread.” (Matthew 15:1-2 NASB)

Do we have any church traditions that break the command of God?

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:  ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ (Matthew 15:3-9 NIV)

Offended

Some are offended by Jesus. Some are not. Let’s discover why the Pharisees were offended and a woman was not offended by Jesus, in Matthew 15:10-28.

When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” (Matthew 15:10-12 NKJV)

Religious leaders constantly criticized Jesus, but were offended by Him? Are we offended by Jesus’ reprimands? Do we prefer pastors who will, “Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits”? (Isaiah 30:10 NKJV) Will those who teach vain traditions be uprooted?

Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:13-14 NLT)

The Pharisees’ hand washing ritual was a rule added to sanitary laws. Was Jesus against sanitary laws or did He emphasize the heart?

Peter answered him, “Explain the parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Do you also still not understand? Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly and then out of the body? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man.” (Matthew 15:15-20 WEB)

A King James weakness is watering down language that offends. Love may require blunt, offensive speech.

Jesus was without sin, so if He offends us, who do we need to examine? Tact is often a polite description of a lie? In some situations commands must be given clearly, sharply and followed quickly. When someone is about to drive over a cliff, is a polite suggestion or a loud shout better?

Not Offended

Let’s learn from the attitude of a Gentile woman who was not offended by Jesus.

Why did Jesus ignore her at first? Was He testing her faith? Do we sometimes cry out in prayer and God does not answer? Does waiting make God’s ultimate answer even more treasured?

From there, Jesus went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from those territories came out and shouted, “Show me mercy, Son of David. My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession.” But he didn’t respond to her at all. His disciples came and urged him, “Send her away; she keeps shouting out after us.” Jesus replied, “I’ve been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel.” (Matthew 15:21-24 CEB)

Israelites called them “dogs” because they practiced ritual prostitution even of young girls, and sacrificed little children to their idols. Did the woman beg the saintly Apostles to intercede or speak directly to Jesus? Was she offended like the Pharisees? What did Jesus praise her for?

But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:25-28 ESV)

The Pharisees came from a culture that valued scripture. She came from a wicked culture. Yet she had faith in Jesus. The Pharisees did not. Do we have such faith? You decide!

Healing and Feeding

Did Jesus then heal many?

Moving on from there, Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee. He went up on a mountain and sat there, and large crowds came to Him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, those unable to speak, and many others. They put them at His feet, and He healed them. So the crowd was amazed when they saw those unable to speak talking, the deformed restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they gave glory to the God of Israel. (Matthew 15:29-31 HCSB)

Did Jesus also feed them miraculously?

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala. (Matthew 15:32-39 KJV)

Will Jesus heal us and provide for His church? Do we trust God’s faithfulness even when church resources are so small? You Decide!

Matthew 14 (God Provides)

Can God provide for the faithful even under political oppression? While Herod Antipas ruled Galilee under Caesar Augustus, Jesus preached to thousands. Herod had executed John the Baptist. Was he also paranoid about Jesus? Let’s find out in Matthew 14.

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” (Matthew 14:1-2 NIV)

What had Herod done with John? Did John dare to criticize a powerful politician?

For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. (Matthew 14:3-5 NKJV)

What persuaded Herod to murder John?

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. (Matthew 14:6-12 NLT)

God Provides

What can faithful Christians do with meager resources? Let’s learn about the abundant resources of heaven, by examining the miracle of feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21. What did Jesus do after hearing of John’s death?

When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. (Matthew 14:13-14 CEB)

Among the sins of the church is a lack of compassion. Blaming poverty on laziness alone is hardhearted ignorance. More often the poor are victims of corruption, crime, overpopulation, low wages, inefficient distribution, bad education, environmental degradation, political oppression, colonialism, disease and war. Jesus feeding 5000 radically contradicts selfish religion.

That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it's already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.” Jesus replied, “They don't have to leave. Why don't you give them something to eat?” (Matthew 14:15-16 CEV)

It’s easy just to send the crowds of people away. Jesus said, YOU give them something to eat. Can we hear the selfish lies that many Christians believe? The saying, God helps those who help themselves, is a lie, not found in the Bible?

They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” (Matthew 14:17-18 ESV)

God took a child’s packed lunch to feed a large crowd. God showed Elisha a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around. God provided a Kinsman Redeemer for Ruth. God helped David slay a giant with the smallest weapons. God gave Abigail wisdom to save the day. God provides.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17 NKJV).

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22 NKJV).

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11 NKJV).

“Fear not, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13 NKJV).

“humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV).

Of the small offering, Jesus said, Bring it here. 

Then He commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. (Matthew 14:19 HCSB)

Jesus BLESSED the small offering. We give thanks at a meal, because God created all things. We acknowledge His Providence and we give thanks. Jesus was preparing an extraordinary Provision.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14:20-21 KJV)

They were all FILLED. God provided. Communion reminds us of our daily bread and the Bread of eternal life, Jesus. Our offering is also small. God multiplies our efforts. He will supply. We cannot provide all that our world needs. He multiplies our small offerings.

Our physical resources are small and the task is overwhelming, but we are in the miracle business. Do we look to what we can bring, or to the Lord who multiplies our offerings? You decide!

God Provides Buoyancy

Who do we look to for help when our lives are tossed about and we seem to be sinking? Will God come to our rescue? Let’s learn from a small boat in a stormy sea in Matthew 14:22-33.

Does Jesus sometimes send us forth ahead of Him? Does He have a special miracle planned for us? The crowd wanted to make Jesus an earthly king. When seduced by worldly promotion that is not in God’s plan, what should we do? Should we find a solitary place to pray, and seek the Lord’s will? Where did Jesus go after feeding the 5000?

Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. (Matthew 14:22-23 NASB)

Do we doubt our calling when tossed by waves? A storm is coming, winds of false doctrine, waves of temptation, and storms of mistreatment. Do we walk by faith and not by sight?

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. (Matthew 14:24 NKJV)

Do we sometimes go through most of the night before Jesus comes with a miracle, or supernatural event? Does God often intervene just before we lose hope? Does He want to teach us faith?

About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. (Matthew 14:25 NLT)

When God appears, are people afraid? Yet, does God reveal Himself because people are highly favored? Can we too think that Jesus is an apparition or somebody else? God comes to bless.

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. (Matthew 14:26 WEB)

While tossed about with trials of faith, Jesus comes, speaks, and calms the storms. The church worship space is often called the nave, meaning ship. Noah was brought to safety (1 Peter 3:20-21). Jesus carries His church through the storms to a safe eternity.

Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27 CEB)

What did Peter do? Spontaneity is good. Perseverance is better.

Peter replied, “Lord, if it really is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him. (Matthew 14:28-29 CEV)

After his impetuosity, did Peter begin to doubt? Was he afraid? Is there a conflict between sight and faith (Hebrews 11:1)? Can we have more zeal than faith?

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:30 ESV)

Why do we doubt? Do we too step out in faith, but not continue in faith? Do we also declare, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!” (Matthew 14:31-33 HCSB)

Did Peter’s doubting contrast with faith found on the other side of the lake? Did God condemn as superstitious their touching of Jesus’ clothes or honor their faith?

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. (Matthew 14:34-35 KJV)

Are we ever tossed by waves of temptation and doubt? Do we cry out to God? Do we trust Jesus to come and calm the storm? You decide!

Matthew 13 (Part 3 Eternal Treasures)

Eternal Treasures

Is our focus on earthly kingdoms or the kingdom of God? How much do we treasure the things of God? Let’s examine heaven’s treasure in Matthew 13:44-52.

Like black mustard, the kingdom of heaven will grow large, not stay small like exclusive sects teach. Like leaven it affects everything. Like buried treasure, it is precious. Like a pearl merchant, people sell everything to obtain it. Like a dragnet, it gathers good and bad. Like a householder, it contains old and new treasures.

Treasure hunters include archaeologists and marine salvage operators. Two separate half billion dollar fortunes were recovered in 1985 and 2007. The most valuable treasure of all is the kingdom of heaven. It is in this world but buried. Would we be willing to sell everything for the kingdom of heaven?

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44 WEB)

The buried treasure was probably discovered by chance, according to Thayer's Greek Lexicon. The pearl was found by someone searching. He too sold all that he had. Is anything worth more than the kingdom of heaven?

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all that he owned and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46 CEB)

Like a fishing net, the kingdom also gathers indiscriminately. Angels will confirm what we have already chosen. Let’s not neglect salvation.

The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when a net is thrown into a lake and catches all kinds of fish. When the net is full, it is dragged to the shore, and the fishermen sit down to separate the fish. They keep the good ones, but throw the bad ones away. That's how it will be at the end of time. Angels will come and separate the evil people from the ones who have done right. Then those evil people will be thrown into a flaming furnace, where they will cry and grit their teeth in pain. (Matthew 13:47-50 CEV)

In marital love each provides both new and old for the other (Song 7:13). Faithful disciples are blessed with old and new treasures. The kingdom is a treasure trove of new and old stories. The old truths prepare for the cross and are given new life in the church.

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” (Matthew 13:51-52 ESV)

Earthly treasures fade, but the new and old treasures of the kingdom of heaven are forever. Is the kingdom of heaven our greatest treasure? You decide!

Does familiarity breed contempt?

When Jesus had finished these parables, He left there. He went to His hometown and began to teach them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “How did this wisdom and these miracles come to Him? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, aren’t they all with us? So where does He get all these things?” (Matthew 13:53-56 HCSB)

Are we offended in Jesus?

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:57-58 KJV)

Did Jesus hide the meaning of His teachings to those who were unreceptive? Does that teach us anything about spreading the Good News to those who do not want to listen? You decide!