Jesus Begins (Bible E-Course Matthew 4)

Jesus prepared for His ministry by fasting. He battled temptations and won. Let’s look at Matthew 4:1-11. Was Jesus thirsty or only hungry after fasting?

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. After Jesus had gone without eating for 40 days and nights, he was very hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2 CEV)

The Greek word for tempted also means tested. How did the tempter first tempt Jesus?

The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:3 CEB)

Did Jesus quote vain tradition or scripture?

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV cp. Deuteronomy 8:3)

Why take a foolish 50 meter (150 foot) leap? Have we made foolish decisions and blamed God?

Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Matthew 4:5-6 HCSB)

Do we know scripture well enough not to be fooled?

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7 NASB cp. Deuteronomy 6:16)

How many people have sold their soul to the devil for worldly power?

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:8-9 KJV)

Did Jesus want power by evil means?

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10 NIV cp. Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:20; Joshua 24:14)

Matthew wrote chronologically, using the word “then.” Perhaps Luke wrote more of a thematic order of events, using the word “and.” What happened next?

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11 NKJV)

Do we love God more than the world?

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT).

Do similar temptations test us?

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. (1 John 2:16 WEB).

Is the Bible myth? Jesus and the apostles consistently defended the scriptures.

Jesus was victorious far away from watchful crowds. Are we faithful when alone? Jesus obeyed God and told the devil to leave. James advises similar action.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV).

Do we submit and resist? You decide?

Jesus Begins

Where did Jesus begin His ministry? Let’s look at Matthew 4:12-23.

Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. (Matthew 4:12-13 CEB)

The Village of Nahum (Caper Nahum) was a small fishing village with unpaved streets, by a major trade route, on the north shore of Lake Galilee. The synagogue, reputedly built by the Roman centurion whose servant Jesus later healed, was the community center.

Peter owned a home there. They were stone houses. A paralyzed man was later easily lowered through a thatched roof. Jesus’ first disciples came from there.

So God's promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said, “Listen, lands of Zebulun and Naphtali, lands along the road to the sea and across the Jordan. Listen Galilee, land of the Gentiles! Although your people live in darkness, they will see a bright light. Although they live in the shadow of death, a light will shine on them.” (Matthew 4:14-16 CEV cp. Isaiah 9:1-4)

Jesus brought light, considered foolishness outside of Christianity (1 Corinthians 1:10-18). Most of Capernaum refused it. David sang “the Lord is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1-9). Beginning at Capernaum a light shone into this dark world. What did that include?

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)

In the beginning was physical light. In the new creation is spiritual light. Jesus began and ended by preaching repentance (Luke 24:47). Some were angry, some mocked. Like Abraham who left his country, a few left their nets and followed him.

As He was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18-22 HCSB)

The disciples did not delay following Jesus. Was that faith? What else did Jesus do?

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23 KJV)

Do we believe that Jesus is the Light of this spiritually dark world? Do we trust where Jesus will lead? If so, why delay? You decide?

Repentance & Baptism (Bible E-Course Matthew 3)

Repentance

Why did John the Baptist preach repentance? Let’s discuss Matthew 3:1-12.

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, …” (Matthew 3:1-2a ESV)

The meaning here is “a change of heart,” both a one-time event and a lifestyle. Why did John preach repentance?

“… because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” (Matthew 3:2b HCSB)

The kingdom of heaven is announced where Israel crossed the Jordan to become a kingdom on earth. John prepared the way for the Lord near an international trade route.

He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3 CEB)

How did he live?

John wore clothes made of camel's hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4 CEV)

Who came to John?

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:5-6 KJV)

Did John preach to religious leaders?

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance” (Matthew 3:7-8 NASB)

What accompanies true repentance?

… repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. (Acts 26:20b NKJV)

What is an example of such good works?

And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. (James 2:15-17 WEB)

What happens if we don’t bear fruit?

And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3:9-10 NIV)

Does good fruit involve emotions alone or are deeds involved?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)

Does fruitfulness involve good works?

… walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10 NASB)

Is there more to baptism?

I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11 NIV)

Were people baptized with fire on Pentecost?

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:3 NKJV)

Will others be baptized in a lake of fire?

And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15 NLT)

What does the lake of fire do?

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire. (Matthew 3:12 WEB)

Jesus spoke more about hell than any other in the entire Bible. Should we preach pleasant flattery?

They tell the seers, "Stop seeing visions!" They tell the prophets, "Don't tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.” (Isaiah 30:10 NLT)

Should we also preach repentance and the kingdom of God? You decide!

Baptism

Let’s explore the mystery of baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Did Jesus set us an example?

At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?” (Matthew 3:13-14 CEB)

Why did Jesus humbly submit to baptism?

Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all God wants us to do.” Then John agreed. (Matthew 3:15 CEV)

Was it deep or just ankle deep?

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him (Matthew 3:16 ESV)

What was God’s reaction to Jesus’ baptism?

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17 KJV)

Baptize can mean to wash (Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38; Acts 22:16), the Holy Spirit being poured out (Joel 2:28–29; Acts 10:44-45), washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5), sprinkling as a spiritual cleansing (Ezekiel 36:25; Hebrews 10:22), or walking dry shod through the sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

Baptism pictures a new beginning (1 Corinthians 10:2, 1 Peter 3:20-21), Jesus’ suffering (Luke 12:50), being buried with Him (Colossians 2:12) [not buried down in the ground, but sideways in a crypt] and washing away our sins (Mark 7:4; Titus 3:5). The Bible is vague as to the mode of baptism, perhaps deliberately.

What is mandated? Water is mandated (John 3:5; Acts 10:47). Invoking the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is mandated (Matthew 28:19) but the mode and age of baptism are not, anywhere, and are therefore non-essentials of our common faith.

Baptism is the initiatory rite into our journey from the kingdoms of this world into the kingdom of God.Should we obey the New Testament message of repentance and faith? Repentance begins in a change of heart and mind, but reveals itself in a living faith of obedience to Christ, a life turned from sin to God. Have you repented and believed the good news of God’s reign? You decide!

Jesus' Birth & Childhood (Bible E-Course Matthew 1-2)

 Let’s look at Matthew, a catechism or instruction book for new Christians.

Preparing for Jesus (Matthew 1)

Read Matthew 1. Let’s learn about Jesus' birth and John the Baptist.

Abbreviated Genealogy

Why did Matthew abbreviate this genealogy? The lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:3–14 is abridged in Ezra 7:1–5, and more so in Ezra 8:1–2. Condensed genealogy is a literary device. Matthew used three stylized sets of 14 generations, picturing Jesus as a son of David inside a number puzzle.

In Hebrew David is “DVD” (D is 4. V is 6. 4+6+4=14). Matthew symbolizes this by 3 periods of 14: 1) Israel’s ascent under David, 2) decline into Babylon, and 3) ascent again under Christ. Matthew has Joseph’s lineage and Luke has Mary’s.

Names have Meaning

Names once meant something. Jesus means “YHWH (the Lord) saves.”

She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 CEB)

Jesus is also Immanuel.

‘A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’ (Matthew 1:23 CEV)

Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity.

Perpetual Virginity?

Joseph married a virgin.

But he didn’t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus. (Matthew 1:25 CEB)

If Mary was a perpetual virgin, the word “until” is pointless. Plainly Jesus had siblings (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5). The Greek word for cousins was not used. A prophecy of Jesus makes it clear.

I have become estranged from my brothers, And a stranger to my mother’s sons. (Psalm 69:8 NASB)

Neither Jesus nor the Apostles claimed that Mary was a perpetual virgin.

Jesus as Refugee (Matthew 2)

Read Matthew 2. The Magi were educated advisors to kings. They believed an ancient prophecy of the Messiah.

And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. (Matthew 2:6 ESV cp. Micah 5:2)

Fleeing to Egypt

Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children in Matthew 2:13-23.

Now when they [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (Matthew 2:13-15 NKJV)

Massacre of the Innocents

Was this a myth? Much of ancient history is only found in one place and this murder of a dozen or so village children is only recorded in Matthew. Other records show that Herod murdered a wife, three sons and more.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:16-18 NKJV)

Jesus understands the refugee. The Bible demands that foreigners be treated well (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33-34; 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; 24:14-17; 23:16; 27:19; Psalm 146:9; Jeremiah 7:6; 22:3; Ezekiel 22:7; 47:22-23; Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5; Matthew 25:43; Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 11:13; 13:2). Let’s not hide behind human laws that disobey scripture.

The Home in Nazareth

Where was Jesus’ childhood home?

Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:19-23 NKJV)

Nazareth was despised and rejected (John 1:46; 7:52). Jesus was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:2-3, 7-9, 12; Psalm 22).

Jesus, the world’s only hope, lived the plight of a foreign refugee and died so that our sins may be forgiven. Will we turn from the sins of the world to God and live forever in peace and love? You decide!

Are We Ready? (Matthew 25)

 Are we prepared for Christ’s Coming? Let’s learn how in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (Matthew 25:1-2 NKJV)

At that time, a bridegroom prepared a home for his bride. When finished, the groom came for his bride, often at midnight. The bridesmaids lit the procession with their lamps. Christ has prepared to be with the woman He passionately loves, the Church. Are we ready for the Groom to come?

Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (Matthew 25:3-4 NKJV)

Olive oil was used to fuel lamps (Numbers 4:16) and symbolizes the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13). The five foolish virgins had no fuel for their lamp, to be a light of good deeds that give glory to God (Matthew 5:14-16).

But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (Matthew 25:5 NKJV)

We don’t know when Jesus will come for His church. How long will we put off necessary spiritual preparations for His coming? How long will we persist in unrepentant sins, hoping to repent later?

And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. (Matthew 25:6 NKJV)

A midnight cry is the time when Jesus comes for us. For some, it is the cry of our last breath. For some, it is the cry of Christ’s return. For some, it is the cry of joy at last. For some, it is the sad cry of unprepared souls.

And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ (Matthew 25:8 NKJV)

The heavenly oil sustains our light of good deeds and neighborly love, without burning out (Matthew 5:13-16). This is explained more at the end of Matthew 25. Spiritual burnout is an ever present danger. We need that oil of the Holy Spirit to help us shine in acts of charity, of love of neighbor.

But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ (Matthew 25:9 NKJV)

We need the oil before Jesus returns. When He comes it will be too late. We need the oil of joy (Hebrews 1:9), of healing (James 5:14) of the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13)? The light of good deeds is sustained by that oil (Matthew 5:13-16).

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ (Matthew 25:10-12 NKJV)

Some people are locked out of the wedding because God does not know them. They have not spent time getting to know God, buying oil of the Holy Spirit to let their lights shine.

Do we make every effort to know God and allow him to know us? The parable is only an introduction to the question. In context, we need to read to the end of Matthew 25.

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:13 NKJV)

Does keeping watch mean being hysterically awake, believing conspiracy theories, watching world events nervously for the end of the world? No, the wise bridesmaids slept. We can be ready even while we rest in Christ. Let’s look at some related verses.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NKJV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14 NKJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)

Do we resist the Holy Spirit? Does God know us, or do we just pray and never obey God? The two imperatives for us here are: having a reserve of spiritual oil and that our Lord knows us. Wise virgins are ready and watchful. He may come for our souls sooner than we think. Let’s be always prepared, so that when Jesus comes for us, we may be found ready. You decide!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Church Unity & Peace (Bible E-Course Philippians 4)

Does Paul love the church of God in Philippi?

Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy [joy and crown]. (Philippians 4:1 CEV)

Can even a wonderful church have some squabbles? What was Paul’s plea to two women?

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2 NASB)

Did he ask others to help resolve the squabble? Were their names already in the book of life?

Yes, and I’m also asking you, loyal friend, to help these women who have struggled together with me in the ministry of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the scroll of life. (Philippians 4:3 CEB)

What is our principle cause for rejoicing?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4 ESV)

Rather than a church fight what should we be known for?

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5 HCSB)

How should we handle misunderstandings?

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication [petition] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV)

What happens when we let go of grievances and let God take care of things?

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NASB)

What are the best things to think about all day long?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Should a church leader be an example?

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 NKJV)

A Generous Church

Was Paul grateful to this church?

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. (Philippians 4:10 NLT)

Is this one of life’s greatest lessons?

Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. (Philippians 4:11-12 WEB)

How can we endure?

I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 CEB)

Did they help Paul?

It was good of you to help me when I was having such a hard time. (Philippians 4:14 CEV)

How generous was the church of God in Philippi?

And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. (Philippians 4:15 ESV)

Did they give offerings to his missionary needs elsewhere?

For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. (Philippians 4:16 HCSB)

What is a gift in reality?

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. (Philippians 4:17 KJV)

How grateful was Paul for their kindness?

But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18 NASB)

Does God supply?

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

Who does Paul praise?

Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20 NKJV)

Are all Christians saints?

Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people [saints] —all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. And all the rest of God’s people [saints] send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21-22 NLT)

Do we have a spirit?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:23 ESV)

The church of God at Philippi was Paul’s joy and crown. Even the most wonderful of churches can have some disputes like that between two great servants. What should we be thinking of? Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. Do we occupy our minds with positive or negative thoughts? You decide!