The Book of Matthew chapters 1-12

The Book of Matthew
is a in-depth study which uncovers new meaning, discoveries, and revelations as the word of God constantly
grows, giving us insight to more wisdom and understanding. Written by Matthew
(also know as Levi), the book of Matthew is the first gospel in the new
testament that narrates an account of the life and ministry of Jesus, from his
birth to his resurrection. We hope you will enjoy our chapter by chapter study
in the book of Matthew 2016 as we begin with the genealogy of Jesus.
Matthew 1
1The book
of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Genealogy was very important to the Jews. It make a connection with the past as
well as the future. The genealogy of Jesus will show that He has the right to
claim the title Messiah in His early years as well as the King of Kings in His
later years (the second advent).
These are the ancestors of Christ, a descendant of King David and Abraham.
Joseph (Jesus' legal father), would be the connection between Jesus and King
David. Mary's genealogy can be found in (Luke 1:5-36, Luke 3). Mary's mother was
of the tribe of Levi, and her father was of the tribe of Judah. (Here we have
both the Levitical priest line and the Tribe of Judah king line).
2Abraham
begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
Here we have Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Jacob being the father of Judah
and his brothers).
3And Judas begat
Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
Tamar would be the first women mentioned in the genealogy. Tamar was the
daughter-in-law of Judah. (Genesis 38). She was the wife of Judah’s son, and
that son was wicked, God put him to death. History kept repeating and Tamar was
doubtful she would get a child since Judah was hesitant to give his youngest son
to her. So, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and waited for Judah to come
by. Judah falls for the trick and in that encounter, Tamar becomes pregnant by
her father-in-law. She gives birth to Perez and Zerah. Perez (Ruth 4:18), was
the child that would be in the line of the Messiah.
4And Aram begat
Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
(Ruth 4:19-20).
5And Salmon
begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Rahab, the second women mentioned in the genealogy
was the prostitute from Canaan who lived in Jericho. Remember the two spies sent
out by Joshua. Rahab was the one who kept them safe and hid them from the enemy.
(Joshua 2:1-22). Remembered as one of the great women of faith. (Hebrews 11:31,
James 2:25).
6And Jesse
begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the
wife of Urias; Note: Christ's genealogy did not come through Solomon as
many would believe. Although it commonly is known that Jesus was a biological
descendant of David, most also assume that He was a biological descendant of
Solomon, which is not the case. Joseph, Jesus' step-father, was a biological
descendant of Solomon. But since Jesus was not the biological son of Joseph,
then He was not a biological descendant of Solomon. Note: The wife of Uriah was
Bathsheba. She was the one taking a bath on the rooftop and David seen her. (2
Samuel 11:2-3). David had to have her, and he did. She was the mother of Solomon
through an adulterous relationship. Would this girl be trouble for David? (Well,
she would be the one David commits murder for).
7And Solomon
begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
Lets skip down to verse 11 to continue.
8And Asa begat
Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9And Ozias begat
Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10And Ezekias
begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11And
Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away
to Babylon: This would be the time of the exile to Babylon. Jechonias =
Jeconiah, the last king mentioned here. Here is a prophecy by Jeremiah about
Jeconiah.
Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that
shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting
upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah. (Jeremiah 22:30).
As to the throne, not one of his sons
(1 Chronicles 3:17-18), sat upon his throne. There would be a legal line from
Jeconiah to Joseph, but Jesus was not a biological descendant of Jeconiah.
(Jesus would be born of Mary).
12And
after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel
begat Zorobabel; This would be after the exile. Skip down to verse 16.
13And Zorobabel
begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14And Azor begat
Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15And Eliud
begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16And
Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called
Christ. Mary being the mother of Jesus Christ the Messiah. (Mary's
genealogy can be found in Luke 1:5-36). Matthew also wants us to see that Jesus
is the promised Royal Messiah and Davidic King. He receives His royal birthright
through Joseph, "the husband of Mary," and a "descendant of King David." Note:
Joseph was only the father of Jesus by adoption. (Luke 3:23), "as was supposed"
the son of Joseph. As was supposed meaning by law or in-law.
17So all
the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David
until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the
carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Three
periods in this place. (All fourteen generations), Matthew making the connection
which begins with Abraham and ends with David, then finally points to Christ.
18Now the
birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to
Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
On the wise meaning this is how it happened. The marriage between Joseph
and Marry was arranged and they were kind of engaged, but kind of like married.
However, their marriage was not consummated yet and Marry was found to be with
child. (This would appear that Marry was not pure and the marriage could be
annulled).
19Then
Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public
example, was minded to put her away privily. Was minded: An attempted
assault by Satan. Joseph was not going to
marry her because of what happened, but he was going to do it quietly, as not to
hurt Mary's reputation.
20But
while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto
him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee
Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
The angel explained to Joseph what had happened. (She conceived through the Holy
Spirit).
21And she
shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save
his people from their sins. Yashua Messiah (Joshua in English), Yahaveh
(salvation in Hebrew), "Yahveh Savior."
22Now all
this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the
prophet, saying, This would fulfill God's message through His prophets.
(The first fulfillment of prophecy in the new testament).
23Behold,
a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call
his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
This should
answer any questions about Jesus being God. Written of long before in the old
testament. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin
shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
(Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel
"God with us."
Future prophecy of the Messiah.
24Then
Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and
took unto him his wife: Joseph knew then that Marry conceived by the "Holy
Spirit" and did what the angel commanded, and brought Marry home to be his wife.
25And knew
her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name
JESUS. Marry remained a virgin until her child was born and Joseph named
Him Jesus. Some church denominations teach that Marry was always a virgin, but
the bible tells us that Jesus had brothers and sisters. Is
not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren,
James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55). And
his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these
things? (Matthew 13:56). However, this was Mary's first born Son, also
written in (Luke 2:7).
Matthew 2
1Now when
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold,
there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Bethlehem meaning "House
of Bread." (About five miles south of Jerusalem). Originally called Ephrath
(Genesis 35:19). Herod the king: To distinguish him from other Herod's of the
bible. (Also know as Herod the great). Wise men: Strong's Concordance (G3097
magos, foreign origin H7248; a Magian, Oriental scientist; magician, sorcerer,
wise man). Probably from the Medes or Persians. (They were like priestly
teachers or astrologers). Note that it does not say how many wise men there
were, but we will go with three as the Christmas story tells us.
2Saying,
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the
east, and are come to worship him. Where is He?
First question in the new testament, as compared to the first question in the
old testament. (Genesis 3:9). Is born: Has been
brought forth. (Jesus was about two years old when
visited by the wise men). Have seen his star:
All questions settled if we regard this as miraculous, which it was. This was written in the Old Testament
(Numbers 24:17, Isaiah 60:3). Come to worship: Saw the star, came into the
house, and fell to their knees in worship. (Matthew 2:10-11).
3When
Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with
him. Everyone in Jerusalem was in a tizzy, and Herod became deeply
disturbed when he heard the rumors of the Christ child. Herod the great didn't
want any threats to his throne. Was Herod really threatened by the new baby boy?
4And when
he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he
demanded of them where Christ should be born. Herod wanted them to search
the scriptures to see if it told of this anointed one (the Messiah), being born
and where it would be. Would they find their answer?
5And they
said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
The leading priests and teachers found it written by the prophet Micah.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be
little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth
unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been
from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2). But you, Bethlehem
Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. A ruler of
Israel will come from you, One whose origins are from the distant past.
Ephrathah (place of fruitfulness), was an ancient name for "Bethlehem" (house of
bread). (Genesis 35:19). Bethlehem was the birth place of David, and so it was
the birthplace of the kings of Judah. But, most importantly, it was the
birthplace of Jesus; the One who would come forth from of old. "Jesus existed
before He was even born." (John 1:1-3), The one that would be considered
"little" would come from Bethlehem and rule Israel. (Micah 5:3-4).
6And thou
Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for
out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
That
governor or ruler being Christ. (Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:22,
Revelation 2:27, 11:15).
7Then
Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what
time the star appeared. Herod's first question was where?
His second question would be "what time." He wanted to know the time frame when they first
saw the star appear. Herod was planning his destruction of the Christ child
already. (Psalm 55:21).
8And he
sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child;
and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him
also. This Child was not Herod's Messiah. He didn't want to worship Christ, he just wanted
to find out where he was so he could kill him. (Proverbs 26:24-25). Would
the wise men lead Herod to the Messiah? "Don't believe ones motives when they
feel threatened."
9When they
had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the
east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Some suggest that the star was a supernova, or comet. However, this was a divine intervention by Almighty God.
(Proverbs 2:1-6).
10When
they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Wouldn't you
be rejoicing? Wow! These wise men were lead by a divine intervention from God
and they realized it! Glory ye in his holy name: let the
heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. (Psalm 105:3). Do you think
these guys knew something of this verse?
11And when
they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,
and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures,
they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
The
three wise-men. Again, know one knows the exact number of wise men that were present,
but (3) was determined by most because of the three gifts mentioned. Gold:
Representing Christ's kingship. Frankincense: Representing Christ's priestly
role. Myrrh: Representing Christ's coming death.
12And
being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they
departed into their own country another way. They were not going to
reveal nothing to Herod, they were all warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
(I love the way God is always in control). "No way these wise men were going to
betray the Messiah."
13And when
they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a
dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into
Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young
child to destroy him. I believe this was the same angel that warned the
wise men in their dream. Again, Joseph's dream was divine intervention and guidance by God.
14When he arose,
he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.
Joseph obeyed the angel of the Lord and left for
Egypt.
15And was
there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Written in the Old Testament (Numbers 24:8, Hosea 11:1). He would set all people
free from bondage, not just the Israelites.
16Then
Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and
sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the
coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had
diligently inquired of the wise men. Herod was furious that the wise men
did not obey him. Then he sent his soldiers to kill every boy child two years of
age and under.
17Then was
fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying;
18In Rama
was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel
weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
(Jeremiah
31:15-17), Rachel died giving birth to the last of the twelve Patriarchs. Screams from the region of Rama and Rachel weeping for her children.
19But when Herod
was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Herod died and Joseph has another appearance from
the angel of the Lord.
20Saying, Arise,
and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for
they are dead which sought the young child's life.
Get back to the land of Israel, it is safe now.
21And he arose,
and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Joseph obeys the angel of the Lord and returns to
Israel with Jesus and Mary.
22But when
he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he
was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he
turned aside into the parts of Galilee: Archelaus meaning prince of the
people. However, he was know for his tyranny and murder and was probably a
little insane. Joseph was warned in a dream, so he left for the region of
Galilee. (know as the heathen circle).
23And 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. Written in the Old
Testament and spoken of as a type of savior (Samson), in the book of Judges.
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his
head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall
begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. (Judges 13:5).
The wife of Manoah is about to give birth to a son
(Samson), who would rescue Israel
from the Philistines. He would be a Nazarite unto God: One consecrated or
separate unto Elohim. One who would serve God (one who never cuts his hair or
drinks alcohol), "his name would be Samson."
Nazareth was known to be
where more of the low life people would live. Thus the old saying; "Nothing good could
come from Nazareth." But, one would come from Nazareth that would be the Savior
of the world.
Matthew 3
We are gong to jump ahead about 30 years
from the time Jesus was born. Where was Jesus during this time period? Well,
according to Luke 2:42, Jesus was 12 years old when he was teaching in the
temple. Then, according to many scholars, Jesus traveled around Glastonbury
England (a seaport in the Roman era), with his uncle Joseph of Arimatheia, who
was a legal guardian of Jesus. Joseph was a rich merchant with a large fleet of
ships that ran the tin trade for the Roman Empire, between England and the
Mediterranean. Joseph of Arimatheia was better know as "the tin man." (No, not
the one from the wizard of Oz). Many believe Jesus went to other countries
during his young adult life, but there is no positive proof to confirm this.
With that being said, Jesus was around 30 years of age, the same as John the
Baptist who would soon baptize Him in the Jordan river.
1In those
days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Again, John was about 30 years old at the time he began preaching his message.
"He baptized people by immersing them in the river."
2And
saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. His message was
for man to repent and turn to God for Heaven is near. (The purpose of baptism,
is to repent, recognize and believe in the resurrection, and have a change of
heart). (Mark 1:4, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 26:20, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation
2:5).
3For this
is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying
in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Isaiah the prophet spoke of John's ministry centuries before in the Old
Testament (Isaiah 40:3).
4And the same
John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and
his meat was locusts and wild honey. If you
ran into John the Baptist in those days, he would probably resemble a wild
man. His clothes were woven from course camels hair, and he wore a large leather
belt around his waist. "He ate locust and wild honey."
Yes, it was legal for Jews to eat locust.
(Leviticus 11:22).
5Then went
out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
People from Jerusalem, the Jordan valley and every section of Judea went
out to the wilderness to hear John preach. "They loved him."
6And were
baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. People confessed their
sins and John baptized them. (Mark 1:5). He was straight forward with his
message of repentance, and many moved from their sin towards righteousness. (1
John 1:9).
7But when
he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto
them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to
come? The Pharisees were more orthodox believers. They believed in
miracles, the Holy Spirit, the resurrection of the dead, but they would not
believe in Jesus, "they rejected Him." The Sadducees mainly believed in the
Torah (the first five books of the bible). They didn't believe in miracles or
the resurrection, "they also rejected Jesus." But, why did John the Baptist call
them a generation of vipers? Because they were; he was referring to the Kenites (Son's of Cain,
or sons of the devil), who pretended to be
Jews but were not, but rather from the synagogue of Satan. (Genesis 3:15,
Matthew 12:34, 23:33, John 8:44, 1 John 3:10). John the Baptist knew who they
were and what they wanted, and it wasn't to be baptized. They didn't like anyone
teaching or preaching anything different than what they believed.
8Bring
forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: John throws them a little
challenge. "Prove you are not a false
shepherd by your good teachings and deeds." Anyone can say they are saved and
have changed their ways, but God wants it to be for real, "proof that it really
comes from the heart." (Action speaks louder than words).
9And think
not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you,
that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Don't think you are going to get by saying; well, we are Jews, the descendants
of Abraham. (Abraham means father of many nations, not the father of just the
Jews). These Jews were counting on the acts of Abraham to save them, John is
telling them they need more than that and need to repent, change their evil ways
and turn to God. (i.e. forget the old stuff and get your act together). The
Messiah is on His way, "get ready." If you are part of Christ as a believer,
then you are part of Abraham's seed.
And
if ye be Christ's,
then are ye
Abraham's seed, and
heirs according to
the promise.
(Galatians 3:29).
If we
are of Christ, then
we are true
descendants of
Abraham, and all of
the promises to him
belong to us also.
(Romans 8:17, 9:7,
Hebrews 11:18).
10And now
also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Judgment is coming!
Remember that God is that consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29). Anyone not producing
good fruit will be cast into the lake of fire.
11I indeed
baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier
than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost, and with fire: One more worthy than John will come and baptize you
with the "Holy Spirit." That would be Jesus Christ." Again, God is that consuming fire.
Keep in mind, the "Holy Spirit"
can warm you, but can also destroy any evil. The "Holy Spirit" would be poured
out to all on Pentecost day. The "judgment fire" will be on judgment day when
Christ returns at the second advent.
12Whose
fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat
into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
This is the separating time for Christians. Jesus will separate the real
followers from the ones who just say they are followers. (the hypocrites). Fan used here in the Greek is "Ptuon" a winnowing fork; as
scattering like a spittle. A thrashing to separate the good from the bad. (Luke
3:17).
13Then
cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Jesus come to John to be baptized. This seemed very strange to John even though
Jesus was said to be his second cousin. (Luke 1:36).
14But John
forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
John did not want to do it. John realized who was standing in from of
him. But, he figured that he needed to be baptized of Christ. He could not
figure out why Jesus wanted to be baptized. However, Christ was baptized
as an example for us to follow. (It was also part of the plan of God to fulfill
prophecy).
15And
Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us
to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. Jesus didn't need to
be baptized and He had no sin to repent of. Jesus
submits to John's baptism because He wanted to do what was right, and to carry
out all that God requires. Again, another example
for us to follow.
16And
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the
heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove, and lighting upon him: He received a special anointing of the Holy
Spirit. (The same anointing of the "Spirit" we can receive). The dove being
symbolic of the Holy Spirit. (The dove is also used as a symbol of peace,
because a dove brought to Noah a limb of an olive-tree as a
sign that the deluge of wrath was at an end).
17And lo a
voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Heavenly Father being so pleased because He was perfect in every way.
"The presence of the full Godhead." The anointing of Jesus for the office of
Prophet, Priest, and King. We have Jesus "the Son" being baptized, the "Holy
Spirit" coming to Him, and the "Father" who spoke with a voice form heaven. "The
Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit." Better known to us as the three parts of
the Trinity.
Matthew 4
1Then was
Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
After His anointing as Messiah, "the second man" (1 Corinthians 15:47),
"the last man Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45), would be tried like "the first man
Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45-47). "Tried in the same way." (1 John 2:16, compared
to Genesis 3:6). "Both offered the desires and lust of the world." (The first
man Adam in the garden, the second man Adam in the wilderness). Christ will set the example of what will happen to us by being tempted by Satan
in our everyday life. When things are looking good and your on a spiritual high,
watch out for a tempting by Satan with his ways of the world.
2And when
he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Christ was hungered. Forty here means probation, just as we are all on probation
in this life. In comparison, Israel was fed with manna and they were
disobedient, Christ was hungered and obedient. We need to follow the example set
by Christ, not man.
3And when
the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these
stones be made bread. Satan being that tempter and he would tempt Christ
first with food, them with scripture. He knew Christ was hungry, so he tempts
Him with a food trick. Satan will always try to find your weak spot. (It may be
drugs, alcohol, sex, money, pride, etc.). "We need to be strong in the Word and
in Spirit."
4But he
answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Christ would also use
scripture to fight off Satan as another example to us. This scripture that
Christ used "man shall not live by bread alone," is written in (Deuteronomy 8:3,
Luke 4:4). Its not so much material things and the flesh that count, but rather
spiritual awareness and righteous living that will make us right with God.
5Then the devil
taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
The pinnacle is the highest point of the Temple.
(Over 500 feet). It must of been quite the trick just for Satan to get Jesus
there. Remember, Satan has supernatural powers also.
6And saith
unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He
shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear
thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Satan is
tempting God. What Satan is quoting here is from (Psalms 91:11-12), but he twist
the scripture just a little bit. Compare the two scriptures and see if you can
find the fault in what Satan is saying.
For he shall give his angels charge over
thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalm 91:11). They shall bear thee up in
their hands, lest
thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:12).
Remember that Satan is a scripture
lawyer and he knows the scriptures, but he loves to trip people up with the
Word, just enough to throw them off from the truth.
7Jesus
said unto him,
It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Jesus sets Satan straight quoting from (Deuteronomy 6:16).
"Never tempt God to show someone He exists."
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were
destroyed of serpents. (1 Corinthians 10:9). Again,
never tempt God! Many have and died
like those in the wilderness who were constantly complaining. (Numbers 21:6).
8Again, the
devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the
kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Here we come to a high spot again. The "prince of this world" Satan (John
12:31), is going to make Jesus an offer "He can refuse." Why? Because they will
all belong to Jesus in the future. (Revelation 11:15).
9And saith
unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship
me. No way Jesus is going to bow to Satan! This only proves that all
these things were Satan's to give. He is the "prince of the world" (John
14:30, 16:11), and can offer you a lot of things of the world if you except them.
10Then
saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt
worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. "GET BEHIND ME
SATAN!" Christ wanted no
part of what Satan could offer. "We are to worship and serve the Living God of
Israel."
11Then the
devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Satan had no choice but to go because Christ has all authority over him. He
gives this same authority to His servants. Behold,
I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19).
Don't let Satan get over on you, "get rid of him." The key phrase here is "Get
behind me Satan," but always follow up with "In Jesus Name."
12Now when
Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
John was delivered up and arrested, just as we may also be delivered up to Satan in the end times.
When Jesus heard that John was arrested (because of a princess named Herodias),
He heads north to Galilee. (Mark 1:14).
13And leaving
Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the
borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: First to
Nazareth, them moved on to Capernaum, beside the sea of Galilee. The book of
Mark tells us that Jesus gathered some of His disciples by the sea of Galilee on
His way to the Synagogue to teach on the Sabbath. (Mark 1:16-21).
14That it might
be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
This would fulfill what God had spoken through the
prophet Isaiah.
15The land
of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles; As written in (Isaiah 9:1-2), that light that
would shine would be Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 9:6-7), that light would be the Christ
child to be born and He would be called Wonderful, Counselor (Holy Spirit), The
Mighty God (Everlasting Father), The Prince of peace (Jesus Christ). "The full
Godhead." (Fulfilling His ministry).
16The
people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the
region and shadow of death light is sprung up. (Isaiah 42:6-7, 60:1-3,
Micah 7:8, Luke 2:32). Christ gives us the light and life through His Word.
17From
that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,
Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Does this sound familiar? Jesus took up John the Baptist
message of repentance and turning to God. (Matthew 3:2, 9:13, Mark 1:15, Luke
5:32, 15:7, 24:47, Act 2:38, 17:30, 26:20).
18And Jesus,
walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew
his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Jesus first call to "fishers of men."
19And he
saith unto them,
Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Jesus
didn't make no big ritual out of this like man always does. He simply said
"follow me" and they became disciples of Christ. When you receive His calling to
serve, then serve... No man can give this to you, its a spiritual calling from
above.
20And they
straightway left their nets, and followed him. They immediately follow
Him. They didn't think about it, they dropped what they were doing and followed
Christ. How will you react when He calls on you?
21And
going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and
John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and
he called them. Again no revival or rituals of men. Just follow me. (This
was a calling for disciples of Christ). "Jesus wanted followers." Will you
follow Christ or the ways of the world?
22And they
immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Follow His example when He touches your heart, discipleship is a calling from
the living God. Its not always an easy road to follow, but you will have help
from the "Holy Spirit" if your for real.
23And 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. Jesus traveled, He taught the Good
News about the Kingdom, He healed every kind of disease and illness. (Matthew
9:35).
24And his fame
went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were
taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with
devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he
healed them. The news and His fame (Matthew
9:26), spread as far as Syria, and people came from everywhere, bringing Jesus
all who were sick. "He healed them all."
25And
there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis,
and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
His fame and
reputation was growing; but not like a man's reputation. "Jesus was the real thing!"
Matthew 5
1And
seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his
disciples came unto him: Crowds gathered and Jesus saw them; His
disciples came to Him thirsting for His message.
2And he opened
his mouth, and taught them, saying, Jesus
began to teach His disciples. (The beginning of the beatitudes).
3Blessed
are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. God blesses
the poor in spirit (those who do not have all the truth), but realize their need
for Him. "Those who put their trust in Jesus." (Psalm 84:12). He chooses the
poor of this world who are rich in faith. (James 2:5). The Kingdom of Heaven
will be theirs. (Luke 6:20).
4Blessed
are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Those going through
tough times will be comforted.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (2 Corinthians 1:3).
"The comforter is the Holy Spirit." (John
14:16).
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:4). God helps us through our trouble times
and gives us comfort so that we may comfort others with the same troubles. (1
Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11). For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
(2 Corinthians 1:5). The more we suffer standing for the
faith, the more our Heavenly Father comforts us in our time of trouble.
5Blessed
are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Speaking of those who
humble themselves towards others. The world teaches us pride, self interest,
love of money, compete to get ahead, step on others and claw your way to the
top. Just the opposite of one who is kind and meek, or puts others before
themselves. "Its the meek who will be lifted up, and the wicked brought down to
the ground." (Psalm 147:6).
6Blessed
are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled. Those who have a strong desire for truth and righteousness. Not
traditions of men and false teachings. "Those thirsting for truth." (John 4:14,
7:37).
7Blessed
are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Those who are
compassionate towards others. Can you feel another's needs? Can you understand
where they are coming from? Show mercy towards others and when the time comes,
mercy will be shown to you.
8Blessed
are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Those who are pure in
their mind. "Only then will you see God." (Clearing the mind of all junk and
things that are against the will of God).
9Blessed
are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Those
who strive for peace and peace of mind in this troubled world. (Colossians 3:13,
Psalm 133:1).
10Blessed
are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. Many were persecuted for taking a stand for Jesus and teaching
His message. Never worry if you stand for Christ and teach the truth of His Word, God will take care of you.
(1 Peter 3:13-14, Revelation 2:10).
11Blessed
are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner
of evil against you falsely, for my sake. When you teach the truth of
God's Word, you will be talked about and falsely accused. People will look for
every fault they can against you. The sad part is that most of this will come
from your friends and family.
12Rejoice,
and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you. Don't let it bother you and
continue to teach the truth. Remember that there were many before you who were
persecuted for the same thing.
13Ye are
the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it
be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be
trodden under foot of men. Your salt is in your teachings. If your salt
looses it's flavor it is worthless. (dry boring preachers and false teachings). If you are salty
with the Word (give it a little excitement, flavor and stick to truth), it will help people
and they will take interest. "Satan uses sugar to puff up teachers, then their
pride sets in." (Before you know it, the people are worshipping their priest or
pastor more than God).
14Ye are
the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
You
are to be that shining light (example for truth), so just keep planting seeds.
15Neither
do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
giveth light unto all that are in the house. Keep absorbing the Word of
Christ and you will be that light to others. They will enjoy having you around
because you have a good spirit. (They will want to know what you have that they
don't).
16Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven. Let others see your good works (what the Lord
has given you), and be the "example and light" to draw them towards God. Your good
works are the only things you can take with you. They are your rewards in
heaven. (Revelation 14:13).
17Think
not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfil. Jesus tells them that He came to fulfill the law,
not to destroy the law. (Luke 16:17). Don't let any man tell you that there is
no more law of God. Only the statutes and ordinances were done away with, but
the law of God still stands. Yes, that includes the ten commandments.
18For
verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall
in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. What is law, stays
law, not one jot or tittle (smallest of the Hebrew letters), shall be changed.
Every letter of Gods Word is important. So many people treat the bible like a
novel for easy reading. Its not... The bible is a personal letter to you from
God, and it needs to be given the utmost attention. "Study Gods Word, don't just
read it." (The bible is eternal with wisdom and information).
19Whosoever
therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so,
he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do
and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Don't ignore any of God's Word. The full Gospel
(old and new testament), are important when teaching God's word.
(The old and new law as well). "All His
Commandments!" Teach the truth of God's Word and quit listening to man's ways of doing things.
Do it right and you will called great in the kingdom of Heaven.
20For I
say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of
the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites according to Jesus. (Righteous
on the outside, sinners on the inside). God looks to our hearts for true
righteousness. There is more to it than just believing and putting on a show.
"We need to discern the truth." Don't be led astray by false
teachings, unnecessary rituals, and traditions of men. You either believe "all of God's Word," or
you don't.
21Ye have
heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever
shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Here is a very common
misinterpreted scripture. Under the law of Moses the rule was, 'If you murder,
you must die. This is also the 6th commandment of God. (Deuteronomy 5:17). If you
take the word "kill" back to the Greek in your Strong's Concordance #5407,
#5406, #5408, you will find that the word "kill" is "Phoneus" which means
criminal homicide (to be a murderer), and if you murder someone on purpose you
are to be put to death. (Deuteronomy 19:11-13). This is God's law; and remember
Christ did not change one "jot or one tittle" of the law. In the new testament
book (1 John 3:15), it tells us that a murderer cannot have salvation in the
flesh. That is why a murderer should be sentenced to death and sent to the
"Heavenly Father" to be judged, and God will determine weather or not they will
be forgiven. This is their only chance for salvation... No one who intentionally
murders another one of God's children will get away with it, because eventually
they will face God and their accuser. (Danger of the judgment).
22But I
say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be
in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall
be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in
danger of hell fire. The word "fool" as it is used here in the Greek is
#3474 "moros" dull or stupid (heedless blockhead), i.e. "empty
headed," never having a chance. We use the word
"moron" in the English language. When you call someone a moron, you are saying
that they never had a chance, and God does not like it. "Everyone has a chance
for salvation." On the other hand, if you listen to a fool who is a false
teacher, you are a bigger fool than they are. If you continue to believe their
lies, you may not have a chance either.
23Therefore
if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath
ought against thee;
24Leave
there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy
brother, and then come and offer thy gift. These two verses are important
to God about holding grudges against another. If you are making a offering to God,
and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you that is your
fault. Go and apologize and be
reconciled to him, then make your offering. If it is your brother that wronged
you, you do not need to go to him. You can forgive him, but he is the one who
should be making amends.
25Agree
with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any
time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the
officer, and thou be cast into prison. If you do wrong to someone, or are
accused of doing wrong; come to terms quickly if you can and settle your
differences. Otherwise your adversary (accuser or opponent), may sue you, then
you could be dragged into court and end up in jail.
Notice Christ used the word "adversary" here because it is one of Satan's names.
(1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:10).
Satan is your opponent, and will always accuse you when he has the chance.
26Verily I say
unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the
uttermost farthing.
You need to make things
right with people. (Luke 12:59).
27Ye have heard
that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Don't be unfaithful to your partner. (Proverbs 6:32).
28But I
say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart. Here is another misinterpreted
scripture that bible thumpers will put a guilt trip on you, especially if you
are younger. It does not mean you cannot look upon the opposite sex and enjoy
the beauty of one of God's creations. It means not to sexually lust for them in
your mind; you know what I mean, no need to eye rape every pretty girl or cute
guy you see. (1 John 2:16).
29And if
thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy
whole body should be cast into hell. Remember Christ is teaching his
disciples here and he is talking to the church. The church is the many member
body of Christ. If part of the group is starting to believe false teachings or
causes trouble, spreading it to other parts of the church, get rid of them before the whole church
becomes infected and deceived.
30And if
thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy
whole body should be cast into hell. Applies to the verse above. Here is
another example: You have a big donator in the church, but they start believing
false teachings; don't keep them around for the money, get rid of them. Then
once again, the whole body will not be infected and deceived. To many churches
today give all the attention to the one giving the most money, and at times
overlook what their real motives are.
31It hath
been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of
divorcement: It has been said: (Deuteronomy
24:1-4). Divorce was legal for the right reasons.
Also, keep in mind that God divorced Israel. (Jeremiah 3:8), for being
unfaithful and turning to idol worship.
32But I
say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of
fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that
is divorced committeth adultery. For the right reasons: Fornication
Strong's Concordance G4202 "porneia" meaning harlotry, adultery, incest,
idolatry, i.e. sexual immorality, or sex outside the marriage of a man and
woman. You can divorce
someone and remarry again upon repentance. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin
like many would like you to believe.
Christ died for all the sins of the world. So don't let any man or religious
organization put you on a guilt trip if you are divorced, or try to tell you
that you cannot remarry. What did Jesus say about divorce?
And
I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication,
and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is
put away doth commit adultery. (Matthew 19:9). Upon repentance, Christ
can forgive all these sins, so lighten up on divorcees.
33Again,
ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not
forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Let your
word be your bond. (Leviticus 19:12, Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 23:23).
34But I
say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Don't swear by heaven, or in God's name, heaven is God's throne. (James 5:12).
35Nor by
the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of
the great King. Don't swear by earth, or by Jerusalem. God owns everything; even your soul. (Ezekiel 18:4).
i.e. your word should be your bond. You don't need to swear
on anything. What happened to the good old handshake?
36Neither
shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or
black. He is saying; don't swear on yourself, "I swear on my life I
won't say a word." You heard it before.
37But let
your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these
cometh of evil. Keep it simple; say 'yes I will' or 'no I won't.' Your
word should be enough. When someone tries to strengthen there promise with a
vow, it shows that something is wrong. "Beware of the small print."
38Ye have heard
that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
The old "eye for an eye." Here we are going to
cover some of the laws of retaliation quoted in (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus
24:17-23, Deuteronomy 19:21).
39But I
say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy
right cheek, turn to him the other also. Again, Christ is teaching His
disciples here. If you overload someone with to much truth and it offends them; they may give you a slap on the cheek,
insult, or curse you.
If that is the case, then turn the other cheek, because you deserved it. In
other words, don't cause someone to become upset and smite you. "Be slow and
gentle with others." But, if someone comes up to you for no reason and slaps or
punches you, "knock them on their ass if you can," their the ones who deserve
it.
40And if
any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak
also. As a Christian, if you cause someone to sue you; you are the one
who messed up. Give them a little extra to make amends. Even the courts will be
happy then.
41And
whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Always be
fair and take it one step further. "Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile for
someone who needs help, or when performing a service." (This applies to the
workplace also). Go the extra mile in your job duties and your promotions will
come quicker.
42Give to him
that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Those who ask for help, or something to borrow, do
your best to assist them if possible. The same will be returned to you in your
time of need. Most people like to help others if they can, "its part of our
nature." (It gives them the sense of being needed).
43Ye have heard
that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Here is some good advice from Christ about how to
treat our neighbors and enemies. Yes, we are to love our neighbors, but what
about our enemies? In today's world, it is getting hard to even love your
neighbor.
44But I say unto
you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate
you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Well, it may be hard at first, but Jesus tells us to love our enemies (as Gods
children). If they curse you, "give them a blessing." If they persecute you,
"pray for and forgive them." Jesus did it throughout the new testament, you can
do it too.
45That ye
may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to
rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust. In that way you will be acting as true sons and daughters of your Father in
Heaven. "He gives sunlight on both good and evil, and rains on the just and
unjust alike." i.e. God at times does good things for bad people, just like
doing good things for good people. (Everyone deserves a chance, everyone
deserves a blessing).
46For if
ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the
same? If you love only those who love you, what good is this? Anyone can
do that, even corrupt people.
47And if
ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the
publicans so? If you are friendly only to people you know, how are you
different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. Crack a smile for a
stranger once in a while, "it goes a long way."
48Be ye
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
We
are to do our best to be perfect Christians and walk like Christ. I know it is
hard in the world today; but our Heavenly Father only asks us to give it our
best so we become examples of what a true Christian should be like. "Let your
light shine." (Matthew 5:16).
Matthew 6
1Take heed
that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no
reward of your Father which is in heaven. Don't do your good deeds
publicly to be admired, for then you will lose the reward from the Heavenly
Father. (Its hard to keep a good deed secret).
2Therefore
when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the
hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of
men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. When you help someone
or give a gift to someone, don't shout about it or go around telling everybody
what you did calling attention to your act of charity like the hypocrites do. If
you do; this is the only reward you will ever get. Some people need everyone to
see that they are trying to be a good person. (Complements their insecurity).
3But when
thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
When you do a kindness to someone, do it secretly. You don't need to tell
everyone to show them how great you are. (Then your just boasting).
4That
thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall
reward thee openly. Do your good deeds in
secret, then the Heavenly Father who knows all secrets will reward
you for your kindness towards others. "Give God the credit, He is the one who
gave you the intention and kind heart."
5And when
thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be
seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
When you
pray, don't be like the hypocrites who pretend piety by praying publicly in
front of others where everyone can see you, because that is all
the reward you will ever get, and your prayers may not be answered. It may make
you feel so holy or religious in front of others, but that is about the extent
of it.
6But thou,
when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray
to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall
reward thee openly. When you pray, let it be in secret by yourself and
pray to the Heavenly Father secretly, and the Heavenly Father who knows your
secrets will reward you.
7But when
ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they
shall be heard for their much speaking. Don't recite the same prayer like
the heathen do over and over thinking your prayers will only be answered by
repeating them again and again.
8Be not ye
therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,
before ye ask him. Remember, your Heavenly Father knows exactly what you
"need" even before you ask Him. Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6). Don't worry about
things, God takes care of His own. Pray for what you may need and always thank
God for everything you have.
9After this
manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Sanctify
(bless), His name, and treat Him like He is Holy, for He loves you and is your
Heavenly Father. (Psalm 111:9, 115:3, Revelation 4:11).
10Thy kingdom
come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Jesus will return to establish His Kingdom right here on earth. (Revelation
11:15). Its all about God's will being done here on earth, not mans will.
(Matthew 7:21, John 6:40, 1 Peter 4:2). Do you think we are all doing God's will
here on earth today?
11Give us this
day our daily bread. Give us this day what
we may need. (According to God's will, not ours). "He knows what you need to get
through the day." (Its not always about what we want).
12And forgive us
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. If
you want your debts forgiven, you must learn to forgive others that may owe you.
13And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. "The Lord's Prayer." God will
always deliver us from evil as stated in (I Corinthians 10:13), and He will never
let any temptation come upon us that we cannot handle. He will always show us a
way out.
14For if
ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
If you can forgive others who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will
then forgive
you when you sin against others.
15But if
ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses. If you cannot forgive others of their faults, your Heavenly
Father will not forgive you either. The word (if) here, makes it conditional.
16Moreover
when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they
disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto
you, They have their reward. If you fast, don't do it publicly like the
hypocrites, telling others and looking like you are fasting so
others will feel sorry for you. If you do, it will be the only reward you will
get. (Secrecy is the key here).
17But
thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
When you fast, clean yourself up and put on fresh clothing. (You don't need to
look the part of one fasting to impress others). "God knows your heart."
18That
thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and
thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Make it so
others will not know what you are doing and suspect you are hungry, except the
Heavenly Father who knows every secret. Quit trying to please others, but rather
please God, and He will reward you.
19Lay not
up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves break through and steal: Treasures:
Wealth, credit,
deposits. (People are so into the money). Don't let your heart or mind think
your salvation depends upon your wealth. "You can't buy your way to heaven."
Wealth can bring you more trouble that its worth in this world. Jesus tells us
that it is so hard for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God.
(Luke 18:24). A true Christian can be content with having food, clothing, and a
roof over their head. (1 Timothy 6:8). Most who are rich in wealth fall into the
temptations of this world sooner or later. (1 Timothy 6:9). Why? Because the
love of money is the root of all evil, and many have turned from the faith
because of it. (1 Timothy 6:10, 1 John 2:15-16).
20But lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Build your works in
Heaven... Your works, good deeds or (righteous acts) if you will, are the only
things that will follow you to Heaven. (Revelation 14:13).
21For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If your treasures
are in Heaven your heart will be there too. (Isaiah 33:6). If your treasures are
in built up in the world, chances are you will have a worldly heart. (Luke
12:34, 2 Corinthians 4:18).
22The
light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body
shall be full of light. If the eye is clear... Your eye is the mirror to
the soul. "A clear eye can be a sign of one who has the light in their soul."
(Luke 11:34-36).
23But if
thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the
light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Some
people are just dark and void of God's Word or belief in Him.
(Ephesians 4:18).
A cloudy eye can be a sign of a possessed person or one in deep
spiritual darkness. It is hard to determine how deep their darkness goes.
24No man
can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or
else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and
mammon. You cannot serve God and money.
(Luke 16:13, 1 timothy 6:9-10). Mammon: Strong's G3126 "mammonas" meaning
wealth, that is, avarice (intense desire), or defied (acquired with boldness). "Ill
gotten gains of the world" by deception or taking advantage of others to better
yourself. However, even if you get your money legally, and
it is just your main goal to be wealthy (intense desire), you will never be able to serve both
masters. (I know many wealthy preachers won't like that statement). "They think
they can serve God and money, and its God making them wealthy." God does not
care about worldly wealth, He cares about spiritual wealth. (God will always
supply you with what you need, not always with what you want or think you
deserve). "Trust in the "Living God" who gives us richly all things to enjoy."
(1 Timothy 6:17).
25Therefore
I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye
shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more
than meat, and the body than raiment? Don't
always worry about things! If you always worry about material things or money, it
will take you away from God. Don't miss out on blessings by always worrying,
rather trust in the Heavenly Father. The martial artist Bruce Lee once quoted:
Life is like a finger pointing to the sky; "don't concentrate on the finger, or
you will miss out on all the heavenly glory."
26Behold
the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into
barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Don't you think your Heavenly Father cares more about you than the birds
of the earth? He loves
and cares about you as His child.
27Which
of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Worrying
will not add one day to your life. (actually it might take away from your life).
28And why
take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;
they toil not, neither do they spin: Don't worry about material
clothes... God will always supply your needs. It is the Gospel armor that we should be
worried about putting on. (Ephesians
6:11-17).
29And yet I say
unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Look how God dresses the beautiful flowers of the earth, even Solomon (in all
his glory), was not dressed as beautiful as them.
30Wherefore,
if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast
into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Even the beauty of the wildflowers wither away in little time, but your here to
stay for a while.
Don't worry about it... God always takes care of His own, so have a little
faith.
31Therefore
take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed? Here is a
more important thought. Remember that the famine in the end times is for hearing
the Word of God. (Amos 8:11). Christ is that bread of life
that we should be concerned with. (Matthew 4:4). "When your belly is full, make
sure your spirit is fed as well."
32(For
after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth
that ye have need of all these things. This
is what the heathen nations seek (unbelievers or heathens). Our
Heavenly Father already knows what we need as believers. (Luke 12:30).
33But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you. Seek the Kingdom of God!
Live righteously, take action, and seek the "truth of His Word" and make Him first in your life, and He will
give you everything you need for peace of mind and happiness in this world.
34Take
therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the
things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Today's
troubles are enough to worry about if your a worrywart.
Forget about tomorrow, "take it one day at a time." (Luke 11:3, Hebrews 13:5-6,
John 14:27, 16:33).
Matthew 7
In chapter seven of the book of Matthew, Christ is
teaching His disciples (as well as us), how to teach God's Word. He teaches us
not to be critical of others, not to judge others, and not to talk about others.
He wants us to take off the blinders and learn the truth. When we teach others,
be truthful, bold, and to the point, leaving out traditions
of men and false doctrine.
1Judge
not, that ye be not judged. Don't criticize or be negative towards others
all the time, then you won't be criticized.
2For with
what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it
shall be measured to you again. The old saying. What goes around, comes
around. Others will treat you as you treat them.
3And why
beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the
beam that is in thine own eye? Don't talk about others, because there is
plenty to talk about in your own family. Worry about your own faults before you
talk about theirs.
4Or how
wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and,
behold, a beam is in thine own eye? You can't help anyone with
their little faults, if you can't even correct your own faults first. (Better to
mind your business).
5Thou
hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see
clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
First you need to work on your own faults before helping another with the same
problem.
6Give not
that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest
they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
If you are going to teach God's word, teach
it to those who seek it. Not to those who really don't care or reject
it. The book of Proverbs would best explain it. If you rebuke a mocker, you will
only get a smart remark in return. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you
all the more. Reference: (Proverbs 9:7-12).
7Ask, and
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you: Christ is not speaking of material things here. He is speaking
of God's Word and one that is following His work. Ask for something that will
further the will of God. Ask for wisdom and knowledge in His Word, "then He will
open the door to you."
8For every
one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh
it shall be opened. When you want the truth,
here is the combination. Ask, seek, and knock; the door will open and the truth
will be open to you.
9Or what
man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Remember Christ is that bread of life. God will always grant you what you ask
for if you are in need of it.
10Or if he
ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? The fish is the Christian symbol.
The serpent represents Satan. The Heavenly Father will always give His Children
what is good.
11If ye
then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more
shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Even sinful men know how to give good gifts to their
children. Just think how much more our Heavenly Father will give good gifts
(spiritual gifts), to those who ask Him. (Luke 11:13).
12Therefore
all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:
for this is the law and the prophets. To sum it up,
this is the law of love. "Do to others what you want them to do to you." (Luke
6:31). The "law of liberty," "love your neighbor as thyself." (Galatians
5:13-14).
13Enter ye
in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth
to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: The narrow gate is
the way to righteousness and to heaven. The wide path is the ways of the world,
the highway to hell. (Those who always want to take the easy way out). You have
two paths, or gates to follow. Reference: (Deuteronomy 30:14-18).
14Because
strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it. The gateway to life is small and the road is
narrow. "Only a few will find it." However, this number
has increased since the crucifixion. Many have found the
way in the past, and many more will find it in the near future.
15Beware
of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves. A prophet is a true man of God and teacher of the Word.
Plenty of fakes out there deceiving people teaching their own doctrine and
traditions of men. Christ warns us to stay away from these wolves in sheep's
clothing.
16Ye shall
know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
It shows in what they teach and the way they act. Is it really God's Word?
"You can't learn solid truth from a know it all." (One who says they are the
only ones with the truth and everyone else is wrong). Gods truth is spreading
around the world through all His children. (Not just a select few).
17Even so
every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth
evil fruit. There is truth in all religions.
Your job is to discern what is good and what is bad.
18A good
tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good
fruit. A good teacher brings forth positive
useful knowledge. A bad teacher cannot communicate on a positive level and
brings forth worthless knowledge.
19Every
tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
When you teach junk, it will not be long before people get wise to it. It
will be rejected and chopped down by truth only to be burned. (Luke 3:9, Hebrews
6:8).
20Wherefore
by their fruits ye shall know them. Just as
you can identify a tree by its fruit, you can identify a person by their actions.
21Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Not everyone who calls out to the Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Many
think just because they put on the act of believer they are right with God. You
must be doing the will of God (whatever it may be), "Not the will of
man."
22Many
will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and
in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
At judgment, many will say they are of Christ, but God did not send these false
teachers.
23And then
will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work
iniquity. God will reject and expose them for their evil deeds
(breakers of His law), and false
teachings. (Luke 13:27).
24Therefore
whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a
wise man, which built his house upon a rock: All who listen to the
instructions of Christ are wise. "Christ is our rock, Christ is our solid
foundation." (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
25And the
rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that
house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Instruction and truth founded upon solid bedrock (Jesus Christ), "the
truth of God's Word, for He is the living Word."
26And
every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be
likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Those
who are fakes, teach false doctrines and traditions of men. (Their foundation
will sink into the sand).
27And the
rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that
house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
It will not be able to withstand what is coming in the end times. What is to
come? A day when every mans works will be tested by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13).
28And it
came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at
his doctrine: The crowds were amazed at the teachings of Jesus.
29For he
taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
A good
teacher teaches with authority and truth of God's Word. Not someone who follows
church doctrines and traditions of men. Jesus didn't spend to much time quoting
others, "Jesus knew and taught like it was His own Word." Well, it was, "Jesus
is the living word." In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with
God. (John 1:1-2).
Matthew 8
1When he
was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
I believe
that people were listening in as Christ taught His disciples. As He came down
from the mountain, they were amazed by His teachings and followed Him to find
out more.
2And,
behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou
canst make me clean. The leper kneels before Him, worshipping Him with no
doubt. And He asked Jesus, if it be your will, make me clean. We should always
ask if it is God's will, when asking for a blessing or healing.
3And
Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying,
I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Jesus said to the man that He
wanted to heal him, and immediately he was healed. "Just like that."
4And Jesus
saith unto him,
See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the
priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Tell no man:
Jesus didn't need to draw any more attention to Himself (John 8:50),
this healing was to be an example to the priests.
(Leviticus 14:3) begins to tell us how the priests of the Old Testament performed the
cleansing of the lepers. (Rituals and sacrifices). Christ wanted the priests to get the message that when
He healed the leper, it was symbolic and the result of the crucifixion. i.e. It would be Christ's
blood that would be the sacrifice for all. (No more rituals or blood sacrifices
would be necessary).
5And when
Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching
him, Centurion: A Roman military title. (This
man was a gentile). Not just a foot soldier, but a officer high up in command.
He
came to Jesus and pled with Him.
6And
saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
Paralyzed and in terrible pain.
7And Jesus
saith unto him, I will come and heal him. Christ sensed the faith in the
centurion and agreed to come and heal his servant.
8The
centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come
under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
Come under my roof: The centurion felt he was not worthy for Jesus to enter in
his home. Was it because he had a messy house? No... the centurion just humbled
himself and knew he was a sinner. However, the centurion knew that if he was
humbled in his heart, and it be the will of God, his servant would be
healed. "He became a believer."
9For I am
a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and
he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and
he doeth it. The centurion understands authority, he was an officer in
the Roman army. He also knew that Christ had the authority to heal his
servant if He commanded.
10When
Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed,
Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith,
no, not in Israel. Even Jesus stood
their amazed at the great faith this centurion had. The Jews always needed a
sign to believe. This Gentile was willing to trust Jesus "just saying the word,"
that his servant would be healed. "Seeing is believing," but to believe without
seeing a sign, "is true faith." (It was the faith of the centurion that would
save his servant).
11And
I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down
with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Many
gentiles like this roman officer will come and sit down in the Kingdom of
Heaven, not just the Jews.
12But the
children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. Many
Israelites, those for whom the Kingdom was
prepared shall be cast into outer darkness at the Lord's day when He turns them
away. "Those that have been deceived and would not trust in Christ."
(It won't be a good day for them).
13And
Jesus said unto the centurion,
Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto
thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame
hour.
What the Roman centurion had believed had happened, and his servant was healed. Believe in what you ask for and that it will happen, if it be our
Heavenly Fathers will, He will grant your request.
14And when
Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a
fever. Peter's mother-in-law was in bed dying. (Documents that
the Apostle Peter was married).
15And he
touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto
them. When Jesus touched her hand she was immediately healed. She rose and
prepared a meal for them as a servant. (One of the best positions in the church
is to be a servant). Never get so puffed up that you would never serve another,
that is one of the jobs of a Christian, to serve others. "Christ did it for an
example to us, we should do it as an example to others."
16When the
even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and
he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
Several demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus that night and the demons
fled when He spoke a single word.
17That it
might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took
our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. This fulfilled the prophecy of
Isaiah, "He took our sickness and bore our disease." (Isaiah 53:4-5, 1
Peter 2:24).
18Now when
Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the
other side. Jesus wanted a little alone time with the disciples. They are
about to cross to the other side of the lake. Remember the command that Jesus just made.
"We are going
to the other side." When Jesus tells you something, never doubt Him. (Have a
little faith, your going to need it).
19And a
certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever
thou goest. Master meaning teacher. (Here we have a teacher of the
religious law willing to follow Jesus).
20And
Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the
birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Christ was speaking
spiritually here, that the scribe had no place in his heart for Christ. The
scribe knew of the old law, but was not that familiar with Christ. We must get
to know and
accept Christ first before we can follow Him. We must also love Christ first, more than anyone else.
21And
another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my
father. One of His disciples said that he would follow Him after his
father died and he could burry him. This is fine, but the point here is that
when Jesus calls you to serve, don't make excuses not to follow Him. He
that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that
loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:37).
It is not that you are to not love your family; but rather, you are to love your
Heavenly Father more than anyone else.
22But
Jesus said unto him,
Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Christ
told the disciple to follow Him now; and let the spiritually dead (the
unlearned), care for their
own dead. (Referring to those who did not believe in Him).
This is a message that to overcome a "spiritual death" is far more
important than physical death. "Eternal life can only come from a spiritual
awakening." (Ephesians 5:14).
23And when
he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. Jesus got into
the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. (Keep in mind what
Jesus said in verse 18, we are going to the other side).
24And,
behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was
covered with the waves: but he was asleep. A fierce storm arose and they
were in bad situation. The disciples thought that they were going to
sink. Jesus was kicking back and asleep. (Symbolizing that Christ will not always be with us, but
with faith, His spirit is there and we will always be alright).
25And his
disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
The disciples woke Him and said to Him, Lord, save us! "We are sinking and are
going to die!" Here it is... Their lack of faith because they felt Jesus being
asleep was not with them.
26And he
saith unto them,
Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Jesus said to
His disciples, "O you men of little faith." "Why are you so frightened?" Then He
rebuked the storm and it stopped. Didn't Christ tell them that they were going
to the other side in verse 18? "Of course He did." When Christ tells you
something, never doubt Him. (Psalm 65:7) as it is written, tells us that Chris
can calm the sea and commotion of the people. (Psalm 89:9, Mark 4:39).
27But the
men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the
sea obey him! Christ is called man here, but He is still God. Emanuel...
"GOD WITH US."
28And when
he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him
two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no
man might pass by that way. These were very wicked and evil devils. They
even lived in the cemetery, "pretty creepy."
29And,
behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of
God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? The devils knew
who Jesus was and what authority He had over them. (James 2:19). They wondered why He was
their to torment them before their time. What time? Before the end times. (2
Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6).
30And
there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
A herd
of pigs was feeding in the distance.
31So the
devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the
herd of swine. The devils did not even have the power to enter the swine
themselves, they had to ask permission. This shows you that God is always in
control.
32And
he said unto them, Go.
And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the
whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished
in the waters. Jesus told them to be gone, and
the devils left the two men and entered the pigs. The pigs rushed over the
cliff and drowned in the water below. Even the swine would rather die than be
possessed by these demons. We also have power in Christ through the "Holy
Spirit" over Satan, demons, and all our enemies. (Luke 10:19).
33And they
that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing,
and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. The herdsmen fled
to the nearest city with the story of what had happened. Their message was that Christ
can rid the people even of devils.
34And,
behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they
besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. The entire
population came rushing out to meet Jesus, and begged Him to go away and leave
them alone. Maybe a little scared of the unknown. Maybe a little upset because
they just lost their herd of pigs. (Loss of a large profit and that was
important to them). Lesson: Never doubt our Heavenly
Father, and never be afraid to go forth at His will. He will always be their for
you in time of need if you "keep the faith."
Matthew 9
1And he
entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. Back to
Capernaum, His home town. (Matthew 4:13).
2And,
behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus
seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy;
Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Keep in mind that no man can forgive sins. "Only God can do that." Jesus knew
the faith of these people caring enough to bring their friend to Him to be
healed. (The man was repentant in His heart and Jesus knew it; that is why His
sins were forgiven and the man was healed). The healing of the soul must come
first and is more important than the physical body.
3And,
behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Because Christ said your sins are forgiven, the scribes (teachers of the
religious law), are thinking to themselves; "this man is
saying He is God." Actually they were right for once, "Jesus is God."
4And
Jesus knowing their thoughts said,
Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Jesus asked them why they were thinking such evil thoughts? Only God knows your
heart, Jesus is God, He knows all your thoughts. (Psalm 44:21, 139:2, Revelation
2:23).
5For
whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and
walk? Christ was explaining as Messiah, He had the authority on earth to
forgive sins. But, He told them that talk is cheap and anyone can say your sins
are forgiven. Christ knew that there was no proof for them by forgiving sins
because they could not see it. "So He had to heal the man." (Seeing is
believing).
6But that
ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith
he to the sick of the palsy,)
Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Here is where Christ would say to them, since you will not believe me, I will
heal this man so that you will know that the Son of man has the power to heal as
well as to forgive sins. "Then they would know who He really was."
7And he
arose, and departed to his house. The boy gathered up his bed and walked.
8But when
the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such
power unto men. A chill of fear swept through the crowd as they saw this
happen before their own eyes. Then they praised God for giving such authority to
a man. (Galatians 1:24). Do you think the scribes were praising God, or did this
just anger them even more? Their livelihood was being threatened here, so I
don't think they were to happy about what had just happened.
9And as
Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the
receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow
me. And he arose, and followed him. Matthew was a tax collector. Matthew means "Gift of God." Matthew
just arose and followed Jesus. There was no altar call from man, it was a call from
God. When God calls you, don't hesitate. You will know when He calls on you to
serve. The important thing is, "will you get up and follow His call."
10And it
came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and
sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. Jesus and the
disciples were having dinner at Matthews house (a little gathering party), where there were many tax collectors
and notorious swindlers as guests. They just witnessed what Jesus had done
and wanted to know more about this.
11And when
the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with
publicans and sinners? Why does your teacher eat and associate with men
like that? Remember that Christ hung with the sinners. That is the reason He was
there, to bring the Word and salvation to sinners. Today Christians are so
afraid to hang in the wrong crowds. So afraid to be around sinners because they
have such little faith they feel they will go bad themselves. It is our job as
Christians to testify and teach the sinners about the Word and true salvation.
If you can't do that, what good are you to God?
12But
when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that
be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Jesus explained that those who are well do not
need a doctor. He wanted us to know that those who are spiritually dead are
those who need the help. "These are the lost and the sinners." (Psalm 41:4,
147:3, Hosea 14:4, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:31).
13But go
ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am
not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Christ wanted
them to learn the meaning of this verse of scripture. It is not your sacrifices
and gifts that God wants, it is your love (Hosea 6:6), and for you to be merciful. Jesus
tells us that He has come to urge sinners back to God, not the self-righteous.
(2 Peter 3:9).
14Then
came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft,
but thy disciples fast not? These were disciples of John the Baptist.
They wanted to know why His disciples did not fast and pray like they did, as
well as the Pharisees?
15And
Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the
bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be
taken from them, and then shall they fast. Jesus was explaining to them
that God was with them and there was no need to fast. (He was the bridegroom),
it was a time for celebration. He told them that the
time would come when He would be taken from them, then they shall fast. God
was right there with them, but they did not get it. God is with us today in
spirit (the Holy Spirit), until His returns for the wedding feast. (Revelation
21:2).
16No man
putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to
fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
Who would
patch an old garment with un-shrunk cloth? For the patch would pucker-up or tear
away and make the whole worse. Jesus was explaining that they were so set in
their old ways that they will never change. If you give them some real truth
(new covenant doctrine),
they just pucker-up. (Their so caught up in traditions of men).
17Neither
do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine
runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and
both are preserved. Bottles in the Greek means leather bag or wineskin
that they stored their wine in. If you have an old wine skin that does not
stretch from the fermentation process of wine, it will burst under pressure.
Only new wineskins are used for new wine. (If you want to fill your glass with
with the knowledge of God, you must first empty the glass of all the junk and
traditions of men). However, many people can't handle the truth of God's word.
18While he
spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped
him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her,
and she shall live. "The power of the Holy Spirit was moving as He
spoke." This chief ruler of the synagogue named Jairus (Luke 8:41), came and believed upon Him. In (Luke 8:42),
it tells us that his little girl was 12 years old. Jairus had enough faith to
come to Jesus, and believed He could raise his daughter from the dead. Wow!
(This number twelve is symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel that were spiritually dead. The tribes being Benjamin, Judah, and the
ten lost tribes or "house of Israel," who took many different names as a people and
they migrated north over the Caucasus Mountains, settling in the lands of Europe and
America. (We call them
Caucasians).
19And
Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. All twelve
disciples followed Him.
20And,
behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came
behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: Here we have the symbolic
number 12 again symbolic of Israel. It states in (Luke 8:43), that no doctors
could heal this woman. Just as no one can heal Israel except God.
21For she
said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
That's faith... This woman new she could be healed by messiah if she believed in
Him, and she did.
22But
Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said,
Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee
whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Her faith is what made her whole and the woman was well from that
moment on. Christ will also raise Israel from being spiritually dead in the end
times.
23And when
Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a
noise, When Jesus arrived, He saw the noisy crowds
and funeral music. In those days it was tradition to hire mourners to scream,
cry, whale and carry on. (You have seen it in funerals today).
24He said
unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed
him to scorn. Jesus tells them to get out, the girl is only asleep.
"They all scoffed and sneered at Him."
25But when
the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid
arose. When the crowd was finally outside, Jesus went in where the little
girl was and took her by the hand, and she jumped up and was alive! In (Luke
8:55), it tells us that Jesus commanded to give her meat. "The Word of God."
26And the
fame hereof went abroad into all that land. The report of this wonderful
miracle swept the entire countryside.
27And when
Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son
of David, have mercy on us. The two blind men called Him by His title.
Even though they were blind, they knew who Jesus was. "The promised messiah."
(Isaiah 53).
28And when
he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto
them,
Believe ye that I am able to do this?
They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Yes we believe they answered Jesus.
29Then
touched he their eyes, saying,
According to your faith be it unto you.
According to their faith they were healed. You must believe God can heal you and
believe that you will be healed. That is the faith we need to have. (Believe it
and it will be done).
30And
their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying,
See that
no man know it. Jesus gave them a divine order not to tell anyone about it and
was very strict about that. (I think Jesus knows man can't keep a secret).
31But
they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
They could not keep it secret and spread the news of what He had done all over
the town. (This was a good story and it spread quickly).
32As they
went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
The man could not talk because of a demon inside him. (Sometimes we could
consider this a good spirit). There are a lot of people out there that would be
better off keeping their mouth shut!
33And when
the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It
was never so seen in Israel. Again the crowds marveled at His healing
miracle.
34But the
Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
The Pharisees said; He cast out devils, "because He is a devil," possessed by Satan.
(They though Jesus was calling on satanic powers to heal people). Fools! "Satan
can't heal anyone."
35And
Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and
preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every
disease among the people. The religious community at this time could not
do anything like Jesus was doing. They had no authority or power as Christ did to heal the sick.
36But when
he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they
fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Like
sheep with no shepherd. So many people lost and confused today because they have
no true shepherd to follow. Forget about following some man, priest, or pastor.
You only need one shepherd to lead and follow. "Jesus Christ!"
37Then
saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers
are few; Jesus told His disciples that the harvest is so great, and the
workers are so few. There was so much work for those people to be taught, but
few laborers to do it. So it is in churches today. So much truth to be taught,
but all they want to teach is traditions of men or their own doctrines. God is
recruiting those who teach the truth of His Word. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15,
Luke 10:2, 24:47). It is this truth that will set
you free from traditions and doctrines of men. Teach Gods truth! (Psalm 68:11, 1
Corinthians 3:9).
38Pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his
harvest. Pray, bind, and make known. Pray to the Heavenly Father to
recruit more workers for His harvest. Harvest day is close and we need those who
are not afraid to teach the truth of His Word no matter what the consequences.
(Ephesians 4:11, Jeremiah 3:15, Acts 8:4, 1 Corinthians 12:28). There are a lot
of good churches and teachers bringing forth the truth of God's Word, look for
the good in them, even if they may not have all the truth (no one does), they
are still believers and children of the many member body of Christ. Great are
those who publish and bring forth His Word. (Psalm 68:11).
Matthew 10
1And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness
and all manner of disease. Calls His twelve disciples (learners or
students). Christ gives them authority in His name. (Jesus trusting His
disciples enough to give them the authority passed on to Him by the Heavenly
Father). These guys were the real thing, not a bunch of phony's like we have out
there today.
2Now
the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called
Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Simon (meaning a hearing), Peter (meaning a rock or stone), Andrew (meaning
manly), James (meaning supplanter), John (meaning Yahveh's gift).
3Philip,
and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus,
and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Philip (meaning lover of
horses), Bartholomew (meaning gift of God), Thomas (meaning twin), Matthew
(meaning gift of Yahveh), James (Greek form of Jacob meaning supplanter).
4Simon
the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Simon the
Canaanite, an Aramic word for the Greek "Zelotes" (meaning zealous), and Judas Iscariot (meaning man of Kerioth),
the one who betrayed Jesus. Keep in mind that there were four major languages
spoke back then. (Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Aramaic).
5These
twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying,
Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of
the Samaritans enter ye not:
Christ was
not sending them to the Gentiles at this time. i.e. Don't go abroad and leave
the land.
6But
go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Limited to the Jews only. Of course the Jews would reject Jesus as Messiah, then
His message would go to the Gentiles. (Acts 28:27-28, Romans 11:11).
7And
as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Teach the
"Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 3:2). Not doctrine of men.
8Heal
the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have
received, freely give. Share what God has given you
without putting a price on it. To many preachers and churches out there selling
Gods Word when its not theirs to sell. (Kind of like copyright infringement).
9Provide
neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Don't take any money with you and don't beg for cash. God will provide what you
need. (That is, what to say at the right time through the Holy Spirit).
Remember, your out there spreading the Word, not filling your pockets.
10Nor
scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for
the workman is worthy of his meat. If a man of God takes the true Word of
God forth, he will be taken care of by the people. (God always provides).
11And
into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and
there abide till ye go thence. Whenever you enter a town, search for a
good or Godly man to stay with until you leave for the next town. (Another
Christian).
12And
when ye come into an house, salute it. Be
kind and friendly giving the house a blessing. "Peace be with you." (3 John
1:14).
13And
if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy,
let your peace return to you. If it turns
out to be a worthy home, give it
your blessing; if not keep the blessing.
14And
whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that
house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. If they do not
want to hear or
welcome the Word of truth, just move on. (Keep your message and blessing for the
next home).
15Verily
I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in
the day of judgment, than for that city. This will be a bad sign for
them who scoff at the word and refuse to even listen to His message. (Mark 6:11,
Luke 10:12). You know the ones; bring up God and they want to change the
subject, or give you some smart remark. (Matthew 12:36).
16Behold,
I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as
serpents, and harmless as doves. Who is the one who watches after the
sheep and gives them protection? "The shepherd." Christ is our shepherd, and we
need to love and trust Him. But, always be wiser than the serpent. (Genesis
3:13). Don't go
where your not instructed to go. "Where evil thrives and trouble awaits." (1
Thessalonians 5:22). Christ also instructs us to be as harmless as a dove. The
dove is a bird of peace and is very cool and calm. Harmless until you try to
harm it. (Always protect yourself and your family). I am speaking spiritually as
well as physically here. We are to be soldiers in the army of
Christ, not a bunch of wimps and pushovers to be walked on.
17But
beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will
scourge you in their synagogues; Be careful of men and their doctrines.
(Philippians 3:2).
This also looks forward to the time when Satan sets up his synagogue. (Mark
13:12, Luke 12:11, 21:12, John 16:2).
18And
ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony
against them and the Gentiles. This word gentiles here is translated
"heathen nations." You will testify against the "heathen nations" of the world
that are unbelievers and do
not align with God's plan. (Mark 13:9).
19But
when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it
shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. We are speaking
about the hour of temptation. (Revelation 17:12), also spoken of in (Matthew 24,
Mark 13, and Luke 21). Christians have a purpose to be a testimony for Christ
and against Satan. Don't worry! "God will give you the right words to say at the
right time." (Luke 12:11, 21:14-15).
20For
it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
At the right time the "Holy Spirit" will speak through you. (Mark 13:11,
Luke 12:12).
21And
the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and
the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to
death. Who held the power of death?
Satan! (Hebrews 2:14). Christ died to destroy death, which is the devil. Your
own friends and family will deliver you up to Satan in the
synagogues. Why? Because they think he is Christ, but he is really the
antichrist. (He comes first pretending to be Christ). Many will even be put to
death because of their own family betrayal. (Job 19:19). Don't think it won't
happen, history always repeats itself.
22And
ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end
shall be saved. Stick with the true Christ.
Fear none of these things. (Revelation 2:10). Stay working in the field; do
not be deceived, or taken by antichrist. What did Christ say? "Those who endure
to the end will be saved." And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works
unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. (Revelation 2:26).
(Not those who think they are getting a free flight out of here).
23But
when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say
unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man
be come. We are speaking of the second
advent when the true Christ returns. i.e. Christ will return before all the
persecution has ended.
24The
disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
The
disciple is not above his teacher; they crucified Christ, what are they going to
do to you. (I Corinthians 10:13). Christ will not let any temptation unknown to
man, or anything you cannot handle come upon you. He will always give you a
way out. cont.
25It
is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his
lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall
they call them of his household? Beelzebub, Lord of the flies. One of the
many names of Satan. They called Christ Satan; so what are they going to call
you who are followers of Christ. Remember what they accused Christ of, and what
they called
Him (Matthew 9:34, 12:24), partner to the prince of devils.
26Fear
them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed;
and hid, that shall not be known. There will come a time when all their
secrets and plots will become public information. (People are not going to get
away with hurting others). "What goes around comes around."
27What
I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear,
that preach ye upon the housetops. "Through the Spirit." This is the
calling to seed planters and teachers of the Word. When you receive a truth in
the word, share it with others. Today, through the internet we can share it with
the world. Praise God!
28And
fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather
fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
You don't need to fear those who can only kill your physical body. (They can't
touch your soul).
Only God
can destroy your soul. The word "destroy" here in the Strong's Concordance
is G622 "apollumi" meaning to perish). God can blot you out as
though you never existed. (The fate of a terrorist). Satan was once the
anointed cherub that guarded the mercy seat of God, but now he is sentenced to
"death" and will "perish" forever. (Ezekiel
28:14-19).
29Are
not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the
ground without your Father. Nothing happens without your Heavenly Father
knowing it. He knows all about you as well as every living creature.
30But
the very hairs of your head are all numbered. God
accounts for every hair on your head, "that is how much He cares for you." Keep
in mind that "all souls belong to Him." (Ezekiel 18:4).
31Fear
ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
God cares about you and will protect you, but you still need to use common sense
in the spirit as well as everyday life. (Be wiser than the serpent, be wiser
than your enemies).
32Whosoever
therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father
which is in heaven. If you acknowledge Jesus
Christ publicly here on earth, He will acknowledge you before the Heavenly
Father. We are speaking of the "testimony of Christ." (Psalm 119:46, Luke 12:8,
1 John 4:15). In today's modern family, talking about the word (Jesus Christ),
has almost become extinct. "Are you ashamed to talk about Christ?"
33But
whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which
is in heaven. Those who deny Christ or are
ashamed of Him here on earth (non-believers), will also be denied before the
Heavenly Father. (Luke 9:26, 12:9, 2 Timothy 2:12, 1 John 2:23). Be also aware
of the false teachers who bring damnable heresies (defect from the true word),
even denying the Lord, will bring destruction upon themselves. (2 Peter 2:1).
34Think
not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a
sword. God does not want to make peace with the ways of this world,
He wants to change it. When Jesus Christ comes into your life, there will be
division between you and other people, even your family. When Christ returns at
the second advent, He returns with a sharp sword, "The True Word of God."
(Revelation 1:16, 19:11-16, Hebrews 4:12). The "Word of God" is sharper then a
two edge sword that divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of your thoughts and intents. (Hebrews 4:12).
35For
I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against
her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Isn't that common with family and friends today? It is hard to get two people to
believe the same way, let alone the whole family. It appears everyone wants
their own little belief or way to worship. If your family or friends say (you
don't need Christ), just ignore them. i.e. Love your family, but you don't need
to follow their ways.
36And
a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Christ is trying to tell
us not to change His doctrine because of family. At times your family can be
your worst enemy. (Micah 7:6). "Stick with God's Word."
37He
that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that
loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. You are to love
you Heavenly Father more than anyone else. (Matthew 22:37). In (Luke 14:26), there is a
mistranslation. You are not to hate your loved ones, but to love them less than
the Lord. Don't let anyone tell you that you must leave or not care about your
family to be a Christian. "Christianity is all about family." Also,
keep in mind that we (as believers), are all part of the many member family of
Christ. (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12). "Our spiritual family."
38And
he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Christ taught this Word and we are to do the same. In times of Christ
they picked up a cross because they were going to be nailed to it. Christ wants
this type of commitment from us. He wants us to be so dedicated to Him that we
will not veer from His doctrine. If you follow Christ, expect to have
difficulties in your life, take up your cross, this is part of being a
Christian.
39He
that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake
shall find it. Live your life the way you
want, or in the ways of the world and you will lose it. Live your life in the
knowledge of the Word and follow Jesus, and you will find eternal life. (Matthew
16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 17:33, John 12:25). Christ tells us not to fear the
things that we may suffer because of Satan and the ways of the world; but rather
be faithful till the end, and "He will give us the crown of life." (Revelation
2:10).
40He
that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that
sent me. Anyone who receives the Doctrine, The Truth, The living Word. "Jesus Christ."
41He
that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's
reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man
shall receive a righteous man's reward.
When you accept the teachings of the prophets, the teachings of the apostles,
and the teachings of righteous people, you will receive the same blessing they
receive from God.
42And
whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water
only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose
his reward. Who are these little ones? We
are! (Matthew 18:3-6, Mark 9:42). The modern day disciples of Christ sent forth
by Him to bring truth to those who are lost. Those who even help the little ones
(the followers of Christ), will surely be rewarded.
Matthew 11
1And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve
disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Jesus continued on His mission city to city (with His disciples), to proclaim
His message of the Kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1).
2Now
when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his
disciples, Two disciples that studied under John the Baptist were sent to
Jesus with a message from John.
3And
said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
John was a student of the Word. (He knew of the promised Messiah to come). John
was one of the last great prophets before Christ. But, John was in prison now
and going through a difficult time. He
wanted to know for sure if this was the first of two advents (the coming of the
Messiah), spoken of in (Zechariah
9:9). John did not lack faith as many may tell you, he just wanted to make sure
He was in prison for the right reasons. (The bringing forth of the true
Messiah).
4Jesus
answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do
hear and see: Go back and tell John what you
have heard and seen. (Jesus knew this would comfort John and ease his mind about
who He really was, the true Messiah).
5The
blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the
deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to
them. All these things that were
accomplished so far by Jesus were told to John the Baptist. All these things
were written before in the old testament and John was familiar with them.
(Isaiah 29:18, 35:4-6, 61:1-3).
6And
blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
The main message for John was, blessed are those
who do not doubt Him. (Never give up believing in Jesus Christ). This was all
John needed to hear to be comforted. The same message goes for all those who accept His Word.
7And
as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,
What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken
with the wind?
Did
you think that John was some kind of wimp preacher that sways like a blade of
grass. Always teaching some kind of new tradition or belief that gives you no
foundation of truth. John the Baptist was not a soft spoken man, but rather bold
and to the point, teaching only the "truth of the Word."
8But
what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that
wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. Were you expecting to see a man
dressed in fancy expensive clothes, living in a lavish house. The clothing does not make the teacher or prophet. Just
because they hide behind a collar, colorful robe, or fancy suit, does not make
them a teacher of God's Word. (God looks for the common man to bring forth
His word). John the Baptist and most of the other apostles were common folk
making a modest living. (They didn't have the hang-ups of money and lavish
living).
9But
what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a
prophet. John the Baptist was more than a prophet. He came in the Spirit
of Elijah (Elias), who was the prophet of prophets. (Luke 1:15-17, 1:76).
10For
this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
which shall prepare thy way before thee.
John prepared the way for the
first Advent. (Malachi 3:1). He was the one mentioned in Scriptures to
precede Christ (Malachi 4:5), to announce His coming, and prepare the people to receive Him.
(Mark 1:2, Luke 7:26-27, John 1:23).
11Verily
I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater
than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven
is greater than he. John the Baptist was
considered one of the greatest men on earth. (Luke 1:15). For boldly teaching
truth! However, in the kingdom of God (Heaven), the least will be considered
better than the best here on earth. (Luke 9:48).
12And
from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth
violence, and the violent take it by force.
From the day John the Baptist began preaching "prepare the way of the Lord." The
Kingdom has been forcefully advancing. Why? Because violent people (influenced
by Satan), are always attacking it. Even today Satan is up there
talking against us every time we mess up. That is why we need the gospel armor.
(Ephesians 6:11-13). Their are many working with Satan who
forcefully try to set up their kingdom here on earth. They can try, "but it
won't happen for long."
13For
all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. All the laws and
prophets looked forward to the Messiah, then John showed up. (John was the last
real prophet before Christ came).
14And
if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Here is that
word "if" again. (Something conditional). John was not "Elijah,"
John was only in the Spirit of Elijah. "His spirit and power." (Luke 1:17,
Malachi 4:5). Did they receive John the Baptist, No! Would they receive Christ,
Of course not!
15He
that hath ears to hear, let him hear. If ever you were willing to listen,
listen now. Do you hear?
16But
whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the
markets, and calling unto their fellows, These people are like children, who say to their little friends, come on over
and lets play. (Luke 7:31-35). Sounds like our candidates for the presidential
election. (Our leaders today are like little children without a clue).
17And
saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto
you, and ye have not lamented. We called to you and wanted to have a good
time and you would not come.
18For
John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
John doesn't even drink wine and often goes without food (fasting), and you say, "He's
crazy and has a devil in him." Here was a man that was filled with the
"Holy Spirit" even before his birth (Luke 1:15), and they accuse him of being
possessed by demons.
19The
Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and
a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her
children. On the other hand, I the Son of
Man come and feast and drink, and you complain that I am a glutton and a
drinking man who hangs with sinners. "But I am sure you can always justify your
inconsistencies." (Luke 7:35). i.e. You will never be able to please everyone,
especially when they all act like little children.
20Then
began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done,
because they repented not: This word "upbraid" means reproach, or come
down on them. They seen the many things that Christ had done right in front of
them and they still did not repent and turn to God. He had the right to come
down on them. Its going on today, "this country as well as all others need to
come to repentance because of their falling away from God." Will we be like the
church in Thyatira refusing to repent? And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira
write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of
fire, and his feet are like fine brass. (Revelation 2:18). I know thy works, and charity, and service, and
faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
(Revelation 2:19). Notwithstanding I have a few things against
thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a
prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat
things sacrificed unto idols. (Revelation 2:20). And I gave her space to repent of her
fornication; and she repented not. (Revelation 2:21). All the nations
need to repent and get back to the "Living God," or there will be hell to pay!
21Woe
unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which
were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long
ago in sackcloth and ashes. If the miracles
Christ did for these people were done in Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented long ago. Here we have
"Bethsaida" (house of the fish), which is the sign of Christianity itself,
and they will not repent.
22But
I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of
judgment, than for you. They seen the
miracles and they still rejected Christ. THEY ARE IN REAL
TROUBLE! We have the written word of truth "the bible." You can read it, study
it, believe in it; but if you do not repent, accept Jesus Christ (the Living
Word), you are still in trouble! (Matthew 12:36, 2 Peter 2:9, 3:7).
23And
thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell:
for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom,
it would have remained until this day. If these miracles were done in
Sodom, they would have not been destroyed. This is why we are having so many
problems today, because society is driving God out.
24But
I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day
of judgment, than for thee. They will have something to answer for
and it won't be good. "The choice is yours." Do you follow the ways of the
world; or are you going to follow the ways of God?
25At
that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the
wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Christ thanked the Heavenly Father for hiding
the truth from those who thought that they were so wise (the Pharisees and
Sadducees), and revealed it to His disciples and the common man. "Those who
followed him like
little children." (Mark 10:15, 18:3-4).
26Even
so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. That's the way God wanted
it. (Ephesians 1:9, 3:11, 2 Timothy 1:9).
27All
things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the
Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever
the Son will reveal him. Listen well... It all comes from the Father. You
can only know the Father when He reveals Himself to you. When God blesses you
spiritually,
then you will understand the truth.
28Come
unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
All that labor and hard work under a heavy yoke. Those who do the work of
the Lord as true Christians, He will give you rest. "Christ will be their rest."
(Matthew 11:28).
29Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. Learn about
Him... "Study the Word." Let
Christ teach you and you will find rest. We are saved by grace yes. But we need
to move past that to receive all the blessings He has to offer. A Yoke makes it
easy and takes away the burden or hurt. (Matthew 11:29). Christ is meek (gentle), lowly in heart (coming down to you), rest to
your soul (yourself), which gives you peace of mind. (Philippians 4:7).
30For
my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. You can do it... His burdens
are light and Christ will strengthen you. (Philippians 4:13).
There hath
no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye
are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be
able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
You will never be tempted, or given a burden
that you can't handle in life, "if you are a believer."
Matthew 12
Christ teaches a very
important message about the Sabbath in the first part of this chapter. Because of
Christ's healings on the Sabbath, he uncovers the evilness among the Pharisees
who try to accuse Him of breaking the law. Christ brings forward a warning
message for us all, not to get caught up in traditions of men and false
teachings. He also makes it clear that whoever does the will of the "Heavenly
Father" will be part of the family of God. (Not those who just play
church).
1At
that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were
an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.
They were
travelers that were hungry and wanted a bite to eat. ("Rest" for the Pharisee
was something you did on the Sabbath day, and you would never lift a hand in
labor). To them, grabbing an ear of corn for some food was considered working on
the Sabbath. However, in (Deuteronomy 23:24-25), "laws of human relations," it
was alright to eat some grapes form a neighbors harvest if hungry, or to pick a
few ears of corn. As long as you did not harvest any food for the taking. i.e.
fill your belly and move on. (The Pharisees should have know this).
2But
when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that
which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. Here we need to use
common sense. We have some people spending time learning with Christ that are on
the road, they are hungry, so they grab a couple ears of corn and eat it. There
was no harvesting going on here. (According to Deuteronomy, they were within the
law). Now her
comes along some of the Pharisees, (the so called leaders of the religious
community), that are trying to accuse Christ and those with Him of breaking the
law. (They were caught up in their own traditions and still didn't get it right).
"Just as many churches today." (It seems that every church has there own little
tradition to set themselves apart from others).
3But
he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and
they that were with him; Documented in (I Samuel 21:6). It was alright
for a "priest" to eat of the shewbread (hallowed bread). Now was David a priest?
"He was more important than a priest." David was an anointed one; one that the Son "Jesus Christ" would come through. An anointed one doing the work of God.
Keep in mind that David was on the run from King Saul and under the protective
wing of the Heavenly Father. God was not going to let David and his men starve
to death because of some useless tradition. How did Saul respond? When he found
out the priests helped David, he had the priests killed.
4How
he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not
lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the
priests? The point Christ was making here is that they were
doing God's work, and there was no law broken when they partook of the bread.
It was more important that David and his men were kept alive rather than keeping
a traditional rule of the law. (Again, Christ would come through David, no
David, no Messiah).
5Or
have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the
temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
According to the law, Priests worked on the Sabbath
(Numbers 28:9-10, 18-19), and they are blameless.
6But
I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
Christ is the "living temple" that is greater than their temple building. (John
2:19-21). To many people put their faith in a fancy building rather than in
Jesus Christ.
7But
if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye
would not have condemned the guiltless. Christ told them,
if you only
understood the meaning of this scripture verse; "I want you to be merciful more
than I want your offerings," quoting from (Hosea 6:6). God does not want your
burnt temple offerings. "He wants your love." Those who were plucking the corn were
guiltless. (Psalm 94:21, 109:31).
8For
the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Jesus Christ has authority over the Sabbath! (Luke 6:5). The Sabbath days were a
shadow of Christ. He has done all the work, so that we now find our rest in Him. The Sabbath day was nailed to the cross.
(Colossians 2:13-17). "He became our Sabbath and rest." People need to
quit making a religion out of a certain day, time of the year, church doctrine,
or traditional belief. (Sabbath or Sunday worship, Easter or Passover, Rapture
or no Rapture, Christmas or no Christmas). Its believing in the "Living God,"
that is important.
9And
when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
Back to
church.
10And,
behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying,
Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
The
Pharisees main purpose was to try and accuse Christ of breaking the law. (They
considered healing to be work). They
wanted Him to say yes so they could arrest Him. Let's see how He answered them.
11And
he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep,
and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and
lift it out? Everyone new that they would go
and save the sheep that had fallen into the pit, even if it was on the Sabbath.
12How
much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the
sabbath days. Man is more important than
sheep. It is lawful to do "good" on the Sabbath. "Not
only God's work, but any good works."
13Then
saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it
was restored whole, like as the other. Now let me ask you... Did Christ
"touch" this man? No! He overpowers the Pharisees by saying; "Stretch forth thy hand."
(They could not accuse Him of touching the man; that would be work according to
them). We must be wiser than the serpent. Christ knew what
they were thinking and how they wanted to trick Him. (You can't trick or con
God).
14Then
the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy
him. The Pharisees were not happy with what had just happened, and held a
meeting on how they may destroy Christ for doing well on the Sabbath. (He
ruffled up their traditional beliefs a little and they didn't like it). When you
teach the truth, you are not going to be very popular with the general religious
community who follow traditions of men and church doctrine.
15But
when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes
followed him, and he healed them all; Again; Christ new what they were
thinking, so He left the church and the congregation followed Him. (Now the
religious community is really upset with Jesus, He is pulling people away from
their livelihood). Just as with many churches today, "Its all about the your
tithes and offerings."
16And
charged them that they should not make him known: "Keep this on the down
low." He cautioned them about
revealing the miracles He performed, but the word would get
around anyway. (Mark 7:36), the more He told them to keep it quite, the more it
was published.
17That
it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Teaching from (Isaiah 42:1-4).
18Behold
my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I
will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
Behold My servant the Messiah. He will show justification to the (non-Jewish) nations.
19He
shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
He does not fight or shout, or raise His voice in public. "He humbles
Himself." (Matthew 11:29). Just as we are to humble ourselves to the knowledge
of truth. (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
20A
bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he
send forth judgment unto victory. He does not crush the weak, or quench
the smallest hope or little fire. (He is very gentle and fans the flames).
However, He will end all conflict with His final
victory. (Revelation 6:2).
21And
in his name shall the Gentiles trust. He is the light to the gentiles,
"those who did not reject Him."
(Isaiah 11:10, Luke 2:32, Colossians 1:27). He is the "hope" of the whole world.
22Then
was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed
him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. Jesus totally
healed him. This is real power, documenting that He is Messiah. Even the evil
spirits knew that He was Christ (Mark 3:11,
Luke 4:41).
23And
all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
The
crowds were amazed. "Maybe Jesus is the Messiah." they exclaimed.
24But
when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils,
but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. The Pharisees were really mad
now, they heard about this miracle and accused Jesus of being a devil. One who
gets their power from the "prince of demons." (Satan, the king of devils).
Remember back in verse 15 when Christ left the synagogue, most of the congregation left with Him. The Pharisees were not happy about this. (Lose
the congregation, lose all the money).
25And
Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or
house divided against itself shall not stand: A divided Kingdom ends in ruin, and a city or home
divided against itself cannot stand.
26And
if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his
kingdom stand? Satan would not cast out himself.
27And
if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out?
therefore they shall be your judges. The
Pharisees believed in and practiced exorcism. Jesus lays this question on them; If
you claim that I am casting out demons by invoking the powers of Satan, then by
what power do your children use when casting them out? "Let them answer your accusation." They had no power or authority to cast out devils, they were
part of Satan and his devils already. (The accusers)!
28But
if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto
you. Jesus cast out devils by the Spirit of
God (the Holy Spirit), God's Kingdom had come down to them, but they didn't
realize it.
29Or
else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he
first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
One cannot
rob Satan's kingdom without first binding Satan. Only then can his demons be
cast out. Christ had to be stronger than Satan in order to rid this man of evil
spirits. (Christ was saying; I am stronger than Satan).
30He
that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth
abroad. Anyone that isn't helping me is harming me.
(Luke 11:23). If you get yourself
wrapped up in traditions of men and false teachings, they make void the Word of
God. (Revelation 3:15-16).
31Wherefore
I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but
the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. (Luke 12:10-12). "The unforgivable sin."
Many believe this can only happen when you are delivered up before the
synagogues, magistrates, and powers. (i.e. delivered up before Satan in the end
times as a witness for Christ). However, if you are persistent in denying,
slandering, or speaking evil against the "Holy Spirit of God," you may not be
forgiven and are in real trouble. (Mark 3:29, Acts 7:51). Not only that, but if
you constantly go against the Holy Spirit and cause other Christians problems.
"God just might take you out!" (I have seen it happen more than once).
32And
whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but
whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither
in this world, neither in the world to come.
So, speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this world, or the
world to come. If you blow it here on earth, you will never make it to the new
world. (Our eternal life world that will be set up here on earth).
33Either
make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his
fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
You can tell what kind of tree is before you by the fruit it produces. What trees were in the
garden? The tree of "knowledge of good and evil" (Satan), and the "tree of life"
(Christ). Don't be deceived or conned by fruitless people and false teachers!
If they are good people, you will see it in their righteous acts. If they are
evil people, you will see it in their sin. However, don't judge others, leave
the judging to the Heavenly Father.
34O
generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Jesus was addressing those who accused
Him; How could evil men like you speak what is good and right?
For a mans heart determines his speech. (You speak what's in your heart). Now lets take the word "generation" to
the Greek. Strong's #108 which means (offspring or produce, fruit). Christ was
talking to those who were of the seed of the serpent. (Genesis 3:13-15). They
are called "Kenites" sons of Cain, or sons of Satan (Matthew 3:7,
23:33), that back then, worked their way into the Jewish community. Now they
have worked their way throughout the world.
35A
good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and
an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
A good
mans speech reveals his rich treasure within his heart. (Psalm 37:30-31,
Proverbs 15:23, Proverbs 16:21, 16:23, Colossians 3:16, 4:6). An evil hearted man is filled with
venom, and his speech reveals it. (Matthew 12:34, Proverbs 15:28).
36But
I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of judgment. This leans towards false
teachings and traditions of men. This word "idle" is "argos" G692 in the
Strong's, means lazy or useless. The word "speak" used here means
to utter words or preach. This mainly applies to those who preach and teach the Word,
but also refers to all believers and seed planters. Remember,
judgment begins at the pulpit. (I Peter 4:17), "Don't listen to a preacher, teacher,
or person that don't know what they are talking about." God will judge all
their secrets and works! (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Romans 2:16, Revelation 20:12).
37For
by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Preachers, teachers, and people will be held accountable for what they
say and teach. i.e. what comes out of your mouth can either justify you or
condemn you. "This also applies to everyday life." (Sometimes it is better to
keep your mouth shut)!
38Then
certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would
see a sign from thee. They wanted Christ to show them a miracle because
they would not believe what they have heard. (Mark 8:11-12, Luke 11:16, 11:29,
John 2:18, 4:48). The Jews always required a sign, but others would seek after
His wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:22). "Don't test God!"
39But
he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after
a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet
Jonas: Adulterous generation:
Idol worshippers and friends of the world. (Ezekiel
23:37, James 4:4). They wanted a sign?
Jonah was the prophet sent to pronounce judgment on Nineveh, but didn't listen
to God and went the other way, ending up in the belly of the fish for three
days. Jonah means (Dove), which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Jonah was a sign
to the Ninevites, Jesus was a sign to this generation. (Luke 11:29:30).
40For
as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son
of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
What
happened to Jonah was symbolic of what would happen to Christ. Jonah was in the
belly of a great fish for three days, and Christ would be in the tomb for three
days before His resurrection.
41The
men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn
it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than
Jonas is here. Nineveh repented for their
sins at the preaching of Jonah. However, with all the healings and miracles Christ performed, they
still
would not believe that He was the Messiah. (They reject Him to this very day).
42The
queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall
condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the
wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Speaking
of the Queen of Sheba (I Kings 10:1-13), who heard stories of King Solomon and
his wisdom. She traveled from far away to meet King Solomon and listen to him.
But, here we have Jesus Christ (one who holds all the wisdom of the world and in
heaven), and they would not listen to Him. What a bunch of fools!
43When
the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking
rest, and findeth none. When an evil spirit leaves someone it seeks rest
but finds none. An evil spirit only finds rest when it is haunting someone.
44Then
he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is
come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. When the evil spirit
leaves someone, the one it leaves is nice and clean, but if you do not place
Christ in its place, guess who is coming back? The same demon that left.
45Then
goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself,
and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than
the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
But, now the
demon brings back more demons with him and the person is worse of than before.
The message here is to have power over your enemies. First you must drive them
out; then you must place Christ in their place. If not, these demons will come
back ten fold. So it will be with this evil generation (those who follow Satan),
who will just keep getting worse in their ways. "Not going to be good for them
on judgment day!"
46While
he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without,
desiring to speak with him. Christ's Mother and brothers were there.
Reference: (Mark 6:3, John 2:12).
47Then
one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring
to speak with thee. Someone told Jesus they wanted to speak with Him.
48But
he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is
my mother? and who are my brethren? Christ was not speaking against His Mother or brothers.
This was His way of teaching that "God" comes before family. (Matthew 10:37).
49And
he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said,
Behold my mother and my brethren! Meaning family.
The many member family of God. (John 17:8-9, 17:20).
50For
whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my
brother, and sister, and mother. We can all
be part of the family of God, if we do His will. "Hear the Word of God, believe
it, and do it." (Matthew 7:20-21, Mark 3:35, Luke 8:21, 11:28, John 6:40, 1
Peter 4:2, Revelation 22:14). The many member body of Christ. "Whosoever will."
click here to
return to books
Keep The Faith,
Bart
|