Matthew 23
In chapter 23 on of the book of Matthew Jesus addresses the crowds and covers the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Jesus addressed the whole crowd of people and His disciples at this time.
2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: These were the teachers of the religious law. They were interpreters of the law of Moses. (Malachi 2:7).
3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. Jesus tells the people to practice and obey the leaders and teachers of the law, but not to follow their example. The Scribes and Pharisees taught the law of Moses, but they themselves did not follow the law as they should have. Kind of like "do as I say, not as I do." (They don't practice what they preach). We call them hypocrites! (Romans 2:20-23, 2 Timothy 3:5, Titus 1:16).
4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. They give you impossible demands that they can't even keep themselves. (Certain church organizations even have their own book of rules for you to follow). Never let anyone put you in bondage by their by-laws, church doctrine, and traditions.
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments. "All done for show." Phylacteries: Leather boxes bound to them that contained scripture verses. (Deuteronomy 6:8). They act so holy by wearing prayer boxes, charms, and long fancy robes. (You see a lot of this today).
6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues. They love to sit at the head table at banquets and right up front in the reserve seats of the church or synagogue for everyone to see. The apostle James gives a good explanation about favoritism. (James 2:1-4).
7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. They love titles like Rabbi, Master, Father, or Reverend, and like to be called by their title. (Everyone wants a title of leader and importance now days). What happened to the title of servant?
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Never let anyone call you that. Only God is your Rabbi, or Master and only God deserves reverence. Everyone else in the many member body of Christ is equal.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. And never address anyone here on earth as "Father" (especially holy Father), for only God in heaven should be addressed like that. Interesting that the very word "pope" means "father." Keep in mind that we are speaking in a spiritual and religious sense. You can call your biological parent father, but your spiritual Father is God Himself, and only Him, "not any man."
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. Let no man call you master. For Christ is your master. "Christ is everything." Christ served us all on the cross. Again, this is in a spiritual sense. Example: Master used in a different way such as, "she is a master at golf," or he is a "master of the martial arts," would not apply.
11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. To be the greatest you must serve. The lower your service to others, the greater you are. Even Christ came to serve. (Matthew 20:26-27, Luke 22:26-27, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Galatians 5:13).
12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But, those you think themselves as great (self righteous hypocrites), shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted. (Proverbs 29:23, Matthew 18:4, Luke 14:11, James 4:6).
13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. These self righteous hypocrites close the Kingdom of Heaven to others as they pretend to be holy. If you remember, the beatitudes were at the beginning of Matthew in chapter 5. The eight beatitudes were the teachings of Christ as taken from the law of Moses. Here we have the eight woe's taught by the religious leaders. They are the exact opposite of what Christ taught in the beatitudes. Another reference to compare the two would be appendix #126 of the companion bible.
14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. They hold long public prayers in the streets looking so holy (Praying in public to impress others), while they evict widows from their homes. (Ripping them off and claiming their estates). These are just plain hypocrites who will receive the greater damnation.
15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. They go to all lengths to make one convert, then turn them to twice the "son of hell" than they are themselves through false teachings. (Teaching them to follow mans doctrine instead of God).
16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Their rule is that to swear by God's temple means nothing, you can break that oath. But to swear by the gold in the temple is binding. "All about the money." (Did you ever notice that in most churches today, that those who give the most money get the most attention).
17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? Blind fools! What is more important, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. They say that to take an oath by the altar can be broken, but to swear by the gifts of the altar' is binding. In other words, according to these hypocrites, you can break your oath to God, but if you make an oath to pledge money, you are bound by that pledge.
19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? God sanctifies all things. Never worship the gift more than the altar.
20Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. God is the head of the altar. When you swear by the altar you are swearing by it and everything on it.
21And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. When you swear by the temple, you are swearing by it, and God who lives in it.
22And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. When you swear by the heavens, you are swearing by the throne of God and by God Himself. The lesson here is that you should not need to swear an oath to keep a promise. Jesus would say: Again, 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: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:33-37). 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).
23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. These religious leaders worry so much about the tithing, they forget the law and teaching of God's Word.
24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. You strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. You worry so much about the things that are not important and ignore the things that really count.
25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. You religious leaders make everything look so good and holy from the outside, but corruption goes on inside.
26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Clean it up from within. We are not just talking churches here, but your heart and minds also. Sometimes we need to do a little internal cleansing to get rid of all the junk we consume. False teaching, church doctrine, and traditions of men. (Luke 6:45, 2 Corinthians 7:1, James 4:8).
27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. like beautiful mausoleums full of dead men's bones. They look so sanctified and religious, but are full of corruption.
28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Outwardly they look like such saintly men in their fancy robes, but underneath in their hearts is every sort of hypocrisy and sin. "Beware if you attend such a church."
29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous. You build monuments to the prophets killed by your fathers, so you look so holy.
30And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. They say; if we lived back then, we would have never acted like our fathers did. (Matthew 21:35-36).
31Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. In saying that, you are accusing yourselves of being the sons of wicked men.
32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Go ahead and finish what your fathers started. (Jesus knew they wanted to kill Him, now He invites them to finish the job).
33Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Generation here is translated offspring. (Strong's G1081 "gennema" meaning "offspring" or "generation"). "Generation or offspring of vipers." (Evil wicked men). The offspring of Satan! (John 8:44).
34Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: You crucified and killed the prophets in the past. I will send more wise men and teachers and you will kill some of them also. Others you will persecute and chase away. (Just like many churches today who ridicule real teachers of the Word).
35That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. All the ones murdered from Abel to Zechariah. i.e. Murdered from A to Z (Luke 11:51, Revelation18:24).
36Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. Judgment of the centuries shall come upon this generation. (Upon this offspring). Speaking of the tares (Kenites), who are the children of the devil. (Matthew 13:37-39). Read our study topic titled: "Sons of Cain," for a better understanding of who the Kenites are.
37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! They would not listen to the prophets, and they would not listen to Christ, even with all the compassion God has had towards them. (Psalm 17:8, 36:7, 63:7).
38Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. Jesus Christ is the temple that they will try to destroy through the crucifixion. (John 14:19). But, the temple and Jerusalem will also one day be destroyed. Why? Because the abomination of desolation will appear there. (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11).
39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. The second advent of Christ. (Psalm 118:26, Zechariah 9:10, 12:10).
Matthew 24
Mathew 24 is one of the most interesting chapters in God's Word. It gives us a look at both tribulations. The tribulation of (anti-Christ), or false messiah which comes first, then the tribulation of Christ, who returns after the anti-Christ. It also gives us a glimpse of the seven trumps, seven seals, and seven vials, pertaining to the end times, also mentioned in Mark 13. His disciples would ask Christ, what would be the sign of your coming? So lets see how Christ would answer them.
1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. The disciples gave Him a tour of the temple buildings.
2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Christ replied; Not one stone shall be left upon another, and all these buildings will be destroyed. (This was not in 70 AD, when Titus destroyed the temple), this is future prophecy for the end times when Christ's return at the second advent. "Keep in mind that this is and end of times chapter."
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? The word world here is (Strong's G165 "aion" or earth age). They wanted to know the signs bringing us to an end of this world age, not the world itself. This earth age will be destroyed and the earth itself will be cleansed, but this world will still remain.
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Christ made it very clear not to let anyone mislead you. A serious warning about the false teachers and the antichrist. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1).
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Many will come in Christ's name. "Christ here is Messiah." Many will come claiming to be the messiah, or savior. We have seen it throughout history, but now every TV show is centered around some type of savior of the world. (People are starting to believe in their fantasy world).
6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. When you see these wars beginning, this does not signal my return. What we should look towards is when they call for peace among all these nations. Wars and rumors of wars have been taking place for some time, but now we are hearing the cry for peace, peace, peace.
7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Nations will rise against nations. (We have Iran rising against Israel, and keep an eye on the rise of Islam). We are now experiencing famines, plagues, and earth quakes in many places like never before. (It's happening around the world already). There will not only be a famine for food and water, but we must also keep in mind that there is a spiritual famine in the end times for hearing the Word of God. (Amos 8:11). People are starving for the truth of Gods Word.
8All these are the beginning of sorrows. When you see these things, this is only the beginning of the horrors to come. This word sorrows is pain, sorrow, travail (as in labor pains). The beginning of a new world age is about to take place.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. Many will be tortured, killed, and hated all over the world because of what true Christians believe and stand for. (Look at all the Christians burned to death during the reformation, and look at all the Christians being killed today by the "rise of Islam" in the middle east and abroad).
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Many will fall back into sin and betray and hate one another. Can you see this in the world today? Can you see this in your own family? (Mark 13:12, Luke 21:16).
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Many false prophets (So called teachers of the Word), will appear and lead many astray. Just turn of the television, radio, or click on the internet and you will find all kinds of deception and false teachings. There are some good churches, television, radio and internet ministries out there, but not that many who teach the full gospel truth. If you find one, stick with them.
12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many. You don't need to look to far to see this taking place. (People just don't care about others anymore).
13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Those enduring to the end shall be saved. Notice it says that those who hang in there till the end will be saved. That means till the return of Christ, at the second advent. (Don't try to take a shortcut out of here with some false teachings like the rapture). Remember that antichrist comes first and will deceive many, pretending that he is Christ.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. The Good News of the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world for all nations to hear the truth and then finally, the end will come. The time is near. With television, radio, and the internet, this is becoming possible. Even here at the Good News Ministry, we reach and fellowship with members from over 50 countries around the world. We are just a drop in the bucket. The Word is spreading like a disease and people are hungry for the truth.
15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) When you see the horrible thing standing in the holy place spoken by Daniel the prophet. (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). Remember that Satan is coming first as anti-Christ, and he comes in peace. (Daniel 11:21). This prince (the antichrist), will make a seven-year treaty with the people, but after half that time, he will break his pledge and stop all the sacrifices. (The daily offering or communion). He will defile the sanctuary of God as the desolator. (Mark 13:14-26). This seven years will be shortened to five months, as stated in Revelation 9, for the elects sake.
Here is how the seventy weeks of Daniel plays out. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (Daniel 12:11). From the time the daily sacrifice was taken away, (Christ's crucifixion was the daily sacrifice), till the abomination of desolation is set up, is 1,290 days. (A.D. 33 till 1948 = 1,290 of Daniels days). (33 years from 1948 = 1915). (1915 divided by 1,290 = 1.48). There is 1.48 of our years in one day of Daniel's, making it a common denominator. (Read Companion bible appendix 89). Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (Daniel 12:12). Blessed are those who wait until the 1335th day. Take 1.48 x 1335 = the year 1975. (This would just be the season or beginning of the end times). Read Companion bible appendix 90 for further reference. (We are in the time of the last generation).
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Those in Judea should flee into the Judean hills. (People of Israel). The antichrist comes to deceive many of the people if they are unaware and let him. Matches with John's vision in the book of revelation (Revelation 12:12-15).
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Literally, "roof tops" which being flat, were used as porches at the time. (Acts 10:9). They are not to even go inside to pack a bag before they flee. (They are to flee when the antichrist appears on the scene as the desolator).
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Those working in the fields should not even return to their homes for their clothes. (You won't need them).
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! We are not necessarily speaking of pregnant women. Although this would be a tough time for them to flee. (This figure of speech applies to men or women). A warning to those who fall for the antichrist. Christ is returning for a virgin bride spiritually speaking. But, He will return and find that many have become spiritually deceived (impregnated), by anti-Christ. Following his teachings, not God's Word. (Luke 23:28-31). Stay a spiritual virgin for the return of Christ. Do not be deceived by Satan!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: It was part of the law of Moses for the people of Israel not to leave their homes on the Sabbath and the city gates were closed (Exodus 16:29). Also, keep in mind that this is harvest time, so don't be harvested out of season. Not only would winter be a bad time to flee, but it is out of season for the locust army of Revelation 9. (The time of the locust would be May thru September). "This could take place in any upcoming year."
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. There will be persecution such as the world has never seen before in all history, and will never see again. (The great tribulation). However, if you have God's seal (the truth) in your forehead, you will not be touched. (Revelation 9:4).
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. In fact, unless those days are shortened, all mankind will perish. But, for the sake of God's chosen, those days will be shortened. (Speaking of the 1,290 days of Daniel 12:11). The time of the locust army that will be shortened to a five month period. (Revelation 9:5, 9:10), time of the locust is May through September, this is also the time of Passover to the Feast of Tabernacles.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Don't believe it if anyone tells you that Christ has returned at this time or arrived at such a place. Remember that the antichrist returns first pretending to be Christ.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Many who claim to be Christian and prophets of God will arise and do wonderful miracles, and if possible even deceive God's elect. You can start to see it today in our society. Those who prey on the weak minded with their hands on healings. Even some who may think they are of the elect are being deceived by false teachings and doctrines. The true elect will not be deceived. "They know better."
25Behold, I have told you before. See, I have warned you. God has foretold us all things if we study His Word. (Mark 13:23).
26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. If they tell you Christ is in the desert, or hiding in a secret place, do not believe them. As long as you are in this flesh body, the true Christ has not returned yet. The minute Christ returns to the mount of Olives, we will all be changed to our spirit bodies. (I Corinthians 15:44, 51, 52).
27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. He will return to Jerusalem, to the mount of Olives when He cleanses the temple. (Zechariah 14). However, remember that the false Christ comes first. It is at the sixth seal, sixth trump, and sixth vial, when antichrist comes. His mark (666). "The true Christ comes at the seventh trump." (Revelation 1:7).
28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Carcase: Strong's G4430 "ptoma" lifeless body, from the alternate G4098 "pipto peto" to fall, (spiritually dead). The word eagle here, (that some translate as vulture), is (aetos), Strong's Greek #105 (from it's wind like flight). Same as #109 and #5594 (breath of life).
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Written in old testament scripture. (Isaiah 13:10, Joel 2:10, 3:15). Another thought is these stars that fall from heaven represent Satan and his angels when they are cast out by Michael the arch angel. Literally the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Ephesians 6:12).
30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And then literally, the coming of the Son of Man shall return. There will be deep mourning all around the earth. (Revelation 1:7). Why mourning? Because of those who were deceived by antichrist and false teachings. Just don't care about searching for the truth of God's Word. God will say, I never knew you, get out of my sight! (Matthew 7:22-23).
31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The angels shall gather the elect (the chosen ones), from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. (Those scattered during the tribulation). This will take place at the 7th trump. The four winds are the four spirits that will bring this dispensation to an end. The same winds spoken of in (Revelation 7 & Daniel 7).
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: The summer is the harvest of the fig tree. (Mark 13:28-29, Luke 21:29-30). Another clue in the season of the harvest of the earth and Christ's return. The chute was set in the year 1948 when Israel became a nation. "The reestablishment of Israel." (May 14th 1948). This is the generation of the fig tree. The harvest of the good and bad figs are spoken of in the book of Jeremiah 24. Speaking of Judah and the Kenites. The Kenites being the bad figs. The time is nearing the end of this generation of 1948.
33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. The subject hear is the return of Christ. When you see these things beginning to happen, you know that the time is near. The word "it" hear should read, He is near, not it.
34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. What generation? The generation of the fig tree, (The last generation), or generation of 1948 when Israel became a nation. (Matthew 23:36, Mark 13:30). "We are living in this era."
35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Speaking of this heaven and earth age. (2 Peter 3:7-12). The Word will remain forever. (Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:25). Nothing else in this world will last. That is why we need to study God's Word and forget all the traditions of men, false teachings, and church clicks that do not stick to the truth of the Word.
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Only our Heavenly Father knows (that instant), when the end will come. (Mark 13:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelations 3:3). That is why people need to get their act together. (Revelation 16:15). People setting dates for the return of Christ are lying to you.
37But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. It will be just as in the days of Noah before the floods came.
38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, This word (Noe) here is Noah. What were they doing in those days before the floods came? They were partying, and giving in marriage to the Nephilim, (the fallen angels), under the influence of Satan. (Genesis 6:2-4). It is going to happen again when Satan and his band of fallen angels are kicked out of heaven by Michael the arch angel. (Revelation 12:7-9). That is why a woman should have power over her head (meaning Christ), because of the angels as stated in (I Corinthians 11:10). Christ should be her spiritual husband. Only Christ and knowledge of God's Word will protect us in the end times.
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. People would not believe it till the flood came and took them away. The same will happen when Christ returns. How many time have you heard someone say; that won't happen in my time, they have been saying this for years now. Do not be deceived like those in Noah's day. It will be to late.
40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Taken by who? Will they be taken (spiritually deceived), by the antichrist and his band of angels? They are spiritually taken by antichrist through deception. No one is going to physically fly-away in a rapture. (They are lying to you)! Remember we need to follow the subject here, which is the return of antichrist and the way it was in Noah's day. Who was taken by the flood? The ones that did not listen to Noah and were deceived. Noah remained right here on earth, he wasn't deceived or taken by the flood. When Christ returns at the seventh trump, we will all be gathered back to Christ here on earth in our spirit bodies. (God protects His own).
41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Again, the one's taken have been deceived by the antichrist. We are to remain working in the field doing God's work. (the field is the earth). What does your pastor teach? The truth of God's Word, or does he teach traditions of men and fantasy doctrine?
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. A good watchmen watches the prophecies and the signs given to us in the Word. (Mark 13:33).
43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. In other words, do not be spiritually asleep. (Know what is going on in the word).
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Be ready for the unannounced return of Christ. Do not be to spiritually relaxed. Now let me ask you this, what would be the most relaxed hour for those who will be deceived? When the antichrist returns first pretending to be Christ. If you already think Christ has returned, you will be to relaxed and miss the return of the true Christ. Again, what hour? The hour of temptation. That one hour when all people are in confusion. (That hour of Revelation 17:12), "a five month period." When fully established, it will be that time of the "one world political system" spoken of in Revelation 13. Remember that Christ has told us all these things. (2 Thessalonians 2:5).
45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Are you a wise and faithful servant of the Lord? He gives us "meat" to feed the children, day by day, not just milk. Were talking of strong truth in God's Word. Something of substance that you can hold on to and not be deceived.
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Blessings to those who are doing the work of the Lord at His return. Not the first one taken, but those who remain in the field. Remember the "woe" of verse 19, those nursing along the works of Satan.
47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. Christ will put the faithful ones in charge of everything He owns. (This is during the millennium).
48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; But, if you are biblically illiterate and evil, and say to yourself that Christ won't be coming for a while.
49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; If you begin oppressing your fellow servants, just partying and getting drunk. Giving and taking with the Nephilim (fallen angels), and false Christ (verse 38), because of deception. Even God will send strong delusion, to believe a lie on people like this. (2 Thessalonians 2:11). There is no sin or shame in being biblically illiterate, but don't stay that way. Study God's Word!
50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, They may think he is already here, but it is the false Christ. "This hour of temptation is a five month period." (Revelation 9:5, 9:10-11). "When the true Christ returns, they miss the boat." (They have been deceived)!
51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. He will say, I never knew you! Those deceived will be sent off to judgment with the hypocrites. And yes, there will be a lot of weeping in that day. Do not be deceived!
Matthew 25
1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Ten virgins: These would represent (ten Christians), that would be attending the wedding. Remember that we are to remain spiritual virgins when Christ returns as the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Lets see what the wise ones did and see what the foolish ones did. Remember that the first step to wisdom is to revere and obey the Lord. Not some man.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: A Christian is to reflect the light of Jesus Christ. Oil used here is (Elahyon) or anointing oil. Representing God's anointing, or the Word of God. (They were lacking the truth).
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The wise ones took the oil, Gods anointing, or the Word of God that they knew very well. (They were prepared with truth).
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. They slept and got a little sidetracked from what was going on. Just like can happen to us with false teaching and traditions of men. (Stay focused on the truth).
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. This would be in the seventh trump hour, at the return of Christ in the second advent. (Revelation 16:15).
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The wise ones knew who Christ was and were prepared at His return. "They knew the truth in the word and were not deceived." (Luke 12:35).
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. The foolish ones had no light in them because they were biblically illiterate. (No truth, just traditions of men and false teachings). They did not know the real Christ from the false Christ who comes first.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now remember from verse six that we are talking about 12:00 midnight. It is hard to buy lamp oil at this time in those days. They blew it and were to late, just as you can't buy Gods Word either. You either learn the truth or not, and the truth is given to you by God, not some man or woman.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Some people wait all their lives before coming to the truth, some don't get it at all. But, its to late now for those who were not ready for His return. (They missed the wedding and the door was shut)! What side of the door will you be on?
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. They begged to get in, but it was to late.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. It is to late, I don't even know you! These are the ones who were deceived by the antichrist who comes first. Now they want to be part of the true Christ. To late fool!
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Be prepared, for you should know the season of His return, but we do not know the exact day or hour. (Matthew 24:42-44, Mark 13:33-37). Remember what Christ said back in Matthew 24 about those who will be saved? But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13). It amazes me how so many pastors quote this scripture and still believe in the rapture. "Those enduring to the end shall be saved." Notice it says that those who hang in there till the end will be saved. That means till the return of Christ, at the second advent. (Don't try to take a shortcut out of here with some false teachings like the rapture). Remember that antichrist comes first and will deceive many, pretending that he is Christ.
14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. The man called his servants together and gave them each some money for them to invest while he was gone. We are to be servants of Christ; He gives us the wisdom to study and understand the word through the Holy Spirit. We are to invest in the knowledge He has given us by sharing the truth with others. Everyone according to the gifts given to us, so the word will spread and multiply. (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11). In the end, there will be rewards for serving Him. (Colossians 3:24).
15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. He gave the servants an amount that they could be responsible for according to their ability to earn. Just as God gives us truth in the Word according to our ability to use it and share it. (Make it grow if you will), God is always fair and He knows your limitations, do you?
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. This servant worked and traded until he doubled the money.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. This servant also worked and traded until he doubled his money, even though it was less than the first servant, he did the best he could with what he had.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. This servant hid the money and made no profit at all. (Kind of like hiding a truth of the Word within yourself). Never sharing the truth with others so it would spread and multiply.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. The lord called the servants together to account for his money.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. Invested well and doubled his money.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Well done the master said. Now I can trust you with more responsibilities.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. This servant doubled his money also.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Well done again the master replies. I can trust you also with more responsibilities. Notice He praises this servant the same as the one with the more money. The exact same blessing. Why? Because our Lord is always 100% fair. God will only expect from you what He gives you and will never give you anymore than you can handle. God does not play favorites. Never think that you are not doing enough for God by comparing yourself to others. Do your best with what the Lord has blessed you with and the Lord will be pleased. This same parable can apply to supporting a church or ministry. Remember the story of the poor widow? (Mark 12:41-44).
24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: Our Heavenly Father is very strict, but we should be able to cut it, if we call ourselves Christians. Being a Christian is not always easy and takes a lot of work to learn the truth in the word. You will be rejected by many and may not be the most popular person around. But, the Holy Spirit will see you through if you make the effort.
25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. This servant produced nothing. Afraid to take a chance and share a truth of God's Word. Just kept it for himself, and would not share it with others. (Sometimes people are ashamed to share a truth in Gods Word because they fear embarrassment and rejection from others). Let me ask you this? Would you rather be rejected by man, or by God? If you are ashamed of your faith in Jesus Christ, the Heavenly Father will be ashamed of you when it counts.
26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Wicked lazy servant. This man did nothing to increase what was given to him. (Totally useless)! God expects some return on what He gives us.
27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. You could have at least put the money into a bank so I could have gained a little interest. God at least expects us to plant a seed if not a full truth, and He will take it from their. This servant did not even do that.
28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. Give it to someone who will do something with it. If you do not care anything about Gods Word, He will keep the truth from you. "Its called the spirit of slumber." (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. (Romans 11:8).
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Every man or woman who uses what they are given shall be given more, and have abundance. But, those who are unfaithful, even the little responsibilities shall be taken from them and given to another. (Mark 4:25, Luke 8:18, John 15:2). "Do not waste the gifts given to you by God."
30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Remember that the subject here is still the return of Christ. Make sure you are doing God's will and work at His return. "Do not be deceived." Stay away from the false teachings and traditions of men. Use the gifts God has given you, and be a faithful servant with what He has blessed you with. Those who are useless will be cast into outer darkness with the hypocrites. (Matthew 24:51).
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: When the Messiah comes in His glory and sits upon His throne at the second advent. Those remaining will receive their reward according to his works. (Matthew 16:27).
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: This word nations here is "Ethnos" Strong's #1484 in the Greek, meaning non-Jewish or the Gentile people.
33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Make note that the sheep are on the right, as Christ sits on the right hand of God, and the goats are on the left. The sheep are the good people (believers), and the goats (strong's G2055 "eriphion" symbolically wicked person), represent the wicked people or non-believers. (This has nothing to do with the politics of conservative or liberal like many try to make it). There are good and bad people in both parties, so don't listen to a bunch of idiots saying that one party is better than the other.
34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: The sheep, or those on the right will enter into the Kingdom of God. Those who hear the word of God and keep it. (Luke 11:28). The Heavenly Father had the plan right from the beginning. Those who overcome will inherit all things. (Revelation 21:7). i.e. Anyone who comes to the truth as a true believer no matter who he or she is.
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: I was hungry and you fed me. (Fed Me the truth of God's Word). I was thirsty and you gave me water. (The living water of Christ that quenches all thirst). I was a stranger and you took me in your home. (Gave me that place of rest within your heart).
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Naked and you clothed me. (Clothed Me with the Gospel Armor of God). Sick and in prison, and you visited me. (Sick and in bondage to false teachings, church doctrine, and traditions of men). "Now the truth will set you free." (John 8:32).
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? The righteous wanted to know when they did all this for Christ. Here is how He replies.
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. When you did any of these things to my brothers or to the lost, you were doing it to me. We are all one family. (Ephesians 5:30). When you give a person a truth, or plant a good seed for the Heavenly Father to make grow, we are pleasing to Him and we will receive the blessings He has promised. (Hebrews 6:10).
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Here we have those on of the left side. (Non-believers). Away with you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. These are the ones who will not obey God. Keep in mind that this is for the ones after the millennium. (The thousand year reign and teachings with Christ). Those who will all have the chance to learn the truth, but will still reject the Word of God.
42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: Speaking of those who had the knowledge of truth, but would not share it.
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Pushed me aside and did not care, leaving me imprisoned and in bondage to the world.
44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? When did we see these things of need? So busy with making money and things of the world that they never have time for any one or any thing else.
45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. When you refused to help the least of these lost ones, you were refusing to help me.
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. The wicked shall go away into eternal punishment (Revelation 20:15, 21:18), but the righteous into everlasting life. (John 3:36, 5:29).
Matthew 26
1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Finished with His sermon on the mount of olives. Now it would be time for Him to complete His mission.
2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Christ is that Passover lamb slain and has become our Passover. (I Corinthians 5:7-8). It was time for Him to be betrayed and crucified. (Matthew 17:22).
3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, This was the head church at the time, and Caiaphas was the high priest. Caiaphas: This was Joseph, surnamed Caiaphas, who succeeded Simon son of Camith, in the high-priesthood, about ad 25. About two years after our Lord's death, he was deposed by Vitellius governor of Syria; and unable to bear his disgrace, and perhaps the stings of conscience for the murder of Christ, he killed himself about ad 35.
4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. They were thinking of ways to capture and take Jesus quietly to kill Him.
5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. But not during the Passover celebration (to many people from around the world), they did not want to upset the people, so they put off their first attempt to capture Him.
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, Bethany means "house of misery."
7There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. Jesus was being anointed by Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus), for His burial. (John 11:1-2). This would be very expensive perfume worth about "three hundred denarii," about a years worth of wages. (John 12:5).
8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? They were all angered and complained because they thought this was a waste of good ointment that could have been sold and given to the poor. (Well, at least that's what they said, not sure it would have been given to the poor). Very little donation money actual goes to a charity. Someone is always dipping in to fill their pockets. (John 12:4-6).
9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. Always thinking of the money and missing the deeper meaning. Yes, it is always good to give to the poor, but what was being done here, and where it would lead to, "was for all mankind." (Always keep an open mind and look for the deeper meaning).
10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. Why criticize the woman, she has done a good thing.
11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. Jesus didn't say forget about the poor; He simply meant that they have plenty of time for the poor, but His time here was about to end. Christ was about to be crucified and they still didn't get it.
12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. She did it to prepare Christ for His burial. How could anyone deny Him that?
13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. This woman will always be remembered for what she has done throughout the whole world, wherever the the Good News is preached. (Mark 14:9). You can bet that this woman was guided by the "Holy Spirit" for this anointing. She was the only one who came forward at that moment to do what needed to be done.
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, He went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. No one really knows the mind of Judas or why he betrayed Jesus. Some believe that he wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders and others believe that he wanted to gain favor in the Kingdom of God by figuring that God would send His angels to protect Christ after being betrayed. Another point to consider is that Judas Iscariot was a builder of cities, just as the tribes of Cain. (Genesis 4:17). Could he have been a descendant of Cain? He could have very well been a Kenite. But, remember that Judas repented. Also remember that Judas was murdered by the church, he did not commit suicide. (Acts 1:18). The church did not want anyone to know what they have done.
15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. How much will you pay to get Jesus in your hands? And they gave him thirty silver coins. Why thirty pieces of silver? Because it was written 600 years before this took place. (Zechariah 11:10-17). Thirty pieces of silver was also the going price for a slave at this time. (Exodus 21:32).
16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Judas watched for the opportunity to betray Jesus.
17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? The feast of unleavened bread is what you see in the picture of the twelve apostles and Jesus. We call it the last supper. (Luke 22:8-9).
18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. This was a pre-arranged event about to take place. Christ's time was at hand and He was about to die.
19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Feast of the unleavened bread.
20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. Again, these are the twelve apostles we see in the picture of the last supper.
21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. It is written that a friend would betray me. (Psalm 55:12-14).
22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? They were not sure which one of them would betray Jesus. (We all have a little weakness at times). However, Jesus knew all along who it was. (John 6:64).
23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. It is the one I served first.
24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Where is it written of Him? (Psalm 22). Written one thousand years before the actual crucifixion.
25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. It was not Christ who accused Judas, it was Judas himself.
26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Representing the body of Christ that would receive the stripes at the crucifixion.
27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; He gave thanks to the cup of His own blood. This is a spiritual representation of the body and blood of Christ. This is not transubstantiation (the belief that the bread and wine given at Communion become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ when they are blessed by a priest), like many want you to believe. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35). It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63).
28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. The blood of the new covenant between God and His people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The old covenant, and all blood ordinances were nailed to the cross at the crucifixion. (Exodus 24:8, Hebrews 10, Hosea 6:6), All God desires is your love.
29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. When the Kingdom of God is reestablished at Christ's return. (Maybe we will all enjoy a nice glass of Chardonnay with Jesus).
30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. What hymn did they sing? The traditional Passover Psalms, better know as the hallelujah Psalms. (Psalms 113-118).
31Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. Tonight you will all desert me, for it is written in the scriptures. (Zechariah 13:6-7). Everything planned by God. Isaiah wrote that God would strike the shepherd. (Isaiah 53:10).
32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Christ told the disciples He would rise from the dead and meet them in Galilee, but they were still surprised when He showed up there.
33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Offend used here is Strong's G4624 "skandalizo" to entrap, trip up, entice to sin. Peter declared, "if everyone else deserts you, I won't." Peter was strong, but would still deny Christ. (How weak we can become when enticed to sin).
34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Christ told Peter straight up that this very night, he would deny Him three times. Do you think this might have offended Peter? I'm sure it did.
35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. "I would die first" Peter insisted, and all the other apostles said the same thing. Just like we hear Christians say today, "I'll never sin again." Yea right! Don't get to puffed up in this flesh body because it is bound to fail you sooner or later. (Proverbs 16:18, 28:14, 29:23).
36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. Sit and wait till I go and pray. Gethsemane was a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, beyond the brook Cedron.
37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. He began to feel anguish and distressed. "A Man of sorrows." (Isaiah 53:3). Would you have some sorrow and anguish if you were facing death by crucifixion?
38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. My soul is crushed with horror and sadness to the point of death. "Stay here awake with me He asked Peter." (Not a very demanding request).
39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Jesus was speaking of the cup of wrath He would need to deliver in the end times. When Christ returns at the second advent, He comes back with a rod of iron, pouring out the fury of the cup of God's wrath. It is written in the old testament. (Isaiah 51:21-23).
40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? The three disciples did not stay awake to watch, not even Peter who He trusted to stay awake and watch. For the deeper student, the one hour Christ asked them to stay awake and watch is symbolic of that hour of temptation in (Revelation 17:12-13), when we are delivered up to antichrist. This is the five month period of (Revelation 9:5). We are to be the watchmen for that one hour. (Revelation 3:10-11). The lesson here is that If it happened to Peter, it could happen to you. We must remain spiritually awake in the end times as the watchmen.
41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. We are to remain spiritually awake and pray, otherwise temptation will overpower us. Especially during that hour of temptation of antichrist. Remember that the flesh is weak, but the spirit remains strong. (Don't fall asleep like Peter).
42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. That is the way that it has to be. The wicked will drink from the cup of wrath at the return of Christ.
43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. No discipline! You must remain disciplined in the word, or you will fall into a spiritual sleep, just as the disciples did.
44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Three times Christ prayed that He could spare the "cup of wrath" that would be delivered, but it is the will of God that it be done.
45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Christ told the disciples that He would be betrayed into the hands of men. That hour is coming soon for us all. Are you going to betray Him? The disciples walked with Christ and could not stay awake at His time of need. This is an example to us. We did not even see Christ, but we believe and live by faith. Are you going to stand in the end times, or are you going to be spiritually asleep?
46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. Lets go guys, look, here comes the man that will betray Me.
47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. At that moment He was speaking, Judas arrived with a crowd of people with swords and clubs, sent by the Jewish leaders. These were common people led by the priests, not Caesar's army. (Watch being a follower of man, they can get you in real trouble).
48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. Judas had told them to arrest the man that he would greet with the kiss. (Psalm 55:20-21).
49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. This was a firm affectionate kiss. The kiss of death! (Proverbs 27:6).
50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. Jesus knew what Judas and the crowd had come for. It was written. (Psalms 41:9). Kissed and betrayed by His friend. If your up their in age like myself, you know how it is to be betrayed by a family member or friend.
51And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Yes, the disciples were armed because of danger in the streets in those days. (Just as we need to protect ourselves in these days). It was Peter who drew his sword and cut the ear off of the high priests servant. (John 18:10-11).
52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Put away your sword Christ said. "Those using swords will get killed." (Revelation 13:10). We must resist the temptation, because it will be the religious beast that we face in the end times. (Revelation 13:11-14). Our sword is the "sword of the Lord." (Revelation 1:16). Which is the Word of God.
53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? Christ said to the disciples; Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly. Remember Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). Christ did not need an army of angels. This was meant to be. Yes, Christ could have prevented the crucifixion, but He did it for you and the sins of the world.
54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? The scriptures must be fulfilled that describe what is happening now. Where is it written? (Isaiah 53:4-6).
55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. You come to me with weapons like I was a criminal; I haven't been hiding, and I taught with you in the temple. This was the religious community that was coming for Him. When you teach truth in the word, the religious community won't like you either. (Most of them don't know the truth, or could not handle the truth).
56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. Again, the scriptures must be fulfilled. Now all the disciples deserted Him and fled. Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. (Zechariah 13:7) Why? This was an example to us of what will happen in the end times when antichrist appears. We are to remain and stand in the end times against the antichrist when he appears on the scene. Not run like a bunch of scattered sheep. Yes, it may be tough, but you can handle it if your a true Christian. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
57And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. They brought Him to the head church where all the Jewish leaders were gathering.
58But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Peter followed from behind (Jesus being in trouble, he didn't want to follow to close), but he did sit with the soldiers to see what was going to happen to Jesus. Most people will desert you in your time of need, but they still want to know what's going down.
59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; "These are church leaders." They were looking for a bunch of "Liars" in the church that would testify against Jesus. They wanted to kill Him based on lies, not truth! Usually when people come against another, the lies will start to come out.
60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, Many false witnesses came forward, but they all contradicted themselves and none of their stories held up. (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 3:16). But, here comes a couple of the higher-ups. "Holier than thou people."
61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. Was this written? Yes... But they twisted the scripture. Jesus never said "I would destroy the temple," but rather "you would destroy the temple," speaking of His body as the temple of God. (John 2:18-21). This was the temple that He would raise up in three days, and He did. "Beware of false witnesses."
62And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? Won't you defend yourself the high priest asked Jesus?
63But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus remained silent. "But the high priest demanded in the name of the living God that Jesus tell them if He claims to be the Messiah, the Son of God."
64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Yep, you said it! And in the future you will see me sitting at the right hand of God, and returning on the clouds of heaven. They understood who the Son of Man was, it was written of long ago. (Daniel 7:13).
65Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. It was considered blasphemous for one to claim that they were the Messiah (unless He was). However, they didn't need any false witnesses, their minds were already made up to kill Jesus.
66What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. These religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus no matter what. "Nice religious people." Making themselves judge and executioner when only God is judge.
67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, "A bunch of hypocrites and phonies." Remember that Satan works the best through churches and pulpits.
68Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? Now some of the Roman soldiers join in playing games slapping Jesus on the back of the head to see if He can tell who hit Him. (Very degrading way to slap someone).
69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. Peter was sitting in the courtyard, probably heart broken from what he just saw, and a young girl came over to accuse him of being with Jesus. Remember, Peter said he would rather die than deny Christ back in verses 34 and 35.
70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. Here comes the first time Peter denies he was seen with Christ.
71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. Another young girl accuses Peter. (Beware of little snitches).
72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. Here comes the second time Peter denies being with Christ, and this time with an oath.
73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Now a couple of men that were standing there came over and accused Peter of being one of Christ's disciples and said; we know you are because you speak with a Galilean accent. (Sometimes the things you say, will give you away). If you walk like a Christian, you will talk like a Christian. If you walk in the ways of the world, you will talk that way. "People know your heart by the way you speak."
74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Peter was angry now and denied he even knew Christ. This was the third time, and the cock crowed. This is an example to us. Peter was spiritually strong, but his flesh took over. Even a Spiritually strong Christian can be taken over by the flesh, if you let it happen. Will you deny Christ when the time comes like Peter did?
75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Peter was crushed and went away crying bitterly. It happened just as Christ said it would happen with Peter. Can you understand what Peter must have went through? Barjona (son of a dove), as Christ called him at times. As it was written he denied Christ three times, but later would be one of the apostles used to establish the Christian church. (Galatians 6:1, 1 Peter 1:5).
Matthew 27
1When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: All the head priests and elders from the whole denomination. They wanted to put an end to Jesus for teaching truth. However, only the Roman government had the authority to pronounce you to death at this time.
2And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Delivered to the roman governor. (The Messiah betrayed by His own people).
3Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Judas repented and wanted to back out of the deal. He did not think that it would come down to killing Christ. At this point, Judas was very dangerous to Pilate and the chief priests. They knew that Judas might reveal their plot to kill Jesus to the people.
4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. They told Judas that was his problem and that they did not need him anymore.
5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Judas did not hang himself, he had help from others. (Acts 1:16-18). Do not judge Judas; Remember that he repented for what he had done. Judas had no choice, it was written that he would betray Jesus by David in the old testament. (Psalm 41:9, 55:12-13).
6And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. It was blood money, and unlawful to put it in the temple treasury.
7And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. They took the money and bought a certain field where the clay was used by potters, and made it into a cemetery for foreigners who died in Jerusalem.
8Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. That is why the cemetery is still called "The Field of Blood."
9Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; Thirty pieces of silver was also the going price for a slave at the time.
10And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. Jeremiah may have said it, but it is written in (Zechariah 11:12-13).
11And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. You said it, "Jesus replied." (Jesus made no declaration here).
12And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. They made many accusations against Him, but Jesus remained silent. Again, it is written. (Isaiah 53:7).
13Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? "Don't you hear that they are talking about all these charges against you?"
14And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. But, Jesus said nothing, much to the governor's surprise. Pilate considered religion a superstition, so it wasn't that big of a deal to him. But, he couldn't figure out why the Jews had a problem with Jesus, even Pilate could find no fault with Him.
15Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. Pilate was trying to pacify the elders and the people. The governors custom was to release one Jewish prisoner each year during Passover celebration.
16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Barabbas was pretty well known. "He was a very bad man." (Mark 15:7, John 18:40).
17Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? The people were given a choice on who to release. Well, not really, you know their was someone behind it. "It was Satan and the kenites enticing the people."
18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. Delivered up for jealousy because of His popularity with the people.
19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. Pilate's wife sent him a message: "Leave that good man alone, because she had a terrible nightmare concerning Him the night before."
20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The kenites (sons of Cain), enticed by Satan, were the ones doing the dirty work here and stirred up the crowds against Jesus.
21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. The crowds picked Barabbas to save. Barabbas (meaning, Son of the father), but which father? He was a son of the devil!
22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. They were furious, and called on Christ to be crucified. (Again, enticed by Satan). That sleazy serpent that is behind all evil!
23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. Pilate again demanded. What has this man done wrong? But again they spoke with authority, "Let Him be crucified." (You can bet that these were also men of authority in the religious community).
24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Pilate could not sway them to release Jesus, so he washed his hands of it. It was the church who sentenced Jesus to death. Nice church, and I bet they looked so holy. How is your church doing?
25Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. This is a very controversial scripture verse. We should never blame our brother Judah for this heinous crime. (They are God's chosen people). It was more likely the kenites (enticed by Satan), in the crowd that wanted Jesus crucified, and the Romans were the one's who crucified Him. However, because of this, a terrible event would come upon the Jews with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans.
26Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. After Pilate was pleading for Jesus, he had to release Barabbas because the crowds demanded it. He ordered Jesus to be flogged and gave him to the roman soldiers to take Him away and be crucified. (To be flogged was a severe punishment, the flesh being generally cut by the whips used for this purpose).
27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. Taken to the Roman soldiers.
28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. Mocking Jesus in the robe as "king of the Jews." Trying to shame Him and the people.
29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! They placed that crown of thorns on His head and knelt before Him in mockery.
30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. They spit at Him and were beating the crown of thorns they placed on His head with a stick.
31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. No pity was given to Him. After beating and mocking Jesus, He was led away to be crucified.
32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Simon, a Christian man who was from Cyrene, was forced to carry Jesus' cross. (This was a cross beam, not the entire cross).
33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, Golgotha, an Aramaic word meaning "the skull." The Latin is (Calvaria), "a skull," Hence English Calvary. Near the hill "Moriah," where Abraham carried Isaac up to be sacrificed. (Genesis 22:1-2).
34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. Written in (Psalm 69:20-28), they even gave Him (gall) and vinegar to drink. Gall is from the poppy seed plant and vinegar was the poor mans wine. Trying to drug Jesus up a little, maybe to kill the pain. "Jesus would not drink it."
35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. The Roman soldiers cast lots for His clothing. Written in (Psalms 22:18), 1,000 years before the crucifixion.
36And sitting down they watched him there; They sat around and watched Him as He hung to die.
37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Common practice of the Romans to put up a sign to show what the man was crucified for. (John 19:19-22).
38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. The two malefactors.
39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, People passing hurled abuse, shaking their heads at Him.
40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Mockery and slamming Jesus; if you are the Son of God, come down off the cross and save yourself. This "Temple" we are speaking about here is "Christ" and the many member body of Christ that He started to build after the crucifixion. The "Temple of Christ" would rise again after three days. "They didn't get it."
41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, Even the chief priests and elders mocked Him.
42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. It is written that these words would come from the enemies mouth. (Psalms 22:7-8). Again, written 1,000 years before the crucifixion. Jesus could have saved Himself, but because He didn't, we are the ones who would be saved. (John 12:47).
43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. All the chief priests and religious leaders just having a field day mocking Jesus. It was God's will for Him to be crucified and would not save Him. Jesus had to fulfill what He came to do. "Die for the sins of the world." (John 3:16-17, 5:17-25).
44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Even the malefactors mocked Jesus as they hung there beside Him. (Later one of them would believe on Him).
45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. From 12:00 noon till three o'clock, the whole earth was covered in darkness.
46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Christ was not crying for help, and God did not forsake Him. Note that Jesus never called the Heavenly Father God, He always called Him Father. He was quoting from (Psalms 22:1).
47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. Elias is the Greek for Elijah. Many of them misunderstood and thought that Jesus was calling on Elijah to save Him. Again, Christ was quoting from a Psalm of David. (Psalm 22). Written 1,000 years before this event took place.
48And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. In (Matthew 27:34), Jesus was offered (Gall), drugs mixed with poor mans wine and He refused it. Here He is given just poor mans wine from a soldier to quench His thirst. (John19:29-30).
49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Saying to each other, lets see if Elijah comes and saves Him.
50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. Christ bowed His head and gave up the Spirit. (John 19:30). Ghost is a bad translation, and should be translated as Spirit.
51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; The curtain secluding the Holiest place in the Temple was split apart from top to bottom as the earth shook. Meaning that Christ had paid the price, and there was no more need for sacrifices. Christ was the sacrifice for one in all times. "He died for us." Why did He come in the flesh? (Hebrews 2:12-15), that through His death, He would destroy the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil! (Giving us a chance to come out of bondage under the devil).
52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, Many godly men and women who had died came back to life again. A one time event.
53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Again, this was a one time event to document that Christ had defeated death. (John 5:19-47).
54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. Even the unbelievers were frightened and shocked at what had happened and made them believers.
55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: The woman remained as did John, but the others all scattered.
56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children. Again, the women remained to care for Him.
57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: This was Joseph of Arimathea "the tin man" Mary's uncle.
58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. Joseph was the "kinsman redeemer." This was the law at this time.
59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, Joseph took care of the body.
60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. Written in (Isaiah 53:9), 600 years before the crucifixion.
61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. Both Mary's sitting nearby watching.
62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, They wanted to cover their tracks for what they have done.
63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. They said to Pilate, that liar said that after three days, He would come back to life again.
64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. They wanted watch guards on the tomb, to prevent His disciples from coming and stealing the body away.
65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. Pilate told them to use their own temple police to guard the tomb.
66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. So they sealed the stone and posted guards to protect it from intrusion. (No one could claim that the body was stolen).
Matthew 28
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. This would have been Sunday morning as the new day was dawning.
2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. An angel of the Lord, "the Lord's presence itself."
3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: A glorious arrangement that beamed like lightning.
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. The guards shook with fear and passed out at His presence.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. The angel new they were looking for Jesus, but why here?
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. He is not here the angel replied; He is risen, and took them into the tomb to see.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Go and tell the disciples that He is risen from the dead and He has gone to Galilee to meet them there.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. The woman ran from the tomb with fear (reverence), but were filled with joy because they had good news for the disciples.
9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. As they were running to the disciples with the good news, suddenly Jesus was there in front of them. They stopped, fell to their knees, and began to worship Him. (Profound reverence).
10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Jesus told them again, go to Galilee. How many times He repeated this. Just as the word repeats itself to us so we can grasp the truth. (Sometimes it takes a while to sink in).
11Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. The guards who had been guarding the tomb went to the chief priests to tell them what had happened. The problem is that they passed out and kind of missed what went on. So, here is their story.
12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, The chief priests paid the guards off to keep their mouths shut on what really happened and fabricated their own story. (Probably the Kenites who paid the guards off).
13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. The guards story was that they fell asleep and the disciples came during the night and stole His body. Many still believe this fabrication today. There has even been a book written on the subject called "The Passion Plot."
14And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. If the governor finds out about our little plot, we will stand up for you and pay the fine and protect you, the council promised.
15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. The guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. There story spread widely among the Jews, and is still believed by many of them to this very day. Remember this was arranged by the Kenites, "sons of Cain" (those of the synagogue of Satan), not our brother Judah. (Revelation 2:9), those who claim to be of our brother Judah.
16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. The disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had said they would find Him.
17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Some were not sure it was Jesus. "Thomas doubted."
18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. All power in heaven and earth. Never fear when you are of Christ. As it is written in (Zechariah 9:9-10), The first advent of Christ, He came as a babe riding upon a colt. And at His second advent, He will have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teach His word. All ethnos (all nations, all people), Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Teach these new disciples all things in His Word. "All of it." "And be sure that I will be with you till the end of the world." (End of this world age). Amen. (That's That).
Keep The Faith,Barton