BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 7:26

Friday, 21 February 2025
 
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: Matthew 7:26
 
“And all the hearing – these, My words – and not doing them, he will be likened to a moronic man who – he built his house upon the sand” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus described the state of the house that was founded on the rock. Now, He begins a contrasting thought, saying, “And all the hearing – these, My words – and not doing them.”
 
Jesus, speaking as a state of fact concerning what He says conveys to His disciples the thought that His words are necessarily to be heeded. In doing so, there is to be one result. However, in failing to do so, there will be another. Of this alternative result, He next says, “he will be likened to a moronic man.”
 
The adjective móros, moronic, has already been seen in Matthew 5:22. It speaks of a dull, mentally inert person or someone lacking a grip on reality. This is the state of someone who hears Jesus’ words and doesn’t heed them.
 
It is as if there is an electric outlet in front of him saying, “Caution, electrical hazard.” And yet, he extends his index finger and shoves it in the socket anyway.
 
Jesus is speaking words of life. To reject them means death lies ahead. Hence, rejecting what He says is truly moronic. Understanding that, Jesus again provides a metaphor for understanding, saying, “who – he built his house upon the sand.”
 
The word ammos, sand, is introduced. It is derived from hama, an adverb meaning together, at the same time, or along with. One can see the connection when considering innumerable grains of sand on the beach all lying together.
 
Despite this unity, there is no true cohesion. Sand is not bound together but simply rests freely along with their billions of partners to form the borders between the oceans and the dry land. Sand performs its particular function, but one thing it is not good for is stability as a foundation.
 
Life application: Jesus has been speaking since Matthew 5 about various issues. His words have been filled with the wisdom of God because He is the God/Man. Once people understand this, they immediately want to reread and carefully consider what He says. It would be foolish to know that what He says is to be heeded and then to ignore His teachings.
 
However, as has been seen, the audience and surrounding context must be considered. When there is a seeming conflict or even contradiction between the words of Jesus in the gospels and the words of the apostles in Acts or the epistles, a state of confusion can result in the minds of the readers.
 
For those who fail to consider the context properly, an “all or nothing” mentality arises. In other words, “If Jesus said this and it appears to be contradicted by what Paul says, I must follow Jesus and reject Paul.”
 
This false dilemma eventually results in arrogant or uninformed proclamations, such as, “Who are you going to trust, Jesus or Paul?” The responsible answer to this should be, “Both, with their words being considered in their proper context.”
 
We are to instruct others in what is proper concerning this matter. At times, there are those who will utterly reject such a notion because they are steeped in whatever theology they have been taught and they are unwilling to consider anything else.
 
However, for those who understand that God is working in dispensations and laying out a program for the world to see and understand His ways, such seeming contradictions immediately clear up.
 
Peter, Paul, and the other writers of the epistles are not contradicting Jesus’ words. Instead, they are building their thoughts upon His completed work and instructing their audience on what the completion of that work means for the people of the world. Once this is understood, the purpose of the law and Jesus’ instruction under it becomes obvious.
 
Keep things in context and contemplate why disparate thoughts are not contradictory but are merely teachings that belong in different theological boxes from other teachings. When the boxes are kept separate, there will be soundness of doctrine to guide you.
 
Lord God, help us to be diligent in contemplating Your word. May our walk with You be appropriate according to the times in which we live. We have the fulfillment of Christ’s work behind us, and so, we have the freedom from law that comes with it. Thank You for this walk of freedom in the grace of Christ Jesus. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:25

Thursday, 20 February 2025
 
and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:25
 
“And the rain, it descended. And the floods, they came. And the winds, they blew. And they fell towards the house, that. And it fell not, for it had been founded upon the rock” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who hears His sayings and then does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. He continues that thought next, saying, “And the rain, it descended.”
 
Jesus gives the first of several short thoughts, one following right after the next. This first one contains a new word, broché, rain. It is only seen here and again in verse 7:27. It is derived from the verb brechó, to rain.
 
This is something that happens all the time in Israel. However, there are times when the rain is especially heavy or that lasts longer than normal. In such instances, the rains overflow the lands. In such instances, Jesus gives the next short thought, “And the floods, they came.”
 
Another new word is seen, potamos, a flood. It speaks of a flood, be it a running river, water that is unrestrained and flows heavily, etc. It is believed to be a derivative of the word pino, to imbibe or drink. Jesus uses the word metaphorically in John 7:38 when speaking of rivers of living water flowing out of the heart of the one who believes in Him.
 
In the case of Jesus’ words now, the word is plural, floods. The rain has come in such quantities as to flood everything in the area. This can be especially catastrophic depending on where a person is situated during such an event. But this rain and flooding is not all that has occurred. Jesus next says, “And the winds, they blew.”
 
The word pneó is first seen here. It is a primary word meaning to breathe hard. As such, it further signifies to blow or breathe as the wind does. It isn’t just a deluge, but a strong storm that is raging. The winds, along with the flooding, can be quite disastrous.
 
Anyone who has been through a major event like this can testify that it is frightening and dangerous. In the case of the wise man’s house, He says, “And they fell towards the house, that.”
 
The word translated as “fell towards” is prospiptó. It is derived from pros, toward, and piptó, to fall. It has already been seen when describing someone falling down and worshiping. The rains fell in the direction of the house. The floods then fell towards it. Along with them, the winds fell toward it. The entire scene taken together is like a barrage set against that house. And yet, Jesus next says, “And it fell not, for it had been founded upon the rock.”
 
Jesus uses yet another new word, themelioó. It signifies “to lay a basis for,” coming from themelios, a foundation. Thus, it is to found, as in setting a foundation to ensure rigidity. In this case, the word is used in the pluperfect tense. The person had completed the founding of his house in the past. Because he prepared in advance, the foundation was solid and stood when the violence of the elements was thrust upon it.
 
Remembering now that Jesus is equating the founding of this house to hearing and doing His words completes the thought in the mind. When one hears the word of Christ, heeds it, and follows through by applying His words to his life, the greatest trials of life will not prevail over him.
 
What He says here must naturally be taken in the proper context of the times, meaning the dispensation of the law, the audience, meaning the people of Israel under the law, and the situation, meaning heeding the word of God as it has been presented in contrast to the traditions, incorrect teachings, or falsities that have been introduced into the lives of the people.
 
Eventually, Jesus will fulfill the law and these things will have to be considered from that light. However, that has not yet occurred. He is telling the people to trust His word of instruction and to then see how it will fit into the greater context of His ministry as He continues on the path toward the cross.
 
Life application: It is wholly inappropriate for those in the church to insert themselves into the words of Jesus at this time. What Jesus is saying is instruction to God’s people while they are living under the law. This was clearly stated by Him in Matthew 6:32 where He contrasted the people He was speaking to, meaning Israel, to the Gentiles.
 
This confirms that He was not speaking to the Gentiles. It also means that the Gentiles were not under the law, an obvious point, but one that continues to escape so many in the world today. This does not mean that Jesus’ words do not have value for the instruction of the church, but that the context must be considered.
 
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
 
All Scripture is useful and profitable, but it must be taught or contemplated while considering the surrounding context.
 
Lord God, help us to consider Your word in the appropriate way that You intend. We are to learn from those things that are stated but not directed specifically to us, and we are to apply those precepts that apply to us today. May we not confuse the intended audience of the words as we consider them. Help us to remember this truth. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:24

Wednesday, 19 February 2025
 
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Matthew 7:24
 
“Therefore, everyone – whoever he hears these, My words, and he does them, I will liken him to a wise man who, he built his house upon the rock” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told those who claimed to do things in His name but who do not do His Father’s will that He never knew them and to depart from Him. He now makes a general conclusion concerning the things He has been saying, beginning with, “Therefore, everyone – whoever he hears these, My words.”
 
Jesus is summing up the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount which began in Matthew 5:1. There, it specifically said that when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. From there it said, “Then He opened His mouth and taught them.”
 
Despite this being an address specifically to them, the coming verses will show that it was a larger crowd gathered there who listened. These were all people of Israel, living under the Law of Moses, and who anticipated the coming of Messiah.
 
It is clear from His discourse that He is speaking with the authority of the Father, whether they each realize it or not. Regardless of whether all did or not, He has set forth precepts that have shown the higher standard expected of the law. If the people accepted His words, they would see that more was required than mere rote observance.
 
God is looking at the heart and intent behind what people do. All of this instruction, then, is pointing beyond the law to faith in Him. Jesus is giving them the final tutoring under the law in His ministry. When He is complete, and His work is finished, He will offer a new direction based on His tutoring. It is a foundation that is based on Him and His words.
 
That continues to be seen with His next words, “and he does them.” Jesus has said a lot in these three chapters. However, the key point in what He has said is to be found in verse 5:17 –
 
“You, deem not that I came to disintegrate the law or the prophets. Not, I came to disintegrate but to fulfill” (CG).
 
Jesus didn’t come to ignore the law. Nor did He come to tell people they didn’t need to do the things of the law. Remember that He is talking to Israel under the law. They were bound to it. If He told them they didn’t have to do the things of the law, He would be violating the words of the Lord in the law.
 
However, He came to both do them and fulfill them. In doing so, He could then introduce a New Covenant with a new direction for the people. Hence, doing His words, as He just said, is inclusive of what He will say throughout His ministry. It is not limited to the words of these three chapters. That was seen in verse 7:21 –
 
“Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord,”’ he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens’” (CG).
 
One cannot tear the Sermon in the Mount out of the rest of the book and say, “You must do these things, and you will stand approved.” As was seen in the commentary on verse 7:21, doing the will of the Father is equated to doing the works of God. And those works, according to John 6:29, are to believe in the Son whom the Father has sent.
 
For those who do such, Jesus continues with, “I will liken him to a sagacious man who, he built his house upon the rock.”
 
Jesus introduces a few new words. The first in phronimos, sagacious. In Greek, the word sophos refers to being wise, learned, skilled, etc. It focuses on practical skills or acumen. The word phronimos a cautious character. He has keen mental discernment and good judgment.
 
The next new word is oikodomeó, to be a house builder. Thus, it is to construct or figuratively to confirm something. The word ultimately comes from oikos, house, and demō, to build a house.
 
Finally, the word petra, stone, or rock, is used. It is the basis for the name Peter. But this doesn’t mean Peter is the first pope and that Catholicism is the basis and approved structure of the Christian faith. That will be explained in Matthew 16. A leap like that is unfounded and should be demolished (house destroyed) immediately.
 
Jesus is saying that His words are the rock upon which one’s house, his structure of life and faith, should be built. In doing so, there will be a firm foundation. Paul uses the metaphorical use of the word house when referring to our bodies in 2 Corinthians –
 
“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
 
As for the rock, Jesus is making a claim that His words are authoritative and have the approval of God. The rock metaphor is found throughout the Old Testament. An example directly from Moses explains the meaning –
 
“For I proclaim the name of the Lord:Ascribe greatness to our God.4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect;For all His ways are justice,A God of truth and without injustice;Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:3, 4
 
Life application: What will be our foundation in our spiritual walk? Will it be a particular church? It is incredible to see how sheeple will follow Roman Catholicism, even right over a ledge of wickedness and perversion to their destruction.
 
Others build their house on their own deeds, trying to earn their place in heaven through law observance, taking Jesus’ words out of their overall context, and claiming that is the way to be pleasing to God.
 
But Jesus is incrementally instructing His people in their need for Him. There is a logical progression of thought being presented from the first pages of the Bible. Each step is part of a much larger body of history that has been recorded to show us what God is doing as He directs our attention to Jesus.
 
Stopping at any particular step or ignoring the focus of God’s calling of our attention to Jesus will result in a faulty understanding of what we are being shown. The point of Jesus’ coming is not to establish something beyond Himself, like a church filled with sexually deviant priests. Nor is it to show us how we must repeat what Jesus has already done by observing the Law of Moses.
 
Rather, we are to direct our attention to Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 sums it up, “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,’ Jesus” (CG). Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.
 
Heavenly Father, may we rightly consider Your plan of redemption, understanding that Jesus is the focus of it and that in honoring Jesus, we are honoring You. Help us to never forget this fundamental point in our lives. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:23

Tuesday, 18 February 2025
 
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:23
 
“And then, I will assent to them that, ‘Never I knew you! You depart from Me – Those working lawlessness!’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of those who will call out saying that they had prophesied in His name, cast out demons in His name, and done many wonders in His name. And yet, it will be seen that their conduct was not because of faith in Him. That is realized in His next words which begin with, “And then, I will assent to them.”
 
The word homologeó is introduced here. It is derived from homou, the same or together, and logos, a word, as in a statement or speech. Thus, the thought is more than just “declare.” It signifies to agree with or speak the same. As such, it means to assent, a word defined as the expression of approval or agreement.
 
These people have stated their case before the Lord. They have claimed that their actions were based on His name. He, knowing that it was a false pretense, will assent “that, “Never I knew you!”
 
The word oudepote, never, is introduced here. It is derived from oude, not, and pote, a disjunctive particle signifying once, formerly, ever, etc. Taken together, it signifies “not ever” and thus, never. There is no point at which Jesus knew them. Their works were always unsanctioned by Him.
 
Therefore, the assent or agreement is that they had, in fact, done these things. He will acknowledge it is so, but their actions, despite being done in His name, were not with His approval. They simply went about saying and doing things without the proper allowances for them to be done, meaning truly being one of His followers. His words are a denial that they are. Because this is so, He next says, “You depart from Me – Those working lawlessness!”
 
Again, Jesus introduces new words. The first is apochóreó, to depart. It is derived from words signifying away and to make room. A paraphrased thought based on these roots would be “Get away from me and give me space.” But saying depart sufficiently explains the matter.
 
The next new word is the verb ergazomai. It is derived from ergon, work. Thus, it is the action of working. It is something a person is engaged in to accomplish a task. In this case, Jesus tells them to depart from Him because they are engaged in anomia, lawlessness.
 
The word is formed from the negative particle a and nomos, law. Hence, it signifies without law, lawlessness. Despite having done the things they did in Jesus’ name. They had no law allowing them to do so. Deeds done in Jesus’ name must be done in faith or they have no true basis of being in His name.
 
The reason for this is that saying or doing something in the name of someone you don’t believe in is a fool’s business. It is like a professor who teaches the Bible but who doesn’t believe the Bible is what it claims to be.
 
Life application: Politicians love to invoke the name of Jesus when it is convenient. But few of them will actually stand up and say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” Someday, people will be gathered before the Lord and they will understand that He truly is the Lord of all.
 
When they are there, many will fall back on their words. Those politicians who invoked Jesus’ name or who arbitrarily used Jesus’ words for their own purposes might call out, “I proclaimed your name in churches all over America while on the campaign trail.” He will say to them words in accord with those of Matthew 7:23.
 
This will be true of many people in the pulpit as well. Based on his life and actions, this appears to be the case with the current pope. These people invoke Jesus’ name, but their lives and actions have nothing in common with the truth of who Jesus is and what He directs as is recorded in Scripture.
 
Be sure that when you consider the word, you don’t just do so for external show, but for internal guidance. When you praise Jesus, do it in faith that He hears. Anything, no matter how small it is, when it is done in faith will receive its rewards. Have faith and be at peace with God through His wonderful Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
 
O God, You have given us Jesus to lead us back to Yourself. Help us to fix our eyes on Him and maintain Him as our first love all our days. Thank You for Jesus who returns us to You through His perfection. Yes, thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Matthew 7:22

Monday, 17 February 2025
 
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ Matthew 7:22
 
“Many, they will say to Me in that ‘the day,’ “Lord, Lord, not the ‘Your name’ we prophesied, and the ‘Your name’ we ejected demons, and the ‘Your name’ we performed many miracles?” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that not everyone who would say to Him, “Lord, Lord,” would enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Now, He continues with, “Many, they will say to Me in that ‘the day.’”
 
The use of the demonstrative pronoun and a subsequent definite article is not always translated. Most translations just say, “in that day.” However, the two together provide an emphasis that should not always be ignored. In this case, some literal translations include both.
 
The BLB, for example, says, “in that the day.” The LET goes a little too far towards the hills of Kentucky and says, “in that there day.” In setting the words “the day” off with apostrophes, the sense is more readily understandable.
 
There is a specific day that is coming when people will stand before the Lord and be judged. It is at that time that they will say, “Lord, Lord, not the ‘Your name’ we prophesied.”
 
Again, the literal translation shows a specificity that is lacking in English. Using the word “in” gets the point across, but the statement is an assertion that these people used Jesus’ name when they prophesied. It isn’t just that they prophesied in His name, but that His name was the subject of their proclamation. With that, He continues with, “and the ‘Your name’ we ejected demons.”
 
Again, the ejection of the demons wasn’t so much in the name of Jesus, as if they had a part in the process. It is the use of the name itself that caused demons to be ejected. As this is so, it signifies that a power rests in His name that extends beyond this realm, even if His deity was not yet understood.
 
At a minimum, people would be thinking, “God has endowed this person with such spiritual power that even the proclamation of His name has power over the demons.” This is similar to the thought seen in Acts 8 –
 
“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.” Acts. 8:9-11
 
These people didn’t claim Simon was God. Rather, they acknowledged him to be the great power of God. This is probably in line with what the people listening to Jesus must have thought concerning His words. Next, Jesus says, “and the ‘Your name’ we performed many miracles?”
 
Again, the name itself is what carries the weight and authority of the action. The thing is, that in order to use a name to effect a change in another, one would think that there would be a conviction within the person stating the name that it was not only capable of conveying power but also it would be worthy of respect.
 
Such, however, is not necessarily true –
 
“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.’ 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.15 And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” Acts 19:13-17
 
Not all who proclaim the name of Jesus are sincere, even when they understand the power the name wields.
 
Life application: In the church today, there are lots of people, heaps of them, who claim to do the miraculous in Jesus’ name. They claim prophetic visions and divine engagements with angels and even the Lord Himself. This has now been going on for over two thousand years.
 
How many of them do you believe? The Bible is written. What more do you expect from the Lord? Of what purpose is it that people claim to do these things? Paul says that we live by faith, not by sight. If we have sight, faith is excluded. Jesus said as much to Thomas.
 
Has one supposed prophecy or miracle over the past two thousand years since the Bible was completed added anything of value to the church? Be careful what you believe. If someone is sick, pray for the Lord’s healing. If someone needs a job, pray that the Lord will provide it. But don’t go looking for miracle workers.
 
The true miracle worker is in heaven, and He will work out His miracles in a manner that will meet His purposes. Have faith in that. It is sufficient.
 
Glorious God Almighty, when we call on the name of Jesus, the greatest miracle of our lives comes about. We are saved by His precious blood. What more could we ever ask for? Thank You for Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 7:21

Sunday, 16 February 2025
 
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21
 
“Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord,”’ he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus, having used the metaphor of trees concerning the character of people, said that people will be known by their fruits. He now continues His words to the people, saying, “Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord.”’”
 
This is the first time that the word kurios, meaning, sir, master, or the Lord God is used in Matthew when not specifically referring to the Lord, Yehovah, the God of Israel. However, chronologically, the first instance was when Elizabeth spoke to Mary –
 
“Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.’” Luke 1:39-45
 
In her words, Elizabeth notes “the mother of my Lord,” but it is certain she was stating this as an honorific title and not referring to Jesus as Yehovah. In her second use of the word, she was referring to the Lord, Yehovah.
 
Jesus’ use of kurios, Lord, here is equivalent to adon in Hebrew. Each is a title that is given to indicate master, lord, sir, etc. In hearing His words, the people would not assume that He was referring to Himself as Yehovah incarnate any more than one would assume today that somebody saying “Sir, sir” about himself was making such a claim.
 
This doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t fully God. He is, but at this point, the people did not know this. He was merely tying His position of authority to that of the Messiah, thus making a claim to that position. That is seen in the next words. Not all who call Him Lord, Lord, “he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens.”
 
The meaning of “kingdom of the heavens” here is not the same thought as what believers in the church think of today, meaning the heavenly hope of eternal glorified bodies. Rather, it is the messianic hope found in the Old Testament where the shamayim, heavens, is spoken of in relation to a future rule of righteousness. For example –
 
“He shall call to the heavens from above,And to the earth, that He may judge His people:5 ‘Gather My saints together to Me,Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.’6 Let the heavens declare His righteousness,For God Himself is Judge. Selah” Psalm 50:4-6
 
Such writings indicated to the nation of Israel, to whom Jesus is currently speaking, that there would be a time when there would be a heavenly rule even while they lived on earth. This was their expectation and anticipation, and it is what they believed the Messiah would come to provide.Jesus is telling them that not all who claimed Him as the kurios, the Lord, of this rule would enter into that kingdom. Rather, He says, “but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens.’”
 
Of this, Bengel incorrectly states, “The meaning is, ‘unto Me and My Father;’ and again, ‘My Father’s Will and Mine.’—Κύριε, Lord) Jesus acknowledged that this Divine appellation was due to Him.”
 
The problem with this is that outside of Mary and anyone she talked to, nobody at this time knew of Jesus’ true nature. Even Mary probably didn’t grasp this. The expectation was that God would send a Messiah, but none knew that the Messiah would be God incarnate.
 
Bengel and others take their current understanding of theology, and shove it into these events of the past, where it does not yet belong in the minds of the people hearing Jesus’ words.
 
Jesus does not say “Me and My Father,” nor does He say, “My Father’s Will and Mine.” That thought may be implied in His coming words, but it is no proof to the people of divinity. Rather, David could have said the same thing, “I am the king, and I am doing the will of my heavenly Father in destroying the enemies of the people of God.”
 
The idea of God’s Father relationship to Israel was known as far back as Moses, such as in Deuteronomy 32:7. It is repeated all the way through Scripture to Malachi 2:10. Though Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, this is not the context of His words in the minds of the people.
 
As for what the Father’s will is, that is ultimately summed up in John 6 –
 
“Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” John 6:29
 
To do the will of the Father is to do the works of God. It is to have faith in Jesus, believing in His nature, His completion of the work set before Him, and His all-sufficiency in that work for our lives.
 
Life application: Today, properly trained students of the Bible believe that Jesus is fully God and fully Man because this is what the Bible teaches. However, we cannot take our understanding of such doctrines, only understood later after Jesus completed His earthly ministry, and apply them to the minds of the people of Israel without doing harm to the narrative.
 
An example of this is when people take precepts of the Law of Moses and refer to them in the times before the law was introduced, such as in the life of Abraham or Jacob. No dietary restrictions were levied upon them, and yet commentaries will speak of their lives and conduct as if they were obedient to the law.
 
And example of such thinking is found in the account of Noah –
 
“You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth.” Genesis 7:2, 3
 
Jews and others claim that the words about “clean” animals implies that they had the precepts of the law already given to them. This is incorrect. The idea of a clean animal at the time of Noah had nothing to do with the Law of Moses.
 
Rather, the animals that were considered clean were those that did not eat dead things. Instead of feeding off of death, like a cat might, they fed off of that which is provided from the ground, like sheep. Shoving the law into prelaw times negates the purpose of the giving of the law!
 
Keep things in their intended context. In doing so, you will avoid many errors in your thinking and doctrine.
 
Glorious God, when we come to difficult issues in our time reading the Bible, give us the wisdom to stop and think about why things are detailed as they are. Help us to have clarity of thought in how we approach this precious word so that we do not fall into error. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:20

Saturday, 15 February 2025
 
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:20
 
“Hence, from their fruits you will know them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus spoke about what happens to the tree that doesn’t bear good fruit. Because it doesn’t provide fruit for man, it will be cut down. As was seen, having tied the words into their greater context, this pointed to the law versus grace.
 
The law is likened to a tree with bad fruit because it cannot provide suitable nourishment for man. It was never intended to do so apart from Christ’s perfect fulfillment of it. But this means that He was already in a state of perfection, not that He was imperfect and attained perfection through the law. Understanding the greater context, Jesus next begins His summary thoughts of this part of His thoughts with, “Hence.”
 
The word ara, hence, is introduced here. It is an illative particle, meaning that it is given when drawing an inference. It is stated when a conclusion is reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. Jesus’ conclusion concerning those who are likened to bad trees is that “from their fruits you will know them.”
 
In the case of false prophets, the main subject of this short line of thought, one will be able to discern a false prophet by the fruit he bears. People don’t need to, nor should they be expected to, judge someone simply because of how he looks when preaching. Nor should a judgment be made merely by his oratory skills. Such externals as that can be completely misleading.
 
Rather, fruit is something external, but which is derived from inside. It expresses that inner aspect in a demonstration of one’s true character. This is to be found in the teaching of such a person as well as a close inspection of the way he lives his life when apart from his time of teaching. These things help identify what a person is really like.
 
Life application: There are preachers, priests, and teachers who present themselves as if they have great holiness when in church. Catholics, Anglicans, and others wear flowing garments, have big poofy hats, and carry rods with crosses on the top of them. They step carefully and move rigidly showing themselves to be models of piety.
 
And yet, they may be homosexuals or (as it is common in some churches to ordain women today) lesbians. The disgraceful acts they conduct while away from the church identify their true character. They may even bring their vile teachings into the church while speaking of “inclusion” and “tolerance.” These are code words for the acceptance of perversion and immorality. These are their fruits.
 
Others may know the Bible well and speak against such things, but they teach law observance rather than the grace of Jesus Christ. They bring people into bondage and a yoke that was removed from Israel on the cross of Calvary. Do not touch! Do not taste! Observe this day to be holy! Their legalism goes on and on. They do not understand grace, they will not permit grace, and they shun those who trust in grace. These are their fruits.
 
Others may have a carefully constructed message, present it well and demonstrate piety, while reminding people of their theological training and background, and yet they may have lied about the college they attended. They also may have more love of sound doctrine than for the Lord who authored the word that gave the doctrine in the first place.
 
These may be harder to identify, but eventually, their fruit will be exposed. A good but sad example of this was Ravi Zacharias. He meticulously presented outstanding doctrine, was an exceptional orator, and presented himself as a well-trained and sound theologian. And yet, it was discovered that his life was a lie. He was a sexual deviant, and he claimed positions that he never possessed.
 
Unfortunately, even though many in evangelical circles knew or suspected these things, they did not speak up because of his influence. People’s lives were harmed and surely many were disillusioned and removed themselves from fellowship because of what they heard. These were his fruits, and they were only exposed after his death when it was too late. But the Lord will render His judgment.
 
Check! Investigate! Don’t be duped by such externals, even if they include incredible doctrine. Unless you can personally evaluate the individual, always be wary concerning your esteem for him. Instead, send your praise and esteem directly to Jesus who deserves all glory!
 
Lord God, help us to discern what is right or wrong concerning those we come to for instruction. It is so easy to get allured into a comfortable state around authority figures when we should instead be on guard concerning them and their doctrine. Help us in this, Lord. May our direction be set on a good path, not partaking in unwholesome fruit. Amen.

Matthew 7:19

Friday, 14 February 2025
 
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:19
 
“Every tree not producing good fruit, it is exscinded, and it is cast into fire” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit. Likewise, a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Having said that, He continues with, “Every tree not producing good fruit, it is exscinded.”
 
The words are in accord with what John the Baptist had already said –
 
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’” Matthew 3:7-10
 
The clear implication is that the words of Jesus in this chapter subtly point to the Pharisees and Sadducees as false prophets. In that state, they need a completely new nature in order to no longer be set for destruction. If not, they will remain bad trees. As such, each is set to be exscinded, “and it is cast into fire.”
 
The words here are pointing to truths set forth in the Law of Moses –
 
“When you besiege a city for a long time, while making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; if you can eat of them, do not cut them down to use in the siege, for the tree of the field is man’s food. 20 Only the trees which you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down, to build siegeworks against the city that makes war with you, until it is subdued.” Deuteronomy 20:19, 20
 
The point of this precept in Deuteronomy is that a battle is being fought, there is an extended siege against a strong city, and the trees that are for food, meaning those which bear fruit, are to not be cut down. But this would be inclusive of trees that bear bad fruit, which is what Jesus now refers to.
 
Trees are equated with people at times. There are those who bear fruit, and there are those who do not. An example of this is found in Psalm 1 –
 
“He shall be like a treePlanted by the rivers of water,That brings forth its fruit in its season,Whose leaf also shall not wither;And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3
 
From a New Testament perspective, we can look at the words of Deuteronomy in relation to Paul’s words concerning warfare in 2 Corinthians 10. While Christians are waging war and pulling down strongholds, we shouldn’t destroy the work of those who are bearing fruit.
 
They are productive even if they are not actively engaged with us in our own battle. As Jesus said succinctly, “For he who is not against us is on our side” (Mark 9:40). Moses’ words concerning trees certainly extend to this spiritual application in our Christian warfare.
 
As for the words of Deuteronomy 20:20, there is a strong emphasis in them, “Only – tree which you know that not tree for food, it, you may destroy.” The tree, which is not for food, is set in complete contrast to those that are. Of such trees, they may be chopped down and employed in building siegeworks.
 
Again, the words of Deuteronomy anticipate the words of Jesus in His coming ministry. He, speaking under the law to Israel, provides His words in the gospels concerning the trees that bear bad fruit.
 
The fact that John brought up Abraham in Matthew 3 (cited above) shows that what is being referred to is righteousness by faith, not through the law. Those who share a false gospel of works-based righteousness, such as the Hebrew Roots movement, can be – as it were – cut down and used in the siege.
 
In other words, they become the very instruments for defeating the enemy. Using their doctrine as an example of what is useless for man, they are to be cut down – verbally destroyed – in order to provide the proper employment of the gospel to destroy the enemy.
 
The lesson is that of apologetics, meaning using that which is of no value as an example to argue against in order to defend the faith and then go on the offensive. Having said that, the truth that John and Jesus are both ultimately referring to being cast into hell cannot be dismissed. Those who teach a false message will be cut off from the presence of God.
 
Life application: Paul was a Pharisee. He is one of the people the words of John, and now Jesus, referred to. And yet, Paul was called out of that darkness into the light of Christ. This shows that despite the nature of the tree, meaning bad fruit, the symbolism is not to be applied permanently to an individual.
 
In other words, a person with a bad nature and who bears bad fruit can be changed. As such, despite speaking against their false doctrine, we should also be speaking to them personally, imploring them through reason to change and be converted. Even heretics can see the light and change. This is what our presenting proper doctrine should be directed to.
 
Lord God, help us to always be about the business of learning Your word. Each day of our lives, may we pick it up, read it, and study it, contemplating what You are telling us and molding our minds more and more to align with Your will. May it be so to Your glory. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:18

Thursday, 13 February 2025
 
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Matthew 7:18
 
“Not it is able, a good tree, bad fruit to produce, nor a rotten tree good fruit to produce” (CG).
 
The previous verse conveyed Jesus’ words concerning how trees bear fruit. Good trees bear good fruit while bad trees bear bad fruit. He now restates the matter for complete clarity on the situation, beginning with, “Not it is able, a good tree, bad fruit to produce.”
 
It was noted in the commentary on Matthew 7:16 that this thought takes the reader back to Genesis 1 where every tree was created after its own kind. An apple tree bears apples with their seed inside. When the seeds are planted, thorns don’t come up. Rather, another apple tree is the result.
 
In fact, as Jesus rightly notes, an apple tree (a good tree) cannot produce bad fruit such as mistletoe figs. Rather, they will always produce apples. Likewise, Jesus continues with, “nor a rotten tree good fruit to produce.”
 
Jesus is restating things in various ways to make sure nothing is misunderstood. Just as a good tree will not produce bad fruit, a rotten tree will not produce good fruit. A sausage tree (a tree with inedible fruit) will never produce good fruit like the durian. It will always produce inedible fruit.
 
As noted in the previous commentary, Jesus’ words are dealing with type. It is true that an apple tree can have bad fruit on it, such as being eaten by bugs or sprouting on a defective limb. This isn’t what He is referring to. The type of tree produces the type of fruit.
 
The false prophets are equated to a type of tree. They cannot produce good fruit. The meaning is that what they teach will always be false. It cannot be converted into something that is later acceptable.
 
Those who follow after false prophets are obtaining bad fruit that will never be palatable for life. Likewise, when a person is teaching properly, his fruit will produce good fruit with seeds that are good and the richness of more good doctrine for those who pursue it will result.
 
Life application: The doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses says that Jesus is not God. They claim He is the archangel Michael, a created being. Jesus’ words concerning trees can be applied to the Jehovah’s Witnesses as being a bad tree. They deny the deity of Christ. The resulting fruit from such a tree can never bring life because the fruit is bad.
 
No matter how many times such doctrine is replanted, a bad tree will always spring up from the seed. It is the tree itself that must be removed in order for the ground to yield something else that will produce good fruit.
 
This is true with any false teaching from any false prophet. The message will always stand against the truth. Jesus is dealing with types. We need to identify the bad types. No one who goes to obtain fruit from a Hebrew Roots Movement church will ever receive good fruit. The tree itself is bad.
 
Know which doctrines are wrong. Know which churches teach the wrong doctrines. Stay away from such churches. These things are important. Only a fool would knowingly try to eat a passionflower fruit. But the person who doesn’t know it is bad may do so. Knowing what is bad will keep you from filling yourself with that which can never provide health and life.
 
Lord God, we are saved by grace and not by any works of our own. There is nothing we can do to merit it. But we are also saved by You through Jesus. As salvation is of the Lord, we know that Jesus is Lord. Such key points of doctrine are set and must be acknowledged as we pursue You. Help us to learn what is right and what is false. Yes, help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:17

Wednesday, 12 February 2025
 
Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Matthew 7:17
 
“Thus, every good tree, it produces good fruit. And the rotten tree, it produces evil fruit” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that people will be known by their fruits. He then asked if grapes could come from thorns or thistles from figs. The answer is obviously not. He next says to His disciples, “Thus, every good tree, it produces good fruit.”
 
To maintain the analogy from the previous verse, this must be referring to type. He just contrasted grapes and thorns as well as thistles and figs. Not all grape vines will produce good grapes, and this is for a variety of reasons. Not all fig trees will have good figs. Examples of these are found elsewhere in Scripture, such as –
 
“He dug it up and cleared out its stones,And planted it with the choicest vine.He built a tower in its midst,And also made a winepress in it;So He expected it to bring forth good grapes,But it brought forth wild grapes.” Isaiah 5:2
 
“The Lord showed me, and there were two baskets of figs set before the temple of the Lord, after Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon. 2 One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten, they were so bad. 3 Then the Lord said to me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’And I said, ‘Figs, the good figs, very good; and the bad, very bad, which cannot be eaten, they are so bad.’” Jeremiah 24:1-3
 
Despite such examples, this is not what Jesus is referring to. He is referring to kinds in general, even if within the same kind there may be plants or trees that produce bad fruit (see the parable in Luke 13:6-9). Oranges will produce good fruit, meaning oranges. Durian trees will produce durian, which is good. Etc.
 
On the other hand, a thornbush will never produce good fruit nor will a thistle. Their fruit will always be bad. That is seen in his next words, “And the rotten tree, it produces evil fruit.”
 
The word is sapros. It is variously translated as rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved, etc. It is derived from sepo, to corrupt or rot. And so, it can mean bad fruit on a good type of tree, but that would not fit His previous contrast between types. Rather, the sense can be derived from His parable in Matthew 13 –
 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:47-50
 
The good fish are those types that are acceptable for eating. The bad would be those types that are unacceptable to eat. Likewise, false prophets are represented by one type of plant, the bad, such as the thorn or the thistle. Those who teach properly are represented by the other, the grape or the fig.
 
False prophets, by their very nature, are bad. Nothing they put forth will be good. On the other hand, proper teachers may have some bad fruit if their doctrine isn’t perfect, but their fruit in general will be good.
 
Life application: False prophets have already been equated to wolves, even if they come in sheep’s clothing. Their nature is that of being wolves. The exterior doesn’t change that which is found inwardly.
 
The only way for a false prophet to not be a false prophet is to have a complete change in nature. Unlike a tree, this is not impossible. Humans are not trees. However, the nature of a false prophet is to provide false teachings. There will always be bad fruit coming from a false prophet as long as he continues to put forth that which is false.
 
The initial error is to be found in the false prophet, for example, Joseph Smith who founded Mormonism. But the error could have been stopped from spreading if those who heard him properly identified him as a false prophet. However, they didn’t. Thus, the secondary error lies with the people who fail to identify him and walk away from him.
 
They had access to the proper manual, meaning the Bible. It was readily available in the US at the time of Joseph Smith. But it was left unattended by those who heard him and then followed him in his false teachings.
 
Mormonism is not simply a branch of Christianity (an orange tree, for example), that may have bad oranges on it, meaning a good tree with bad fruit. Rather, Mormonism is a different plant altogether (a thistle, for example) that is corrupt by nature. It can never be a good plant. If a person in Mormonism wants to be a part of what is proper, he must go to the good tree to get its fruit.
 
Paul explains this in Galatians 1 when referring to Judaizers, the equivalent of today’s Hebrew Roots Movement –
 
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9
 
Paul says, “which is not another.” The doctrine of Mormonism, like that of the Judaizers, is not another display of the good news. It is bad news. The inherent nature itself is corrupt. Be sure to be able to identify both bad inherent nature as well as bad fruit coming from a good tree, meaning wrong doctrine within the overall family of true Christianity. We are all accountable for what we accept. Check out what you are taught!
 
Lord God, You have saved some of us from Islam, Buddhism, or atheism. But You have also saved some of us from Mormonism, Judaizers, and other religions that at first appear to be a part of the Christian faith. Help us to identify the error of false religion and then speak out against it so that others can also be saved from the false paths they are on. Amen.
 

Matthew 7:16

Tuesday, 11 February 2025
 
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16
 
“From their fruits you will recognize them. Not any, they gather from thorns a grape or from thistles figs?” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus warned against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but who are inwardly ravenous wolves. Now, He continues with, “From their fruits you will recognize them.”
 
This goes right back to Genesis 1 –
 
“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth’; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.” Genesis 1:11-13
 
There are various plants bearing particular fruits that have been determined by God to produce according to their kind. Normally, they are distinct enough that a person can look at the tree or bush and tell what kind of fruit it will bear. Some are similar enough in appearance where one has to wait for the fruit to come out. But once it does, you will know what type of plant it is because it will be according to the plant it came from.
 
With that happening, you will know if you want to keep the plant or cut it down. The fruit is the final indicator to alert a person to what the plant is. Understanding this, Jesus next says, “Not any, they gather from thorns a grape.”
 
He introduces the word méti, not any. It is derived from the negative particle mé, not, and tis, an interrogative pronoun signifying who, which, why, etc. HELPS Word Studies says, “properly, not perhaps, ‘no on first blush (reaction)’ – while still keeping ‘the possibility open’ to elicit the desired reaction from the listener (reader). ... (mḗti) then draws out an immediate ‘no,’ while still conjuring the idea, ‘unless.’”
 
A.T. Robinson says, “‘Is not this the Christ (mḗti)...’ elicits ‘the negative answer (“this cannot be”) . . . “unless He really is the Christ!” (holding out the “diplomatic possibility”) and thus heightening their interest.’”
 
Jesus is asking them this question to get them to think through the answer. Do people gather thorns from a grape? Certainly not. As for the words translated as thorns and grapes, both words are introduced by Jesus at this time. Of interest is that the word staphulé, grape, is believed to be the base of the word stephanos, a crown or garland. Just as a cluster of grapes is intertwined, so are the ancient woven crowns. Jesus continues the words with, “or from thistles figs?”
 
Both words are new as well. The thistle, tribolos, is found only here and in Hebrews 6:8. It is derived from treis, three, and belos, a dart or missile. Hence, it is a crow-footed type of thorny plant or a three-pronged obstruction used in war.
 
The sukon, fig, goes all the way back to Genesis 3 where its leaves were used to cover Adam and his wife after they realized they were naked. In the Bible, the fig signifies a spiritual connection to God or its lack thereof. That will be further explained in later commentaries in the Book of Matthew. The fig does not, as is often taught, represent the nation of Israel except in how it is spiritually connected or disconnected from God.
 
The point of Jesus’ words in both clauses is that each plant reproduces after its own kind. The fruit will reveal the type of tree, even if it was previously indiscernible. In using two sweet and tasty fruits and contrasting them to painful thorns and thistles, He is making a point that will be further explained as He continues.
 
Life application: The word fruit can be singular or plural. How it is rightly translated is often tricky. At times, there is overlap where it can be translated either way. The Greek will be either singular or plural, but in English, that can be misunderstood.
 
One fruit is singular. Two fruits are plural. But many of one kind of fruit, such as, “They are all one fruit, the banana” can speak of the singular type and the plural number of bananas. When referring to more than one kind of fruit, you would normally use the plural, such as, “There is a variety of fruits available.” However, some choose to keep that singular, such as, “There are many types of fruit on the table.” Though it is argued that this is technically wrong, it is not uncommon.
 
The reason for saying “fruits” in the translation of this verse is because it is plural in the Greek. One might say, “But there is only one type of fruit on each plant.” This is true, but the pronoun is plural too, “their fruits.” Therefore, it is referring not only to an indeterminate number of fruits on a tree, but various types of fruit on more than one tree, each differing from the other. Hence, using “fruits” is the more precise option, even if the singular “fruit” will do.
 
This is one word that can have several possibilities or translational preferences. This issue then becomes a game of semantics to some teachers and preachers, where they will dogmatically make a point about what Jesus or Paul (or whoever) is saying. In such an instance, the only way to know if what they are saying is true is to check with the original language.
 
This is why it is good to at least know how to refer to them online. Every single word of the Bible is fully parsed and can be studied in detail on many websites. If you are not sure that what the teacher has presented is correct, do the search and check it out. It would be bananas to not do so!
 
Lord God Almighty, we live in a marvelous age where Your word is so fully accessible to us that we can study it in the minutest detail without ever leaving our desks. We don’t even need to get out a book. Instead, our fingers on the keyboard of the computer will bring us right to where we need to go. Help us to use this wonderful blessing of the accumulation of thousands of years of history to fully search out Your glorious word. Amen.

Matthew 7:15

Monday, 10 February 2025
 
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15
 
“And you caution from the false prophets who – they come to you in clothes of sheep, and inwardly they are wolves – rapacious” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus explained concerning about the narrow gate and the compressed path that leads to the life. He now begins another thought with the words, “And you caution from the false prophets.”
 
Jesus uses the word pseudoprophétés. It is derived from pseudés, false, and prophétés, prophets. Thus, “false prophets” is a direct translation. Jesus said to have caution from, meaning watch and stay away from, the false prophets. He next says of them, “who – they come to you in clothes of sheep.”
 
Jesus introduces the probaton, sheep, to the New Testament. Let’s be honest. Sheep are cute. Their hair is soft, white, and fluffy, especially when they are young. Their faces make them look innocent, they bleat soothing noises, and their demeanor is almost always pleasant. Along with that, they graze. They don’t harm anything in their consumption of food.
 
False prophets come with such appearances and demeanor as well. Their words will be soothing, and one’s ears will be tingled by them. Their message appears appealing and not harmful. However, Jesus says of the false prophets that they are deceiving, “and inwardly they are wolves – rapacious.”
 
The word esóthen, inwardly, is introduced here. It speaks of the mind or soul of the person. The physical body, appearance, and outward projection are like a sheep. And yet, Jesus says they are lukos, wolves.
 
The word lukos is from leukos, white, bright, brilliant, etc. This is from their whitish hair. Wolves are devourers. They kill prey and eat it, even beginning if the prey is still alive. They are cunning in their conduct and predatory by nature. They will brazenly go after sheep and devour them without a care. And this is because they are harpax, rapacious.
 
The word signifies to seize or snatch, like in a robbery. Thus, there is both greed and violence being expressed in the thought. The word rapacious gets this across well when describing a wolf who is standing behind the pulpit, ready to pounce on whoever he can.
 
Life application: The word lukos is the etymological ancestor to our modern word lycan, a werewolf. Imagine walking into a church, and there was a wolf standing there with clothes of sheep around him. Would you be able to tell the difference in him from a true sheep?
 
Sadly, the fact is that most cannot. They haven’t bothered to take the time to read and study the word. They trust those who are in positions of authority in the church, often placing them on pedestals as if they were holy in and of themselves.
 
Their words, if pleasing, will keep the masses coming back. And yet, their words could be words of death. Jim Jones took an entire group of people to Guyana, where they eventually died drinking the Kool-Aid, literally.
 
This is because Jim Jones had a message that resonated with them. They failed to check the instruction manual, and it cost them their lives. This has happened in innumerable cults in recent times. Jesus warned against them, just as the people of Israel had been warned.
 
The Roman Catholic Church has been led by such men all along. They have led millions to trust them without ever teaching the word soundly or proclaiming the gospel of salvation by faith alone through grace alone. The current pope is a remarkable case study of just what Jesus warned against. And the people who follow him have failed to check the manual.
 
If you don’t read and know the Bible, how can you tell if you are being led astray? The truth is you cannot. Read your Bible.
 
“An astonishing and horrible thingHas been committed in the land:31 The prophets prophesy falsely,And the priests rule by their own power;And My people love to have it so.But what will you do in the end?” Jeremiah 5:30, 31
 
Lord God, help us not to “trust but verify.” Rather, help us to know Your word so that we can verify and then trust. Amen.