BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 5:1

Wednesday, 6 November 2024
 
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Matthew 5:1
 
“And having seen the crowds, He ascended to the mountain, and He, having sat down, His disciples – they came to Him” (CG).
 
Chapter 4 finished with the note that great multitudes followed Jesus from many locations. With this great throng about him, Chapter 5 begins with, “And having seen the crowds, He ascended to the mountain.”
 
Matthew identifies the mountain with the definite article, but gives no more explanation. Because of this, the article seems more of a designation of the time in which the event occurs rather than a particular mountain in relation to the people.
 
In other words, it is as if God had appointed a mountain for this sermon to take place, and the timing for which that event to take place had now come to pass. We may say something like this about a great event that we participated in, “This was the moment, and this was the spot where it all came to pass.”
 
Because Matthew is writing in relation to a singular historical event that has defined the ministry of Jesus for millennia, this appears to be a proper explanation of why it says, “the mountain.” Once He had so ascended, it next says, “and He, having sat down.”
 
This was the standard form of teaching at the time. Today, someone will go to a podium or pulpit, or he may stand on a stage. If it is a more formal setting with an aged and respected person, there may be chairs and a moderator asking questions of the teacher. However, in the Jewish culture, one sat on the ground while others gathered around.
 
Maimonides actually gave a description of this type of learning –
 
“The master sits at the head, or in the chief place, and the disciples before him in a circuit, like a crown; so that they all see the master, and hear his words; and the master may not sit upon a seat, and the scholars upon the ground; but either all upon the earth, or upon seats: indeed from the beginning, or formerly, "the master used to sit", and the disciples stand; but before the destruction of the second temple, all used to teach their disciples as they were sitting.”
 
Once Jesus had sat, it next says, “His disciples – they came to Him.” 
 
This is the first use of mathétés, disciple, in the New Testament. It is derived from math which is using the mental effort necessary to think through something. Thus, it speaks of a learner, or a student who increases his knowledge.
 
This is the point where the teaching began. Some of the words here are mirrored in other discourses recorded in the gospels. This doesn’t mean they have to be the same discourse and that the surrounding details contradict.
 
Rather, just as any preacher will repeat and restate points of doctrine, Jesus would have done so too. He would have weaved these thoughts into the greater idea being presented at the time. As such, it is a way of unifying various concepts to show that the theology is consistent while repeating thoughts for the sake of remembrance through repetition.
 
Life application: At times, a preacher may speak for an hour on a single verse of Scripture. Later, he may begin a sermon on a completely different point of theology, but he will use thoughts from his previous sermon to make a point.
 
There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it is often necessary to show how divergent thoughts in the Bible are not at odds with one another but are rather both tenets that reveal a harmony that is actually united by a single theology.
 
As this is true with sermons today, it would be dishonest to try to find a contradiction in Scripture because Jesus said something in one location, and then someone else records that He said the same thing in another location. Rather, He is using words to explain key points at various times, which will inevitably overlap with other key points at other times.
 
Don’t rush to believe people who supposedly find contradictions in the Bible. Rather, be diligent in determining why different stories or details are actually a harmonious outcropping of what God is telling us in the pages of Scripture.
 
Glorious God, it sure is great to read Your word and discover its wonderful secrets. Information from Your mind is being transmitted to us when we read the Bible. May we always consider it this way and treat the word with respect, just as if You are speaking directly to us because we know that You are. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:25

Tuesday, 5 November 2024
 
Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:25
 
“And great throngs, they followed Him from the Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and beyond the Jordan” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, people brought the sick from all the areas of Syria, and Jesus healed them. Next, Matthew records, “And great throngs.”
 
It is the first use of ochlos, a throng, in the New Testament. It is a word that can indicate a crowd, mob, the common people in general, etc. In this case, because of the masses of humanity around Jesus, intensified by the word “great,” and because it is plural, the word throng gives a good sense. The people were not just a crowd, as if from the local village, but from all over, as Matthew next says, beginning with the words, “they followed Him from the Galilee.”
 
As previously noted, the Galilee is not merely referring to the sea and its immediate surroundings. Rather, it is an entire circular region with many cities that extend well beyond the sea itself. Next, it says, “and Decapolis.”
 
The word is a transliteration from the Greek Dekapolis. It is derived from deka, ten, and polis, city. Albert Barnes says –
 
“Decapolis was the name of a region of country in the bounds of the half-tribe of Manasseh, mainly on the east of Jordan. It was so called because it included 10 cities - the meaning of the word Decapolis in Greek. Geographers generally agree that Scythopolis was the chief of these cities, and was the only one of them west of the Jordan; that Hippo (Hippos), Gadara, Dion (or Dios), Pelea (or Pella), Gerasa (or Gergesa), Philadelphia, and Raphana (or Raphanae), were seven of the remaining nine, and the other two were either Kanatha and Capitolias, or Damascus and Otopos. These cities were inhabited chiefly by foreigners (Greeks) in the days of our Saviour, and not by Jews.”
 
Next Matthew notes, “and Jerusalem.”
 
Depending on the route traveled, the distance from Capernaum to Jerusalem is about one hundred and twenty miles. This is a long way to walk, but people traversed the country in order to see the One they had heard about. If there were lame or sick among them, they would either be carried or placed on a donkey. Thus, it would have been a tiring journey for those involved. After this, it next says, “and Judea.”
 
This includes the entire region in the south of Israel. It extended from Samaria to the north to Beersheba in the south. It also covered the area from the Jordan and Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It is an expansive area, filled with cities. Lastly, the words end with, “and beyond the Jordan.”
 
The meaning is anything east of the Jordan not already covered by the term Decapolis. The area at the time was known as Peraea, the name of which is probably derived from the words “beyond Jordan.” The word translated as “beyond” is peran. In other words, anywhere that Jews lived that was beyond the Jordan is included. Today, this area is mostly encompassed by the nation of Jordan.
 
Due to the great amount of land included in the description, and the large number of cities found throughout it, the word “throngs” is an excellent descriptor of the situation. These words close out Chapter 4, but in Chapter 5, the gathering of these throngs will lead to the great Sermon on the Mount delivered by the Lord.
 
Life application: The word of Jesus spread throughout all the areas where the Jews were staying in the immediate region of Israel. His ministry was directed to these people first. It was a ministry conducted under the Law of Moses but which anticipated a time that extended beyond the Law.
 
The reason for this, as He will say in Chapter 5, was that He and His ministry came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. In other words, Jesus Himself was not setting aside the law merely by His coming, but through His time of having come. He voluntarily placed Himself under the law. Within that state, He then lived out the precepts of the law perfectly, having never violated its precepts.
 
In fulfilling the law, it was then set aside for all who come to Him through faith. When Jesus was conducting His ministry, the people of Israel had no idea that His work would later be inclusive of the Gentiles, people who were never under the law. Thus, when we read His words, and those of the writers of the synoptic gospels in particular, we need to understand the context of what He is saying.
 
Because the words of His ministry really start to take shape in Chapter 5, keep this in mind. If you are a Gentile, or a Jew who has already received Jesus, don’t shove yourself into the words. Determine the context and then ask yourself, is this section referring to me too, or is it only to those who have not yet received Jesus? At times, they will speak of one or the other, but the majority of what is said is directed to Jews who are under the law and their need to come to Jesus to be freed from its heavy yoke.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for Chapter 4 of Matthew. It has been a great experience and a joy to consider. We look forward to the next chapter. Help us to keep things in context and to remember the rules of biblical interpretation as we go. Be with us in this time of discovery. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:24

Monday, 4 November 2024
 
Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:24
 
“And the hearing of Him, it went into all Syria. And they brought Him all the sickly, having various diseases and constraining torments, and demon-possessings, and moon-strikings, and paralytics, and He cured them” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted the ministry of Jesus going throughout the Galilee and that He cured every disease and malady in the people. Because of this, the fame of His ministry became known beyond the Galilee. That is recorded in the next words, which say, “And the hearing of Him, it went into all Syria.”
 
The meaning of the words is debated because the scope of the region of Syria at that time was not fully known. Albert Barnes says –
 
“It was, perhaps, the general name for the country lying between the Euphrates on the east, and the Mediterranean on the west; and between Mount Taurus on the north, and Arabia on the south. Through all this region his celebrity was spread by his power of working miracles; and, as might be expected, the sick from every quarter were brought to him, in the hope that he would give relief.”
 
The point is that what He was doing extended beyond the region of the Galilee. So convinced were the people of His power for healing that it next says, “And they brought Him all the sickly.”
 
The word translated as “sickly” is an adverb, kakós. It is derived from the adjective kakos meaning bad or evil which is applied in a very wide sense. HELPS Word Studies describes this adverb as “sore-misery related to experiencing grievous harm (affliction).” Thus, it can be a physical or moral condition. Matthew next describes the types of afflictions beginning with “having various diseases.”
 
The word translated as “various” actually means motley, as in multi-colored. Hence, it speaks of a variety of nosos, or diseases, which is the same word that was just used in the previous verse. Next, Matthew notes, “and constraining torments.”
 
The word translated as constraining, sunechó, means to hold together and thus to constrain. That is used to describe the “torments” which are from the Greek basanos. HELPS Word Studies says the word was “originally (from oriental origin) a touchstone; a ‘Lydian stone’ used for testing gold because pure gold rubbed on it left a peculiar mark. Then it was used for examination by torture. Sickness was often regarded as ‘torture.’”
 
The sense of the two words is then an affliction that is so grievous that it binds a person, making him unable to continue a normal life. Next, it says, “and demon-possessings.”
 
It is a single Greek word, daimonizomai, meaning exactly as translated. These people were possessed by demons and were unable to free themselves from their afflicters. Jesus, however, was able to cure them of this particular malady. Along with them it next says, “and moon-strikings.”
 
It is a word found only here and in Matthew 17:15, seléniazomai, coming from selḗnē, the moon. It speaks of a person “controlled by the moon” rather than by his normal faculties, hence, a lunatic. Many translations say this signifies epileptics, but that seems unlikely. Because it is associated with the moon, it is more properly defining a crazy person.
 
Next, Matthew finishes the list with, “and paralytics.” One can see where our English word is derived from when noting the Greek, paralutikos. It is derived from paraluó which signifies enfeebled or weakened, literally “to loose on the side.” It is an apt description for those who are paralyzed or who suffer from palsy. Of all of these afflictions brought to Jesus, the verse ends with, “and He cured them.”
 
People who were broken in body or mind were restored through His healing hand. Likewise, those whose afflictions were from an external source were cured as well. The power of Jesus to accomplish these things validated His power over the source of such things, meaning the power of sin which was first introduced into humanity by the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
 
What would have seemed as absolutely hopeless in many of these cases was easily handled by the Lord Jesus because He is the Lord over the creation, having come to restore man to God. The physical afflictions point us to a greater spiritual reality.
 
Life application: There is no reason to assume that those who were said to be demon-possessed were not actually possessed by demons but were rather just schizophrenic or something. Demons are spoken of as a reality in the Bible. However, there is no instruction given for the casting out of demons provided in Scripture.
 
As this is so, it can be inferred that it is not a point of doctrine that is to be pursued as a separate category as the Roman Catholic Church and some aberrant denominations proclaim. In other words, it is not a point of doctrine that bears a particular remedy that needs to be addressed. For example, a person who is possessed by a demon doesn’t need a rite of exorcism.
 
Instead, demon possession is to be handled in the same manner as any other spiritual condition. Those who are so possessed are to be told the gospel. If the person accepts the salvation offered through the gospel, the demon must depart. A person will be under the authority of the master that is appointed over him. In coming to Jesus, his Master, Jesus, will now be the Lord over him.
 
Having said this, Christians can still be afflicted by demons. This is why Paul gives the instructions found in Ephesians 6. The devil and his demons are there. We must use the implements God has given us to stand against them.
 
As such, remember, believers cannot be possessed by demons, but they can be afflicted by them. Non-believers can certainly be possessed by demons. It seems quite likely that half the politicians in the world must be at this point. People need Jesus to free them from the spiritual afflictions they face. From there, they need to get into the word and know how to stand against these foes in their daily walk.
 
Heavenly Father, how great it is to know that through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be freed from every spiritual affliction. Someday, we will likewise be freed from our body of death and translated into a new existence, free from pains, afflictions, and sorrows. May that day be soon. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:23

Sunday, 3 November 2024
 
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23
 
“And Jesus, He traverses all the Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every malady in the people’” (CG).
 
The previous verse included the note that James and John left the boat and their father and began following Jesus. Now, with the four disciples having been called, it next says, “And Jesus, He traverses all the Galilee.”
 
The word translated as “traverses” is periagó. It is derived from peri which gives the sense of all-around (meaning on every side) or encompassing and agó, to lead, but with a variety of applications. Thus, “went about” captures the sense. But for a single word that meets the intent, “traverse” fits.
 
Jesus went here and there throughout the Galilee, the circular area which is found around the Sea of the Galilee. As He went, it next says He was “teaching.”
 
It is another new word, didaskó, meaning to teach, direct, admonish, etc. A literal explanation would be “to cause to learn.” The word will be used almost one hundred times, and it will be found in most books of the New Testament, thus indicating the great importance of the process of teaching within the faith. As for where Jesus was teaching, it was “in their synagogues.”
 
The synagogue (Greek: sunagógé) comes from the verb sunagó, signifying to gather together or assemble. Albert Barnes gives a description of the synagogue, saying –
 
“Synagogues were built in any place where ten men were found who were willing to associate for the purpose, and were the regular customary places of worship. ... The synagogues were built in imitation of the temple, with a center building, supported by pillars, and a court surrounding it. ... In the center building, or chapel, was a place prepared for the reading of the law. The law was kept in a chest, or ark, near to the pulpit. The uppermost seats were those nearest to the pulpit. The people sat around, facing the pulpit. When the law was read, the officiating person rose; when it was expounded, he was seated. Our Saviour imitated their example, and was commonly seated in addressing the people.”
 
To this day, synagogues are found throughout the world. They were an integral part of keeping the Jewish people united and distinct in their culture and heritage. Not only was Jesus teaching, but Matthew adds in, “and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.”
 
And yet another new word is seen, euaggelion, gospel. It is derived from the verb euaggelizó, meaning to announce the good news. That in turn comes from eu, good or well, and aggelos, a messenger. Thus, it literally means “good news.” However, there is a single English word that carries this exact meaning, gospel. That is from the Old English gōd, good and spel. news or story, thus gōdspel. That has evolved into our modern word gospel.
 
The word is found a total of seventy-six times: four in Matthew, eight in Luke, twice in Acts, many times by Paul, once in 1 Peter, and once in Revelation. 
 
This good news, being of the kingdom, means the fulfillment of the many messianic promises made in the Jewish Scriptures. The people were waiting for freedom from oppression and a leader who would come to bring that about. By saying that Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, the implication is that He is the One who would usher in this freedom.
 
Remembering the meaning of “Galilee,” one can see the intent behind preaching the gospel in this area. Galilee is ultimately derived from galal, to roll or roll away. As such, it signifies liberty, as if a burden is rolled away from someone.
 
Thus, the Galilee means “The Liberty.” Jesus is proclaiming His good news of liberty in the area which describes the very thing He is doing. As a demonstration of His authority and ability to perform and lead in the proclamation He was making, it next says, “and curing every disease and every malady in the people.”
 
The word translated as “curing” or some translations “healing” is therapeuó. One can see the etymological root of our modern word “therapy.”  It gives the idea of restoring a person having a disease. We think of diseases as needing a cure while afflictions (such as a broken bone) need healing. Hence, the context will derive the best choice of wording.
 
The nosos, disease or sickness, describes a chronic disease, often one considered an incurable ailment. The malakia is a disease or condition that weakens the victim, coming from malakos, meaning soft, delicate, etc. Thus, a person is softened in his being and stamina through such a malady.
 
Jesus demonstrated His authority over such ailments through His curing hand, thus confirming His ability to provide liberty from affliction – good news indeed.
 
Life application: In this one verse, seven new words are introduced into Scripture. The words combine to form a beautiful picture of the work of the Messiah in and among the people of Israel. Beyond that, the greater context of the passage fits marvelously with what He is doing here.
 
The area He is in, the disciples that have followed Him (including the meaning of their names), the places He chose to conduct His teaching, etc., all have come together to paint a picture for us of the work of the Messiah.
 
The more we look into the details, the more we will get out of the word the treasures that God has placed in it. But don’t hesitate to look at the macro structures as well. There are many types of literary devices used in Scripture that will reveal even more.
 
Make yourself aware of the vast number of such devices and then pay attention to what is going on, both from a wider view and from a detailed view. In this approach, you will continue to discover wonder in the word. God has filled it with an immense amount of information. Keep studying it all the days of your lives!
 
Lord God Almighty, there seems to be no end to the amount of wonder to be found in Your word. How blessed we are to be able to study in the finest detail because of the hour in which we live. Everything is there on the internet, things that have been compiled for thousands of years, allowing us to access aspects of Your word in a way never previously imagined. Thank You for this wondrous time in which we live. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:22

Saturday, 2 November 2024
 
and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Matthew 4:22
 
“And they, immediately, having left the boat and their father, they followed Him” (CG)
 
The previous verse noted James and John, sons of Zebedee being in a boat with their father preparing nets. While so engaged, Jesus called them. Next, it says, “And they, immediately.”
 
It isn’t said how Jesus called them, but whatever He said, it was enough for them to act. As speculation, He could have said something like, “It is time for My ministry to begin, follow Me.” Whether the words were many or few, the reaction was immediate, and so, Matthew next records, “having left the boat and their father.”
 
Mark 1:20 adds that they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants. At least he would have some help with the rest of the day’s tasks. As for James and John, once they left the boat, it says “they followed Him.”
 
Jesus’ disciples have doubled in number in just two verses. From this point on, things will begin to grow in relation to His ministry within the land of Israel. Eventually, from this small start, the entire world will be transformed in a movement that continues to this day.
 
A question arises as to whether this is the same calling as that noted in Luke 5. The answer is “probably not.” The accounts are different in content, and Jesus was already preaching at this time. Thus, like the account of Peter and Andrew, the thought of these two men leaving everything permanently should not be pressed too hard.
 
They made a commitment to follow Jesus, but they would still return to work while in the area. This seems evident from Luke 5, but also as late as after the resurrection in John 21.
 
Life application: It is true that in Christian history, some missionaries have been called and, having departed, they never returned to their families again. But this is not a necessary condition for missionary service.
 
At any given time, there are missionaries flying overhead, returning to visit their families, going back to schools for additional training, and so forth. The disciples, some of whom were appointed as apostles, didn’t just sever family relationships, nor did they suddenly stop doing the things they once did –
 
“After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’They said to him, ‘We are going with you also.’ They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’They answered Him, ‘No.’6 And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” John 21:1-6
 
God calls us to Himself, but we remain the same people. Our upbringing defines us, we think the same thoughts, we continue to like the same foods, etc. The difference in our lives is to be our priority. Whatever once motivated us is to be put aside or eliminated, depending on what it was.
 
At the same time, Jesus is to become our number one priority. Nothing should interfere with our devotion to Him, but nothing inappropriate should result from our committing to Him. In other words, some people over the years have used their calling to leave their wives. This cannot be accepted, nor is there anything that would even hint at this in the Bible. For example, Luke 14:26 cannot be used to justify abandoning one’s wife.
 
The verse speaks of priorities. A man’s wife is one of his priorities. She is just not to be the primary one any longer. Jesus must come first in our lives. In placing Him first, we will actually refine our love and devotion for our wives, not abandon it.
 
Use sense when evaluating Scripture. A single verse pulled out of its intended context and then being misapplied can completely upheave sound and rational theology.
 
Lord God, may we rightly consider all things in our lives in relation to You. If we once were gluttons, when we rightly pursue You, we can still enjoy food. If we once were obsessed with money, we can still carry money in our pockets. Such things are not contrary to being devoted to You. Rather, they have found their proper place in our lives. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:21

Friday, 1 November 2024
 
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, Matthew 4:21
 
“And having advanced thence, He saw others, two brothers – James, the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother – in the boat with Zebedee their father, repairing their nets. And He called them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Simon and Andrew were said to have left their nets and followed Jesus. Now, it next says, “And having advanced thence.”
 
The meaning is from where Simon and Andrew were but still along the shore of the sea. The word ekeithen is used. It is an adverb meaning “from there.” A single English word, also an adverb, that gives the sense is the word thence. Continuing along, it says, “He saw others, two brothers.”
 
Jesus started with the brothers Peter and Andrew and now He directs His attention to another set of brothers. They are “James, the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother.”
 
Quite often in the Bible, the state of belonging to or possession is implied. In this case, most translations add in the words “son of” such as “James the son of Zebedee.” Some translations avoid that by saying, “James of Zebedee.” That is acceptable, but the Greek reads, “James the Zebedee.” The state of belonging is found in the article itself. Thus, saying, “James the ‘of Zebedee’” conveys the full intent.
 
The name James (Greek: Iakóbos) comes from the Greek of the Hebrew name Jacob (Greek: Iakób, Hebrew: Yaaqov). That is derived from the word aqev, the heel. The reason for the name is based on the birth of Jacob in Genesis 25 where he grabbed the heel of his brother during birth. This name has a few different meanings which are based on the idiom “takes hold by the heel.”
 
The idea is that in grabbing someone by the heel, you will trip him up. But there is also the idea of a deceiver, one who supplants, or one who follows closely behind. All of these fit the life and circumstances of Jacob. But grabbing the heel, or “following after” gives the right sense. His name was, and remains to this day, a popular name for Jews and Christians.
 
The name Zebedee comes from the Hebrew name Zebadiah (Hebrew: Zebadyah). That is derived from zabad, to bestow, and Yah, a shortened form of the name of the Lord, Yehovah. Thus, it means Gift of Yah or Given of Yah.
 
The name John (Greek: Ióannés) is from the Hebrew name Yochanan. That is derived from Yah and khanan, to show favor or grace. Thus, the name means Yah is Gracious, Yah Has Been Gracious, or something similar. With the names explained, it next says they were, “in the boat with Zebedee their father.”
 
It appears that Peter and Andrew were casting from the shore, but it is possible they were on a pier or even a boat as well. The narrative didn’t specify other than to say they were casting a net into the sea. These two are on a boat with their father. But instead of casting it says they were “preparing their nets.”
 
The Greek word katartizó is used. It means to prepare. This could include repairing, mending, or simply getting them ready to be used. The idea is bringing something into its proper condition. Before fishing, nets have to be properly arranged. After fishing, they need to be reorganized so that they are not all tangled up.
 
At times, nets need to be mended or more fully repaired. It isn’t stated what the case is here. They could have been on their way out to go fishing, just finishing up their fishing, or repairing the nets after having fished. No matter which, the next words indicate that dad will probably have to finish up without them because Matthew records, “And He called them.”
 
Like Peter and Andrew, Jesus came upon the men while they were engaged in their activities. The calling at this time is purposeful – “You are in the middle of something important to you. Rather than waiting till you are done, I am calling to you now. What is your priority?”
 
Life application: Every person who has believed in Jesus has a calling. This doesn’t have to be something big like dropping everything and heading to Thailand, but it is a calling, nonetheless. When you first believed in Jesus, you probably didn’t know much beyond a few sentences conveyed to you about what He had done for you.
 
You accepted that premise and the Bible says that in your act of faith, He saved you. Your calling, then, is to get to know your Savior. If someone calls a woman to be his wife through an arranged marriage, the wife now has the responsibility to know her husband, what he expects, what he likes and doesn’t like, and so forth.
 
The same is true with new employment, joining the military, etc. When you enter boot camp, it is to know and learn what you have committed to. The Christian’s boot camp includes the technical manual for his work in his new assignment. This is the Bible. The Christian’s new Husband has expectations of His bride. He has things that please Him and things that don’t please Him.
 
How can you be an effective bride if you don’t attempt to learn how to please the Lord? How can you be an effective soldier if you don’t know the training manual for soldiering? Both of these metaphors are used concerning Christian life. And yet, how great a percent of Christians hardly bother with these things at all.
 
Rather than a secondary focus in our lives, it should be the main focus. Everything else we do should be relegated to a lesser state of importance as we learn obedience to the Lord. Are you doing this? If not, then why not? Get on it! Start today! Be the Christian that you have been called to be!
 
Lord God, help us to be faithful followers of the Lord Jesus who saved us from our sins. May we diligently study the word that tells us of our responsibilities as believers. May this be the primary focus of our lives all our days. Yes, Lord, may it be so to Your glory. Amen.

Matthew 4:20

Thursday, 31 October 2024
 
They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:20
 
“And immediately, having left the nets, they followed Him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told Simon, called Peter, and Andrew to follow Him, and He would make them fishers of men. With that called out, it next says, “And immediately.”
 
There is no sense of hesitation. When Jesus was baptized, it said that He immediately went up from the water. One act followed directly after the next. That is how it is here. From the parallel account, it is understood that they already knew Jesus was the Messiah, having come with Him to the region of the Galilee.
 
While there, they went back to work in order to continue their profession. In responding to this call, however, a break from that has taken place. This should not be pressed too far as they will continue to fish even after the resurrection as noted in John 21. However, upon receiving this call, it next says, “having left the nets.”
 
Again, though sermons and scholarly writings indicate that they simply walked away from the nets, leaving behind their livelihood, that must be inserted into the narrative. Were they with others who they left the nests with? Did they roll them up and put them in the boat for later use? Or did they just drop the nets and walk away? Our minds will make up what we want the narrative to say regardless of whatever really happened.
 
The word translated as nets is diktuon. This is the first use of it in Scripture and it is completely different than the word used in verse 4:18. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says it is the generic term for any type of net, including fishing. Whatever they did with them, they left them, and “they followed Him.”
 
Smart move on their part. Nothing in the narrative is forced. Nothing says that they were regenerated in order to follow. Jesus called them and they responded in faith that He was their Messiah. This is recorded in John 1 –
 
“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, ‘What do you seek?’They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’39 He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, A Stone).” John 1:35-42
 
Life application: You may have sat in a church and heard a sermon on this passage. Think of what you heard. The pastor probably said how amazing it was that these two got a call from someone, they were stunned at His offer, and they simply walked away from their nets and started a new life, abandoning everything in the process.
 
You may have inserted your own thoughts into the narrative as well, such as the color of the water, the size of the Sea of Galilee (if you had never seen it), the color of the sky, and so forth. You may have even made a mental image of Jesus and the two apostles. Of this verse, John Gill says –
 
“That is, as soon as he had called them, they left their worldly employment, and followed him; they gave up themselves to his service, and became his disciples; they not only left their "nets", but their fishing boats, and fishing trade, and all that belonged to it, even all their substance; and also their relations, friends, and acquaintance, see Matthew 19:27 which shows what a mighty power went along with the words and call of Christ; and what a ready, cheerful, and voluntary subjection this produces, wherever it takes place.”
 
Obviously, based on the commentary above, his words are not actually supportable from what the rest of the gospels continue to show. But this is how Gill perceived things.
 
People often get in a tizzy over movies about the Bible, especially movies about Jesus. They will spend all of their time cutting apart the movie as if it is supposed to be some type of exacting presentation of Scripture, and any deviation from it is heretical.
 
But you have just been thinking of the color of the sky and what Jesus looks like to you while reading my comments. With that type of logic, either my words were leading you into heresy, or your thoughts have led you into it (terrifying, for sure!). That is unreasonable.
 
People who have watched and loved The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston may refuse to watch The Passion of the Christ or a series like The Chosen. Why? Probably because one is a Hollywood blockbuster that was never intended to be anything but a drama about the life of Moses while the others are held to some inordinately high standard for... for what reason?
 
Innumerable people love The Greatest Story Ever Told, and yet Max Von Sydow (Jesus) was an atheist or agnostic (he wasn’t sure). Curiously, he also played the devil in Needful Things. But what do those things have to do with the content of The Greatest Story Ever Told? Lots of people watched that, and probably many of them malign other more biblically accurate movies or series.
 
As for actors, it is common for people to ridicule The Passion of the Christ because some of the actors are sinners (hmm....) but they don’t mind watching The Ten Commandments with Yul Brynner as one of the actors. But it is generally accepted that he was bisexual. In Ben Hur, another great movie. The lady who played Esther, the female star, Haya Harareet, was a twice-divorced Ashkenazi Jew. Throw up your arms! She didn’t even believe in Jesus.
 
The movie won 11 Academy Awards and is loved by Christians everywhere, and yet it has almost nothing to do with Scripture, and nobody cares about the actors’ personal lives. The attack by Christians over well-made Christian movies is totally hypocritical.
 
And more to the point, the same people who tear apart Christian movies are almost 100% guaranteed to watch any given Hollywood movie or TV show. Which is going to be more edifying?
 
Don’t let people rob your joy over presentations of Scripture that may not be minutely precise. If that is what you are looking for, you probably should not think while reading the Bible, lest your mind insert something that actually didn’t happen in whatever story you are reading.
 
A town in Germany, Oberammergau, has held a Passion play every decade since 1634. It is performed on the world’s largest open-air stage. One can be assured that the play is directed by sinners, played by sinners, and does not exactingly follow Scripture, and yet it has been a cherished part of their history for almost four hundred years.
 
Instead of tearing apart those who are trying to make a difference in films and videos in regard to their efforts to exalt the Lord, be someone who is willing to simply enjoy these treasures for what they are. Fill your life with Jesus in whatever way is edifying and which exalts Him.
 
Lord God, thank You for plays, films, and reenactments of our Lord Jesus. They help us to keep our mind on what is good, even if they are not word for word in accord with Your word. They are there to make a difference, and for many of us, they truly do. But, Lord, help us always to put Your word above all else when it comes to our understanding of You and what You expect for us. Amen.

Matthew 4:19

Wednesday, 30 October 2024
 
Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
 
“And He says to them, ‘You come – after Me! And I will make you fishers of men’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted Jesus walking by the Sea of the Galilee when He came upon Simon, called Peter and Andrew, his brother. They were casting their net. It then noted that they were fishers. Now, it says, “And He says to them, ‘You come – After Me!’”
 
The word deute is an exclamatory word meaning come. Although we can’t know the inflection of Jesus’ voice, it was probably something excited and yet directive. Thus “You come – after Me!” is probably close. Of this expression, the Pulpit Commentary says, “There is no thought of continuous following from place to place..., but of immediate detachment from the present sphere of their interest and of attachment to Jesus as their leader.”
 
He called out to them first with the directive to come and then an explanatory word that they were to be His followers. His choice had been made, and they were now given the opportunity to respond to the call. With that called out, Jesus then continued with a fuller explanation of His intent for them. “And I will make you fishers of men.”
 
There they were, casting their net into the sea hoping to catch fish. But Jesus now has a greater role to offer them. The idea of fishers of men is not first found here in Scripture. Rather, it goes back to the book of Jeremiah where the Lord judges Israel for its iniquity and then promises restoration. Included in that restoration are the Gentile nations –
 
“‘Behold, I will send for many fishermen,’ says the Lord, ‘and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. 17 For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes. 18 And first I will repay double for their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable idols.’19 O Lord, my strength and my fortress,My refuge in the day of affliction,The Gentiles shall come to YouFrom the ends of the earth and say,‘Surely our fathers have inherited lies,Worthlessness and unprofitable things.’20 Will a man make gods for himself,Which are not gods?21 ‘Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know,I will cause them to knowMy hand and My might;And they shall know that My name is the Lord.’” Jeremiah 16:16-21
 
Even in the Old Testament, the idea of Gentiles coming to the Lord is expressly stated from time to time. God has a plan, and His purposes for the people of the world have been worked out slowly and methodically. With the advent of the Messiah, that salvific process suddenly went into overdrive.
 
As noted in the previous commentary, in that verse, many translations say “fishermen.” The problem with that is now found in this verse. The same word just used is used again. Therefore, to be consistent in translation, it would then say in this verse, “And I will make you fishermen of men.”
 
The redundancy is obvious. And so, a change is made in those versions from “fishermen” to simply “fishers.” To be consistent in translation, simply saying “fishers” in both verses is preferable.
 
Life application: Jesus used the fishers of men terminology as a metaphor for what these men would be doing. Here we have several things coming together to form a picture of something new – men in an occupation, a net, the sea, fish in the sea, hopes for a harvest of fish, etc. Of course, the main Subject is Jesus, the one directing the scene through His words.
 
Here we have the words “Come – after Me!” Jesus makes the directive call for a change in what they are doing, even if what they will be doing is mirrored in what they have been doing. He calls men of an occupation to continue in that profession but in an entirely new way. They will remain fishers but with a new type of catch.
 
The net is the means of catching the fish. The new means is the gospel. The men are going from being members of the Galilean sphere of fishers to members of a body (today we call it the church). In other words, the men comprise the church, not a building or an organizational structure built on making money and doing things with that money.
 
The sea is emblematic of the chaotic world of humanity. That is seen many times in Scripture. The fish in the sea are those who are caught out of the world by the means of the gospel (the net) through the church (the men) whose intent and purpose it is to find the lost and bring them to salvation (the hopes of the harvest of fish).
 
This short verse in the early chapter of Matthew, although dealing with Israel under the law at this time, is a picture of a greater process that the Lord will be accomplishing through those He has selected. The harvest will be from Israel under the law at first, but it will eventually extend around the entire world. Jeremiah’s prophecy gives hints of this, even from a point in time when it was wholly unknown to the world.
 
As you read the Bible, look at what is going on in the story or narrative that you are reading and think about what is being said. Then look for parallels of these things elsewhere. Eventually, pictures of the magnificent work of God in Christ become fully developed. Nothing in Scripture is superfluous. Everything has intent, meaning, and purpose.
 
So, take your time and consider what you are reading. Treasure awaits!
 
Lord God, what an exciting thing to read Your word and to see how Your plan for the redemption of mankind is detailed there in so many ways. It is glorious to consider what You have been doing and what continues to be done, even until this day. May we respond to the call of the gospel and then to the call to continue furthering this good news as a part of Your redemptive outreach to the world. Amen.

Matthew 4:18

Tuesday, 29 October 2024
 
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Matthew 4:18
 
“And Jesus, walking beside the Sea of the Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea - for they were fishers” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus began to preach, telling the people to reconsider because the kingdom of the heavens was at hand. With that noted, it next says, “And Jesus.”
 
The name of Jesus is not included in all of the ancient texts. Some believe it was inadvertently dropped out while others argue it was inadvertently added in or that it was inserted for clarity. As the subject has not changed, it is understood either way. Next, it says He was “walking beside the Sea of the Galilee.”
 
As noted before, the Galilee is a somewhat circular region. This sea is within that region. Thus, the use of the article before “Galilee” is appropriate. If there were a large body of water like this in the area of the Grand Canyon, we would call it “the sea of the Grand Canyon.”
 
Jesus was in the area conducting His ministry when “He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother.”
 
The name Simon equates to the Hebrew name Shimon. That comes from shama, to hear. Thus, it means something like Hearing or He Who Hears. Peter comes from petros, a small stone. Thus, the name means Stone or Rock. The name Andrew comes from the Greek word aner, a man, and thus it means something like Manly, Courageous, or Brave.
 
Although they are introduced into the narrative now, and it appears that the calling that lies ahead is almost sudden and out of the blue, this is hardly the case. By comparing the narrative found in John’s gospel, these two are already well known to Jesus.
 
They were with John the Baptist in the area of Bethabara (John 1:28), John had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), one of John’s disciples was Andrew (John 1:40), and they had come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. When Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus, Jesus then named Simon Cephas which is Peter, the Rock (John 1:42).
 
From there, they went together to Cana in Galilee (John 2:1). This fills in some of the background information that the synoptic gospels skip over. Therefore, the abruptness of this account is actually smoothed out when the fuller picture is seen. As for Matthew’s words, it says that these two were “casting a net into the sea.”
 
Here is a word found only this once in Scripture in some manuscripts, or it is found one more time (Mark 1:16) in other manuscripts, amphiblestron. It is derived from amphoteroi, both, and ballo, to cast. Vincent’s Word Studies provides an explanation –
 
“...the casting-net, which, being cast over the shoulder, spreads into a circle (ἀμφὶ [amphi – both sides and thus “all around”]). The word is sometimes used by classical Greek writers to denote a garment which encompasses the wearer. In Matthew 4:20, the word net again occurs, but representing a different Greek word (δίκτυον [diktuon]) which is the general name for all kinds of nets, whether for taking fish or fowl. Still another word occurs at Matthew 13:47, σαγήνη [sagene], the draw-net.”
 
These two were out tending to work when Jesus decided to formally call them into a new profession, one which would change the course of their lives and, indeed, the entire world as well as the entirety of human history. As for the reason they were casting this net, Matthew next says, “for they were fishers.”
 
Many translations say “fishermen.” This is technically correct because the word is in the masculine, speaking of the men. But for precision in translation, saying “fishers” avoids a problem that then appears in the next verse.
 
The word is halieus, coming from hals, salt. Thus, it would be used like the modern descriptor of a sailor, such as, “He is an old salt.” The meaning is that he has been a sailor for a long time. Even though the Sea of the Galilee is not a salt sea, the thought carries over to any in such a profession.
 
Life application: It is good to be well-versed in all four gospels before coming to conclusions about various events that take place. As noted in a previous commentary, having all of what is said in the four gospels lined up chronologically really helps to see what is going on.
 
From there, the life and ministry of Jesus and those with Him seem less abrupt. There is nothing like a rushed or forced narrative actually going on. However, each writer is providing information relevant to his purpose for writing. By giving information in a completely different style than the synoptic gospels, John’s gospel changes the entire focus of what is being said and who it is being directed to.
 
Jesus, in the Synoptics, is being focused on as the Messiah of Israel who would come and fulfill the law. His words are directed to Israel under the law, even if some of what He says is in anticipation of the future, either for the church or for Israel in the millennium.
 
John, on the other hand, is addressing matters that speak of Jesus in a completely different way. Jesus is presented as the Christ of all people who is completing His mission in order to bring in a new spiritual realm for all people to join in. The words carry truths that are not limited to the Messiah’s interactions with Israel nearly as much as the Synoptics.
 
Pay attention to these things and your theology on Christ and His life will be more properly directed to what is actually being conveyed.
 
O God, Your word is a treasure and a delight. We are so thankful that You can take men who fish and turn them into men who will use that ability in a spiritual way to accomplish great things. As this is so, we know that You can use us just as we are to do similar great things. Use us according to Your wisdom, and may we be willing to follow wherever You lead. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:18

Saturday, 28 September 2024
 
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Matthew 4:18
 
“And Jesus, walking beside the Sea of the Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea - for they were fishers” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus began to preach, telling the people to reconsider because the kingdom of the heavens was at hand. With that noted, it next says, “And Jesus.”
 
The name of Jesus is not included in all of the ancient texts. Some believe it was inadvertently dropped out while others argue it was inadvertently added in or that it was inserted for clarity. As the subject has not changed, it is understood either way. Next, it says He was “walking beside the Sea of the Galilee.”
 
As noted before, the Galilee is a somewhat circular region. This sea is within that region. Thus, the use of the article before “Galilee” is appropriate. If there were a large body of water like this in the area of the Grand Canyon, we would call it “the sea of the Grand Canyon.”
 
Jesus was in the area conducting His ministry when “He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother.”
 
The name Simon equates to the Hebrew name Shimon. That comes from shama, to hear. Thus, it means something like Hearing or He Who Hears. Peter comes from petros, a small stone. Thus, the name means Stone or Rock. The name Andrew comes from the Greek word aner, a man, and thus it means something like Manly, Courageous, or Brave.
 
Although they are introduced into the narrative now, and it appears that the calling that lies ahead is almost sudden and out of the blue, this is hardly the case. By comparing the narrative found in John’s gospel, these two are already well known to Jesus.
 
They were with John the Baptist in the area of Bethabara (John 1:28), John had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), one of John’s disciples was Andrew (John 1:40), and they had come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. When Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus, Jesus then named Simon Cephas which is Peter, the Rock (John 1:42).
 
From there, they went together to Cana in Galilee (John 2:1). This fills in some of the background information that the synoptic gospels skip over. Therefore, the abruptness of this account is actually smoothed out when the fuller picture is seen. As for Matthew’s words, it says that these two were “casting a net into the sea.”
 
Here is a word found only this once in Scripture in some manuscripts, or it is found one more time (Mark 1:16) in other manuscripts, amphiblestron. It is derived from amphoteroi, both, and ballo, to cast. Vincent’s Word Studies provides an explanation –
 
“...the casting-net, which, being cast over the shoulder, spreads into a circle (ἀμφὶ [amphi – both sides and thus “all around”]). The word is sometimes used by classical Greek writers to denote a garment which encompasses the wearer. In Matthew 4:20, the word net again occurs, but representing a different Greek word (δίκτυον [diktuon]) which is the general name for all kinds of nets, whether for taking fish or fowl. Still another word occurs at Matthew 13:47, σαγήνη [sagene], the draw-net.”
 
These two were out tending to work when Jesus decided to formally call them into a new profession, one which would change the course of their lives and, indeed, the entire world as well as the entirety of human history. As for the reason they were casting this net, Matthew next says, “for they were fishers.”
 
Many translations say “fishermen.” This is technically correct because the word is in the masculine, speaking of the men. But for precision in translation, saying “fishers” avoids a problem that then appears in the next verse.
 
The word is halieus, coming from hals, salt. Thus, it would be used like the modern descriptor of a sailor, such as, “He is an old salt.” The meaning is that he has been a sailor for a long time. Even though the Sea of the Galilee is not a salt sea, the thought carries over to any in such a profession.
 
Life application: It is good to be well-versed in all four gospels before coming to conclusions about various events that take place. As noted in a previous commentary, having all of what is said in the four gospels lined up chronologically really helps to see what is going on.
 
From there, the life and ministry of Jesus and those with Him seem less abrupt. There is nothing like a rushed or forced narrative actually going on. However, each writer is providing information relevant to his purpose for writing. By giving information in a completely different style than the synoptic gospels, John’s gospel changes the entire focus of what is being said and who it is being directed to.
 
Jesus, in the Synoptics, is being focused on as the Messiah of Israel who would come and fulfill the law. His words are directed to Israel under the law, even if some of what He says is in anticipation of the future, either for the church or for Israel in the millennium.
 
John, on the other hand, is addressing matters that speak of Jesus in a completely different way. Jesus is presented as the Christ of all people who is completing His mission in order to bring in a new spiritual realm for all people to join in. The words carry truths that are not limited to the Messiah’s interactions with Israel nearly as much as the Synoptics.
 
Pay attention to these things and your theology on Christ and His life will be more properly directed to what is actually being conveyed.
 
O God, Your word is a treasure and a delight. We are so thankful that You can take men who fish and turn them into men who will use that ability in a spiritual way to accomplish great things. As this is so, we know that You can use us just as we are to do similar great things. Use us according to Your wisdom, and may we be willing to follow wherever You lead. Amen.

Matthew 4:17

Friday, 27 September 2024
 
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
 
“From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say, ‘Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens’” (CG).
 
The previous verse completed the citation from Isaiah concerning the coming Messiah who would appear in the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. With that citation complete, it next says, “From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say.”
 
The baptism of Jesus has been noted, His temptation in the desert area was explained, and then the imprisonment of John was noted, which was immediately followed by the note that Jesus departed to the Galilee, thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. Matthew’s account of the ministry in the area of Galilee now officially begins with this verse.
 
The narrative clearly and unambiguously shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s messianic prophecy, just as was the prophecy concerning John from Isaiah that he would be the forerunner of the Messiah.
 
The logical step-by-step nature of how Matthew is presenting the unfolding of Israel’s history in relation to the coming of the Messiah is carefully laid out for us to see. With Jesus as the Messiah on full display, His message is next given in the words, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.”
 
It is a letter-for-letter repeat of John’s message in Matthew 3:2 –
 
3:1, 2 – And in those days, comes John the Baptist, proclaiming in the desolate of Judea, 2 and saying, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.”
 
4:17 – From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.”
 
Jesus is, at this time, noted as being like a herald. He is proclaiming a message of reconsideration to the people of Israel. As they were the Lord’s people, this must mean reconsidering their relationship with Him. This is unlike the later reconsideration when the gospel is preached to the Gentiles.
 
The Gentiles did not have a relationship with the Lord as noted, for example, in Ephesians 2:12 where Paul notes that they stand “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”
 
As such, the reconsideration of the Gentiles which Paul mentions in (for example) Acts 17:30, concerns their idea about who God is, not so much their relationship with Him. Once they are presented with the gospel, they reconsider who God is and what He is like, turning to Him through faith in the Messiah.
 
Jesus, at this time, is proclaiming reconsideration to Israel who is still under the law. He is telling them that the kingdom of the heavens is at hand. John’s proclamation was to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah who would establish this kingdom. Jesus’ proclamation is that He is the One who would establish it.
 
Life application: There is a false teaching concerning the establishment of Christ’s coming that says Jesus came to renew the Mosaic Covenant. Thus, rather than translating verses like Jeremiah 31:31 and Hebrews 8:8, 13 as “new,” these false teachers say “renewed.” This is what is taught, for example, in the Hebrew Roots movement.
 
The word, in both Hebrew and Greek, means “new.” The word “renewed” is not a possible translation, nor can it even be inferred. There is a complete divide between the Law of Moses and the Covenant of Grace which comes through Jesus’ finished work.
 
This is because Jesus’ finished work... well, it finished something. What did it finish? It finished the task He was assigned, which was to be born under the law, live out the law without sinning, and then end the law because the law stands against us. It is not our friend but our enemy in the sense that it only condemns us. Without Jesus, the law can never bring about salvation. That is why Paul wrote this –
 
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:14-16
 
Jesus “abolished” the “law of commandments and ordinances.” It is speaking of the Law of Moses. It stood opposed to those who were under it. For those who believe in the completed work of the Messiah, salvation is realized. For those who claim that Jesus came to “renew” the Law of Moses, they have believed a false gospel and there will be no salvation.
 
Man simply cannot give up on himself. It is the sin of pride that says, “I am my own Savior.” Jesus may be a part of the process, but this type of thinking ultimately comes back to self. Give up on self! If you are a part of this heretical sect, come to Jesus today. Be saved through His full, final, finished, and forever work. Come to the cross and lay yourself and your burdens down.
 
Glorious God, forgive us for always trying to make everything about ourselves. Even in salvation, we greedily claim a portion of the process, as if we have somehow merited grace. But grace cannot be earned. Help us to get this right. May we forever hail Jesus who alone has done it all. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Matthew 4:16

Thursday, 26 September 2024
 
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of deathLight has dawned.” Matthew 4:16
 
“The people sitting in darkness, it saw Light – great, and sitting in a country and death-shadow, Light – it arose upon them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the coming great Light began. That now continues with the words, “The people sitting in darkness.”
 
The words explain the situation described in the previous verse. The Assyrians had come in and conquered the land, removing the northern ten tribes for their faithless conduct before the Lord. In place of them, pagans from around the Assyrian empire were brought in. They worshiped all the gods of their homelands, bringing great spiritual darkness when they did.
 
Many of these false religions partly continued, being intermingled with the customs and religion of the Jews, as it said in 1 Kings 17:33, “They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.”
 
This lack of properly worshiping the Lord continued throughout the years. And notice the use of the present participle, sitting. Those translations which render it as “sat” do a disservice to the intent. They were sitting and continued to sit in it.
 
The light of the worship of the Lord under the law did not permeate the darkness in which they sat. Something greater was needed to pull them out of the state of darkness in which they were stuck. But when Christ came, of this area of darkness, “it saw Light – great.”
 
It is referring to Jesus and His ministry. This is the area of His main focus for an extended period. And it wasn’t just to the Jews, even though that was the primary calling. An example of His bringing light to others is found in John 4 where Jesus was presented as the Messiah to the Samaritans in Sychar.
 
Throughout the region, there was only darkness. And this included the religion of the Jews in the synagogues. They had been taken over by the religious leaders who misdirected the people with their false, self-centered, teachings. These received the greatest rebukes from Jesus.
 
As He said to them, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” Matthew 23:15
 
Thus, the words of Isaiah continue, referring to the masses of this region, “and sitting in a country.” 
 
The people were sitting in darkness and the darkness is now equated to the country. The area is within the original borders of the land of Israel, and yet there was only darkness. Something greater than the law was needed to move them into a right relationship with the Lord, as the words of the prophecy next note, “and death-shadow.”
 
The Greek is two separate nouns: skia, a shadow, and thanatos, death. Taken together, they translate the single word found in the Hebrew of Isaiah, tsalmaveth – “death-shadow.” The death referred to carries a double connotation. It is the spiritual death that results in the physical death of humanity.
 
In other words, without the spiritual life of Christ, man is destined to die. This is what Jesus came to change. He came to give light and life to His people, bringing them out of the spiritual death in which they lived and from the physical death that all suffer because of it. In His coming, the words of the prophecy thus say, “Light – it arose upon them.”
 
The words are beautifully explained by John as he opened his gospel narrative –
 
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” John 1:4-9
 
In Jesus’ appearing, the words of Isaiah are fulfilled. He is the Great Light that came into the world and who appeared in the spiritual dark lands noted by Isaiah.
 
Life application: In John 7, we read these words –
 
“Then the Pharisees answered them, ‘Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.’50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 ‘Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?’52 They answered and said to him, ‘Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.’” John 7:47-52
 
These religious leaders had the words of Isaiah right before them, and yet they refused to accept what he had written because it would not fit their presuppositions about Jesus, and they failed to check things out.
 
This is still the case today. Why are there some who follow the doctrines of Calvinism and some who completely reject Calvin’s main points? Why are there people who accept that you can lose your salvation while others teach salvation is eternal? Many believe in a rapture while others reject the notion as silly. And even among those who accept the premise of a rapture, there are disagreements on the timing of the event.
 
This is a teeny portion of various disagreements within Christianity over doctrine. In fact, it is an infinitesimally small portion of them. Why is this so?
 
There are several reasons. One is that people are arguing from different viewpoints about the source of what they believe. Some hold to Scripture alone, but they may hold to a single source text of the Hebrew or Greek or to a single English translation.
 
Some think that the church has been given ongoing authority to set doctrine while others accept that the Bible is the sole source of doctrine for believers. But the latter again goes back to “which source text or translation.”
 
Even if a standard is agreed on, if one fails to take the Bible in its proper context, there can be no agreement on how doctrine is presented. If Jesus speaking to Israel under the law is used to make a doctrinal point in the church, and if that conflicts with what Paul says in his epistles, then there will be a disagreement on a particular doctrine.
 
And, of course, there are those who simply pull doctrines out of nowhere and teach them as if they are biblically correct. These may be based on emotions, sensational events, or desires for power or money. In using those as the basis for instructing others who are uneducated in proper theology, people are captivated and brought into often disastrous situations.
 
We each must decide what standard we will accept as authoritative. As God has said His word is authoritative, that is the safest place to hang one’s hat. From there, each step of the way, we should consider our next step carefully while fixing our eyes on Jesus, whom the Bible says is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
 
If we do this, we should at least have our priorities right as we continue our walk before our God. Let us do this above all else as we seek His face in the Great Light of the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Heavenly Father, Hallelujah to You for having sent Jesus to lead the way out of the darkness of this world and into the magnificent light of Your glory. Thank You for what You have done for us. Hallelujah and Amen.