BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 9:15

Monday, 14 April 2025
 
And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. Matthew 9:15
 
“And Jesus, He said to them, ‘Not, they can, the sons of the bridechamber, mourn – upon as much the bridegroom, He is with them. They will come, however, days when the  bridegroom, He shall be removed from them. And then, they will fast’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus was questioned by John’s disciples as to why His disciples don’t fast. In response, it next says, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘Not, they can, the sons of the bridechamber, mourn.’”
 
Here is a new word, numphón, a bridechamber. It is derived from numphé which signifies a young woman as if veiled, and thus a bride. The word can also signify a daughter-in-law. One can get a sense of the Latin word nupto, to marry, which leads to our word nuptial.
 
Jesus equates fasting to mourning. This seems to confirm the connection to the fasts mentioned in Zechariah in the previous commentary. This is because the Lord’s word in Zechariah 8 is based on what was said in Zechariah 7 –
 
Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev, 2 when the people sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his men, to the house of God, to pray before the Lord, 3 and to ask the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?”4 Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 5 “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? 6 When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? 7 Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland were inhabited?’”
 
It was either these fasts, or some other fasts of mourning that are being referred to during this conversation. But Jesus corrects the thinking of those who questioned Him, next saying, “upon as much the bridegroom, He is with them.”
 
It is another new word, numphios, a bridegroom. Jesus equates Himself to a bridegroom without explaining what He means, but the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) would probably come to the minds of those hearing. There, a love song between Solomon and his beloved is recorded in poetic form. It is a book read at the Passover each year, even to this day.
 
The Jews assumed that the poem was given as an allegory of the love expressed between the Lord and Israel, not understanding that Israel was only a portion of the history of the redemption of mankind. John’s disciples may have pondered His words, wondering what He meant. However, if they made this connection, they would understand that He was equating Himself with God.
 
John also spoke of Jesus as the bridegroom in John 3:29. His disciples may, therefore, have understood what was being conveyed better than the others who were gathered around them, including the Pharisees.
 
Regardless of what they thought about His words, Jesus continued, saying, “They will come, however, days when the bridegroom, He shall be removed from them.”
 
Jesus uses the word apairó, to lift off, and thus to take away. It will only be seen in the comparable accounts in Mark and Luke.
 
As for His words, Matthew doesn’t explain the meaning, instead sticking to the narrative. But Matthew could look back on what Jesus said and understand that He was speaking of His sacrificial death. The disciples of John probably would have had no idea what He was talking about, but there is no hint that they pressed the matter or questioned further.
 
That thought may have been overtaken by Jesus’ continued words after this verse. But Matthew would have contemplated what Jesus said after His death and resurrection. Thus, he is providing the account without inserting what he knows, recording it rather as an eyewitness would do.
 
With that understood, Jesus next says, “And then, they will fast.” Jesus is using the word fast to indicate “mourn” just as He did when He began the words of this verse. In other words, there is a time coming when Jesus would be taken from them, and they would mourn, something that would directly lead to a state of fasting.
 
Life application: If you have never read the book Song of Songs (also known as the Song of Solomon), it is only eight chapters. It is written in poetic form, and it is a beautiful read, even without understanding what is being conveyed in the back-and-forth words of Solomon and his beloved.
 
Take time to read it today. If you would like to understand what the poem is referring to, you can go to the Superior Word website or YouTube channel, and there are nineteen sermons that will explain what is being conveyed.
 
Don’t stop reading your Bible. Don’t stop considering how what the Bible is saying refers to Jesus. Keep looking for Him as you read. It is all about Him and what God is doing through Him to reconcile the world to Himself. It is the greatest love story ever written because it is God’s word that tells us about JESUS!
 
Lord God, please open our eyes to see wonderful things in Your word. Help us to understand what we are reading and how to connect it to the life and work of Jesus Christ. He said in John 5 that it is all about Him, so help us to see this, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:14

Sunday, 13 April 2025
 
Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” Matthew 9:14
 
“Then, they come to Him, the disciples of John, saying, ‘Through what, we and the Pharisees, we fast much. And your disciples, they fast not?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus instructed the Pharisees to learn what it means when the Lord spoke through the prophet, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Next, it says, “Then, they come to Him, the disciples of John.”
 
This account is restated in Mark 2 and Luke 5. What seems at first contrary to the thought of Jesus being the coming Messiah is that John’s disciples continued with him, despite John having proclaimed that Jesus is the Messiah, as in John 1.
 
It is true that two of them followed Jesus, including Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (John 1:35-42), but here it specifically noted that John continued to have disciples. And more, it next says that they were “saying, ‘Through what, we and the Pharisees, we fast much?’”
 
The expression “through what” is one that asks for an explanation concerning a matter. It is something like, “What is the basis for your actions today?” Also, their question isn’t just that John’s disciples and the Pharisees fasted as a habit, regardless of the day. Rather, Mark’s gospel more specifically records, “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting” Mark 2:18.
 
In other words, it appears there was a set day or occasion that precipitated their fasting. Despite this, Jesus was in the house of these taxmen and sinners, reclining and eating. The question by John’s disciples, as well as the Pharisees, as is seen in Mark 2, indicates that they would have expected everyone to fast on this particular day.
 
For example, it says in Zechariah 8 –
 
“Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 19 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:“The fast of the fourth month,The fast of the fifth,The fast of the seventh,And the fast of the tenth,Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feastsFor the house of Judah.Therefore love truth and peace.”’” Zechariah 8:18, 19
 
There were set days that people fasted, like those mentioned in Zechariah 8. The observant Jews would diligently follow these practices, even if they were not specifically designated in the Law of Moses. Understanding this, their question seems more relevant than it otherwise might.
 
They are not simply asking why Jesus doesn’t arbitrarily fast but why He is not following the tradition of the people. And more, it wasn’t only Jesus who may have some particular reason because He was proclaimed by John to be the Lamb of God, but they continue with the words, “And your disciples, they fast not?”
 
There was a reason for not fasting that extended beyond Jesus, even to His disciples. John’s disciples, along with the Pharisees (as noted above) were truly interested in the reason for His departure from the set traditions that they meticulously followed.
 
Life application: In Acts 11, Peter explained to those who questioned him about going into the house of a Gentile that it was directed by God. In his words, he says –
 
“Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” Acts 11:16, 17
 
Likewise in Acts 19, it says –
 
“And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’3 And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’4 Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’” Acts 19:1-4
 
The gospels and Acts are showing us the progression of learning that took place in the disciples and then in the early church as well as among the people of Israel. There is a problem, however, that persists to this day. People fail to make the distinction between law and grace. Reading the gospels and Acts and understanding the progression of thought in them is intended to help us understand the difference.
 
And yet, though these events are clearly laid out for us in Scripture, many people keep falling back on the law, customs, and traditions of Israel. None of those things are binding on people who have believed the gospel.
 
And yet, because of a partial or faulty understanding of what God in Christ has done, the insidious infection of law observance, in part or in whole, remains a teaching in the church.
 
How sad it is that we cannot accept grace without reinserting ourselves into the equation, meaning that we have not accepted grace at all! Henceforth, may we rest in what Jesus has done and in that alone.
 
Lord God, we are so grateful to You for the release from bondage that we possess because of Jesus. Sin no longer has mastery over us because we are no longer under law but under grace. Help us to live with this understanding, being ever grateful for Your goodness to us through the giving of Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 9:13

Saturday, 12 April 2025
 
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:13
 
“And having gone, you learn what it is: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call righteous but sinners to reconsideration” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that it is not the strong who need a physician but those who are sick. He continues this thought to the Pharisees, saying, “And having gone, you learn what it is.”
 
The words are intended to demonstrate that the Pharisees had not properly thought things through. They were the ones who supposedly spent all day studying Scripture and applying it to their lives, but they passed right over a main point when considering the sinners around them.
 
Thus, in saying these words to them, it is like saying, “You need to beat it, go back to school, and obtain right theology in such matters.” He will next directly cite the Scripture that allows Him and even calls him to sit among the taxmen and sinners, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”
 
Jesus cites Hosea 6:6. The verses around that verse speak of the rebellious nature of the people. And yet, despite their constant and revolting rebellion against the Lord, He maintained them as a people. The law required sacrifices for sin, but sacrifices without an accompanying turning of the heart mean less than nothing.
 
If the people thought they could act in an unholy manner throughout the year and yet be forgiven of all of their sins through a formal right of atonement on Yom Kippur without changing their hearts in the process, they were deceived. They could not just nod off sin as if it didn’t matter.
 
Rather, they needed reconsideration of their ways. Therefore, Jesus tells them this explicitly with the words, “For I came not to call righteous but sinners to reconsideration.”
 
Sinners who realized they were sinning and reconsidered their ways were just who Jesus came for. Those who felt justified in their conduct before the Lord were of no value to Him. What good is an arrogant, pompous person who walks around condemning others while not reconsidering the state of his own wicked heart before God. The Lord notes this in Isaiah –
 
“Who say, ‘Keep to yourself,Do not come near me,For I am holier than you!’These are smoke in My nostrils,A fire that burns all the day.” Isaiah 65:5
 
The Pharisees lived in accord with the Law of Moses before the people, but their hearts exalted their own greatness before God because what they did was for show, not because they cared about humility and a heartfelt walk before Him. Jesus is essentially saying, “Despite your outward appearances, I didn’t come to call you. I came for those who you think you are better than. They will have tender hearts and acknowledge what You completely ignore.”
 
Life application: Jesus never told the people to not obey Moses. However, in their obedience of the written code, He expected them to have hearts willing to acknowledge that the written code was given to show them how corrupt they are before God, to highlight their sin, and to ask them to reconsider their ways.
 
This isn’t a once-a-year thing where they could live like pagans all year and then be forgiven just to allow them to continue to live like pagans. The very notion of the Day of Atonement was, “You are sinners, you need to have this day or you would be swept from My presence.”
 
Instead, Israel treated it like a get-out-of-the-consequences-of-sin-free card. Unfortunately, this is how people continue to act today. Jews think they are right before God simply because they are Jews. Catholics think they are right before God simply because they were baptized into the Catholic church.
 
And people who attend churches all around the world think that because they are saved with an eternal salvation, they can do what they want without consequences. Some go so far as to not only think they are without consequences for sin, but that they have a right to claim even more from God, like prosperity and blessing.
 
What pleases God is not an ignoring of His glory, but an acknowledgment of it, a walk of humility before Him because of it, and a reconsideration of our ways from day to day as we fall short of that infinite glory.
 
Our broken hearts for the sins we commit are pleasing to God because they acknowledge His greatness through the pain of having offended Him. Let us be humble before Him, knowing that we are saved by grace and praising Him for that unbelievable goodness all our days.
 
O God, when we compare our lives before You to the glory of who You are, we can really see what grace means. You have extended favor and salvation to people who are so unworthy of it! And yet, You have extended it because of Jesus. Thank You for Your goodness to us in the giving of Jesus. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:12

Friday, 11 April 2025
 
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Matthew 9:12
 
“And Jesus, having heard, He said to them, ‘Not they have need, the “being strong,” of a physician. But the ‘having evil’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees why He ate with taxmen and sinners. Now, Matthew records, “And Jesus, having heard, He said to them.”
 
The question would seem logical to the people. They were to be separate from sin and to be a holy nation, but the fact is that people sinned and lived sinful lives. To this point in the history of Israel, there had not been a time that the law had done what it was set forth to do.
 
With the turning of the kingdom from a bad king to a good one, there would be temporary relief from idolatry and wickedness, but within the turn of a page, a new king would arise who would plunge the land back into evildoing. Rather than the law, it was the heart of the king towards the Lord that would turn the people to the right path.
 
But kings come and go. The Messiah had arrived to fix this ongoing dilemma. Jesus, the great and final King of Israel (though they did not yet know it) was to be the cure for the sin problem. His response to the Pharisees begins to reveal this, saying, “Not they have need, the ‘being strong,’ of a physician. But the ‘having evil.’”
 
In these words, the iatros, physician, is introduced. It will be seen seven times, all in the synoptic gospels, with the exception of the last use which will be in Colossians 4:14 when referring to Luke the physician. The word is derived from iaomai, to heal. Thus, it refers to a physician who is there to heal the people.
 
Jesus equates these sinners to sick people. By implication then, He is claiming to be the Physician who is there to heal them. There is a bit of irony here. The Pharisees were just as sick as the taxmen and sinners they stood accusing Jesus of attending to. However, without acknowledging their state that was sickened with sin, there was no remedy for their ills.
 
Life application: In the way Jesus is presented in the gospels, there are several overall types that He has come to fulfill. As noted, it is the king who directs the people as they bend to his will. The people followed good kings and bad kings. The law didn’t change, but the heart of the people did.
 
Jesus is thus the greater King being presented who has come to direct the heart of the people under the law and yet apart from it. In other words, it is not their obedience to the law that makes them right. It is Christ’s.
 
Likewise, there is the prophetic aspect of how Jesus is presented. The prophets spoke to the people concerning their need for being right with the Lord. Jesus, claiming to be the fulfillment of the words of the prophets, is thus the greater Prophet who directs the people to God through Himself.
 
He sums up everything that the words of Scripture point to. Thus, He is the embodiment of the written word, even to its finest details. It is “Christ in the contents” being fully fleshed out in Him.
 
A third aspect of Jesus’ major roles is the priestly line which was designated to administer the law on behalf of the people. Jesus, in fulfillment of the law, and through the shedding of His blood, instituted a New Covenant. This is fully explained in Hebrews, but in the initiation of a New Covenant, there must be a new Priest to minister to the people.
 
The line of Aaron was not appointed to minister except under the Old Covenant. Therefore, Jesus, in fulfillment of the law and in the introduction of the New Covenant, is the greater High Priest.
 
As you continue through the gospels, pay heed to these three roles. Consider how He is leading the people to understand His position as the One who embodied or would embody them as His work was completed.
 
What Israel was anticipating is fully realized in the coming of Jesus Christ to heal the sick and bring about an eternal restoration for His people.
 
O God, You have done it! You sent Jesus Christ our Lord to accomplish all Your word spoke about the coming One, the Messiah of Israel. In Jesus, it is all accomplished. Praise You, O God, for what You have done! Hallelujah and Amen.
 

Matthew 9:11

Thursday, 10 April 2025
 
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:11
 
“And the Pharisees, having seen, they said to His disciples, ‘Through what, your Teacher, He eats with the taxmen and sinners?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus reclined at the table. While there, it noted that many taxmen and sinners also reclined with Him and His disciples. Because of this, a bit of a stir arose. Matthew next says, “And the Pharisees, having seen.”
 
This is now the third time the Pharisees have been mentioned. The first was in Matthew 3:7 when John called them and the Sadducees a brood of vipers. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus spoke to the people about their need for having a righteousness that exceeded that of the scribes and Pharisees, implying that the Pharisees’ righteousness was not righteous enough.
 
Now, they are aware of Jesus’ company. Having just noted them as taxmen and sinners, they question the matter. Matthew records that “they said to His disciples, ‘Through what, your Teacher, He eats with the taxmen and sinners?’”
 
The meaning in standard English is essentially, “What allows your Teacher to do this?” It is a note that He, being a Teacher, should know better. If He is teaching, then what on earth is He doing sitting around with these profane and unrighteous people?
 
The issue here is that of familiarity and acceptance. People dine with those they are familiar with or intimate with or who they have accepted personally for one reason or another. It may be a social reason, a friendship reason, etc. However, having a meal together generally signifies a bond has been established between those gathered.
 
The Pharisees would have been incredulous that Jesus was reclining with such people. The term “Pharisee” by its nature means this would have been reprehensible to them. It is from the Hebrew word parash, to separate. Thus, they considered themselves purists and supposedly “separate from sin.”
 
By default, they would then be separated from sinners, not intermingling with them because of their own supposed holiness. Jesus’ actions probably had them apoplectic.
 
Life application: Some years ago, the pastor of a large church, James MacDonald, decided to test the congregation by coming to the church dressed like a real bum. He had on old clothes, a fake beard and long hair, along with all the things associated with a homeless person. As he sat outside the church, nobody tended to him.
 
When church started, he walked in, through the congregation, and to the pulpit where he began removing his hobo attire. He explained that God is giving the same grace to the bums on the street that He is giving to those who had walked by, ignoring the plight of the homeless man.
 
The Bible reveals this truth throughout its pages. Noah may have found grace in the eyes of the Lord, but so did his son Ham, whose morals were found to be questionable. People from the lines of both of Lot’s daughters entered into the genealogy of Jesus, one of whom was Rahab the harlot when she was spared at the destruction of Jericho.
 
These and other examples show us that God’s attention is not focused on the self-righteous, wealthy, powerful, or famous. Rather, He is focused on reconciling humanity despite these things. He even did it for a Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the apostle.
 
If God can save an angry, violent, and self-righteous man like Paul, He can save anyone. But He has placed us in the position of conveying this message to the world. Let us be responsible enough to at least share the message with those we may not agree with or even like.
 
Jesus sat with taxmen and sinners. Can’t we at least give a tract to them as well? Let us consider those around us as more than enemies when they don’t fit into our life circles. Maybe they don’t, but they can fit into the halls of heaven if we are willing to share the good news with them.
 
Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful kindness to sinners like us. We brought about the separation and enmity, and yet You have worked in human history to bring that to an end. Help us to remember this and to be willing to help others hear the good news as well. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:10

Wednesday, 9 April 2025
 
Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. Matthew 9:10
 
“And it was, He – reclining in the house. And, you behold! Many taxmen and sinners, having come, they co-reclined with Jesus and His disciples” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus called on Matthew to follow Him, which he did. Now, the narrative continues with, “And it was, He – reclining in the house.”
 
The NKJV, following the KJV, incorrectly includes the name of Jesus. It simply says, “He.” Further, a new word, anakeimai, is used. It comes from ana, up, and keimai, to lie. Thus, it means to recline. It is true that this was normally at a dinner table, but it doesn’t say that, despite many translations inserting that into their translation.
 
Luke 5:29, however, does reveal that this was a dinner. There, it says, “Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house.” Matthew, being the author, does not draw attention to himself but leaves this notable detail for others to include.
 
While reclining at a meal, which may have included any sort of talk, Matthew next records, “And, you behold! Many taxmen and sinners.”
 
These words include a second new word, hamartólos, sinners. The word comes from the verb hamartanó. It means to miss the mark and thus err. Erring before God is sin. These were people who were defined by missing the mark. Thus, they were the type who sat in the bars all night, caroused with women, stole, prostituted, etc.
 
Matthew lumps the taxmen in with sinners. In doing this, it shows the really disgraceful nature of the business he was in. One can see that he shied away from the more noble details, but he was unafraid to include himself in the details that highlighted the base nature of his previous life.
 
These sinners were people living their lives without considering their position before God. It appears that Matthew was so excited about his calling and his new direction in life that he wanted those he associated with to also know about Jesus and to meet Him personally. Therefore, “having come, they co-reclined with Jesus and His disciples.”
 
Here is a third new word, sunanakeimai. It is formed from the same word translated as reclined above, but it is prefixed by sun, meaning together or with. Thus, they joined in reclining. Saying co-reclined gets the point across.
 
Life application: Matthew’s words give us some great insights into how we too should conduct our lives. We were all sinners before God, having lived lives that marked us for condemnation. And yet, by His grace, we have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
 
Why should we shy away from admitting our past and using it to show others how far we have come? Some in churches think they are so holy that they can ignore the fallen plight of others and revel in their own supposed goodness. But according to the Bible, that is a ridiculous proposition. Even Paul, who was a Pharisee, admitted his past was just like everyone else –
 
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3
 
Another point about Matthew’s words is that he didn’t just admit his past and move on. Rather, he joyfully brought the sinners he associated with to a meeting with Jesus. What is the point of getting saved and then secluding yourself away from the very people who need him as you once did?
 
But this is the doctrine of so many churches. It is as if a clean break from the past is necessary to make one holy. Paul again says otherwise –
 
“I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” 1 Corinthians 5:9, 10
 
Paul understood that we live in a fallen world, and we had every right and responsibility to associate with those who were unsaved. In fact, Paul’s duties as a missionary would have been completely pointless if he only went to believers... because there were none where he normally went.
 
Rather, Paul continues in his epistle saying –
 
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.” 1 Corinthians 5:11
 
The people we need to avoid are those who profess to be Christians but who do not live up to the standard they are called to. Too often, the church gets this completely upside down.
 
Glorious God, may we do what is right and proper in Your presence. When we fall short, may we acknowledge it and press on in Your grace. But help us to remember to bring along those who have not yet known You or Your grace. May we faithfully witness concerning Your goodness to those around us. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:9

Tuesday, 8 April 2025
 
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Matthew 9:9
 
“And Jesus, passing thence, He saw a man sitting upon the tax-booth, being called Matthew. And He says to him, ‘You follow Me.’ And, having arisen, he followed Him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the multitudes marveled and glorified God who had given such power to men as to heal the paralytic. As noted, the healing was both physical and spiritual. Jesus had said that the man’s sins were forgiven. The fact that He healed the man physically substantiated His words concerning forgiveness. Thus, the crowds marveled. Next, it says, “And Jesus, passing thence.”
 
A new word is found here, “paragó.” It is derived from para, beside, and agó, to lead, bring, carry, etc. Therefore, it signifies “to lead near.” Strong’s Lexicon says –
 
“The verb ‘paragó’ is used in the New Testament to describe the action of leading or bringing something or someone alongside or past a certain point. It can imply a physical movement or a metaphorical passage, such as the passing of time or events.”
 
To understand the metaphorical meaning, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:31, “For the form of this world is passing away [paragó].”
 
Looking at the eight literal uses of the word in the gospels, each gives the sense of passing near a person or persons who become a part of the ongoing narrative. Such is the case here where Matthew next records, “He saw a man sitting upon the tax-booth.”
 
Here is another new word, telónion. It is derived from telónés, the dreaded tax collector who seems to pop up in every society. In this case, the word telónion refers to his place of business. Today, we might say “tax office.” In the case of Israel at the time, it was probably a booth or a table where taxes were collected. Of this person, a typical dreaded and disdained publican, it next says, “being called Matthew.”
 
In Mark, the name is Levi the son of Alphaeus. Luke simply calls him Levi. They are the same person, but Matthew anticipates his designated apostolic name at this time. In the selection of the apostles, both Mark and Luke will call him Matthew. Of him, he next records, “And He says to him, ‘You follow Me.’”
 
Although it is only speculation, it is possible that this calling actually comes after some sort of previous interaction. It may be that Matthew has heard Jesus speak, or they may have personally conversed about some matter or another.
 
Whatever is the case, Jesus knew that this person was ready to leave his duties as a tax collector and take on a completely different pursuit. And so, it next says, “And, having arisen, he followed Him.”
 
Matthew made the wisest decision he could possibly have made. He may not have even realized it at the time. Or it may be that in hearing that this man could forgive sins (based on the previous passage), he may have thought, “This is what I need. I’m a reprobate to my society and a sinful man.” Whatever prompted him, he heard the call and responded.
 
Life application: There is a calling to come to Jesus to be saved. If you have responded to that through belief, you are saved. But there may be an additional calling upon you. You may have the inner desire prompting you to become a missionary, tell others about the word, become a preacher, or plaster your car with Jesus bumper stickers.
 
Whatever you are prompted to do, if it is glorifying of God and not contrary to the Bible, don’t quench it. Rather, respond in a manner that will get the ball rolling and then continue to do what is necessary to keep it going. Fan the flames of the passion within you.
 
Matthew was asked to follow, and He did. You may have been designed by God in your makeup, time, position, etc., to follow Him in a particular way. So, get up and go! 
 
As a bonus concerning tax collectors and what Matthew was brought out of, take time today to listen to Taxman by the Beatles. A couple thousand years after Matthew was brought out of his life of taxing others, people still write about what they think about this profession. If a taxman can be called by Jesus to do other, greater things, so can you.
 
Lord God, You have called sinners to come unto You through the precious shed blood of Christ. I’m a sinner! I responded on that glorious day. Now, help me to continue to follow closely beside You all my days. To Your glory, I pray. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:8

Monday, 7 April 2025
 
Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. Matthew 9:8
 
“And the crowds having seen, they marveled, and they glorified God, the ‘having given such authority’ to men” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the healed paralytic arose and departed to his house. With his healing and ability to arise and depart, Matthew next records, “And the crowds having seen, they marveled.”
 
This wasn’t something done in a corner. Rather, there were many witnesses including the scribes. Because of this, it could not later be denied that it took place. And more, because all three synoptic gospels record the event, there is a reliable, historical witness to the fact in the pages of the Bible.
 
But for the immediate time, what the crowds saw stunned them. As it was in a city, it would have been known that this man was a paralytic. It wasn’t as if it could have been faked by shipping him in from another town. Rather, he went to his house, meaning he was a local. Because of the obvious miracle that took place, it next says, “and they glorified God.”
 
This is the reason why God does what He does. He did not need to create, but He did. He did not need to create sentient life, but He did. When man fell, God was under no obligation to bring him back to a state of restoration. Despite Israel’s constant and continuous rejection of Him, God has maintained them as a people, just as He said He would when He covenanted with them.
 
God’s glory and the recognition of it is the purpose of all such things. But it is not a selfish glory that demands it to be given. Rather, free will is associated with man’s ability to glorify or reject God. For those who glorify God, they share in the goodness of what God has done. Thus, it is not a one-sided thing that takes place. Understanding this, the reason for their glorifying God is next stated, saying He is “the ‘having given such authority’ to men.”
 
A new word, toioutos, is introduced here. It is a demonstrative pronoun translated as “such.” It is derived from toi, the, and houtos, this.  As such, it signifies “truly this,” and thus, “of this sort.” It denotes character or individuality.
 
In other words, God made Himself and His power evident through a particular Man. Thus, He has brought glory to Himself in this manner. At this point, it was still not known what sort of Man Jesus is. Instead, they assumed that God was working through a man who could have been any man.
 
Eventually, those who continued to follow and experience the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus would learn the full details of who Jesus is.
 
What may be the more relevant issue that is being dealt with here, however, is not the physical healing of the paralytic. Jesus has already been recorded as having done that. He has also healed many others in a similar manner.
 
The more important issue is that He had just said that the man’s sins were forgiven. This is what got the scribes upset, accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus prodded them concerning which was easier. The implication was that His words concerning forgiveness were.
 
Therefore, in healing the man, it is implied that the forgiveness Jesus spoke of previously was granted as well. This would then lead to the marveling of the crowds. What authority God has given to Man. Indeed!
 
Life application: The Bible is the written record of what has occurred in redemptive history. It details God’s workings in and through Christ in order to reconcile us to Himself. Is it reliable? If you are unsure, it is incumbent upon you to verify it in your own mind. Or, if you are challenged by someone as to why you believe it, can you defend your faith? Even if you cannot, if someone challenges you, the onus is on that person to make his claims for or against the word.
 
This was the case with Simon Greenleaf. He was a non-believer, but he was one of the greatest legal minds in history. He was a principal founder of Harvard law school. At one point, he was challenged by a student to look at the gospels from a legal standpoint.
 
As an intellectually honest person, he took the challenge, setting aside any presuppositions or biases. In doing so, he concluded that the gospels hold the topmost weight of legal accuracy. His basis for this was that “Every document, apparently ancient, coming from the proper repository or custody, and bearing on its face no evident marks of forgery, the law presumes to be genuine, and devolves on the opposing party the burden of proving it to be otherwise.”
 
His conclusion was that the gospels bore this stamp of authenticity and were, in fact, what they claimed to be. As such, he states –
 
“The foundation of our belief is a basis of fact - the fact of the birth, ministry, miracles, death, resurrection by the Evangelists as having actually occurred, within their own personal knowledge it was therefore impossible that they could have persisted in affirming the truths they have narrated, had not Jesus actually rose from the dead, and had they not known this fact as certainly as they knew any other fact.”
 
Simon Greenleaf surrendered his life to Christ, knowing that no legal case could suitably challenge the Bible’s genuineness.
 
Be sure of your faith by being sure of what the basis for your faith is. Read this word, study this word, and cherish this word. Be ready to defend it and also be ready to challenge those who dismiss it. Implore them to be as intellectually honest as Simon Greenleaf and to do their own evaluation of it – to the glory of God.
 
Lord God, we know Your word is true, but we also need to know how to defend what we believe. Help us in this endeavor. Remind us of the things we know, and help us to build upon that knowledge from day to day so that when we are challenged, we can respond in a manner that glorifies You. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:7

Sunday, 6 April 2025
 
And he arose and departed to his house. Matthew 9:7
 
“And, having arisen, he departed to his house” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus instructed the paralytic to arise, take up his bed, and go to his house. In response to that, it now says, “And, having arisen, he departed to his house.”
 
With the healing accomplished, the man was fully compliant with the directive given. Matthew focuses on the healing and obedience to the exclusion of all else. Mark provides a note that the man did this immediately, something quite common in his epistle. Luke provides the most detail, saying, “Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.”
 
The three accounts complement each other, providing a sound witness that the event took place just as recorded. The man, returning to his house, would have completely surprised those who knew him. He left being carried on a bed, and he returned carrying that same bed.
 
The victory over his paralysis was immediate and it was complete. He needed no extended rehab in order to adjust back to normal life.
 
Life application: This physical healing mirrors the greater spiritual healing that Jesus provides. When a person whose life is marked with sin comes to Christ through faith in Him and His finished work, he is spiritually healed from that moment. Paul gives details of this process –
 
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14
 
The moment we believe, we are saved and sealed with a promise, and which is a guarantee. The guarantee belongs to the believer. Saying that it is until the redemption of the purchased possession signifies that the salvation is eternal. It will not be taken away from the one who believes. To say otherwise is to say that God’s word is untrue.
 
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:29, 30
 
In God’s view, the moment we respond to the calling, we are saved. Upon salvation we stand justified before God. And more, in God’s view, we are glorified at that moment. God’s decrees are eternal in scope. Therefore, in entering the New Covenant through faith in Christ’s work, the deal is done. This is possible because...
 
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19
 
In coming to Christ, we are reconciled to God. The separation that existed since Adam fell is ended. But more, in this process of redemption through Christ, no law is given. It is a redemption of grace. Therefore, because the wages of sin is death (meaning spiritual death and separation from God that leads to physical death), and because it is by law that sin is imputed (Romans 5:13), then we can no longer lose our salvation. The salvation is eternal.
 
One plus one will always equal two in proper theology.
 
Let us thank God for the full, final, finished, and forever salvation that has been procured for us through the giving of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, we thank You for what You have done for us in the giving of Jesus. May we never fail to praise You for Your wonderful kindness in the grace that has been bestowed. Thank You, O God. We praise You now and forever. Amen.

Matthew 9:6

Saturday, 5 April 2025
 
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Matthew 9:6
 
“And so, you might have known that the Son of Man, He has authority upon the earth to forgive sins... Then He says to the paralytic, ‘Having arisen, you lift your mat, and you go to your house’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus asked the scribes whether it was easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Arise and walk.” Without waiting for a reply, Jesus continues with, “And so, you might have known that the Son of Man.”
 
This is the second time the term Son of Man is used by Jesus in Matthew. Instead of saying “I have authority,” He highlights the title. This would then be a claim that He is the One referred to in Daniel 7:13, whether they made the connection at this time or not. As for His using this title, the first time was in Matthew 8, also when addressing a scribe –
 
“And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, ‘Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.’20 And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’” Matthew 8:18-20
 
The term is one that speaks of Jesus’ human nature. Thus, it is appropriate to use at this time because He is obviously a man of Israel, and yet He has stated that He can forgive sins, a prerogative that belongs to God alone. Instead of calling Himself the Son of God, He is leaving that to be understood from His actions. Understanding this, it next says, “He has authority upon the earth to forgive sins...”
 
In other words, He being a man is claiming that God has granted Him an authority no one else possesses. This is the most important authority that could be granted. The reason for this is because the entire sacrificial system that had been set up for the priests of Israel was to deal with sin. God had instituted the Levitical system, chosen priests from that tribe, and given minute instruction in what to do when the people sinned against Him.
 
The rights and responsibilities of this system fell to the Levitical priests alone, and yet, they did not possess the authority to forgive sin. Rather, they performed the rituals through which the Lord would then provide the forgiveness and restoration. The words “shall be forgiven” are repeated again and again in the book of Leviticus when detailing these rituals. For example –
 
“The priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the Lord for his sin which he has committed. And the sin which he has committed shall be forgiven him.” Leviticus 19:22
 
It is the Lord alone who can forgive sin, and this is provided only directly or through the mediatorial work of priests. For Jesus to claim this right means that the Levitical system must be lesser than the forgiveness He could offer because no sacrificial work by the priests was necessary. Thus, it would be comparable to the words of Nathan to David –
 
“So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.’” 2 Samuel 12:13, 14
 
After making His astonishing claim, He will now proceed with the more difficult of the two options presented to the scribes in the previous verse, as Matthew notes, “Then He says to the paralytic, ‘Having arisen, you lift your mat, and you go to your house.’”
 
The words are strikingly similar to the words Jesus spoke to the infirm man in Jerusalem in John 5:8. In fact, in the parallel account in Mark 2:11, they are word for word identical to John 5:8. Those words say, “Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’”
 
There, Jesus was accused of violating the Sabbath because He told the man to do this on a Sabbath. Jesus is revealing to these scribes that He not only has the power to heal and to forgive, but that His authority also transcends the Sabbath because He is, as He says elsewhere, the Lord of the Sabbath.
 
With the mere spoken word, the man here in Matthew is told that he will be able to arise. In so doing, he is to lift up his mat and return to his home. Not only does Jesus speak the words, but they are such simple words that it makes the authority in them all the more striking. He doesn’t appeal to the Lord (Yehovah) or to God in general. Rather, His words bear the authority because they are uttered by Him.
 
Life application: Everything about the encounter between this paralyzed man and Jesus has brought forth the understanding that Jesus is God who is also a Man. The Bible doesn’t give us any other option in what is being conveyed. And yet, Israel denied this. At the time of the Lord’s appearing, they rejected Him, crucified Him, and called for His blood to be upon them and their children.
 
They got what they asked for and have suffered two thousand years of punishment (so far) for their unbelief. Do you think God is going to treat anyone else any differently? The Jehovah’s witnesses deny Jesus’ deity. The Mormons have twisted the nature of Jesus to deny it as well while still claiming they believe it.
 
The other religions of the world reject Jesus as their Savior. Those who have no religion have rejected Jesus as well. When Jesus said that He is the one way to be saved, it means that anyone who has not come through Him is... well, he is not saved. God’s wrath has been upon Israel. God’s wrath will remain on all others who do not come to Him.
 
Be sure to accept the Bible as it is written, accept who Jesus is shown to be, and call on Him as Lord, to the glory of God the Father, and unto your salvation. Don’t put it off!
 
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18
 
Lord God, there is a world full of people who need to hear about Jesus. Some will reject the message. Others will accept it, if they are given the opportunity to do so. Help us to have pity on the world without Jesus and to get the word out. May we be a part of the solution to the tragic situation in which they currently stand. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 9:5

Friday, 4 April 2025
 
For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? Matthew 9:5
 
“For which it is easier: To say, ‘Your sins, they are forgiven,’ or ‘You arise, and you walk?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus knew the thoughts of the scribes and asked them why they thought evil in their hearts. Next, to reveal the evil He is referring to, He begins with, “For which it is easier: To say.”
 
This is a new word, eukopóteros, translated as easier. It is an adjective which, in this instance, will be used to provide a comparison between two choices. It is derived from eu, good or well, and kopos, a noun signifying a cut, but by analogy it speaks of toil or, figuratively, pain or labor.
 
Together, they give the sense of “better for toil.” In other words, it speaks of that which is easier. As for what Jesus will ask is easier, He next questions them with the two choices, which are, “‘Your sins, they are forgiven,’ or ‘You arise, and you walk?’”
 
In His question, Jesus is not speaking of which is easier to utter. Both can be uttered without any difficulty. Rather, He is referring to the effect produced by what is said. In other words, the assumption is that His words will have the intended effect through what is uttered. He has set the two propositions before the scribes, asking them their thoughts.
 
They have the ability to forgive others who offend them. If one of them does something wrong towards the other, the offended one can easily forgive if harmony has been restored concerning the offense. However, if one of them was a paralytic, could the other say to his friend, “Get up and walk” while having the intended effect? The answer between the two is quite obvious.
 
Understanding this, Jesus is dealing with two separate but connected issues. The first issue is a spiritual healing, something that – in this case – is between God and man. The latter is physical healing. But physical problems are the result of a fallen world. They ultimately result from sin which has been inherited from our first father, Adam.
 
Therefore, if Jesus has the ability to heal the paralytic after proclaiming that his sins have been forgiven, then the physical healing would be proof of the spiritual forgiveness. This is not the same as going to a doctor to be cured of a disease or malady. The doctor only has the ability to heal the physical defect, not the spiritual.
 
As such, if Jesus has the ability to forgive sins, which are an offense against God, and if He confirms that healing through the man’s physical healing, then He validates that He has the authority to forgive the sins as He spoke. Therefore, He is exercising the authority of God. It is another implicit note that He is, in fact, God.
 
Life application: Understanding that only God has the authority to forgive sin that has been committed against Him, what does that tell us about the Roman Catholic practice of supposedly forgiving sins against God?
 
They believe that through their confessional, they have the authority as the church to 1) provide forgiveness of sin, 2) reconciliation with God, the church, and others, 3) spiritual healing, and 4) a clearing of the conscience.
 
The system that has been put in place supposedly allows for mediation between God and man. But the Bible explicitly says in 1 Timothy 2:5 that there is one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus. Reconciliation, therefore, can only be found in the shed blood and mediation of Jesus Christ.
 
Realizing this, one should run, not walk, from the Roman Catholic Church. The pope is not God’s representative on the earth. The Roman Catholic Church is not the official body where reconciliation between God and man takes place. And more, the Roman Catholic confession cannot provide forgiveness, reconciliation, spiritual healing, or a clearing of the conscience. As for the latter, it can only provide a searing of the conscience.
 
This is why those in the mafia feel they can do anything they want, including murder, and still be exonerated for their conduct. The conscience becomes so seared through this unholy practice that people are lulled into complacency in their spiritual lives to the point where they feel they only need to worry about the things of this world. At the same time, they allow the church to supposedly take care of the things necessary for their next life.
 
It is a sad and tragic state to exist in, all because people have failed to check the manual, meaning the Bible.
 
Lord God, help us to never trust anyone concerning spiritual matters without first checking with Your word. If we hear something about our relationship with You, give us the wisdom to check it out, so that our lives in Your presence will be sound and based on the reality presented in the Bible. Yes, Lord God. Help us in this. Amen.

Matthew 9:4

Thursday, 3 April 2025
 
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4
 
“And Jesus, having seen their thoughts, He said, ‘So why do you think evil in your hearts?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus was accused of blaspheming because He told the paralytic his sins were forgiven. Matthew continues with, “And Jesus, having seen their thoughts.”
 
There is a slight difference in manuscripts in these words. Some say having known while others say having seen. Either way, the intent is the same, He is aware of their thoughts, either seeing them, which is then transferred to knowing, or He knows them, which equates to mental perception.
 
The greater question that could be asked would be, “Is this referring to each person’s stream of thoughts, or is it the single thought of all the people He is addressing?” The first option would be a clear indication of deity. In the second option, one could argue that He picked up on the one thought they all had, that of His supposed blasphemy.
 
Whichever way is intended, there is nothing in the conversation to indicate anyone said anything to Him, and yet He was able to see/know what they were thinking. As such, the writer of the narrative intends for us to see that Jesus is reading their thoughts, even if someone wanted to argue otherwise.
 
Of the three accounts of this event, Mark gives the clearest sense of Christ’s understanding by saying, “But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, ‘Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?’” Mark 2:8.
 
As for the word that is used, which is translated as “thought,” it is the Greek word enthumésis, a thought, reflection, deliberation, etc. It is introduced here. It is derived from the verb enthumeomai, which is also used in the second clause of this verse.
 
Understanding that the gospel writers really intend for us to see Jesus’ ability to read the thoughts of others, even if some might argue against this, it next says, “He said, ‘So why do you think evil in your hearts?’”
 
Jesus’ response clearly asks us to see that He has read their hearts. Of course, one could argue that this is a result of a proclamation made out loud that is then transferred to the location where the proclamation originated from.
 
In other words, if John and Mark were to say in front of Tom, “Tom is only doing this to impress Janet,” Tom might respond by saying, “What kind of evil are you thinking?” That is a possible understanding of such a response by Jesus here.
 
However, taking all three gospels together, and especially considering Mark’s works, as noted above, concerning Jesus perceiving in His spirit what they reasoned within themselves, it is evident the writers intend for us to see them in the light of Jesus’ ability to read the hearts and minds.
 
Life application: There is, at times, set intent in the Bible that is revealed in various ways. However, there is always someone who will argue against what the Bible is actually revealing. A good example of this is about who the term “sons of God” is referring to in Genesis 6. The surrounding narrative, and the way Genesis is structured in presented ideas, clearly indicates that the term is referring to the godly line of Adam through Seth. They are set in contrast to the ungodly line of Cain.
 
This is the set intent that the Bible is conveying to the reader. However, it is an unpopular view because it seems to lack any sensational value. Sensation is... well, it is sensational. And people like that. It is a process we call ear-tickling. However, if thought through, the fact that God is leading us in His word to Jesus through the godly line makes the matter highly sensational if one is looking for Jesus.
 
The purpose of the Bible isn’t just to tell us about giants that stomped around on the earth before the flood. That would be a distraction to the narrative. And yet, people devote an inordinate amount of time to this one thought. If you don’t believe that, go to YouTube and type in a question about the Nephilim or the sons of God as detailed in Genesis 6.
 
The number of videos is incredible and it is being added to daily. What a distraction from God’s intent! The Bible, instead, is revealing the generations of those who lead to the coming Messiah. This is why there are generations of Ishmael that are later set in contrast to the line of Isaac, and there are the generations of Esau later set in contrast to the line of Jacob.
 
In the case of Matthew 9:4, the set intent is to reveal a trait about Jesus that transcends the ability of other people. This is true with His healing, both in the presence of others and when they are not around. It is true in His ability to calm the seas and raise the dead. Jesus is a Man, but He is also God.
 
The writers of the gospel are setting forth their intent. We are to look at that intent, process it, and see the marvel of God in Christ working out His plan of redemption in the Person of Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus as you read from Genesis to Revelation. If you do this, your ears will be tickled in the most perfect way, the way that God intends.
 
Lord God, how exciting it is to see Jesus on each page of Your word as we continue through it. Focusing on the devil, demons, Mary, the church apart from Christ, etc., are not healthy ways of evaluating Scripture. Jesus is the focus. Help us to follow the directive You have set forth – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus!” Yes, help us to keep this proper focus. Amen.