BIBLE IN TEN

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.

Matthew 9:3

Wednesday, 2 April 2025
 
And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”
 
“And, you behold! Some of the scribes, they said to themselves, ‘This, He blasphemes’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus saw the faith of those who brought the paralytic who was lying on a bed. Because of how they came to Him, He said, “You embolden child! Your sins, they are forgiven you.” Now, Matthew continues with, “And, you behold! Some of the scribes.”
 
Luke provides the background for these words –
 
“Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem.” Luke 5:17
 
These men had heard about Jesus and had come to see what was going on. Whether those from Jerusalem and Judea knew of Him from His time there, or whether word had come about Him and they went to see Him isn’t known, but they were clearly there with the intent of ascertaining what He was doing. Having heard Jesus’ words to the man, “they said to themselves.”
 
One might question if this means they spoke to one another or if they spoke in their minds to themselves. The answer is found in Mark and Luke. Mark said they were “reasoning in their hearts,” something Jesus confirmed by asking, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?” (Mark 2:8). Luke confirms this, essentially saying the same things.
 
This demonstrates a power and ability that is ascribed to God alone, such as –
 
“I, the Lord, search the heart,I test the mind,Even to give every man according to his ways,According to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10
 
This sentiment is found several times in the Old Testament. It is a capability only the Lord God possesses. And yet, the way the gospel writers have presented the matter, they confirm that Jesus is fully capable of this. It is a thought later confirmed in Revelation –
 
“I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:23
 
Understanding this ability of Jesus, who is God, it next says, “This, He blasphemes.”
 
Saying “This,” appears to be a contemptuous way of speaking of Jesus. That then leads to the thought of Him blaspheming, which is a new word in Scripture. The Greek is blasphémeó, a verb originally signifying to speak evil of, slander, or revile. In the case of God, however, Bengel rightly states –
 
“Blasphemy is committed when (1.) things unworthy of God are attributed to Him; (2.) things worthy of God are denied to Him; (3.) when the incommunicable attributes of God are attributed to others.”
 
Jesus is claiming an ability and a prerogative that belongs to God alone. That is noted, for example in Isaiah 43:25 –
 
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;And I will not remember your sins.”
 
It is true that there are times when one person will say to another something like, “Please forgive me of my sin.” However, that is referring to a matter between the two, not the forgiveness of transgressions against God that can only be forgiven by Him. What Jesus is doing is placing Himself between God and the sinner in a manner similar to the role of the priest.
 
However, a priest in Israel only performed a function that allowed sin to be forgiven according to the law set forth by the Lord. He was not the one who provided the forgiveness, only the means by which it was secured for the person. Jesus is actively saying that He forgives the man of sins against God, something only God can do. Of this, Kubel says the following –
 
“No passage of the Old Testament affirms that the Messiah himself will forgive sins. Thus Jesus ascribes to himself what even the highest Old Testament prophecies of the Messianic time had reserved to God; e.g. Jeremiah 31:34; Isaiah 43:25.”
 
This is correct. In Isaiah 53, it notes that Jesus would be the One to bear the sins of the people, but it was not fully understood that this meant both in the forgiving of them actively, such as in this case in Matthew, as well as bearing them in the manner which the animals under the Old covenant were supposed to do, meaning in a substitutionary manner.
 
Jesus provided both types of forgiveness before God, meaning He is equal to the Father.
 
Life application: The words of this short verse are filled with hints of the deity of Jesus. He is capable of reading the hearts and minds of the people, something that is ascribed to God in the Old Testament. He holds the approval to forgive sin. Again, it is an authority that belongs to God alone in the Old Testament.
 
And yet, these things are shown to be capabilities that belong to Jesus in the New. And it is not just during His earthly ministry to Israel that it is so. Rather, since His resurrection, He is the One to judge sin, wield the full power of God – having all authority in heaven and on earth, and He is the One who reads the hearts and minds of the people of the world.
 
The Bible leaves no doubt as to the nature of Jesus Christ. To deny these fundamental truths concerning Him is to deny what is clearly presented in the word. If the Bible is the word of God, then to deny what it clearly presents concerning Jesus is blasphemy against God.
 
Lord God, help us to understand the nature of Jesus intimately. May we pursue the knowledge of Him with every fiber of our being. We ask Your help in this because we know that in knowing Him, we will know You. Be with us in our pursuit of the wonderful Lord Jesus! Amen.

Matthew 9:2

Tuesday, 1 April 2025
 
Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” Matthew 9:2
 
“And, you behold, they presented Him a paralytic having been cast upon a bed. And Jesus, having seen their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘You embolden child! Your sins, they are forgiven you’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city, meaning Capernaum. Now, Matthew continues with, “And, you behold, they presented Him a paralytic.”
 
This is now the third time the word has been used. In verse 4:24, it noted that He healed paralytics. In Matthew 8, the servant of the centurion was noted as a paralytic. So, it would seem this was just another paralytic out of many. But it is how the matter is approached that makes this account different. As for the paralytic, it says of him, “having been cast upon a bed.”
 
The word kline, translated as bed, is introduced here. It signifies a bed or table. Strong’s notes that the word is used to describe a bed for sickness, sleep, sitting, or eating.
 
As for the words, there still appears to be nothing unusual in the account. If someone is paralyzed, they would be immobilized, usually on a bed. Today, we have wheelchairs and the like, but at this time in history, a person in such a state would be confined to the home or carried on a litter. Next, Matthew notes, “And Jesus, having seen their faith.”
 
This is where the words in Matthew jump over events that are recorded in Mark and Luke. Without understanding the context, it seems odd to go from a guy on a bed to “having seen their faith.” Anyone in such a state who wanted to be healed would naturally be brought in.
 
In Mark 2, it says –
 
“And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” Mark 2:1-4
 
It is this extraordinary effort that brings Jesus to His words about their faith. When they could not approach Him due to the thronging crowd, they came up with an innovative way of dealing with things.
 
Their actions demonstrated that they truly believed that Jesus could heal the man. Otherwise, they would not have bothered, figuring they would look foolish for putting in so much effort just to return home disappointed. Because of their actions, which were based on their faith in Jesus’ capabilities, “He said to the paralytic, ‘You embolden child! Your sins, they are forgiven you.’”
 
Rather than performing a physical healing, as one would expect with a person who has come to be healed, Jesus deals with a more important issue, the man’s sin. These words set off a firestorm among some of those who are there with Jesus. That will be seen in the verses ahead.
 
Life application: If you go to churches where healing is the focus, the physical aspect of the healing takes priority. It is as if a Hollywood presentation is going on when the supposed faith healer may run around on stage, laying hands on people, pushing them backwards with gasps and fainting, and people jump to their feet as if victoriously healed of whatever malady they supposedly possessed.
 
Benny Hinn used to take off his coat and swing it at people, as if he had the power to heal them by slapping them with it. All of the false faith healing in the world does nothing to deal with the issue of sin. And it is sin that keeps one from God. It would be better to be forgiven of one’s sins and to lay on one’s bed for an entire life as a paralytic than to be denied entrance into heaven because the gospel was not properly shared with him.
 
We should keep the main purpose of Jesus’ work in mind at all times. He came to save humanity from sin. Without that, the rest just doesn’t matter. What ultimately happens to us in this temporary, futile, fallen world makes no difference without Jesus and His cleansing us from our sin.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You that we are forgiven from our sins because of what Jesus has done for us. Without that, we are just specks of matter, formed together for a breath in the stream of time, destined to perish and return to nothingness. But we know that is not true. We were created by You and we must return to You through Jesus. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 9:1

Monday, 31 March 2025
 
So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Matthew 9:1
 
“And having entered the boat, He through-crossed, and He came into His own city” (CG).
 
The previous verse ended Chapter 8 as it completed the account of the two demon-possessed men. Now, with Jesus and His disciples having been asked to depart from the region, it next says, “And having entered the boat.”
 
They had come from Capernaum to this area, having passed over from there. Now departed, it says, “He through-crossed.”
 
This is a new word, diaperaó, coming from dia, through, and peran, which signifies beyond, over, the other side, etc. Thus, it signifies to cross entirely, from one side to the other. To keep the words in line with the Greek, through-crossed gets the point across. In their through-crossing, it next says, “and He came into His own city.”
 
Another new word is seen, idios. It signifies that which pertains to self, such as one’s own, or something private or separate, etc. In this case, it is referring to Jesus’ city, Capernaum, where He had set as the base for His ministry.
 
Life application: The trip from Capernaum to the Gergesenes and back was short but filled with action. The seas raged, the disciples feared, Jesus calmed the sea, and the disciples marveled, wondering what kind of Man Jesus was.
 
From there they landed on the shore, met with the demon-possessed men, and Jesus ejected the demons from them into pigs, bringing the men to a right state. From there, they departed and went right back to Capernaum.
 
The Bible is highlighting Jesus, His actions, and His work. We should pay heed to what we are seeing. A storm arose and He calmed it. A spiritual storm arose in the men, and Jesus calmed it.
 
We are being shown the nature of the Man that the disciples couldn’t seem to grasp, even though they were right there with Him watching the things He did. He commanded a person to be healed who wasn’t even in His presence. He also healed a leper by touching Him. Rather than becoming unclean, He remained clean and the leper was cleansed.
 
Jesus thereby demonstrated that He was greater than the law even though He submitted to the law. As the law was given by God to Israel through Moses, we are being shown the true nature of the Man. If you are struggling with the idea of Jesus’ deity, you are struggling against the word of God.
 
God, through His word, is conveying to us information about what He has done in and through the Person of Jesus. Don’t fret about this matter! Accept it by faith. Jesus Christ is the God/Man. When we pray to God through Jesus, we have all the power in the universe hearing our prayers. He will respond accordingly. Trust that it is so.
 
Heavenly Father, we thank You for what You have done for us in sending Jesus. Help us in our times of lacking trust. Help us in our weak faith. Strengthen us through Your word so that we can always feel confident as we walk in this world, awaiting the day when we will be brought near to You forever. Amen.

Matthew 8:34

Sunday, 30 March 2025
 
And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region. Matthew 8:34
 
“And, you behold! All the city, it went out to the Jesus meeting. And having seen Him, they begged that He might depart from their borders” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Matthew noted that those who had kept the pigs went into the city and conveyed all the details of what happened to the demon-possessed men. He next continues with, “And, you behold! All the city.”
 
Like every car slowing down on the highway to see an accident, people are attracted to interesting events that enter into the normal daily activities of life. With news of what had happened, the people gathered together to participate in the matter which had been told to them.
 
Saying “all the city,” however, is a superlative that means “a great portion of the city.” As seen elsewhere, not every “every” means every and not all “alls” mean all. Despite that, the majority of the people would have been curious about the events and willing to take time off from whatever they were doing to check things out. And so, the population of the city, “it went out to the Jesus meeting.”
 
Almost all translations make this a verb, such as, “they went out to meet Jesus.” However, it is a new noun, hupantésis. It signifies an encounter or a meeting. They had been told what He had done and they formed together intent on a meeting with Him. Next, it says, “And having seen Him, they begged that He might depart from their borders.”
 
Matthew’s account doesn’t fill in the details like Mark and Luke do. Mark 5 says –
 
“Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. 17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.” Mark 5:15-17
 
The comments of scholars concerning why they asked Jesus to depart are all over the place –
 
“It was characteristic of the wild, half-heathen population that they were led to look on the Prophet who had wrought so great a work as a Destroyer rather than a Saviour.” Ellicott
 
“The motive for the request was fear lest a greater disaster should follow.” Meyer
 
“These Gerasenes, vexed at the loss of wealth, felt, like the demoniacs, that there was nothing in common between themselves and Jesus, but, unlike them, showed no consciousness of sin. Without this he could do nothing for them, so he granted their request.” Pulpit Commentary
 
Albert Barnes says –
 
This shows:
 
That the design of Satan is to prejudice people against the Saviour, and even to make what Christ does an occasion why they should desire him to leave them.
 
The power of avarice. These people preferred their property to the Saviour. They loved it so much that they were blind to the evidence of the miracle, and to the good he had done to the miserable people whom he had healed.
 
Meyer is the only one who is close. Mark and Luke both say they were afraid. All the other commentary is nonsense. If the demon-possessed men were so powerful that they could scare people so badly that they wouldn’t even pass by that way, and if Jesus was able to cast out the demons that made the men so powerful, then Jesus obviously possessed power that was greater than the demons.
 
Further, by casting them into the pigs, it demonstrated that He had control over the demons to cause this to occur. He not only could cast out demons, but He could direct them once cast out. If He could do these things, what more could He do? This caused them to fear. Without further information to go on, everything else is speculation and presupposition.
 
Life application: Luke 5 says –
 
“But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” Luke 5:5-8
 
When Peter saw the miracle of Jesus, He asked Him to depart. His explanation was that he was a sinful man. Peter understood the position and power of Jesus and he measured his sin against what he saw and it affected him.
 
The people in the city saw the capability and power of Jesus, and it affected them. When we read the Bible, we should see the glory, power, authority, and capability of God and it should affect us. If we are left unaffected by the law when we read the law, we are not grasping the magnitude of our sin before God.
 
When we read about the cross of Jesus, we should understand our precarious state before God without a suitable Substitute to cover our sins. We should appreciate the grace that is displayed in what occurred there. We should feel the love of God for us as we contemplate the length He went to in order to restore us to Himself.
 
The Bible is a book that asks us to interact with the events in our hearts and minds, considering the majesty of what God has done for the people of the world.
 
Heavenly Father, how can we not be moved when we read the pages of the Bible. Each book is set forth to instruct us concerning our relationship with You. Help us to consider this as we enter into its pages each day. Amen.
 

Matthew 8:33

Saturday, 29 March 2025
 
Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Matthew 8:33
 
“And those feeding [the pigs], they fled. And having gone into the city, they reported all – even the ‘of those demon-possessings’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus gave direction to the demons to go into the sounder of pigs. Having done so, they went into them and the entire sounder dashed down the precipice and perished in the water. Having seen this, it now says, “And those feeding [the pigs], they fled.”
 
There were people tending to the pigs as they went about rooting and eating whatever they found. When the pigs went berserk and headed over the cliff, the men were probably aghast. From the surrounding words, it appears that they heard the exchange between Jesus and the demon-possessed men. Therefore, it next says, “And having gone into the city, they reported all.”
 
Unless they had been aware of what happened between Jesus and the demon-possessed men, these words would not apply. Therefore, even if the pigs were off in the distance, as indicated in verse 30, the men tending to them were nearer. It may be that they too were at a distance, but when they heard the commotion of the demon-possessed men, they drew near as people tend to do when something like that comes about.
 
In whatever way they knew what transpired, they went and told those in the city everything, “even the ‘of those demon-possessings.’”
 
The brevity of the wording in the Greek means that words must be inferred. The intent is, “even the matter concerning those who were demon possessed.” Whether they knew of the healing of the man, or if they just saw the pigs go ballistic and jump over the cliff and then ran away terrified at that time, they at least knew that there was an encounter between Jesus and the two men.
 
This is what they conveyed to the people in the city. In Mark’s account, it says of the people in the city, “Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine.” Mark 5:15, 16
 
Therefore, it appears they were not sure about the healing of the man until they came back with the people of the city. Either way, the ejecting of the demons took place according to the word of the Lord.
 
Life application: Jesus, even during the time of His earthly ministry, had power over the spiritual world of Satan and his demons. They feared Him and knew who He was at the time. Since the completion of His work, the world has steadily followed the path that Scripture laid out two thousand years ago.
 
The life and Person of Jesus is there in the pages of Scripture for any and all to see and believe. It is the only way to overcome the dark forces of this world, including our own wicked hearts. And yet, how many of us are willing to share this life-changing message with others?
 
Unless someone just chances upon a website, video, or Bible, without us opening our mouths and speaking, there will not be any way for others to come to a saving knowledge of Him.
 
The people of the city were told of the exciting events that happened that day when Jesus cast out the demons. What Jesus has done for us is way more exciting than that. Let us tell others! We need to get the word about Him out. May we do so to the glory of God.
 
Lord God, help us to faithfully use our time in getting the word about Jesus out to others. We have received the good news. How can we keep it to ourselves? Give us the desire, the opportunity, and the wisdom to do what we should be doing in this regard. Amen.