Mark Chapter 10 Eye of the Needle

Mark 10:1-2 NLTse Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them. (2) Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

 

Jesus was teaching. Do you think Jesus was teaching about divorce? Or does this show the Pharisees were not paying attention but had their minds focused on their thoughts and traditions? How does this reflect on the world today?

 

Mark 10:6-9 NLTse But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. (7) ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, (8) and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, (9) let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

 

Jesus does not point out their faults, but points them to scripture. I wonder if any of the Pharisees went back to look at the scripture Jesus referred to. Jesus actually referred to two portions of scripture.

 

Genesis 1:26-28 NLTse Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like ourselves. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (27) So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (28) Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

 

Man and woman are created in God’s image, to be like God, to rule over this world like God rules over the universe. Jesus came to restore the image of God distorted by men and the religious leaders.

 

Genesis 2:21-25 NLTse So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. (22) Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. (23) “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.'” (24) This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. (25) Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.

 

Adam did nothing to choose his wife. Eve was a gift from God, created from Adam’s rib. Adam knew how close they had to be. Adam was created in God’s image. Adam spent time with God before Eve was created. During that time God taught Adam lessons about a relationship. God taught Adam what unconditional love is when He gave Adam everything. God showed Adam what love and trust really are before He brought him Eve.

 

Mark 10:15 NLTse I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

 

Not only did Jesus point us back to Eden, He added a lesson to show us how we need to learn. We have to be like Adam and Eve, new born children of God, created in a perfect world. It was one of the lessons Jesus is trying to teach. To learn about a relationship with Him, we have to put ourselves back into the garden, to look and understand what Jesus is offering us. Don’t look at the world and what it has to offer. It is too tainted by sin to show us a clear picture of the image of God we are created in.

 

Mark 10:17-18 NLTse As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (18) “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.

 

The Spirit continues the lesson by adding more detail. Ask, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus is our only teacher. Jesus points us back to God. The major role of a prophet is to always point people to a personal relationship with God, in addition to remembering we are created in God’s image and our hope lies in the vision of Eden. This is what Jesus came to accomplish.

 

Mark 10:19-21 NLTse But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.'” (20) “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” (21) Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

 

Jesus also points us to God’s commandments while adding another reminder of how God supplies every need for Adam and Eve in the garden. There was no use for money, wealth, riches, power, or glory. God gave us more than we will ever need.

 

Mark 10:24-25 NLTse This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. (25) In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

 

Jesus added a lesson few are able to understand. People have tried for generations to explain this parable in earthy, physical terms and have failed. What can a man, every man and woman fit through the eye of a needle? The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you (Luke 17:6 NLTse).

 

Our faith can fit through the eye of a needle. People try and try to apply a physical interpretation to this parable because they still believe they have to do something to be saved. They still believe salvation is in their hands. So they try and try forcing themselves through the eye of a needle to be saved.

 

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:26-27 NLTse).

 

Jesus tells us what we need to be saved, rely on God, and continues His lesson by teaching the message we are supposed to take to the world.

 

“Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.” (Mark 10:33-34 NLTse).

 

Jesus’ message to this world is God’s plan of salvation. Nothing more, nothing less. Did the disciples accept Jesus’ message?

 

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” “What is your request?” he asked. They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” (Mark 10:35-37 NLTse).

 

Greed still blocked their hearts from understanding Jesus’ message. They were not concerned with salvation or how to enter into Heaven. They were concerned about themselves. They missed the lesson Jesus just told them. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Mark 10:31 NLTse).

 

We see a lot of this today. Every church wants to announce and prove they are the greatest. They base their teaching on traditions and doctrine. The very subjects Jesus warned His disciples not to teach. Yet they do it anyway. They forgot about Eden, being created in God’s image, how God joined man and woman together in a relationship symbolizing the relationship God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit need to have with us before our faith will fit through that needle. The message has been missed, but is never lost.

 

Jesus explained it best in His own words. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45 NLTse).

 

The Spirit continued to place Jesus in the perfect situation to continue the lesson.

 

Mark 10:46-48 NLTse Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. (47) When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (48) “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 

The Spirit guides a blind man to Jesus. The people try to keep him away from Jesus just like traditions and doctrines which split and separate churches today serve only to keep people away from Jesus. But Jesus continues to call.

 

Mark 10:49 NLTse When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”

 

Jesus also continues to teach.

 

Mark 10:50-52 NLTse Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. (51) “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” (52) And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

 

Faith in Jesus is the only thing that can heal us the religious leaders and the separated, blind churches. Faith enough to fit through the eye of a needle.
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Oil in This World

Mark 9:2-3 NLTse Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, (3) and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.

I had to go back to this text. I was shown a revelation today. I took the cup I used to measure oil last night and dropped it in a bowl of soapy water. You know how they say oil and water don’t mix. Oil and soap repel one another.

My mind immediately went to the world and asked, “what does the world runs on?” Oil. Without oil this world would plunge into chaos. The economy would instantly fold. Wars would break out. Neighbors would kill neighbors, friends and family for any bit of oil available. The world not only runs on oil, it depends on it. We use it in your cars, computers, laptops and cell phones. Oil is used to manufacture our homes, clothes, and grow our food. We cook and heat our homes with a byproduct of oil. There is not a section of this world or our lives that is not touched by oil. Even the ink in our Bibles used to be printed with oil based inks.

But God has shown, this world will not run out of oil before Jesus returns. Like the flood in the days of Noah, fire will come from above and below.

What is oil? It is made up of dead, decayed matter from plants, animals, and those who walked this world before the flood. Those who turned their backs on God as well is the few who followed, honored and obeyed the Creator. Like planted seeds they are supposed to be lessons for us to learn from. But what has Satan turned those seeds into? A product of greed, control and selfishness.

Its sad to think how the world uses oil to repel Jesus’ cleaning ability. Oil is the symbol of greed in this world. It is one of the world’s most plentiful resources, second only to water. But look at what oil symbolizes. The world supply of oil is totally controlled by only a few people. When we honestly look at the facts, fewer people than we can count on one hand have controlled the majority of oil in this world at any one time. These people are responsible for some of the worst wars, famines, persecution and disasters this world has seen. Why? Is it in the name of progress, change, or greed?

Why did Jesus wait six days before taking three men up on a mountain? 

Luke 2:1-20 Jesus’ Birth

Mark 10:1-2 NLTse Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them. (2) Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

 

Jesus was teaching. Do you think Jesus was teaching about divorce? Or does this show the Pharisees were not paying attention but had their minds focused on their thoughts and traditions? How does this reflect on the world today?

 

Mark 10:6-9 NLTse But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. (7) ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, (8) and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, (9) let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

 

Jesus does not point out their faults, but points them to scripture. I wonder if any of the Pharisees went back to look at the scripture Jesus referred to. Jesus actually referred to two portions of scripture.

 

Genesis 1:26-28 NLTse Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like ourselves. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (27) So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (28) Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

 

Man and woman are created in God’s image, to be like God, to rule over this world like God rules over the universe. Jesus came to restore the image of God distorted by men and the religious leaders.

 

Genesis 2:21-25 NLTse So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. (22) Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. (23) “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.'” (24) This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. (25) Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.

 

Adam did nothing to choose his wife. Eve was a gift from God, created from Adam’s rib. Adam knew how close they had to be. Adam was created in God’s image. Adam spent time with God before Eve was created. During that time God taught Adam lessons about a relationship. God taught Adam what unconditional love is when He gave Adam everything. God showed Adam what love and trust really are before He brought him Eve.

 

Mark 10:15 NLTse I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

 

Not only did Jesus point us back to Eden, He added a lesson to show us how we need to learn. We have to be like Adam and Eve, new born children of God, created in a perfect world. It was one of the lessons Jesus is trying to teach. To learn about a relationship with Him, we have to put ourselves back into the garden, to look and understand what Jesus is offering us. Don’t look at the world and what it has to offer. It is too tainted by sin to show us a clear picture of the image of God we are created in.

 

Mark 10:17-18 NLTse As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (18) “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.

 

The Spirit continues the lesson by adding more detail. Ask, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus is our only teacher. Jesus points us back to God. The major role of a prophet is to always point people to a personal relationship with God, in addition to remembering we are created in God’s image and our hope lies in the vision of Eden. This is what Jesus came to accomplish.

 

Mark 10:19-21 NLTse But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.'” (20) “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” (21) Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

 

Jesus also points us to God’s commandments while adding another reminder of how God supplies every need for Adam and Eve in the garden. There was no use for money, wealth, riches, power, or glory. God gave us more than we will ever need.

 

Mark 10:24-25 NLTse This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. (25) In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

 

Jesus added a lesson few are able to understand. People have tried for generations to explain this parable in earthy, physical terms and have failed. What can a man, every man and woman fit through the eye of a needle? The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you (Luke 17:6 NLTse).

 

Our faith can fit through the eye of a needle. People try and try to apply a physical interpretation to this parable because they still believe they have to do something to be saved. They still believe salvation is in their hands. So they try and try forcing themselves through the eye of a needle to be saved.

 

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:26-27 NLTse).

 

Jesus tells us what we need to be saved, rely on God, and continues His lesson by teaching the message we are supposed to take to the world.

 

“Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.” (Mark 10:33-34 NLTse).

 

Jesus’ message to this world is God’s plan of salvation. Nothing more, nothing less. Did the disciples accept Jesus’ message?

 

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” “What is your request?” he asked. They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” (Mark 10:35-37 NLTse).

 

Greed still blocked their hearts from understanding Jesus’ message. They were not concerned with salvation or how to enter into Heaven. They were concerned about themselves. They missed the lesson Jesus just told them. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Mark 10:31 NLTse).

 

We see a lot of this today. Every church wants to announce and prove they are the greatest. They base their teaching on traditions and doctrine. The very subjects Jesus warned His disciples not to teach. Yet they do it anyway. They forgot about Eden, being created in God’s image, how God joined man and woman together in a relationship symbolizing the relationship God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit need to have with us before our faith will fit through that needle. The message has been missed, but is never lost.

 

Jesus explained it best in His own words. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45 NLTse).

 

The Spirit continued to place Jesus in the perfect situation to continue the lesson.

 

Mark 10:46-48 NLTse Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. (47) When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (48) “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 

The Spirit guides a blind man to Jesus. The people try to keep him away from Jesus just like traditions and doctrines which split and separate churches today serve only to keep people away from Jesus. But Jesus continues to call.

 

Mark 10:49 NLTse When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”

 

Jesus also continues to teach.

 

Mark 10:50-52 NLTse Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. (51) “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” (52) And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

 

Faith in Jesus is the only thing that can heal us the religious leaders and the separated, blind churches. Faith enough to fit through the eye of a needle.

Luke 1:67-80 Zechariah’s Prophecy

Luke 1:67-80 Zechariah’s Prophecy

 

Luke 1:67-80 NLTse Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: (68) “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. (69) He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, (70) just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. (71) Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. (72) He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— (73) the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. (74) We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, (75) in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. (76) “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. (77) You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. (78) Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, (79) to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” (80) John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

 

After nine months of suffering through God’s curse, Zechariah witnessed the birth of his son just as the angel Gabriel told him. At that time Zechariah still could not speak. After eight additional days at the child’s circumcision ceremony, his friends and family insisted they name the baby after him, while Elizabeth told them, “No! His name is John!” The family tried to save Zechariah’s honor by asking him what the child’s name should be. Zechariah took the chalk board he used to communicate and wrote, “His name is John.”

 

Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and began praising God. It was not the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Gabriel that restored Zechariah’s voice, it was the lesson he learned while enduring his long trial. In the temple Zechariah questioned God. Not the prophecy about his son, but God’s timing. Zechariah prayed for a son for years then finally gave up hope. This opened the door for Satan to come in and play games in his mind. The change was so slow and subtle, Zechariah never saw the change. As Zechariah continued to serve God to the best of his ability, his doubt in God continued. At first it only concerned a son. Zechariah convinced himself it was his fault, or Elizabeth’s, or maybe both. Satan worked on the breach Zechariah did not know how to repair. The crack in the wall widened to include the suppression suffered under Rome. Zechariah gave up hope of being delivered from Rome. Satan build on this for years until he was able to get Zechariah to question God’s ability to provide the salvation He promised. Imagine, a priest doubting God’s ability to fulfill His promise of salvation. This was a defect God had to help Zechariah over come to equip him for the task ahead of raising his son, the LORD’s messenger.

 

It didn’t talk long for Zechariah to realize his doubt took his voice away. That was only the first step in the lesson Zechariah had to learn. Once again he prayed to God, like when he prayed for a son. This time his prayers were for himself, to be able to speak again, that God would forgive him. For more than nine months Zechariah spoke to God, trying to make deals, willing to give up this or that. He also reminded God, he could do a better job of raising a son with a voice. Nothing worked. Once his son was born Zechariah was not only reminded of, but faced the sacrifices required to raise a child. The pieces were beginning to fall into place. When Zechariah saw his family looking after his well being, he felt ashamed. His legacy was not important. Zechariah saw how eternal life with God was much more important and a greater gift than a son to carry on his name in this world. The answer hit Zechariah like a ton of bricks. How could he be so blind? Zechariah realized it was not only his doubt that insulted God, but his pride. He was not dedicated to God’s plan of salvation, but only himself. He wanted a son to carry on his legacy and could not see God’s plan for his son. Satan not only increased Zechariah’s doubt, but increased his selfishness. Almost the perfect plan for Zechariah’s downfall.

 

All at once Zechariah felt a weight removed from every fiber of his being. As soon as he confessed his selfishness to God, a vision came to him. He understood God’s plan of salvation like never before. Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.”

 

Zechariah not only understood the prophecy about his son given by Gabriel, but how he fit into God’s plan of salvation. Elizabeth told him about the vision she received and sat in silence as she talked with Mary about the child she was carrying. Zechariah engulfed by self pity was not able to understand . He was not able to look at the common theme between the events until he realized his selfishness was the power holding back his spiritual growth.

 

Zechariah continued to share his vision and prayer with his family and friends. “Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.” Zechariah wanted the world to know he regained his faith in God. He continued his praises to God. “He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.” It was not God who remembered His covenant. God never forgot. He showed Zechariah how He had been working on His plan all this time. Realizing this, Zechariah exclaimed, “He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.” Another lesson Zechariah learned was, when God gives His word, it is as good as fulfilled. Zechariah continued with a prophecy about his son. “”And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.” Zechariah wanted everyone to hear the details he now understood about God’s plan of salvation and his son’s role in God’s plan. “You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.” Zechariah finished his prayer by praising God. “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

 

Complete joy and love for God and his family filled Zechariah’s heart. He realized and humbly accepted his responsibility, knowing he cannot fulfill God’s plan on his own, but to pray for, accept, and rely on God leading him and Elizabeth every step of the way. With Zechariah’s new found confidence and dependence on God, John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

Matthew 15 OT Texts

Matthew 15:3-4 NLTse Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? (4) For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,‘ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’

 

When asked about tradition, Jesus answer contained the word and. The word, “and” confirms Jesus quoted two texts. Reviewing these two texts reveals all the details Jesus is referring to.

 

Exodus 20:12 NLTse “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

 

Exodus 21:17 NLTse “Anyone who dishonors father or mother must be put to death.

 

Looking at the two scriptures we see Jesus intentionally combined these two to teach a specific lesson. First Jesus points to the ten commandments, God’s unchangeable law. Jesus also pointed out a further explanation God provided through His prophet Moses. Jesus clearly explained, every explanation we need is already in His written Word. Using scripture, Jesus told the religious leaders, there was never any reason to add man made explanations we know as doctrines and traditions.

 

Matthew 15:6-9 NLTse In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. (7) You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, (8) ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (9) Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'”

 

This is such an important point, Jesus quoted a third scripture adding more details to His explanation.

 

Isaiah 29:13-16 NLTse And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learnedby rote. (14) Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear.” (15) What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their evil deeds in the dark! “The LORD can’t see us,” they say. “He doesn’t know what’s going on!” (16) How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me“? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”?

 

Using scripture, Jesus explains why men make up traditions. They don’t think God cares. They think they are smarter than the Creator. They really do not believe God is the Creator. Then they claim to be religious leaders. But they are not leaders sent by God. “‘How can you say, “We are wise because we have the word of the LORD,” when your teachers have twisted it by writing lies? These wise teachers will fall into the trap of their own foolishness, for they have rejected the word of the LORD. Are they so wise after all? (Jeremiah 8:8-9 NLTse).

 

God knows exactly what is happening. He clearly listed responsibilities for religious leaders, repeating them often.

 

Malachi 2:5-11 NLTse “The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. (6) They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. (7) “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (8) But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (9) “So I have made you despised and humiliated in the eyes of all the people. For you have not obeyed me but have shown favoritism in the way you carry out my instructions.” (10) Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors? (11) Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols.

 

Jesus continued to teach the same lesson with the use of a parable in Matthew 15. ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'” The disciples noticed Jesus repeating this lesson. Knowing Jesus repeats important lessons, Peter asked for an explanation to ensure they did not miss a single point.

 

Matthew 15:15-20 NLTse Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.” (16) “Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked. (17) “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. (18) But the words you speak come from the heart–that’s what defiles you. (19) For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. (20) These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

 

Jesus ties in the explanation of the lesson by using similar, related words. Lips, say and eat are all related, forming a connection to each of Jesus’ explanations and the scripture He pointed to. Jesus also repeats the word heart, to draw us to the connection. After teaching this lesson a number of times, using a number of scriptures, the Spirit led the disciples into a test, to see if they learned the lesson and were ready to apply it to their lives.

 

Matthew 15:22-23 NLTse A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” (23) But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

 

Jesus intentionally waited to see His disciple’s response to the situation. The woman was not a Jew. She was different from them, but Jesus had already been teaching, He came to save both Jews and Gentiles. After watching Jesus cross the lake time after time, healing both Jews and Gentiles, Jesus waited to see if any of His disciples would exhibit the compassion He was teaching by example. They failed the exam. The disciple told Jesus to; “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

 

As we can clearly see, Jesus pointed not only the religious leaders of His time back to God’s Word to teach lessons, these lessons are just as important today. Churches spend more time preaching about traditions and doctrines feeling free to add to God’s Word, than teaching Jesus’ simple lessons. This shows how little they honor God’s Word and God as the creator. Where is their relationship with God? How can they teach people the most important step to worship God, to develop a personal relationship with Him? How can they possibly teach what they do not know? When they refuse to spend time to study the prophecies Jesus pointed to, prophecies about Himself; how can they possibly hope to know Him?

Matthew 14 Jesus’ Emotions

Here is a lesson on how the Spirit leads from on chapter to the next and how they are linked in thought to show a deeper lesson.

 

Matthew 13:57-58 NLTse And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” (58) And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

 

Matthew 14:1-2 NLTse When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, (2) he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.”

 

Notice how the the summation, or end of chapter 13 tells about how unbelief results in seeing few miracles. Chapter 14 begins by showing Herod believed Jesus performed many miracles. How look at the thoughts behind them. Look at the people involved. The people sharing unbelief were people who thought they knew Jesus, but really didn’t. Scripture points out Herod did not know Jesus. As a matter of fact, he thought Jesus was John the Baptist. Herod looked at Jesus’ miracles with a completely different view point than the people who grew up with Him.

 

Now think of how this applies today. Do people today thinking they really know Jesus, see and understand, believe He can do miracles today? What about people not knowing Jesus? Do they believe Jesus can perform miracles, even though they really don’t know who He is?

 

Matthew 14:12-13 NLTse Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. (13) As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.

 

See how Jesus displayed His emotions? See how His Father knew what He needed? God knew Jesus needed support and He sent it. When God tries to help us, do we see Him, or doubt He can help? Do you know Jesus well enough to feel His emotions?

 

Matthew 14:14 NLTse Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

 

Jesus not only healed with His physical touch, but the physical touch also helped to heal Jesus’ emotions. It was a two way relationship God used to help Jesus in His hour of need.

 

I like this next verse. Jesus gave His disciples the power, but their unbelief held them back.

 

Matthew 14:16 NLTse But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary–you feed them.”

 

How is this related to the summation of Ch 13 and the intro of Ch 14? Do you see the theme?

 

Matthew 14:23 NLTse After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

 

Matthew 14:23 NLTse After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

 

Once again, Jesus felt like He needed to be alone. I love this because it shows Jesus’ emotions. The same emotions He carries today. Think of that for a while. Think of making Him happy and sad. Think of a real relationship with Jesus. Is it real for you? Are you close enough to hear His heartbeat?

 

Matthew 14:24 NLTse Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

 

Satan does not want Jesus to have time to sort out His feelings, or His disciples time to consider how His touch healed so many people and His prayers fed them. How does this apply to you and your relationship with Jesus? It really makes me think….. Did you ever hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” (Matthew 14:27 NLTse). Listen!

 

This is a detail most people miss, and a very important point Jesus wanted His disciples to realize. We see this based on the fact Jesus repeated the same pattern several times.

 

When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. (Matthew 14:35-36 NLTse).

 

See the faith? See how the lessons and themes come together. Here is the point…. Jesus fed the people on the Gentile side of the lake. He then returned to the Jewish side. Both sides accepted and honored Jesus for His healing powers. Why did Jesus feed the gentiles? Something to think about.

Luke 1:57-66 John Is Born

Luke 1:57-66 NLTse When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. (58) And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. (59) When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. (60) But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” (61) “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” (62) So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. (63) He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” (64) Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. (65) Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. (66) Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.

 

To understand this account, we have to go back and review to see how the author led into this section of the story.

 

Zechariah was performing his duties in the sanctuary maintaining the altar of incense. When he was performing his duties, an angel of the Lord, Gabriel appeared. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” (Luke 1:13-17 NLTse).

 

Zechariah found it difficult to believe. Instead of believing, he said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Why did Zechariah, with such a high degree of respect and close relationship with God, question the angel? Luke tells us, Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. The angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1:19-20 NLTse). Zechariah remained silent since that day until after the birth of his son, John.

 

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. It was time for the birth of her son, but not time for Zechariah to talk. For some reason God withheld his speech for a time. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to Elizabeth, everyone rejoiced with her. Zechariah sat by watching in silence. The expression on his faced showed the anguish he endured at a moment he should have been rejoicing. Zechariah felt sorry and asked God to forgive his doubt. But it was more than doubt God was trying to remove from Zechariah. God knew he needed more time to think, reflect on his life, and rely on the Spirit to show him his faults and change his life. The role God gave to Zechariah was too important for him to recognize only half his character faults.

 

When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. Zechariah was made to endure eight extra days of anguish sitting with a house full of guests, Elizabeth and the new born baby. He felt such pride and joy holding his new son. There was so much he wanted to show and teach his new son. But how was he going to teach him without a voice? What would his son think of him when he grew old enough to find out it was God’s curse that took away his voice? Zechariah’s emotions were like a leaf drifting in the wind. Some times taken to the heights of heaven, only to be dashed upon the ground and lost in a collection of other leaves waiting to rot in their final resting place.

 

When it came time to name the baby the family wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. It was custom to name the first son after the father to carry on the father’s legacy. They felt this was particularly important for Zechariah because of his old age. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” “What?” they exclaimed. At first they thought Elizabeth was taking advantage of Zechariah’s inability to speak. They thought Elizabeth was looking out for her selfish goals. The family wanted to approach the situation in the kindest way they could find, so they answered; “There is no one in all your family by that name.” Their motive was to protect the interests and well being of Zechariah. It had been a long time since he said a word. They treated him like any other mute person. Thinking he was unable to hear they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him.

 

Zechariah could see what they were trying to do, protect him and traditions they lived under and respected. Then Zechariah remembered Gabriel’s words. “Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.” (Luke 1:13 NLTse). Thinking back over the scene Zechariah could see why he doubted Gabriel and the message from God he delivered. It brought Zechariah to the point of tears. He saw it was his selfish pride that drove a wedge between him and God. Zechariah rejoiced because he finally found the answer after all the months that seemed more like years. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”

 

God knew Zechariah learned the lesson. Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. His family immediately noticed the joy returned to Zechariah’s face. The proud father could now join in the joy. Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.

Jesus Reveals How To Understand All Scripture

Learning about prophecies fulfilled shows how to understand all scripture.

Matthew 13:12-13 NLTse To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. (13) That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

I thought the timing of this statement by Jesus was interesting based on the fact He previously quoted Isaiah 42:1-9. At the end of this prophecy it says: “Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens.”

As we search scripture looking for this to be fulfilled, we see there is evidence in Matthew chapter 12. Jesus now introduces a new concept in chapter 13. This is when Jesus begins a series of events to teach His disciples to understand all scripture.

Matthew 13:14-16 NLTse This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. (15) For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ (16) “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.

Jesus continues to point us back to prophecies which provide additional details. The Old Testament prophecy can be located by searching a few of the key words on any Bible program for a computer, or using a chain reference found in many study Bibles and of course many computer programs.

Isaiah 6:8-13 NLTse Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” (9) And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listencarefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ (10) Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” (11) Then I said, “Lord, how long will this go on?” And he replied, “Until their towns are empty, their houses are deserted, and the whole country is a wasteland; (12) until the LORD has sent everyone away, and the entire land of Israel lies deserted. (13) If even a tenth–a remnant–survive, it will be invaded again and burned. But as a terebinth or oak tree leaves a stump when it is cut down, so Israel’s stump will be a holy seed.”

As with other prophecies Jesus quoted, the end of this prophecy shows another detail which can be easily missed. The end of this prophecy tells us about empty towns. Is there a physical or spiritual interpretation, or both? Where did Jesus preach, in cities, or did He call people out of the cities?

Look at the introduction to Matthew chapter 13. Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. (Matthew 13:1-2 NLTse).

Once we highlight the keys words from verse to verse, it is easy to see the relationship between the verses and the method Jesus used to teach. Jesus not only explained the parable before teaching it, the prophecy He quoted also helped to explain its spiritual meaning.

Matthew 13:17-23 NLTse I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. (18) “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: (19) The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. (20) The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. (21) But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. (22) The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. (23) The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Notice how Jesus consistently used the same key words from verse to verse. The same key words are also found in the prophecies He quoted.

Jesus quotes another prophecy in Matthew 13. Notice how He teaches within the same theme throughout the entire chapter. Jesus is also teaching context. Remember, the Old Testament was written long before Jesus began His ministry. The New Testament follows the same rules of interpretation as the Old. Determining context is the same in the Old and New Testaments and remains consistent throughout each chapter. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. Context is one part of Jesus’ lesson.

Matthew 13:35 NLTse This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Psalms 78:1-8 NLTse O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, (2) for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past– (3) stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. (4) We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. (5) For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, (6) so the next generation might know them– even the children not yet born– and they in turn will teach their own children. (7) So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. (8) Then they will not be like their ancestors– stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

Notice how the end of this prophecy tells how important it is to hand this information down from one generation to the next. Jesus is teaching His disciples how to understand all scripture. Jesus used a series of lessons using a mixture of Old Testament texts and personal experience, always stressing the importance to look back, searching for the related factors (A study method we find easy to understand once the key words are highlighted.) and relying on the Holy Spirit. One important fact which has been revealed here and we have to believe is, our Infinite God did not rely on forgetful minds of limited, self absorbed people to hand this information down from generation to generation. God recorded everything we need to understand all scripture in His letter to this planet. It is all there.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. (Matthew 13:11-13 NLTse)

Why Jesus Quoted Scripture

Learning about prophecies fulfilled shows how to understand all scripture.

Looking at scripture Jesus quoted is key to understanding what Jesus was teaching. Often the original Old Testament texts not only led into, explained and answered the questions He was asked, but added important details only revealed by reading surrounding texts. This is a mystery few people understand and based on the reception Jesus received, few are able or willing to accept. It may be the best evidence we have showing the Bible was written by the hand of God. If the religious leaders of Jesus’ day would have taken time to read the texts He pointed them to, they would have understood who He was, and never would have killed Him. Here are some examples fro Matthew chapter 12.

Matthew 12:7 NLTse But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’

Isaiah 1:11-18 NLTse “What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. (12) When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? (13) Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting– they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. (14) I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! (15) When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. (16) Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. (17) Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. (18) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

Notice how the original Old Testament texts has two parts. The first explained the question Jesus was asked. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:2 NLTse). The second part of the prophecy answers the next question Jesus was faced with, before He was asked.

Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) (Matthew 12:9-10 NLTse)

Jesus not only answered their question by example:

Matthew 12:12-13 NLTse And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” (13) Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one!

Jesus already provided the answer in the OT texts He pointed them to before the event occurred.

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. “ Jesus was not only able to back up what He said with scripture, He was given the ability to quote scripture to explain the next event the Holy Spirit was leading Him to. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus answered their question BEFORE they had any idea they were going to ask it. Based on the fact this prophecy was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born proves – only God could have written it.

Matthew 12:14-16 NLTse Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. (15) But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, (16) but he warned them not to reveal who he was.

It was evident the religious leaders did not agree with Jesus’ answer about the Sabbath. The priests thought they had the authority to establish rules for the Sabbath. For the most part, they left God out of their decisions. This not only broke God’s heart, but worked to turn many people away from Him. God did not want us to miss the lesson, so He repeated it in the same chapter.

Matthew 12:17-21 NLTse This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him: (18) “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. (19) He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. (20) He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. (21) And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

Isaiah 42:1-9 NLTse “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. (2) He will not shout or raise his voice in public. (3) He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. (4) He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.” (5) God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks theearth. And it is he who says, (6) “I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. (7) You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons. (8) “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. (9) Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens.”

Reading the full prophecy adds so many details. The end of this prophecy is significant. “I will tell you the future before it happens.” Another vital point to the second half of this prophecy is opening the eyes of the blind. When we consider this prophecy was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the fact Jesus knew to quote this specific text on this day in history is amazing to say the least. Look at the next event the Spirit led Jesus into.

Matthew 12:22 NLTse Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see.

Matthew 12:28 NLTse But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.

A close study of the Bible shows how Jesus actually used scripture to answer questions before asked. Jesus not only quoted Old Testament scripture to reveal near future events, He also pointed the priests to hidden prophecies about Him, His death and resurrection. Jesus pointed them back to Jonah.

Matthew 12:39-40 NLTse But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. (40) For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.

Jonah 2:1-10 NLTse Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish. (2) He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! (3) You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. (4) Then I said, ‘O LORD, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’ (5) “I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. (6) I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! (7) As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. (8) Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. (9) But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone.” (10) Then the LORD ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.

Titus 2:1-2 Context Illustration

With Paul it is especially important to look at context. Paul’s letters are a lesson book on context. He always introduces his subject at the beginning and summarizes at the end of each chapter and letter. We can examine chapter 2 and see this example.

 

Titus 2:1-2 NLTse As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. (2) Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Titus 2:14-15 NLTse He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. (15) You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

 

The introduction and summary share the word TEACH. The following statements are also related:

 

Intro:

exercise self-control

worthy of respect

live wisely

have sound faith

be filled with love and patience

 

Conclusion:

gave his life

free us

cleanse us

make us his very own people

totally committed to doing good deeds

encourage the believers

correct them when necessary

 

Paul’s subject and lessons are consistent and show a building process beginning with the believer learning what the qualities of a leader are, finding and refining the qualities found in Jesus and finally sharing, “totally committed to doing good deeds.”

 

People often establish the context of this chapter based on a single word translated in the KJV as doctrine. Titus 2:1 KJV But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

 

The NTL translated doctrine as, “wholesome teaching” We can see which translation actually fits the texts by looking at the original Greek.

 

WHOLESOME TEACHING or DOCTRINE

G1319 didaskalia did-as-kal-ee’-ah

From G1320; instruction (the function or the information): – doctrine, learning, teaching.

 

G1320 didaskalos did-as’-kal-os

From G1321; an instructor (generally or specifically): – doctor, master, teacher.

 

G1321 didasko? did-as’-ko

A prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb dao? (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): – teach.

 

This word covers terms of a professional life or carrier of a, doctor, master, teacher, to be used as examples of how we are to follow and seek Christ.

 

Another method to check context is to look at the introduction and summation of the letter. When we write personal letters we still follow the same literary outline using introductions and summaries Paul used.

 

Titus 1:1-3 NLTse This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth thatshows them how to live godly lives. (2) This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God–who does not lie–promised them before the world began. (3) And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.

Titus 3:9-11 NLTse Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and awaste of time. (10) If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. (11) For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

 

Like a teacher Paul repeats words and terms to establish the main point. We see this pattern in both the introduction and summary.

 

Introduction:

proclaim

teach

truth

shows

revealed this message

announce

 

Summary:

Do not get involved

foolish discussions

quarrels

fights

Jewish laws

useless

waste of time

causing divisions

turned away from the truth

 

Paul’s introduction reveals the message, his summary warns against straying away from it. Paul’s message is clearly explained at the beginning of his letter.

 

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how tolive godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God–who does not lie–promised them before the world began. (Titus 1:1-2 NLTse)

 

The subject of this letter is to teach the TRUTH, which leads to ETERNAL LIFE and has been PROMISED (CONSISTENT) since BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN.

 

The only consistent source of truth is God’s Word. This is the only source we should use to look at the example of the man and woman of God. Too many people get confused by the word doctrine, and substitute a prearranged, condensed version of God’s word to measure their spiritual growth and condemn others. Doctrine can never by used to gauge or measure one’s spiritual growth or relationship with God. Man made doctrine never has and never will possess the power of God’s Spirit to reach and change lives like His Word. Doctrines can never show the same ability to transform and relate to an individual’s emotional state — which everyone can find in God’s Word. A Psalm can effect a person one way today, and quite differently a year from now based on the personal experience at the time.

 

Doctrines also lack in the teaching Paul refers to in His letter. Doctrines cannot teach the lessons recorded in the Bible. Doctrines do not list the good Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Daniel, or Jesus did in their lives. Doctrines do not provide an ample list of the mistakes Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses made. Paul does not show Titus all the details because there are too many to list. Paul does point him back to the source, Jesus and His Word. Experience showed Paul how to leave people in the capable hands of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism Matthew Chapter 3

Matthew 3:4 NLTse John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

 

This shows what to expect when we follow Jesus. Not to use the attractions of the world to entice people, but to use what God has given us. Jesus never promised an easy life. Throughout history His prophets suffered along side the people they delivered messages to. Some were hated and persecuted for their message. God never changes, and the world that resists His message remains the same.

 

Matthew 3:5-6 NLTse People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. (6) And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

 

What are the conditions of baptism? ” And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them.” When baptism was simple, people came from all around. The good news was spread the way it was intended, personal word of mouth. No fancy meetings. No lavish advertising schemes. John introduced the simple baptism and the ideal mothod of spreading the good news.

 

Matthew 3:8-9 NLTse Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. (9) Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.

 

The confession must be real. Baptism was never intended to be a sign of joining any organization. Don’t say, “we are descendants of Abraham.” That means nothing. This covers all the future intents of man to baptize into organizations. Guided by the Holy Spirit, John warned against such practices.

 

Matthew 3:10 NLTse Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

 

John’s message clearly indicates a new understanding of God for the world at that particular time. The ways of men are gone. Jesus came to teach the old ways…. worship that never changed. Jesus came to restore worship found in Eden before the fruit on the tree of good and evil was eaten. That tree is gone, the tree of life remains …. Jesus came to show us the path to the tree of life.

 

Matthew 3:11-12 NLTse “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am–so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (12) He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

 

The conditions of baptism are repeated, “repent of their sins and turn to God.” The simple process and conditions are repeated to draw attention to the important points the author is trying to point out. Its not by accident the Pharisees and Sadducees came to question John’s baptism and John warned them of the consequences they face if they do not accept the New Covenant worship he is introducing. The Pharisees and Sadducees can only see a threat to their sacrificial system, their income. They refused to see the Messiah has arrived. They thought their substitute would last forever.

 

John also points out Jesus’ role as judge. Why? Baptism should never be confused with the role of judge. God new some people would distort baptism to mean more than it was intended. This is why God put it in writing.

 

Matthew 3:13-15 NLTse Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. (14) But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” (15) But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

 

Jesus came to teach a lesson by example. Jesus also came to introduce the New Covenant worship. John knows Jesus is the Messiah without sin and cannot understand why Jesus needed to be baptized. Jesus’ response was, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” This pointed John back to scripture. Once John understood, he baptized Jesus. What was Jesus referring to? “I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures:” Jesus not only pointed back to the scripture He quoted, but the message around that particular text.

 

Psalms 40:6-11 NLTse You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand– you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. (7) Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: (8) I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” (9) I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O LORD, well know. (10) I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness. (11) LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.

 

Jesus not only assured John he was preaching the correct message, He showed John the new ministry was about to begin and how it was going to be accomplished — through love.

 

Matthew 3:16-17 NLTse After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. (17) And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

 

The visual scene after Jesus’ baptism not only assured John of the presence of the Holy Spirit but shows everyone the results of baptism when completed with a sincere heart.