Matthew 18:1- 18-32 Thoughts

This chapter deals with greatness.  I believe it is clear in scripture that God made us to be great (Eph 2:10).  Unfortunately, sin in this world has made our view and idea of greatness to be backwards.  Jesus speaks of humility and being child-like (not childish) to be great.  How many people in history are identified with greatness because of their humility... very few.

I think of people with "Great" in their names; Alexander the Great, Harod the Great, Hugh the Great.  Hugh?  Yes, there is a whole wikipedia site showing people with "great" in their name!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_known_as_The_Great

In Jesus view, things are much different.  As He gives a few examples, we see so many great characteristics from kids we should always have:

• Never doubt there is a God
• Understand our dependence on others - Not self sufficient
•  Wanting to learn - Knowing we don't know everything
• Seeing the good in the world
• Not worrying about the next hour or minute or day
• Quick to forgive
• Quick to love

Now I certainly understand, having a five-year-old son at home that he is a big bundle of sin.  I find myself learning as much from my son as he does from me.

"Jesus, please help us to be more like a child when dealing with You, issues around us and other people.  Help us to be humble and recognise our complete dependence on You.  Help us to see the good in the world and in people and not worry about the things; knowing you have everything under control.  Amen."

Matthew 18:1- 18-32 Outline

This chapter will help us understand the idea of Greatness in God's eyes

• Who is the Greatest? (18:1-6)
• Dealing with Sin Radically (18:7-9)
• Parable of the Lost Sheep (18:10-14)
• Dealing with Sin with a Brother (18:15-20)
• Dealing with the Sin of Unforgiveness (18:21-35)
• How often (21-22)
• Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (23-35)

Matthew 16:27 - 17-27 Thoughts

I've mentioned it before, but I marvel at the flow of the book of Matthew.

Once Peter makes the profession of faith in Jesus as the Christ, Jesus begins to really show them more detail on the plan.  Our God is not one who keeps things from us, but I see Him as One, excited for the future.

In this section, Jesus lets them know, "You ain't seen nothing yet."  Peter, James and John are allowed to see a glimpse of who Jesus really is.  This had to have blown their minds.  For us, when we begin to LIVE as if we BELIEVE Jesus is the Christ, He will also reveal more of Himself to us.

When they return, Jesus shows His power over the ugliest of demons and makes it clear that we also have that type of power if we put our trust and faith in Him.

Jesus reminds them of the plan

• Live
• Die
• Resurrect

They seem to have focused on the second one, because they were very sad.

Then.... Taxes?  What an odd thing for Matthew to speak about at this point.

The point isn't about taxes, but rather our role in God's kingdom.  Jesus uses this tax time as a way of making a point to Peter.  This lesson was for him personally, because this lesson is a very personal lesson!  In His kingdom, we are sons and daughters of the King!  We are no longer strangers.  Until Jesus returns, I guess we still have to pay tax, but praise the Lord, that won't be the case after His return! 😃

"Jesus, thank You for making us your sons and daughters though your death and resurrection.  We owe all to You, yet you ask nothing in return, not even a tax.  Help build our faith and trust in You so we can do Your work here on earth until Your return.  Lord come quickly.  Amen."

Matthew 16:27 - 17-27 Outline

Matthew continues in this section to point out the deity of Christ.

• Jesus prepares the disciples for the mount of transfiguration (16:27-28)
• μεταμορφόω - That's greek for metamorphoō (17:1-3)
• Jesus' Metamorphosis (1-3)
• Peter's reaction (4)
• God's reaction (5)
• Disciples reaction (6)
• Jesus reaction (7)
  Note: I love the contrast of truth and grace in this section
• Return from the mountain (8-9)
• Elijah (10-13)
  Note: Being now fully convened that Jesus was the Christ, they wanted clarity on the prophecies of Elijah.
• Difficult healing (14-21)
• Prophecy of Jesus' death and resurrection (22-23)
• Taxes (24-27)

Matthew 16:1 - 16-28 Thoughts

After Jesus had just fed the four thousand people with just a few fish and loaves of bread, the Pharisees and Sadducees ask for a sign.  This seems shocking to me.  And yet it further shows how signs and wonders do not lead to faith.  Only by the power of the Holy Spirit by the Holy Scriptures can see the truth and have faith.

After the dialog with these religious leaders, it seemed important for Jesus to warn His disciples about the sin of religion.  Religion is our attempt to reach God and yet this is an impossible task.  Who could possibly reach God?  It is only by God's grace that He reaches down to us and desires a relationship.  And relation is the key to discipleship.  The closer we are in our relation to Christ, the more we become like Him.

The picture of leaven in scripture always points to sin.  A little leaven works its way through the whole loaf just like a little sin works its way through our whole lives.  It is the old adage, "One bad apple makes the whole barrel bad."

Yet isn't it a beautiful picture when we realise how one good apple, aka Jesus Christ, can make the whole barrel good!  When we let a little sin stay in our lives, it can cause all sorts of problems.  When we let a little bit of Jesus Christ, through His word, into our lives, it can cause all sorts of good!

"Jesus, please help us to realise how important it is to seek purity, not by simply trying hard to be pure, but by letting go of our lives and giving it to you.  Help us to read Your Word and let it do its work in us.  Please be that good apple in our lives.  Change us from the inside out.  We love You and thank You for reaching down to save us! Amen."

Matthew 16:1 - 16-28 Outline

This section is a masterpiece regarding how important it is to keep our focus on Jesus.

• Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign (16:1-4)
• Danger of the Doctrine of the Pharisees and Saducees (5-12)
• True Focus, "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!" (13-20)
• Warning of Jesus Death and Prophecy of His Resurrection (21-23)
• Disciples of Jesus Must also Die to Find Life. (24-28)

Matthew 15:1 - 15-39 Thoughts

I really love how Matthew has, through the power of the Holy Spirit, organised his writings.

Here in chapter fifteen, he shows how the Pharisees were blinded by their traditions and then show the faith of the Gentile woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Imagine the religious reader of this book trying not to be angry as the truth of how God works comes alive.  How confronting it can be when we realise the emptiness of our traditions, especially when they are done with the wrong motivations.  Traditions can be fun and have good reasons behind them.  I think about Christmas at this time of the year.  It is certainly based on pagan holidays, not the actual time of year Jesus would have been born and many traditions have their roots on pagan practices.  And yet we can freely enjoy the holiday and think upon the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ.  The problems arise when the tradition itself becomes more important than Christ!

I love Romans chapter 14 as Paul tells us it is okay to esteem one day above another, or not to.  But whatever we do, do it unto the Lord and for His glory.  That is the point Jesus is making to the Pharisees.  It is fine to wash your hands in a certain way, but don't forget the important things. Take care of the family (1 Tim 5:8), do things in love (1 Cor 13) and give God the glory (1 Cor 10:31, Eph 5:20).

I pray, "Lord, please keep our priorities straight.  Let us enjoy our traditions, but not hold on to them.  Help us hold on to You and keep you first in all things.
Amen."

Matthew 15:1 - 15-39 Outline

This week we should be covering all of Chapter 15.  Here is the basic outline.

• Dirty Hands, Clean Heart (15:1-20)
• Tradition of hand washing (1-2)
• Spirit of the law (3-6)
• Prophecy of the problem (7-9)
• Teaching of Jesus (10-14)
• Lack of understanding (15-16)
• Further teaching (17-20)
• Gentile with Faith (21-28)
• Woman tries "traditional" approach (21-22)
• Jesus draws out her faith (23-26)
• Woman shows her great faith (27-28)
• Jesus Continues His Ministry (29-31)
• Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand (32-39)
• Compassion (32)
• Call of the ministry (33-34)
• Equipping the ministry (35-36)
• Blessing of the ministry (37-38)
• Departure (39)
  

Matthew 14:1 - 15-20 Thoughts

I find it interesting how most of Jesus miracles were not done in the same way.  It was almost like Jesus was trying to make sure we couldn't find some secret formula or process to lead to God's work.  Yet, we often look for patterns and formulas, don't we.  If we just pray the right way, if we just have enough faith, if we... if we...  The problem with that kind of thinking is the focus is on WE, not Jesus.  God will do a work as He sees fit regardless.

However, the feeding of the five thousand, and later the four thousand is almost identical.  Both miracles follow the same pattern.  One one hand, I'm shocked that the disciples will later question Jesus ability to feed four thousand after seeing what He did with the five thousand.  But on the other hand, I often re-question God's provision in my life after He has shown Himself faithful over and over again.

This particular miracle follows a pattern:

1. A need is seen
2. A human solution is proposed
3. God proposes an alternate, impossible solution
4. We try to explain why this is impossible
5. God takes what we have; way too little, and makes something great
6. People are blessed
7. Disciples are blessed
8. We have more in the end than we started with at the beginning

I think Jesus did these two miracles the same way because it is truly a picture of ministry.   How often we stop at step 4 and don't give God a chance to do a miracle.

Oh God, I pray we can simply offer to you the things we have, the very things you've given to us and allow you to do a miracle.  In this way, You can receive all glory and honour.  Amen.

Matthew 14:1 - 15-20 Outline

Last week I didn't get as far as I thought I would.  So there is a bit of overlap as I re-outline the first part of chapter 14.

• Death of John the Baptist Recounted (14:1-12)
• Guilt of Herod (1-2)
• Truth from John the Baptist (3-5)
• Tricked by Family (6-7)
• Wickedness of Pride (8-12)
• Feeding the Five Thousand (13-21)
• Prayer/Compassion (13-14)
• Call of the ministry (15-16)
• Equiping the ministry (17-19)
• Blessing of the ministry (20-21)
• Walking on Water (22-33)
• Sent into the storm (22-24)
• Walking on the water (25-32)
• Worship of Jesus (33)
  Note: A clear point that Jesus is God.
• Ministry in Gennesaret (34-36)
• Dirty Hands, Clean Heart (15:1-20)
• Tradition of hand washing (1-2)
• Spirit of the law (3-6)
• Prophecy of the problem (7-9)
• Teaching of Jesus (10-14)
• Lack of understanding (15-16)
• Further teaching (17-20)

Matthew 13:24 - 14-12 Thoughts

When dealing with the parables, it is very important to keep certain things in mind:

1. The interpretation will always be in line with the rest of scripture.
2. There is a main point.  We should avoid taking the analogy too far or look for "hidden" revelations.
3. Keep with expositional constancy.  This means that when an object represents something in one parable, it will be the same in another parable.  The seed represents the word, birds are bad, the soil is our hearts, etc.
   This concept is based on Jesus' comment in Mark 4:13 after telling the parable of the sower.   He said, "And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?"

 The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares is clearly explained in this chapter, but points out the idea of the church and the expected state it will become.  There will be genuine wheat producing fruit; followers of Christ, and tares (also known as darnel) followers of the wicked one; who produce no fruit.  This makes John 13:35 an important point, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."  Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal 5:22-24).

So, in light of this, it is interesting how Jesus includes two other parables in between the parable and the explanation.

Parable of the Mustard Seed
Popular interpretation of this parable is that the church will grow into a mighty tree and help many and help all.
Two very important points when looking at this parable:
1. A mustard seed naturally grows into a mustard PLANT, not a tree.

Growing into a tree is UNNATURAL growth.
2. Birds in the parable of the sower are BAD, not good.
I strongly believe this parable is a warning how the church will grow big in unnatural ways and birds (wicked one) will be dwelling there.  I wish it were not so, but so many evil and horrible things have been done in the name of Christ and by His church.

Parable of the Leaven
This again is often taught on how the church will permeate and grow throughout the world.  There are no previous parable objects we can look at, but throughout scripture, leaven is a picture of sin.  So I believe the consistent interpretation of this parable speaks of how sin will permeate the church just as leaven does in bread.

So, Lord help us to be different.  Help us to be those like the ones in the church in Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13), "brotherly love."  God, please forgive us for so often misrepresenting You and not speaking Your truth in love.  Amen.

Matthew 13:24 - 14-12 Outline

This section is dealing with the parable teachings of Jesus.

• Parable of the Sower (13:1-23) - Covered last week
• Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (13:24-43)
• Wheat and the Tares Parable told (24-30)
• Parable of the Mustard Seed (31-32)
• Parable of the Leaven (33)
• Reminder of why Jesus is teaching in Parables (34-35)
• Wheat and the Tares Parable explained (36-43)
• Parable of the Hidden Treasure (44)
• Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (45-46)
• Parable of the Dragnet (47-50)
• Householder's Treasure (51-52)
• Rejected at Home (53-58)
• Death of John the Baptist Recounted (14:1-12)
• Guilt of Herod (1-2)
• Truth from John the Baptist (3-5)
• Tricked by Family (6-7)
• Wickedness of Pride (8-12)

Matthew 12:33 - 13:23 Thoughts

This week has two main parts.  The first half is the closing sections dealing with the misconceptions of Jesus and His ministry.  The second half deals with the first parable, the parable of the sower.

Since I'll be dealing with parables again next week, I'll leave that out of this post and focus on the closing section of chapter 12.

I like to contemplate the heart of Jesus as he deals with the people around Him.  It would have been so easy for Him to ignore the Pharisees or simply ridicule their hard hearts.  But I see Jesus trying many ways to show them the errors of their ways with a perfect balance of truth and love.

After Jesus explained how peoples hearts are reveled by their words (v33-37), the Pharisees ask for a sign (v38).  If I were Jesus, I would have said, "Close your trap!"  I'm so glad Jesus is Jesus and not me!  Instead, Jesus gives them truth "evil and adulterous generation" but then goes back to the main issue, the Pharisees thought the were good because they were Jewish.  Jesus gave two examples of Gentiles who are better off then they are.

We too can fall into the trap thinking we are okay because we are Australian, or Calvary Chapel or Baptist or Anglican.  I go to church every week and read my bible.  But what is in our hearts?  How easy is it to see the evil in our hearts as we speak cruel words to our spouse, kids or neighbours.  I am as guilty as any of my readers.

I pray, "Jesus, help us recognise when our hearts are out of line with Yours.  Help us to repent and please fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we are more like You.  Amen."

Matthew 12:33 - 13:23 Outline

Note: This is in the middle of the section starting at verse 22.

•  The people recognise Jesus as the Messiah, but the Pharisees reject. (12:22-32)
•  Jesus deals with the illogical rejection of the Pharisees (25-30)
• Rejection of this truth, Jesus is the Messiah (God in human flesh), is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (31-32)
  Note: The Holy Spirit is the one who testifies of who Jesus is in our hearts.  When we reject His message, we blaspheme (Speak irreverently about God or sacred things).
• The Pharisees speak evil.  Jesus tells us this is a sign of what is in their heart (33-37)
• Pharisees seek a sign (12:38-45)
  Note: Jesus JUST told them to be careful with their words.  They then speak and once again question who Jesus is.
• Jesus explains the sign of Jonah (40)
• Jesus lifts up the repentance of Nineveh over the Pharisees (41)
• Jesus lifts up the the seeking of wisdom by Queen of Sheba over the Pharisees (42)
  Note: Both examples, Ninevites and Queen of Sheba were GENTILES!
• Jesus warns this wicked generation (43-45)
  Note: This is still in context with the previous section... interesting...
• Jesus puts family in perspective (46-50)
  Note: Again, this is very interesting.  As Jesus warns of a future generation in a worse spiritual than the Pharisees, He warns against lifting up Jesus family above others, including his mother Mary.

• Parable of the Sower (13:1-23)
• Jesus tells the parable (3-9)
• Jesus explains why He is using parables (10-17)
• Jesus explains the parable of the Sower (18-23)

Note: I am a firm believer in the concept of expositional constancy in the parables.  More on that next wee.

Matthew 11:20 - 12:30 Thoughts

The flow of the book of Matthew is quite amazing.  It is not, as you might think, chronological.  Matthew is working on ideas and themes, using the teachings and works of Jesus to try and convince his Jewish brothers and sisters that Jesus is the Messiah.

I don't know how a Jew truly seeking the truth and reading the book of Matthew could not be turned to Jesus.  However, in this section we are covering this week Jesus makes some amazing statements.

At the end of chapter 11, after dealing with people's misconceptions on who the Messiah was to be, he speaks out against several cities.  He warns them how much information they've been given, yet they would not turn to Jesus.  He then prays to the Father explaining that the gospel message is given to those who are not wise in their own minds.

But, the most amazing thing to me is how Matthew begins to talk about the bondage and burden of the Law and how Jesus came to give rest.  Imagine being a Jew, used to the law and strict enforcement of the law.  How freeing it would be.  Matthew then deals with an issue in chapter 12, the Sabbath.  Remember, in the Jewish mind, the Sabbath was REST!  Again, a misconception of what rest was.  Rest is not simply not doing work.  Rest can be found in Jesus. (Matthew 11:28). Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  The author of the book of Hebrews picks up on this when speaking of Jesus as our rest. (Hebrews 4:9-10)

It is interesting how we too try to go back to the law.  We try to prove ourselves or try to please God through good works and religion.  Why can't we just believe that God loves us simply because we are His kids?

I pray, "Jesus, please help us find rest in You.  Help us stop doing things in our own strength trying to please you.  We give you permission to help us, by the power of your Holy Spirit, find rest in You.  Amen."

Matthew 11:20 - 12:30 Outline

In this section, Jesus continues to deal with people who have the wrong expectation of who He is and what His ministry is.

• To much is given, much is expected (11:20-24)
• Gospel truth given to the simple (11:25-26)
• Jesus ministry to the simple (11:27-30)
• Reveal the Father (27)
• Give rest (28-30)
• Jesus deals with Sabbath misconceptions (12:1-14)
• What does it mean to 'work'? (1-8)
  Note: This is not situational ethics, it is understanding the heart of a law or principle in God's word and using the Holy Spirit's wisdom to implement it.
• Doing good deeds never takes a holiday (9-14)
  Note: The law should never be an excuse to do evil or to not do good.
• Matthew deals with more misconceptions (12:15-21)
• Jesus came to bring peace, not war.
• Jesus came to bring the message to the world, both Jew and Gentile (non-Jew).
• The people recognise Jesus as the Messiah, but the Pharisees reject. (12:22-32)
• Jesus deals with the illogical rejection of the Pharisees (25-30)
• Rejection of this truth, Jesus is the Messiah (God in human flesh), is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (31-32)
  Note: The Holy Spirit is the one who testifies of who Jesus is in our hearts.  When we reject His message, we blaspheme (Speak irreverently about God or sacred things).

Matthew 10:16 - 11::19 Thoughts

When I think about scripture and the church today, I  see two types of genuine Christians; disciples and apostles.

To call someone an apostle or to identify as an apostle might be offensive to some.  They would say, "Surely 'the twelve' were the only apostles.

Well, Jesus was called an apostle in Hebrews 3:1,those sent to preach to Israel in Luke 11:49.  Paul calls himself an apostle many times and refers to Barnabas as an apostle in 1 Cor 9 and James, Jesus' half brother an apostle in Gal 1:19.  Of course, self-appointed apostles are to be avoided (Rev 2:2).  

So what's the difference?

• Disciple - Follower of Christ.  Desiring to be more like Him.  Learning about Him.
• Apostle - Also a disciple.  Sent by Christ on a mission.  A desire to be on the "front lines" of ministry.

1 Cor 12:28-29 tells us, "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The implication is not all are apostles, yet Paul says this is the first appointment.  Jesus commands us to "Go therefore and make disciples..."  Personally, I believe this is something we should all be involved in, yet many are satisfied with just being a follower of Jesus.

So, if I want to raise my hand and be like Isaiah when he said, "Here am I! Send me," what does that mean?

This section of scripture in Matthew helps us understand and count the cost of being an apostle for Christ.

When I first think of the idea of being an apostle for Christ, it sounds attractive.  But, reading this section of scripture brings the healthy fear of the Lord into my thinking and makes me realise, "I better not take this journey without the power of the Holy Spirit and God's grace!"

So, I pray that YOU will be called by Jesus as an apostle and by the power of the Holy Spirit do great things in Christ's name for God's glory.  Amen.

Matthew 10:16 - 11::19 Outline

Remember, this section is part of a larger outline that starts at chapter 9:35.

Jesus is ministering and going "about all the cities and villages" teaching, preaching and healing.  This led to a compassion for the work.

• 9:35-38 - Jesus has compassion for the people.
  Note: He then turns to the disciples (followers) and tells them to pray.  Prayer aligns us with Jesus, so this will give us compassion for the people.
• 10:1-4 - Jesus calls His apostles.
  Note: An apostle is simply one who is sent on a mission, being commissioned.
  Note: He calls because of His compassion for the people.
  Note: The next step after prayer is to be given the power of the Holy Spirit.
• 10:5-42 - Jesus teaches the disciples how to do the ministry.
  Note: These things are impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit.
• 10:5-15 - Where to go and how to behave in the cities
• 10:16-26 - Warnings on how difficult the ministry will be.
• 10:27-30 - Comfort in knowing our value in Christ
• 10:31-33 - Comfort knowing how Christ will identify with us when we have identified with Him.
• 10:34-39 - Warnings on how difficult the ministry will be.  This time quoting Old Testament scripture.
  Note: Matthew was writing to Jewish, Religious people.  He quotes a lot of Old Testament scripture to point out how Jesus was fulfilling prophecy.
• 10:40-42 - Jesus shows His identification with us in ministry.  Acceptance or rejection of us reflects on their attitude to Jesus, not us personally.
• 11:1-19 - Jesus deals with John the Baptist's disciples.
• 11:1-3 - Jesus is questioned, are you really the Christ, the Messiah?
• 11:4-6 - Jesus answers, not "yes or no," but tells them to "inspect the fruit."
  Note: All the 'fixes' done, blind/see, deaf/hear, etc. are what you'd expect except "the poor have the gospel preached to them."  Poverty is not a sickness, wealth can be.  Let us be careful in our giving and make sure it is always included with the gospel message.
• 11:7-15 - Jesus points out that John the Baptist was not "as expected" and neither would Jesus' ministry.
• 11:16-19 - People what Jesus to do things their way.  When Jesus doesn't, He is rejected.  People must approach Jesus as Lord, master,  His way.