Matthew 22:1- 22-46 Thoughts

On this chapter, my mind focused on verses 15-22.  Perhaps because I really don't like paying taxes! 😃

The Pharisees know all about this controversial topic.  In their mind, there was no good answer.

A. If you say to the people, "Pay taxes," you quickly become unpopular with the people.
B. If you say to the people, "Don't pay taxes," you quickly become unpopular with the Roman guard.

There are many points in the Bible which point to being good citizens; obeying the laws and paying taxes.  So Jesus needed to explain this truth.  The amazing part of this event is how Jesus so beautifully demonstrated truth in love.  And this was done by changing people's PERSPECTIVE.

You might recognise this mountain.  It is Mount Everest.

It might be more difficult to recognise the same mountain from this photo:

Whenever our views on a subject differ than that of God's Word, it means our perspective is wrong.  Jesus pointed out that money is not what matters, but people.  God doesn't care about making a profit, but growing prophets.  God doesn't want to raise funds, He wants to raise kids.

"Lord, please help us have a good Godly perspective on everything.  When this world hates us for our love for Christ, help us to have compassion on them knowing God loves them.  When we have to pay taxes or have financial issues, help us to remember to store our treasures in heaven.  When we have health issues, help us to remember we will be given new bodies and live forever with You.  Amen."

Matthew 22:1- 22-46 Outline

This continues from the previous chapter as Jesus warns the Jewish leaders that God is ready to do a new work through the Gentile nation.  It is important to note that Jesus continues to work with the Jews and is not done with the nation of Israel.  We are simply seeing the plan of God to work through the church until the time of the rapture.

• God Begins His New Work - Continued (21:12-Today!)
• Parable of the Wedding Feast (22:1-14)
• Perspective - God or money (15-22)
• This is important, it goes into eternity (23-33)
• Principle of Love (34-40)
• Jesus ends the Questioning (41-46)
  Note: It is good to question things, but there comes a point where we stop listening to the answers.

Matthew 21:1- 21-46 Thoughts

There are so many incredible things in this chapter.  Sometimes it is easy to lose the big-picture when studying a chapter so full of great events, teachings and principles.

Jesus only has a few days left before His death and resurrection.  It is quite clear Jesus knows this and is planning for this.  What would you do if you knew you only have a few days left?  Of course, Jesus would rise from the dead and give additional teachings to his disciples, but now it is time for Jesus to make it clear His purpose in all these things: To testify to the truth. (John 18:37)

God is tired of Israel not producing fruit.  They had become exclusive, judgmental and had lost their love for God and the people.

Jesus starts by example.  He comes in as king, "Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey."

He then cleans out the temple, curses a fig tree (picture of Israel), shows their hypocrisy when confronted with truth and gives two parables of God's plan to work through the Gentile nation.

When looking at this "big picture," I am reminded how important it is to be about the Father's business.  I often find myself to be judgmental, exclusive and I fail to love people.  I see this in the global church as well.  Are we now the wicked vinedressers?  The moment we refuse to believe we are and question Jesus authority, we are no better off than the chief priests, elders and Pharisees.

"Oh Lord, please keep us from the pride that so easily and quickly ensnares us.  You have entrusted us with such a great responsibility in the Gospel.  Help us to obey Your word in James chapter 2 and not show partiality and to allow our works be a testimony of our faith in You.  We can't do it without Your help, so please empower us with Your Spirit.  Amen."

Matthew 21:1- 21-46 Outline

This chapter starts a whole new section in the book of Matthew.  The rest of the book is chronological and here we see the beginning of the last days before the death and resurrection of Christ.  It all begins on, what we call, Palm Sunday.

• The Triumphal Entry (21:1-11)
• God Begins His New Work (21:12-Today!)
• Cleaning the Temple (12-17)
• Fig Tree (18-22)
  Israel has not been producing fruit.
• Questioning Jesus Authority (23-27)
• Parable of Two Sons (28-32)
• Parable of Wicked Vinedressers (33-46)
  Note: this section continues through the next chapter

Matthew 19:27- 20-34 Thoughts

In this material world, it is easy to ask our selves, "what are the benefits of following Christ?"  We see many around us doing things their own way and seem to be prosperous and successful.

This same thought came to mind in this section of Matthew as a very wealthy, young ruler seemed to reject the invitation to follow Christ and yet, in the material world, had much.

Peter asks the question in 19:27, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"

Jesus doesn't rebuke him for the question, but reminds him of two things:
1. God is more than fair.
2. God gives grace and ultimately eternal life.

What more could we ask for?  We have received that which is impossible to have by man's efforts!

I know I often lose sight of this.  I get focused on the things of this world and my little problems.  It is a privilege to server Christ and a tiny token response to what He has done for us.

"Jesus, please help us keep our focus on things that matter.  Help us to not let riches or anything else keep us from following You.  Build our faith in knowing You love us and want us to use our lives for Your glory.  Thank you for saving us and help that to be MORE than enough.  Amen."

Matthew 19:27- 20-34 Outline

This section is a continuation of the event with the rich, young ruler.

• What must we do to be saved (19:16-26)
• Law can't do it (16-22)
• Impossible with man (23-26)
• With God, all things are possible (26)
• What's in it for me? (19:27-20:34)
• Eternal life (19:27-30)
• First will be last, last will be first (20:1-16)
• Jesus example of what you receive for following Christ (17-19)
• Greatest is servant of all (20-28)
• The blind will see (29-33)
  Note: This odd miracle is tucked in this section just before Jesus' triumphal entry.  I believe it points out our blindness to the ministry of Jesus and our need to see clearly.

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.