This section is important to understand, but it is often very confusing to the reader. This should not be the case. Jesus didn't say things things to cause confusion, but rather to bring clarity. The issue is because we try to apply all things and prophecy to our situation; which is not always the case.
To understand this section, we must understand that God sees mankind as three groups of people. In each case, God works differently and has different application. This is very clear in things like the role of the Holy Spirit. For a non-believer, the Holy Spirit convicts and points them to Jesus. The role of the Holy Spirit in a believer is much greater. To apply principles of the bible to an unbeliever when it was meant for the church is a mistake. In the same way, applying principles meant for the Jewish nation to the church is also a mistake.
1 Corinthians 10:32 says, "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God..." Paul is speaking of how he deals with people differently based on these three groupings of people. Throughout scripture, we also see God dealing differently with these three.
The teachings of Matthew 25 are very clear when we see this truth. The section on the Wise and Foolish Virgins (1-13) is to the Jews during the tribulation (kingdom of heaven being right after the tribulation). We see this clearly in the number ten as well as the idea of virgins in Revelation 14:4.
The next section, Talents, is to the church. May we apply this and use the resources God has given to us by His grace and use them to further His kingdom!
The last section is to those in the tribulation who help or don't help the Jewish people during their persecution.
I don't have time to go into detail on each of these here in this blog, but you can listen online to the teaching for more information. http://ccepping.org/?page_id=61&sermon_id=1478
"Lord, please let us see how important it is to use the things you've given to us for Your kingdom. Whatever you've given to us, ten, two, one talent, help us to look for ways to invest them in the things You would want. You saved us and then sent us into this world for Your glory. Help us to be good and faithful servants. Amen."
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Friday, February 24, 2017
Matthew 25:1- 25-45 Outline
This is a continuation of the olivet discourse.
The outline is quite simple, but it is important to note the three sections pointing to three groups of listeners.
The outline is quite simple, but it is important to note the three sections pointing to three groups of listeners.
- Wise and Foolish Virgins - To the Jew (25:1-13)
- Talents - To the church (25:14-30)
- Sheep and the Goats - to the Gentiles (25:31-46)
Friday, February 10, 2017
Matthew 24:1- 24-51 Thoughts
Unlike the previous chapter, this one is very often taught in churches and prophecy conferences. Unfortunately, many teachings are confusing and aimed at scare tactics. As a son or daughter of Christ, we are not called to be confused or scared! This section should comfort us and motivate us to be about the King's business.
One reason people are often confused is due to the use of the word "elect." We cannot assume the elect Jesus is speaking about here is the church. In many cases, it is not.
In scripture, I find three specific groups of people called the elect.
But in 24:16 it speaks of people in Judah (Israel): "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
Also in 24:20: And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
This is speaking of Jewish people in the tribulation.
Anyway, the point of the chapter is to know that God has it all worked out and we are to be looking for and anticipating the return of Jesus Christ. Chapter 25 will emphasise this even more.
"Oh Lord, thank You for Your plan. Thank you that we are not appointed unto wrath but to salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ. We look forward to Your coming and our heart breaks for those who will miss this and go through the tribulation. Lord, open the eyes of our family, friends and loved ones who have rejected You. Amen."
One reason people are often confused is due to the use of the word "elect." We cannot assume the elect Jesus is speaking about here is the church. In many cases, it is not.
In scripture, I find three specific groups of people called the elect.
- Israel (Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 45:4, Isaiah 65:9, Isaiah 65:22...)
- Church (Romans 8:33, Romans 11:7, Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:10, 1 Peter 1:1-2...)
- Tribulation Saints (Israel/believers during the tribulation as Matthew speaks of and we see in Revelation)
But in 24:16 it speaks of people in Judah (Israel): "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
Also in 24:20: And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
This is speaking of Jewish people in the tribulation.
Anyway, the point of the chapter is to know that God has it all worked out and we are to be looking for and anticipating the return of Jesus Christ. Chapter 25 will emphasise this even more.
"Oh Lord, thank You for Your plan. Thank you that we are not appointed unto wrath but to salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ. We look forward to Your coming and our heart breaks for those who will miss this and go through the tribulation. Lord, open the eyes of our family, friends and loved ones who have rejected You. Amen."
Matthew 24:1- 24-51 Outline
At this point in the book of Matthew, Jesus departs from the temple and begins to teach His disciples. These are key teachings as Jesus shares insight on may prophecies including some that have yet to take place.
- Prophecy of the destruction of the temple (1-2)
- Prophecies of the end times (3-14)
- Prophecy of the Great Tribulation (15-22)
- Many will come claiming to be the christ (23-28)
- Prophecy of Christ's return (29-31)
- Parable of the Fig Tree (32-35)
- Be ready (36-51)
Friday, February 3, 2017
Matthew 23:1- 23-39 Thoughts
This chapter is full of warnings. Each one I can see in my life and I must continuously deal with them. While thinking about teaching these, I think about Isaiah. He was peaching, by the Spirit, in Isaiah chapter one through five declaring woes to the people of Israel and Judah. This was justified and accurate. However, it is so easy when pronouncing woe's on others to have an attitude of anger, disgust and frustration. Perhaps Isaiah was feeling this as well.
But, in chapter six of Isaiah, he is given a glimpse of God and His glory. I love what Isaiah then said,
At the end of chapter 23, we see Jesus lament over Jerusalem. I am certain He didn't want to pronounce all these woes, but as a good Father, He must. Help us to heed the warnings and when sharing woes with others, have compassion.
"Jesus, woe is ME, for I am undone. Why I'm given any opportunity to share Your word and Your truth with anyone is beyond me. I am not worthy to point out issues with anyone else's life. Yet you want us to shine the light on each other and sharpen one another. So, please help us to have compassion and love as we share truth with our bothers and sisters. Help us to practice what we preach and rely more and more on Your Holy Spirit. Amen."
But, in chapter six of Isaiah, he is given a glimpse of God and His glory. I love what Isaiah then said,
"Woe is me, for I am undone!Sometimes we need to share a woe with someone. When we share the truth of God's word, it will often be penetrating and cut to the heart. The important point is to then realise how we are just as sinful and often guilty of the same sin.
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.
At the end of chapter 23, we see Jesus lament over Jerusalem. I am certain He didn't want to pronounce all these woes, but as a good Father, He must. Help us to heed the warnings and when sharing woes with others, have compassion.
"Jesus, woe is ME, for I am undone. Why I'm given any opportunity to share Your word and Your truth with anyone is beyond me. I am not worthy to point out issues with anyone else's life. Yet you want us to shine the light on each other and sharpen one another. So, please help us to have compassion and love as we share truth with our bothers and sisters. Help us to practice what we preach and rely more and more on Your Holy Spirit. Amen."
Matthew 23:1- 23-39 Outline
This chapter is all about the scribes and Pharisees, yet Jesus is not speaking directly to them, but about them. These are good lessons for all of us who can easily become religious and fall into the same traps.
- Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees (23:1-36)
- Not doing what you teach (1-3)
- Burdening others (4-5)
- "Look at me" mentality (6)
- "Respect me" attitude (7-10)
- Greatest is the servant (11-12)
- Not correctly sharing the gospel (13)
- Taking advantage of the less fortunate (14)
- Proselyte to religion not God (15)
- Not people of their word (16-22)
- Wrong priorities (23-24)
- Problems with the heart (25-28)
- Criticizing others while doing the same (29-33)
- The result (34-36)
- Jesus lament (37-39)
Friday, January 27, 2017
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."
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.
Friday, January 20, 2017
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."
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
Friday, January 13, 2017
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."
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.
Friday, December 30, 2016
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:
"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."
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
"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)
Friday, December 16, 2016
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
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."
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
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)
Saturday, December 10, 2016
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."
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)
Saturday, December 3, 2016
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."
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)
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