You are here: Home / Archives for BOOKS

THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST; CAUSE AND EFFECT. #36

by

lion and lamb

Matthew 14:1-12

This chapter explains the reason John the Baptist was murdered, and effects. It also contains a series of miracles by the Lord Jesus. The many mentions of Herod in the Gospels and Acts can be confusing. The following from Wikipedia, and Dake’s notes may help clear up any confusion. “The Herodian Dynasty was a Judean dynasty of Idumaean/Edomite descent. The Herodian dynasty began with Herod the Great, who assumed the throne of Judea, with Roman support, bringing down the century long Hasmonean Kingdom. His kingdom lasted until his death in 4 BCE, when it was divided between his sons as a Tetrarchy, which lasted for about 10 years. Most of those kingdoms, including Judea proper, were incorporated into Judaea Province in 6 CE, though limited Herodian kingship continued in Northern Levant until 92, when the last Herodian monarch, Agrippa II, died and Rome assumed full power over his domain.” Wikipedia.

Dakes says, “Herod the Great, son of Antipater (an Idumean) and Cypros (an Arabian woman). Antipater was made Procurator of Judea by Julius Caesar in 47 B.C. Herod was made governor of Galilee when he was 25 years old and was made king of Judea in 37 B.C. He rebuilt the Jewish temple (Jn. 2:20). At his death in 4 B.C. his kingdom was divided. His son Herod Antipas reigned over Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39 (Lk. 3:1-2). He killed John the Baptist (Mt. 14:1). Another son, Archelius, was made ruler of Judea and Samaria (Mt. 2:22). He is called “Philip” in Mt. 14:3. Philip was succeeded by Herod Agrippa I in A.D. 37. In A.D. 40 he took over all the original territory of Herod the Great. He is mentioned in Acts 12. He was succeeded by Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25:13; 26:32). Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.

Herod the King was the one who had the boy babies from two years and under murdered in hopes of killing baby Jesus. In our text, his son had John the Baptist killed. At the death of Herod the Great, his kingdom was divided among his sons. The word, “tetrarch” means a forth part. He was the governor of the fourth part of a region;” hence, “a dependent princeling,” or “any petty ruler” subordinate to kings.

When he heard of the works of Jesus, his guilty conscience, and stupid superstition led him to believe that John the Baptist was raised from the dead. John had rebuked Herod’s brother, Phillip, for marring his niece. Scripture forbade this marriage. (Lev. 18:6,16; 20:21).

When Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. He was so pleased, that he promised her he would give her anything she ask for. Thus, we don’t need much imagination to understand the nature of her dance. She told her mother of the promise, and her wicked mother ask for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. She ask, and Herod, bound by his oath, fulfilled her request.

Josephus says, “[Herodias] This infamous woman was both niece and wife to Philip and Herod, being the daughter of Aristobulus, son of Herod the Great. She first married Philip, her uncle, by whom she had Salome. Later she left him to live publicly with her brother-in-law, who had been married before to the daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia Petra. Aretas made war on him and destroyed Herod’s army, which Josephus says was judgment on him for murdering John the Baptist (Antiquities, 18.5.2).”

John’s disciples came to claim the body, and buried it. I believe the following text applies to John. “9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2 Corinthians 6:9-10.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PARABLES OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 13

by

Gospel of Matthew – HOME
lion and lamb

AN INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13 contain eight parables explaining the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven in the absence of the King. A parable is a similitude, a symbolic comparison, or figure of speech that clarifies or explains a truth not fully understood. Parables may clarify a truth, or hide it, as illustrated in this chapter. A mystery was made known by revelation to the speaker or writer. It implies knowledge unknown from the foundation of the world, but revealed by God at the appropriate time. The church, the body of Christ, was a mystery, and was unknown, until revealed to the Apostle Paul. These parables are not about the church, but are mysteries of the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, in the absence of the King.

It was unknown by the Apostles that Jesus would be crucified and returning to Heaven. These parables reveal the nature of their ministry and its results in His absence. It explains the nature of the interregnum between the Apostles preaching of the Kingdom of Heaven, and His physical return to judge the nations and establish His kingdom.

It is a great disservice to the body of Christ to force the church of this dispensation into these parables. To do so, forces one to spiritualize them and do all manner of disrespect to the purpose of Matthew’s Gospel. Although one may use them for spiritual application to some conditions within the church, doctrinally, they have no relationship to the church, the body of Christ

The theme of Matthew’s gospel had not changed. It was still Christ’s purpose to establish His Kingdom on earth with Israel. However, He needed to ascend to the Father. He needed to pour out the Holy Spirit, as prophesied throughout Old Testament Scripture, and the nation of Israel needed to repent at the preaching of His Disciples under the power of the Holy Spirit, then He would return. Again, this was unknown to them until after His resurrection. He may have revealed it to them during the 40 days prior to His ascension.

This is what Peter preached in Acts. “18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” Acts 3:18-26.

One would have to be blind, or dishonest not to understand the context of Peter’s message. Verse 19 says, if they would repent of killing their Messiah, and be baptized Jesus would return and blot their sins as a nation. In addition, the covenant made with the nation through Abraham and David would be established.

I encourage the reader to get a copy of my book on these parables. All eight are within it. You may purchase it at the Open Door Book Store. I will not post that study on my blot page.

How to order:

 

 Gospel of Matthew – HOME

A WICKED GENERATION SEEKS FOR SIGNS #34

by

   lion and lambA WICKED GENERATION SEEKS FOR SIGNS #34

Matthew 12

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

43   When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:38-50

Verses 38-43. The scribes and the Pharisees had witnessed enough signs to convert the whole nation, if they were so inclined. Here, they are tempting Him to show even a greater sign. Regardless, He knew their wicked intent. The only sign that demonstrated His Deity would be the sign of Jonas. No doubt, Jonas was dead and raised to life after three days. This would be the sign to the nation, yet they would not believe.

Nineveh was a wicked Gentile city, yet it repented at the preaching of Jonas. Neither is there any evidence that Jonas did any miracles at Nineveh. They repented at his preaching.

The queen of Sheba came to hear the Wisdom of Solomon. Israel had in their presence, one much greater, and wiser than Solomon. At the judgment, her response will add to the condemnation of the wicked nation of Israel.

Verses 43-45. The nation of Israel was more wicked than the surrounding Gentile nations. They were also, more self-righteous. Although the nation had the Son of God in their midst, they saw themselves as righteous. This truth is evident in all the Gospels. If that was their attitude in the presence of Christ, what would their end be after they crucified Him. They were classified as a man with seven additional unclean spirits, more wicked than the ones before.

Verses 46-50. While the Lord was rebuking the religious leaders, a crowd stood without, desiring to speak to Him. Among them were his mother, and half-brother and sisters. We learn that by now, His brothers had believed on Him. “For neither did his brethren believe in him.” John 7:5. There is no doubt this Old Testament text speaks of His half-brothers. “7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. 8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children. 9 for the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.” Psalm 69:7-9. The perpetual virginity of Mary is a fabrication by the Catholic Church, as is most of their teachings.  “The Lateran Council of 649, attended by Maximus the Confessor, explicitly affirmed the teaching of Mary’s virginity before, during and after birth. [31] This was further affirmed at the sixth ecumenical council in 680.[4]” Wikipedia. Nowhere is Scripture is there any hint to her perpetual virginity. The text in Psalms 69 refutes it also.

At this point, Jesus make no distinction. All who do the will of God the Father are considered His family. God is the Father of all believers. However, believers in different dispensations are dealt with differently.

 

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #33

by

 Gospel of Matthew – HOME

Matthew 12:22-37

lion and lambRELIGIOUS LEADERS ACCUSE JESUS OF WORKING UNDER THE POWER OF THE DEVIL

“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23  And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24  But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25  And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26  And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27  And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28  But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29  Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

30  He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31  Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

33  Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:22-37.

Note: This section serves to show the greater depravity of the religious leaders, and their corrupt nature which was covered with their religious trappings.

Verse 22-29.

The common people amazed at the miracle, and recognized and confessed that Jesus was the son of David. Thus, He was the Messiah!

However, the Pharisees were quick to accuse Him, and attribute His healing powers to the Devil. The reader will notice that there are devils, and one who is their prince. He is called Beelzebub. This title was blasphemous as one could get. Strong’s note says that it is a reference to dung. “(Ba`al Zebuwb)]; dung-god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan: – Beelzebub.” Also, “(Ba`al) and (zebuwb); Baal of (the) Fly; Baal-Zebub, a special deity of the Ekronites :- Baal-zebub.” In other words, they accused Jesus of deriving His power from a gentile god associated with the dung flies.

Although it is true that Satan has power granted to him to do miracles, he will not do one that would destroy his own kingdom. If he did, the results would be obvious. A divided kingdom cannot stand. This should have been a rebuke to the leaders, for their nation was, at that very time, divided by the Devil, and it in a state of destruction. In response, Jesus ask by what spirit their disciples cast out devils. They were not about to admit that their followers cast out devils by the prince of devils. Therefore, Jesus said that the kingdom of God had come to them, if His power was from God.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8. Before He could destroy the devil and his kingdom, he would have to be defeated and then cast out. This was Christ’s mission. Once accomplished, Satan’s kingdom will exist no more.

Verses 30-32.

There was no middle ground. Those who were for Christ and His Kingdom would follow Him. Those of Satan’s kingdom would follow him. One may blasphemy Jesus and receive forgiveness, but those Jews who blasphemed the Holy Ghost, will not find forgiveness. This statement is in relation to the offer of the Kingdom of Heaven to Israel. The best example of this is in Hebrews 6:4-8. “ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” The “world” in both references was to the “age” the Jews were in, and in the “age” to come.

Verses 33-37.

The vine is a symbol of Israel’s spiritual privileges. The fig tree is a symbol of Israel’s national privileges. The olive tree is a symbol of Israel’s religious privileges. Israel had become a corrupt tree, and her end was to be burned. The tongue is connected to the heart. They had rejected the ministry of John the Baptist, they were rejecting the ministry of Christ, and they would reject the ministry of the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles during the Acts period. Thus, no forgiveness remained for that generation.

 Gospel of Matthew – HOME

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #30

by

lion and lambCHRIST, THE PHARISEES AND THE SABBATH #30

“At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

 9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 10 and, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11  And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.” Matthew 12:1-13.

Jesus had chosen His Disciples, taught them the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, empowered, and sent them forth only to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” This begins with the Sermon of the Mount. At this point, in our Lord’s ministry, He begins His encounter with the apostate, wicked rulers of Israel. This chapter illustrates part of that conflict.

Verses 1-8.

At that season, Jesus and his disciples walked through the corn field, and the disciples plucked ears of ripe corn and ate them. When the Pharisees saw it, they found fault, and accused Jesus and the disciples of breaking the Law of Moses.

Jesus rebukes them, first, by pointing to Israel’s greatest King, King David. He asks if they had ever read what David did, and was blameless. When David fled from Saul, he came to the tabernacle and requested bread for himself, and his men. The Priest said the only bread was the shewbread, which is dedicated to the LORD. But, he gave it to David and his men. “So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.” 1 Samuel 21:6. A greater than David stood before them, and they knew it not.

Next, He calls their attention to that which was written in the Law for the Priest to perform on the Sabbath days. “And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: 10  This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.” Numbers 28:9-10. The Priest was blameless in his service on the Sabbath service at the Tabernacle. Again, He reminds them that one who was greater than the Tabernacle was in their presence. The Jews had added so much tradition to the Law, it became impossible for them to understand their own Scriptures.

Next, He points to their ignorance of God, and the Law. “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6. Israel’s ignorance of their own Law, is best illustrated by the Apostle Paul, when he said, “But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:14-15. They were blind then, and they are still blind unto this very day. Man was never made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for man.

Verse 9. Jesus goes from the wheat field to the synagogue. Once again, He exposes their wickedness and hypocrisy. In the congregation was a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees, attempting to trap Him, ask if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day.  

He used a hypothetical question to reveal their deceit and wickedness by asking them if they would help a sheep that had fallen into a ditch. He answers for them. They would.

Did they actually have more mercy on a sheep than a sick man? He tells them, it is lawful to do a good work on the Sabbath. Then he healed the man.

Sadly, we live in a world of hypocrites. This society has more compassion on a dog, a cat, a whale, or any animal, than they do their fellow mankind. For proof, see how many babies are murdered daily under the cloak of abortion. And, like the Pharisees, they are self-righteous about all of it. As Israel was judged, so will be this nation.