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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW # 29

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Gospel of Matthew – HOME

Matthew 11:25-30

lion and lamb“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30.

Verses 25-26. Pride is the one sin that blocks man from salvation, and illumination. I remember asking a very wise man, “How do you get wisdom?” He said, “I guess you just plead ignorance.” Until you realize that you know nothing, you aren’t ready to learn. The babes are the disciples. Since God is the revealer of truth, He reveals it to whom He will. Sadly, we have a generation of young men who have Bible knowledge, but are greatly lacking in knowledge of themselves. God will teach the humble heart.

Verse 27. God the Father had delivered everything in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth into the authority and the will of the Son. It is impossible to know God except through Jesus Christ. He said that those who had seen him, had seen the father. No one can come unto the Father except through the Son. The Catholic Mary does not fit into the equation. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5. When we read the Holy Scriptures, we should pray that God will open our mind and teach us. If we know the Son, we know the Father. Those who say they believe in God, but reject the Son, know neither.

Verse 28-30. These verses bring to a close the aspect of our Lord’s ministry that we have been dealing with. To close it, He gives one last general invitation to all who labor under the burden of sin. He invites all, and promises that He will give them rest. They would rest from the burdens laid on them by the religious leaders. They would find rest in the assurance of His promises. And, they would find rest in His love and forgiveness. Dr. David Reese says, “The Lord begins a new phase where He withdraws from the nation and begins to teach His disciples things not revealed yet. He prepares them for His crucifixion and departure. The offer of the Kingdom of Heaven is drawing to a close because it has been rejected. Following His teachings concerning the mysteries of the Kingdom, the rejection of His person intensifies.”

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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW # 28

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Gospel of Matthew – HOME
lion and lamb

THE DOUBTS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, AND JESUS DEFENSE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” Matthew 11:1-24

Note:

Matthew’s gospel is written to present Jesus as Israel’s Messiah and King. “ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee..”. Zechariah 9:9. (See Matt. 21:4). He begins with the genealogy, and worship of the King. Next, His forerunner, His baptism, and His temptation. The principles of the Kingdom, and the King proclaimed to Matthew 16:20.

Verse 1.

After sending forth His disciples, Jesus also went into the cities preaching and teaching. There is a difference between preaching and teaching. All preaching must contain teaching. However, teaching differs from preaching. Every Pastor must be apt to teach. Preaching usually calls for some response or decision, whereas, teaching is the imparting of information, example, and instruction. Jesus taught the Twelve, but He preached to the multitudes.

Verses 2-6.

John was cast into prison because he preached against sin. “ For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.” Mark 6:17.

In chapter 4:12, we have the first mention of John’s imprisonment. John was having doubts if Jesus was the Messiah. That is strange when one considers all the proof he had before being put in prison. John knew nothing about the coming death of Jesus, nor did he ever preach it. It is noteworthy that Jesus did not give a yes or no answer. Rather, He quoted Old Testament Scripture to confirm that He was the Messiah. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 35:5-6. If one reads the context of Isaiah, he will see that the Kingdom of Heaven, and the King is the subject. The gospel preached is the gospel of the Kingdom. Those who will be blessed, will not stumble at the person of the Christ.

 Verses 7-15.

In these verses Jesus defends the ministry of John, and shows from Old Testament Scripture that John was the forerunner of the King. The Lord rebukes those who questioned, or rejected John’s ministry.

There was a vast difference between John’s ministry and manner of life, and that of Jesus. John spent much time in the wilderness, was dressed in camel skins, and ate locus and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4; Mark1:6). John not only came in the spirit of Elijah, his life style may have also resembled him.

John was the forerunner of the King. His ministry was not to offer the Kingdom, but to prepare a people for the King. His was the baptism of repentance, the requirement for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven offered by Jesus. John did no miracles, was not in the Kingdom of Heaven, nor the church which is the body of Christ, and he knew nothing of the upcoming death of Christ. The part of the Law and the prophecies about the forerunner and the King were fulfilled with the advent of John. However, the Old Testament Law did not end at the coming of John.

The greatness of John is seen in the nature of his ministry. He was the one who prepared a people for the Kingdom. However, the least who would be in the Kingdom of Heaven was greater, in possession, than John.

The reference to “the violent” taking the Kingdom by force, means that men were responding to John’s preaching in such a manner, as a crowd “pressing” entrance. Or it could refer to the Pharisees. (Luke 16:14-16).

Verses 16-19.

The Lord indicts the nation of Israel by comparing it to rebellious little children who would not accept their part in the games they played. John was not a socialite, so the religious leaders accused him of having a devil. Jesus, ate and drank with sinners, and they accused Him of being a glutton and a drunk. Both accusations were untrue. Although the ministries, and actions of Jesus and John were poles apart, both were sent by God, and did the work of God. There is a lesson here for us.

 Verses 20-24

These verses show that the miracles of Jesus and the disciples did not bring Israel to repentance. The major reason for Israel’s persecution in the past, present and future is because they reject God’s Word, and crucified their King.  “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:25. This was their answer about His crucifixion. As wicked as Sodom was, it will receive less judgment in hell than those who rejected their King and Savior.

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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #27

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THE CALL AND COMMISSION OF THE TWELVE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL

Gospel of the Kingdom

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:1-42

Verses 1-4.

Jesus calls the twelve, who have the title, Apostles. They are sent forth to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. The noteworthy thing, is that Judas is one of the Twelve. There is nothing out of the ordinary that would make the eleven believe he had a devil. He preached and healed, just like the others. If they didn’t have discernment to identify him, how mistaken we can be when we judge others. Especially, is this true, when they appear to have a “successful” ministry.

Verses 5-8.

The command is to go only to Israelites, who are called “lost sheep.” They are to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. They are also empowered to do Kingdom miracles. No one today preaches the same gospel they preached, nor do the miracles they did. One must understand that the Apostles knew nothing about the coming death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

I have discovered that many Baptist preachers have no understanding of this matter. “31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33  And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34. “For as yet they knew not the scripture that he must rise again from the dead.” John 20:9.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Many Baptist preachers hold Baptist tradition stronger than right division of the Scriptures.[/pullquote]

One Baptist preacher said, “The disciples preached the same gospel we preach today, and they baptized with a view of His coming death and resurrection. Scripture is abundant.” I wrote to him and ask for one Scripture that taught what he said. That has been over 10 years ago…still no response. I have discovered that most Baptist can’t afford to see this truth. I have been alienated by many Baptist brethren because of my teaching on this matter. Baptist tradition is stronger than right division of the Scriptures. No church on earth today, obeys these verses, nor can they.

Verses 9-15

All their needs would be met. They were forbidden to take money, food, two coats, shoes, or a staff. Does this sound like any Evangelist or Pastor you know today? Those who welcomed them, they were to greet. Those who rejected them, were to be ignored. The reason it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, is because Sodom did not have a Bible, a preacher, the gospel, nor the miracles in their city that Israel had. To whom much is given, much is required.

Verses 16-27

The Lord was preparing His disciples for His absence, although they did not understand it at that time. They would discover, during the Acts period, and in the Tribulation that man is not, nor has he ever been a friend of Jesus Christ, and His gospel. The world hates the Jesus of the Bible. They would be hated and brought before authorities for judgment. The ministry of Paul is a good example of this.

This instruction is not directed to any member of the Body of Christ. Today, one must pray and think about what to say before appearing before a judge. This instruction is for the Apostles. The remnant will be hated by all nations as they preach in the Tribulation. Note verse 22-23. “22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” These must “endure” to the end of the Tribulation, or refuse the mark of the Beast. Likewise, the Lord assures them that they will not have gone over all the cities of Israel, before He returns. This did not happen in the Acts period. Thus, the context is Israel, and the Tribulation.

The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven requires that one believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and water baptism. This was, and will be their confession before men. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16. “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30. Believer today do not have to be baptized to be saved. Baptism is a step of obedience for those who are saved. Although Paul baptized, his gospel of grace did not require it for salvation.

 Verses 34- 42

The disciples had no concept that there would be a period where He would be absent before established the Kingdom of Heaven. This is evident until His ascension up to heaven. And, after He left, they believed He would soon return, if Israel would repent. Notice the first question they have after His resurrection. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. “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:” Acts 3:19-20.

Jesus did not come to bring peace, but judgment that ends in repentance. Until then, there will be war. In fact, before the Kingdom of Heaven is established on earth, the greatest war the world has ever witnessed will take place.

Finally, at that time, men must receive the Apostles to be saved. To reject them, is to reject God. To receive and assist them will bring salvation, and its rewards.

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #26

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JESUS, ISRAEL’S KING, FULFILLS OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES, THUS PROVING HIS KINGSHIP

lion and lamb 

“While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20  And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21  For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. 23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. 34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”Matthew 9:18-38.

This section is a continuation of Matthew’s account of the miracles performed by Israel’s King. “ The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” Isaiah 61:1. As we pointed out previously, the record of the miracles is not Matthew’s primary objective. His purpose is to show that Jesus fulfils those Old Testament prophecies their King would perform when He came.

This entire section is a record of one miracle after another. The first is that of a ruler who comes to Him, requesting that He come had heal his daughter who is at the point of death. He had complete faith that Jesus could heal her.

However, as Jesus starts to the man’s house, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years, said within herself, if I can touch the hem of His garment, I will be whole. She was made whole that very hour.

When Jesus arrived at the ruler’s house, those stand by informed Him that the child was dead. The minstrels and the people were making a noise, which they were hired to do. This is something the Western world has a difficulty understanding.  In the East, there are professionals who are employed to play pipes, and wail at a death or a funeral (Jer. 9:17-21; 48:36; Amos 5:16). Jesus told them to be quiet, for the child was not dead. It should be noted that the child was dead. But her death was not hopeless. Their scorn was turned to amazement when He brought the child out alive. Obviously, this kind of miracle was not common in Israel, nor is anyone doing them today.

Verses 27-31 records the healing of two blind men.  These men understand that He is the son of David, thus the Messiah. He touches their eyes, and they are healed. Although, they believed He was able to heal them, the only part their faith played, was that they came to Him. Those who think there is some healing power in their faith, miss the whole point.

Jesus opened their eyes, and charged them to tell no one. He was not seeking fame. His fame was already causing Him problems, and it would cause Him much more. This is seen in the following verse.

A man who was unable to speak because of a devil possessed him, was brought to Jesus. Jesus cast the devil out. The people marveled, and the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

It was the Pharisees who were possessed of devils. They could not afford to give Him credit. To do so, would endanger their pride, position, power, and income. Thus, they blasphemed the Holy Spirit.

Verses 35-38 states that Jesus traveled from village to village, and from synagogue to synagogue preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. (Note, this is not the gospel preached by Paul, or the gospel we preach today). Every sickness and disease was healed. No one was rejected. It ought to be evident that this is a Kingdom ministry. No one has this power or this gospel today.

If modern day healers were real, they would be going to the sick in the hospitals, and nursing homes, and healing people. Instead, they rent large building, and then screen those they pretend to heal. They are fake, and charlatans. Jesus had compassion on the people, nor did He take a “love offering” after healing them.

Jesus tells His disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest, and request that workers be sent into the fields. This is always the need. Many times, those who pray see the need, and go themselves. How about you, will you pray that God will send out workers to the harvest? 

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #24

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THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP, THE CALMING OF THE SEA, AND THE CASTING OUT OF DEVILS #24

lion and lamb

By Ken Blue

“ Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20  And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

 23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

 28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.” Matthew 8:18-34.

Chapter eight and nine demonstrate the miracles of Jesus. Matthews’s purpose is to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament prophecies, and that the miracles confirm the prophecies.

As the Lord prepares to depart and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, a scribe comes and assured Him that he was ready to follow Him anywhere. Jesus informed that impulse disciple that the “Son of Man” did not have a place to lay His head. Thus, one should consider, that to follow Jesus means hardship, and forsaking all. Joseph of Arimathaea provided a place for Jesus to lay His head Mark 15:43.

 It is noteworthy that this is the first time Jesus is called the Son of Man. Dake says. “Used 88 times of Christ in the New Testament and once in Dan. 7:13. It always has the definite article when used of Christ, but not when used of ordinary men. He is God’s Man to redeem man. He is God’s answer to Satan to guarantee his defeat and restore man’s original dominion.”

A disciple requested that he might wait until he had buried his father, and then he would follow Jesus. There is no indication that his father was dead. He wanted to remain with his father until his death, and then he would follow Him. The Lord’s reply was that His work of the Kingdom was serious business, and it required immediate obedience. Jesus told him to let those who had no interest in the Kingdom bury his father. What are you willing to forgo to follow Christ?

In verses 13-27 they start across the lake. A fierce wind arose, and the waves are about to swamp the boat. Jesus is asleep, which demonstrates His complete trust in God. The disciples, fearful for their lives, awaken Him. He rebukes them, and then rebukes the wind and the sea. It is obvious, at this point, they do not recognize His deity.

Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake, and two man possessed of devils came out to meet Him. These men lived in the tombs that were carved in the sandstone cliffs at the edge of the sea. Unlike the disciples, they knew Jesus, and what their end fate would be. They requested to enter the pigs rather than being sent to hell. Jesus granted their request. They entered the pigs, and then ran down into the lake and drowned.

When the people of the city heard what had happened, they requested that He leave their country. We are not sure if these were Jews who owned the hogs, and sold them to gentiles, or if they were owned by gentiles. Regardless, they were more interested in income, than they were the men that were healed.