LET’S STUDY MATTHEW # 25

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lion and lamb

THE CURE OF THE PARALYTIC, THE CALL OF MATTHEW, HIS COMPASSION ON SINNERS, AND THE CORRECT TIME FOR FASTING.

“And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For weather is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

 14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. 16   No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. 17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:1-17

Lest we lose sight of where we are, and the purpose of Matthew, we need to do a quick review. Matthew is about the offer of the King, and the Kingdom of Heaven, and the rejection of the King, and the Kingdom of Heaven. First, we have the genealogy, and worship of the King. Then we have the King made known at His baptism. Next, we have the testing of the King as The Son of Man, followed by the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. In chapters 8-9 we have the miracles of the Kings, and their prophecy in Scripture.

Jesus manifests His power when he healed the paralytic man. There are other men in the Bible who did miracles as great as those of Jesus. However, one power He had that none other had was the authority to forgive sins. When called into question about this by the Scribes, He ask them, which is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven, or rise up and walk? One was as easy as the other, but the proof was confirmed by His miracle. Only God can forgive sins. Thus, Jesus is God.

Matthew was of the tribe of Levi, and was also a tax collector for the Roman Government. He would have been despised by the Jews, most likely. One preacher asks, when were the apostles saved? There is no answer to that question, because they lived and labored under the dispensation of the Law. Neither do we know if Matthew was already baptized, or if he did it later. My belief is that he had been baptized, and was expecting the Messiah. This may explain why he would so readily follow Him.

Matthew took Jesus into his home, and had a feast for Him. We discover from Luke 5:27-30, that a great multitude was there. So were the Pharisees. Their criticism was why Jesus would eat and drink with Publicans and sinners. The apostate nation of Israel had contempt on these people, and they were considered sinners. They would not touch or eat with them. They knew nothing of God and His love for all the lost.

Jesus rebukes them by saying that it was sinners who needed Him, and to whom He was sent. Then He quoted a verse from Hosea 6:6 which they should understood. Sacrifice is not as important as mercy.

In verse 14-17 we have the question about fasting by the disciples of John the Baptist, and the Pharisees. These could not understand why Jesus and His disciples ate and drank with sinners, while John and his disciples were more separated and withdrawn.

The Lord answers them with three illustrations. Each would be improper, and unwise. The first, is that of a bride and the bridegroom on their wedding day. Jewish wedding were a long, and drawn out event. Those at the wedding feast would show disrespect to appear at the table, and refuse to eat, because they were on a fast. It was a time to eat and drink while the bridegroom was present. Thus, now was not the time to fast or mourn. That would be proper, only after the bridegroom departed. I doubt anyone at the table understood His meaning.

Secondly, the meaning is the same, only the illustrations differ. The King was there, and the New Covenant would be introduced, if the nation repented. Thus, His ministry was not a patching of the Old Covenant, nor new wine in the old skins. His ministry was the offer of the New Covenant, and the Kingdom of Heaven. It was time for feasting, and rejoicing. Neither did they understand these examples. Regardless, He would be leaving them for a time, and then they will fast and mourn.

 

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.

 

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW # 23

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THE KINGS POWER OVER DISEASE, DEATH, AND DEVILS #23

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By Ken Blue 

 1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6  And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. Matthew 8:1-13. “14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matthew 8:14-17.

 It is evident that the ministry of Jesus Christ was under the Law of Moses until He was crucified. Matthew’s purpose was to record the sayings, actions, and events that proved that He was Israel’s promised Messiah and King. His birth, and worship, His genealogy, His Father’s testimony at His baptism, His victory over the Devil in the wilderness, His sermon principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, and, His power over death, all sicknesses, and devils, should be confirmation enough. The miracle was not in the miracles, it was that they were a fulfillment of their Old Testament Scriptures (Isaiah 29:18; 35:4-6; 60:1-3).  

Among the great multitude that came to Him, was a leper who believed in who He was, and that He had power to heal him.  Jesus never turned any sincere person away. He respond that He would heal him, and touched the leprous man, and made him clean. He then told him to go to the Priest and offer the offering commanded by Moses (Lev. 14:4, 10, 21-22). The brethren who teach that the Law of Moses ended with the birth of Christ, or at His baptism, are is great error. They must have some precious agenda that needs protection.

The next recorded miracle is at Capernaum. A Roman centurion came begging Him that He would speak the command only, and his servant would be healed. The centurion was in command of 100 men. He said, “When I give a command, the soldiers obey it. If You give the command, the sickness will leave my servant, and he will be healed.” The centurion believed, and his servant was healed that same hour.

Jesus said to the multitude that He had not found anyone among the Jews with as much faith as this Gentile. He added, many Gentiles will come, and sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven. However, most of the Jews, who should have inherited the Kingdom, will be lost and cast out.

When our Lord came to the home of Peter, He found that his mother-in-law was sick of a fever. Jesus touched her hand, and the fever left. It is noteworthy that Peter had a mother-in-law. I don’t know how you get one of these, without a wife. Thus, Peter, the first Pope had a wife.

The celibacy of the popes, and priest is just one more lie promoted by the Catholic Church. Only the tip of the iceberg is visible when it comes to the sexual immorality that exists in the Catholic Church. It is doctrines such as these that promote sodomites, and pedophilia. “1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT # 22

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NOT HE THAT SAITH, BUT, HE THAT DOTH, ENTERS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN #22

lion and lambBy Ken Blue

“ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:21-29.

We point out again, that the subjects are not Christians of this dispensation, but are the remnant who will be found worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven when it is established on the earth. Thus, there is a matter of faith and good works required.

The Lord makes it clear that calling Him Lord, or doing works alone, is not sufficient for salvation to enter the Kingdom. Regardless of the dispensation, true heart dedication is necessary. Every man is a sinner, but true religion brings one to contrition and confession. False religion is only for show, and the all seeing eye of the Lord knows those who are His. This is why the Lord puts the Kingdom of God before the Kingdom of heaven. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. The Lord must rule in their hearts first. That will result in works from an obedient heart, which is necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The two foundations are obvious, one is the Lord and His teachings, and the other is man’s religion and his self-righteousness. Both are works, but one is absent of faith. All religious works without faith and obedience to the Lord’s teaching is a religion built on sand. It will not stand the test. Thus, ends the Sermon of the Mount.     

 

THE RISE OF FALSE PROPHETS IN THE TRIBULATION #21

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lion and lamb

By Ken Blue

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20

“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.” Matthew 24:23-25.

One of the many signs for Israel in the Tribulation is the rise of false prophets. Wicked men are not hesitate to capitalize on world conditions to espouse their false doctrines. They must be judged by a sound understanding of God’s word, and their “fruit.” These false teacher will point to signs and wonders to draw away followers. They will be so persuasive that that they would deceive the very elect remnant, if it were possible. Why will it be impossible for the elect to be deceived? The answer is, they know the prophetic Scriptures.

Two types of trees are used to illustrate the point. One is good fruit, (doctrine), and evil fruit, (false teaching.)  We should note John 15, and Hebrews 6. “1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:1-8.

The evidence that one is a true follower of the Messiah, is their fruit, and their abiding. In this text, the two go together. The failure to produce good fruit, and the failure to abide, are sure signs that one is false in his profession.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The evidence that one is a true follower of the Messiah, is their fruit, and their abiding. In this text, the two go together. The failure to produce good fruit, and the failure to abide, are sure signs that one is false in his profession.[/perfectpullquote]

Hebrews six demonstrated the fate of those Jews who witness and experience Kingdom miracles and teaching and turn back to the apostate system. “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.” Hebrews 6:4-8.

Those in the Tribulation must be ever vigilant, and also demonstrating the fruits of righteousness if they are to enter the kingdom. Otherwise, their fate is to be burned. The following adds additional light on this subject. One can see that the context is about the end time and the Kingdom of Heaven.  “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.. Matthew 13:30.