Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 13

Matthew 13

-The seed is the Word of God in this fundamental parable for our spiritual understanding (Mark 4:13). Those people who reject it immediately, having the Word taken away by the deception of the devil, do not ever believe in their heart and are never saved. The people who are rocky do receive the Word with joy but have no firm root (or foundation, Matthew 7:24-25). They have some faith for a while, but when temptation comes, they fall away (Hebrews 6:1-6). These are the apostates (Matthew 13:21, Mark 4:17, Hebrews 3:12) and are never destined for Heaven in relationship with the Living God. The ones who get choked out by the cares, worries, and desires of this world may have relationship and could be going to Heaven (1 Corinthians 3:11-15), but they have become unfruitful and are in danger of being taken out of this world for an unproductive Christian existence (1 Corinthians 11:28-30, 1 John 5:16). The good soil are those who understand the Word of God with an honest and good heart, hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance (Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:15).

-*Application* Let us all be good soil and understand the mystery of the Kingdom of God. This message reveals the four different kinds of reactions we will get when we present the Word of God to people. Pray that the message will find good soil and grow abundantly. He who has ears, let him hear.

-Jesus gives the parable of the weeds and explains it to His disciples to reveal the nature of good and bad coexisting together in this world until the end judgment. The Son of Man (God, the Messiah, Jesus) is the sower of the good seed and these are those in the Kingdom of God whose righteousness will shine like the noon day sun (Daniel 12:3). The enemy sows the tares (the weeds), which represent the sons of the evil one (the unregenerate, the lost, the unsaved). These are the stumbling blocks and rule breakers who have not repented and come in humility to the Savior, Jesus Christ, for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with the Father. The reality of hell is prevalent here in Jesus’ teachings because He is warning His listeners about the wrath to come if they do not come to Him (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).

-*Application* Warning signs all around us are there to help us avoid the danger that could otherwise overtake us and hurt us in a variety of ways. Pay attention to the warning signs God gives us for direction and protection from all that is evil and seeking to destroy us. Remember that evil will coexist with us until the time of the end when the final harvest is made. Endure and grow in Christ as good and pure wheat, undiluted by the weeds that surround you. This only happens by seeking God and living by His Spirit, clinging to Godly friends and acquaintances who do have an impact and influence.

-Small beginnings have great implications, endings, and benefits in the Kingdom of God. This was Jesus’ point in this parable of the tiny mustard seed that grows into a fruit bearing home for the birds (Matthew 13:31-32).

-*Application* Jesus reassures us that it takes time to become mature in the Kingdom economy, but it is worth it. Do not despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). God is in these little things and desires to grow us into His fullness and greatness. One day we will realize how awesome our seed has grown in the Kingdom and know the truth of Christ’s words in this passage.

-Likewise to the mustard seed turning to a large and productive tree, Jesus shares that the Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast (leaven), which expands and becomes bigger and bigger with age and the baking process (Matthew 13:33).

-*Application* In contradiction to the general expectation, Christ’s Kingdom began quietly and very unexpectedly. Most of God’s chosen people were looking for a mighty political ruler that would overtake the world with force and extreme external power. Jesus initiated the Kingdom with His first coming as a sacrificial Servant that saved the world from its demise and sin. This can easily be overlooked, but it shouldn’t. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His plan far exceeds anything our finite minds could conceive (Isaiah 55:8-9). Enjoy the fact that His Kingdom is ever expanding and will one day be the only power left in this world. In the end love wins.

-Jesus taught in the prophesied manner of parables “things hidden from the foundation of the world (Psalm 78:2, Matthew 13:34-35).” Jesus was all about taking things that were known and using them to explain the other world of God’s Kingdom through this method. A parable is simply an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning in the context of Jesus’ teaching. He was opening up mysteries and hidden knowledge to those He spoke to and conversed with. The disciples, thankfully, recorded them for our benefit as well.

-*Application* These timeless truths reach our generation with as much impact as in the time of Jesus if we care to do some cultural and historical research to grasp the entire meaning of each one. Seek the LORD’s wisdom out and understand His messages to you, His beloved.

-Jesus, in this next parable, relates the Kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure in a field, which a man found and hid again. Because of his joy over finding it he goes and sells all that he has and buys (purchases, takes hold of) that entire field. This parable relates the value of knowing Christ and His righteousness and the unsurpassing riches that He entails. The man found it almost without even looking by accident, but is very protective of it, rehiding it once he did find it. He finds it a joy to give up all his possessions to obtain that field that houses the treasure (Matthew 13:44, Mark 10:21, Luke 5:11, 27-28; 18:22, Acts 4:34).

-*Application* What is the cost of discipleship and what are we willing to give up for Christ and His Kingdom? Assured, whatever we dispose of for His sake will be rewarded back unto to us. This is a promise of God (Matthew 6:33, Mark 10:28-30). The issue for us is if we will trust Him. So, then we can say that faith is the field and the reward (the treasure) lies hidden in that field of trust and dependence on the LORD. What joy we have when we realize His riches and hope that were once hidden from us. Open up His possibilities by surrendering all we have. Living in His resurrected power is the greatest gain.

-In this next parable, Jesus relates the Kingdom of Heaven to a merchant who is seeking fine pearls. This pearl (the truth of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus) of great value is worth everything he owns and is. He gladly gives it all up for this precious commodity knowing its great worth in comparison. He makes the purchase without regret and takes ownership (connectedness) of a new thing (Matthew 13:45-46).

-*Application* This relationship we can have with Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of our soul) is worth more than anything we own or could give up. This is a free gift of faith and is available to all (John 3:16, Romans 3:24; 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 3:9). Our hope is in the Pearl of Great Price (Jesus crucified from the foundation of the world for our redemption, Hebrews 4:3, Matthew 25:34)

-Similar to the parable of the wheat and the tares (weeds), Jesus speaks to the fact that there will be gathered fish (people, souls) of every kind by the dragnet (gathering device) of God in comparing what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. It will be the Lord who separates out the good from the bad. The angels (messengers) will take out the wicked from among the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (extreme torment) (Matthew 13:49-50). Jesus, as a good teacher does, asks the question, “Have you understood all these things?” referring back to all the parables He just spoke. The people said, “Yes,” as they had their chance to ask questions and dig deeper (Matthew 13:51).

-*Application* Understanding is essential in the economy of the Kingdom of God. It is nice that the Lord wants us to have this wisdom and cares enough to reveal it to us if we simply seek and look for it and meditate on His truths with application. Think about how the Lord actually wants us to get it. He longs for us wanting and desiring intimate relationship and fellowship. He wants us to enjoy the riches of His Kingdom for eternity and has no pleasure in the demise of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11). This is why, as a good Father, He warns us plainly using speech we can understand and process.

-At the end of His lesson, Jesus makes a comment about every scribe who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a head of a household who brings out of his treasure things new and old (Matthew 13:52). This intriguing statement connects the Old Covenant (or Testament) with the New Covenant (or Testament). He is saying here that He was what the Law and the Prophets in the Old Testament were all about in pointing to Him, the Messiah.

-*Application* Both the Old and New Testaments give vital truth for understanding and practical guidelines for faith and practice in this world. Don’t ever neglect the vast riches that are in the Old Testament. Be diligent to learn God’s whole counsel and do not let it depart from us.

-The religious people in Jesus’ time had the tendency to get trapped in the old and refused to accept the new thing God was revealing in His Son. They were looking for a future kingdom preceded by judgment in the physical and temporal realm via military conquest. They were blind to the spiritual significance of the new way that Christ brought through a Kingdom that was now with a future judgment after everyone had been given every opportunity to turn back to God and repent (change their mind).

-*Application* Life is being worked in us even through these earthen vessels that we live in now (2 Corinthians 4:6-14). Realize what is going on. Live in Christ with His power. The Kingdom continues to grow in us, the believer.

-As Jesus was going around to the Galilean villages teaching the Kingdom, He came to His hometown of Nazareth, which is west of the Sea of Galilee. The people there knew Him only as a carpenter (a common laborer) and they became offended that people were following Him as a Rabbi. He was teaching in the synagogue, which may correlate to the passage in Luke 4:16-31, where He rebuked the Nazarene populace and was almost cast off a cliff of the mountain. Matthew and Mark, if this is the same visit back to His hometown, focus more on the skepticism and unbelief Jesus encountered. It is interesting to note that their lack of faith reduced greatly His working of miracles in their midst. This led the Lord to wonder at their unbelief and make the comment about how a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household (Matthew 13:53-58).

-*Application* How do people receive us, especially when they’ve known us in the past as we grew up? Sometimes people’s opinions greatly reduce our ability to effectively work and minister. We have to be cognizant of the limitations in certain places based on false perceptions from the past. Thankfully, God has cleared us of our past through His forgiveness and restoration and is primarily concerned with our present and future in His wonder working power. So, walk in His victory and don’t worry about the naysayers. We may even want to avoid them if possible under the LORD’s guidance and direction. A prophet or prophetess is still not usually honored in his/her hometown. Also, unbelief will always restrict the movement of God in a place. If we find ourself wondering why God is not a work in a place, check the faith meter and we will probably find skepticism and doubting present. Where pride and unbelief reside, the power of God is severely reduced. Take notice American church.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 13:31-32, 34, 41-42, 44, 46, 51

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 12

Matthew 12

-The beginning account in this chapter finds the disciples hungry on a Sabbath in grainfields, where they decide it to be appropriate to pick the heads of grain and eat. The Pharisees observed this and began to question the Christ on matters of the traditional law of the Jews pertaining to working on the Sabbath. Jesus makes a theological point with them as to Who the Lord of the Sabbath is from the Old Testament Scriptures concerning David of his episode in the eating the consecrated bread in the House of God (1 Samuel 21:6), as well as the custom of the priests in the Temple. He proclaimed that something greater than the Temple was amongst them, and then scolded them to know what it means concerning the fact that God desires “compassion, and not sacrifice” pertaining to innocence (Hosea 6:6). Then He declared the Son of Man (referring to Himself) as the “Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8).” He then proceeded to heal a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath with the point of doing good is always lawful no matter what day of the week it is (Matthew 12:9-13). At this point the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him for destruction (Matthew 12:14).

-*Application* While we are to honor the Sabbath and keep it a holy, set-apart day for the LORD, the fact that we can do things out of the ordinary and routine to be a blessing and take care of essential needs is also acceptable unto the LORD. The problem with the Pharisees, and can be us as well, was the fact that they had substituted religious ritual for doing the compassionate work of the Kingdom as the need presented itself. Do the righteous work of the Savior no matter what day of the week it is.

-After the warning that Jesus made to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah and His public withdraw from any perception of worldly power, the Lord healed a demon-possessed man that was blind and mute when he was brought before Him. The Pharisees and pious Jews were denouncing that He could possibly be the Son of David (i.e.-the All-powerful Messiah of the LORD) calling Jesus Beelzebul (literally lord of the flies, dunghill god, a derogatory term to Jewish people) trying to say that He was demonic and satanic. Jesus knew their thoughts (proof of His deity, wisdom, and observation skills) and refuted their false claims. A house divided against itself will fail and fall. It is only by a stronger force, the Strong Man, that evil is conquered and vanquished. It makes no logical sense for Satan to fight against his own schemes and devices. Jesus says if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon them (Matthew 12:15-28, Luke 11:20).

-*Application* The Pharisees and unbelievers will make every excuse not to accept the things of God even when they are presented in factual and rational form. Keep using wisdom in our own contention for the faith that the Lord by His Spirit will give us even as Christ did. He will give us the answers to every critic, so don’t ever be anxious (Luke 12:11-12, 2 Corinthians 5:12, Jude 1:3). If they accused Jesus, they will also accuse us. Prepare in prayer, then walk by the Spirit.

-The Lord tells them that if they are not for Him, they are against Him making them enemies of God and scattering His flock. He then proceeded to give them instruction of the concept of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. They could speak against Him all they wanted to, but the real issue was the spirit they were speaking with. If they denied the Holy Spirit, Who was sent by the Father as a testimony on behalf of the Son, there was no eternal hope for people that chose in this manner. Jesus was getting to the root of their faith as they rejected what the LORD was doing right before their eyes through His Messiah. They were obviously bad fruit as they spoke from their hearts. In fact, “every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:30-37).”

-*Application* There is incredible power in the spoken word. God has the power to speak everything into existence and make nature obey. We see this displayed all through the Scriptures. We also have power in the tongue and cannot hope to contain it when our hearts are full of evil (James 3:5-12). Literally, the power of life and death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Therefore, the questions ensue: What kind of heart do we have? Is life springing from our heart to our mouth because God has control? Are we using God’s abiding wisdom? Or, are we blaspheming (denying, slandering, saying He is not what He actually is) the Holy Spirit? There remains no hope for us when we argue against God’s truth. Confession of the Christ is essential to salvation, which can only come through our obedience to the work of the Holy Spirit as He draws us into truthful faith (John 14:6; 15:26; 16:13, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9).

-More than once Jesus gives the wicked and adulterous generation of scribes and Pharisees, who will be condemned at the judgment, a peak into His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. He compares them with Gentiles from Nineveh in the North and Sheba in the South, who believed when they saw lesser workings and preachings of the LORD and His glory, even seeking it out with long journeys (Luke 11:31-32). Something greater was among them in Jesus Christ the Messiah, yet they could not see His truth because of their hardened hearts drenched in unbelief. They were simply there to test Him and had no intentions of becoming converts to the Kingdom of God (Mark 8:11). They were argumentative and skeptical in His presence rather than reverent and receptive. This had to agitate the King of Glory as He gave His only sign to them with a deep sigh in His Spirit (Matthew 12:38-42, Mark 8:12).

-*Application* God knows our hearts and desperately wants us to know Him intimately. The irony here is that Jesus is giving them the greatest sign the world has ever seen in His miraculous resurrection, yet they totally missed it. Make sure we don’t miss it. God is calling for us to redemption. Please respond by believing in what He has done. He has given us the sign that He is eternal and can give us eternal life with Him.

-An interesting look into the spiritual world occurs in next three verses. The Lord teaches here that when an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it goes through arid-dry-waterless places (the dessert is always a symbolic place of suffering because of evil and temptation in the Bible, compare this to the Living Water of Christ Jesus, John 4:13-15;7:37-39) seeking a place to rest but not finding anywhere to do that. Upon the realization of this quandary, the unclean spirit will attempt to come back to its original host with seven other, and more wicked, spirits to “go in and live” making the last state of that person worse than they began. Jesus makes this comparison to “this evil generation (Matthew 12:43-45).”

-*Application* Key words here to interpret the passage are “unoccupied (scholazō- empty, vacant), swept (saroō- brushed off), and put in order (kosmeō- adorned, decorated, trimmed, ornamented),” when considering the condition of the person who is susceptible to having more problems than they started with regards to demonic activity. There is a fake-façade because of pride to the faux cleaning going on here with the religious people that Jesus was speaking to, and this can be the same with us in our culture. Times have not changed in the way that the spiritual world works. Any of us who struggle with addictions, strongholds, and perpetual problems can identify. If we do not turn the entire situation over to God for His cleansing, the demons may leave for a bit but return with more vigor, power, and sheer numbers. In other words, we cannot clean ourselves up without the redeeming power and filling of the Holy Spirit. Self-help does not work long-term. Transformation is the key ingredient to overcoming permanently. This is why no drug, meditation on false doctrine or religions, or any other self-motivated system is going to work. The cross draws us to die to ourselves. Only then can God resurrect us and make us brand new as a spiritual creation in His image with total victory (Romans 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the message of the gospel, the good news. Anyone trying to do it themselves are doomed. Just because we clean up the outside appearances and seemingly have things put in order, does not make us filled. Demons that move around the earth know where they can land and where they can’t. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Don’t have a vacant soul that is susceptible.

-As this lengthy chapter wraps up, Jesus remarks on true family to those who had gathered to listen to Him speak the words of God, probably in Capernaum. This was not a put-off of His earthly mother and brothers. It was a statement of instruction about the true family of God and how to be a part of that family. Matthew and Mark give us that it requires doing the will of God (Matthew 7:21; 12:46-50, Mark 3:35), while Luke adds that we must hear it and do it (Luke 8:21).

-*Application* We are called the children of God in the Scriptures (1 John 3:1-3). Being a part of this family is a special privilege that changes everything that we are about. This relationship that God graciously bestows upon us purifies, sanctifies, and in the end glorifies us as redeemed of the LORD. We should count our many blessings if we are a part of His Kingdom and then live like the saints we are.

Verse to Memorize: Matthew 12:28, 34, 37

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 11

Matthew 11

-Jesus explains to John’s disciples that were sent by him how there were many proofs that He indeed was the “Expected One” (the Messiah). Jesus quotes Isaiah 35:5 and Isaiah 61:1 as evidence of His authenticity. He tells the crowd that “blessed is he who does not take offense at Me (Matthew 11:1-6, Luke 7:23).” Then, as John’s disciples were going away, He expounds on the ministry of John and his role, which was “more than a prophet in the spirit of Elijah (Malachi 3:1).” John prepared the way before Christ in leading the willing and believing to repentance from their sins and faith in the Messiah. However, Jesus addressed the unbelief of the Pharisees of that generation in a poignant way (Matthew 11:7-19, Luke 7:30-35). The unbelieving are presented the radical holiness and self-denying example of John and the inclusive nature of the Christ, yet they rejected both. This is the point Jesus made with His analogy to the flute with no dancing and the dirge with no mourning (Matthew 11:17, Luke 7:32). Jesus said in the end that wisdom is vindicated by her deeds (Matthew 11:19) and children (Luke 7:35).

-*Application* Again we see the fruitful consequences of inner change when Christ comes in and changes a person because of their humility, faith, and willingness to be transformed. Today, we should not harden our heart and make excuses, false rationalizations, or complaints that will keep us from His wisdom and truth. God presents His truth in a variety of ways to appeal to each and every individual. Recognize His abundant evidence.

-After pronouncing judgment on Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their unbelief and lack of repentance in their worldly wisdom and intelligence, God pronounces peace and rest to the infant-like trusting faithful who accept the true way of the LORD (Matthew 11:20-26). All things have been handed over to the Christ (Anointed, Messiah) by the Father and they are in complete unison (harmony, accord). Jesus is revealing the Father and inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him for rest in the soul by taking on His yoke, which is gentle, humble in heart, easy, and light (Matthew 11:27-30).

-*Application* A yoke is a means to guide and control a farm animal into a specific destination and purpose. This is what the Lord wants to do with us in our lives as well (Jeremiah 29:11-13). His righteousness is what we need. His yoke is never burdensome nor ever too hard when we give Him control in trustful obedience. It is simple with everlasting blessings as a result. Take His yoke and enjoy what He gives freely.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 11:11, 28-30

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 10

Matthew 10

-Jesus gave very specific authority and instructions before sending out His twelve disciples to preach the gospel, implore people to repent, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. They were to travel light and receive from the righteous along their journeys. They were told to go everywhere in the land of Israel, but not yet to the Gentiles or any city of the Samaritans (a half Jewish population hated because of mixing with Gentile cultures and pagan worship). Jesus had strong words for them and those they came in contact with, which need to be internalized by us in our own day and age. He warned of the persecution and whole-hearted devotion that was required to be Kingdom workers. The disciples knew that it was a dying to self and a walking in His power and authority that was the key after Jesus taught them. Jesus, recognizing and preparing them for the difficulties they would face in testifying of His goodness and Deity, spoke of endurance and a steadfast spirit, of not giving up or in. He taught them not to fear man, but God, who was the keeper of their souls. They were to be bold in their presentation and confess His Name unashamedly without worry. Soon they would see the power of the Holy Spirit on their lives and feel His continual presence with them, which gives wisdom and grace in each situation (Matthew 10:1-42).

-*Application* Our lives should be modeled around this instruction for our own lives. The disciples were people just like us and had to mature to be all that God wanted them to be. We also can do the same. We must take up our own cross and become strong Christians by faith.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 10:8, 20, 22, 26, 37-39

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 9

Matthew 9

-This chapter revolves around the concept of faith in the Lord to accomplish great and mighty healings and life altering miracles. We see God’s compassion reigning supreme here as Christ’s ministry begins to take full shape. He is the Forgiver of sins, which the religious ones (scribes) falsely called blasphemous, and heals from disease, even a paralytic. From these first eight verses, we see that the Messiah has the power to: 1) forgive sins, 2) read the thoughts of man, 3) heal incurable ailments, and 4) receive awe and glory from people. One interesting thing to note at the end of this section is the testimony that God had given this authority not just to a Man, but “to men,” plural. This foreshadows the coming miracles of believers as they work in the power of the Holy Spirit, just as the Messiah did here in this instance (Matthew 9:1-8).

-*Application* It is important for us to see the more important aspects of our charitable work on this earth. Notice that Jesus addresses the spiritual condition of the paralytic first and foremost. The primary reason that he should take courage, Jesus says, is because his “sins are forgiven.” The Lord wasn’t interested as much in his physical condition as his spiritual state. He did take care of the physical need, but that was secondary. We should approach the good we do for others in the same fashion.

-God calls people to follow Him for advancement in the spiritual growth of the entire world. Right after Jesus had healed the paralytic there in Capernaum, He sees Matthew (Levi) sitting at his tax booth and implores him to come and follow Him. Capernaum was a key military center for Roman troops during this period of history as well as a thriving business community along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. Merchants would pass through this area from as far away as Egypt to the south and Mesopotamia to the north. Collecting taxes was a major part of the Roman system and Matthew was a privileged, but despised, part of that collection process. Tax collectors would charge commission on the dues owed the Roman government, and in most cases would accumulate exorbitant compensation for their work. This obviously irritated the local population of Jews since Matthew himself was Jewish but profiting off foreign domination (Zacchaeus was also a tax collector in Jericho, Luke 19:1-9). It was in this context that the Messiah calls Levi to leave everything else behind and come follow Him. Amazingly Levi does this. He leaves behind a lucrative business of shame and becomes a reputable disciple of Jesus Christ. He ends up giving us the gospel of Matthew as an endearing testimony of a life surrendered completely to the King of kings and His Kingdom (Matthew 9:9).

-*Application* When we read of actual events like this one where a successful man in the ways of the world gives up literally everything to follow Christ, what kind of inspiration does that spark in our own soul? When the Lord beckons, we have one of two choices: 1) Leave everything behind and follow Him, or 2) Make excuses and refuse the call of God (putting off a call is saying no to it, God expects immediate compliance). When we hear the voice of the Lord calling us, be like Levi going with Him on the amazing journey of faith.

-Matthew immediately hosted Jesus Christ and His disciples along with other Jews and Pharisees to celebrate his conversion in following after the Lord. The Pharisees made comments about why Jesus would associate Himself with such a sinner and the like, but Christ knew their hearts and addressed them. He proclaimed His mission, that it is the sick who need a physician, not the well. He desires compassion (love, inward change), not sacrifice (outward expression), and Jesus told the religious crowd to “go and learn” what that meant (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:10-13). Again, we see the repentance word come up and this was something that the hard-hearted Pharisees were unwilling to see, hear, or understand. They were self-righteous and loved to point out the wrong in others while neglecting their own imperfections. Jesus’ point should have been clear to them that they also needed a change of heart towards the Savior, but unfortunately, they missed it.

-*Application* How often do we commune with those that may be considered outcasts and rejects of the standard church scene? Jesus was not ashamed or afraid to interact with even the most despised members of His society to share the good news of the gospel. How much more should we be noticing and seeking out individuals who God is calling to be a part of His Kingdom?

-Here in this next section we see the disciples of John questioning Jesus about the lack of fasting they observe in His disciples compared to them. Jesus’ response is attended to alert them to His Messianic greatness as a time of celebration and joy, which they were never actually able to perceive. Jesus did maintain that there would come a time for His disciples to fast when the bridegroom is taken away. The Scripture uses this bridegroom analogy often as something that is known is compared to a deep spiritual truth concerning the Kingdom of God. This was the plaroma (the fullness of time) in which God came to be with man in special revelation through the incarnation of His Son (Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:10). Special rejoicing and celebration around this monumental event should have been expected if anyone really understood what was going on. Jesus even tried to explain this to these, but they continued to be blind and deaf (Matthew 9:14-15).

-*Application* There is a season for all things. In these seasons of the soul God wants us to react appropriately to every situation. It is His will for us to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4, Ephesians 5:16), but there are times when we should fast and make special efforts in seeking Him. What time is it in our life? Ponder this and act appropriately according to the word of the Holy Spirit.

-Jesus reiterates His point with two more illustrations designed to show how the new in Him had come. This is a precursor to the New Covenant, which He would establish with His blood on the cross of Calvary (Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25). It was a new day and a new way with the Son of God’s justifying sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Gone would be the old religious system tied up in the traditions that were manmade and cumbersome on the soul of man. Righteousness was now going to be attainable. Those who wanted to cling to the old system would say that it was good enough (Luke 5:39), but they failed to realize that it could never bring salvation and impute the righteousness of God on a person. It only restrained evil by the enforcement of the rigid law that was perfect as far as God gave it, but it proved impossible for man to keep. Therefore, in His mercy and compassion, God gave His only begotten Son to be the substitutionary atonement for our sins (Hebrews 10:1-10). These deep theological truths Jesus spoke in parables, which flew right over the head of most of these hard-hearted hearers (Matthew 9:16-17).

-*Application* The “old wine skin” has become synonymous with traditional manmade systems that have become too rigid and controlled to be of much Kingdom value. When we seek “new wine skin” we are breaking away from the religious spirit into the work of Christ in a freeing and more pliable situation that is commensurate with the Spirit of God. Often this causes tension with those who want to be unyielding and unchanging, but Jesus predicted these things would happen not only back then, but anytime a controlling spirit is present. At times like these it is best to break away and find a new container for our spiritual work. But, always remember to do it God’s way in love and without bitterness or jealousy.

-Matthew gives further evidence of the Lord’s Divine Nature as he relates the instance where Jesus receives the worship of a synagogue official and his request to raise his daughter from death. The man had the faith to come to the Lord asking Him to simply come and lay His Hand on her for resuscitation to life. The Lord got up with His disciples to follow the official, and had another miraculous encounter with a woman, because of faith, who had been suffering from a twelve-year hemorrhage in her body. She believed that if she could just touch His garment, she could become well, and it happened. Afterwards, God arrived at the official’s house to much derision, but performed an incredible miracle of healing in bringing life back into the synagogue official’s daughter. News of this event spread throughout all the land (Matthew 9:18-26). As Jesus was going from there, two blind men followed after Him crying out for mercy to the “Son of David.” The Messiah entered a house when the two came up to Him for healing. Jesus asked if they believed He could do this, and upon hearing their confession of faith, He restored their vision as “their eyes were opened.” He warned them not to spread the news sternly, but they disobeyed, out of sheer joy I’m sure, telling the news about Him throughout the land (Matthew 9:27-31). Next, a demon-possessed man was brought to Him, and the Lord cast it out allowing this mute man to speak. Obviously, this amazed the crowds as to the uniqueness of this Man, but the Pharisees jeered Him as being the ruler of demons to thus have authority over them (Matthew 9:32-34). A point Jesus would refute in other portions of Scripture (Matthew 12:22-30, Mark 3:22-27, Luke 11:14-20). Jesus is seen ending up in the chapter going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. He felt compassion for the people because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep with no shepherd. He commented to His disciples at this point, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest (Matthew 9:35-38).” Prayer then becomes the key in getting the work done of the Kingdom of God.

-*Application* Jesus was astute enough to perceive the real needs of people He ministered to. He was praying for and raising up workers for the harvest of souls relying on the power of God. We should be doing the same things just as He commanded here in this passage. We pray, He sends, He harvests.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 9:13, 16-17, 35-38

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 8

Matthew 8

-We see Christ’s compassion to heal all those who came to Him as He comes down from the mountain with large crowds following Him. We see the supernatural realm and His authority evident as those with demons were restored and set free, leprosy was cured, paralysis healed, and fevers left bodies (Matthew 8:1-17). Christ was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would take from us our infirmities (griefs, violent illness, sufferings, torments) and carry away our diseases (Isaiah 53:4).

-*Application* Surely the Lord cares for us in the same exact way He cared for the people He ministered to in Galilee. Come to Jesus with every need and cast it on Him today (1 Peter 5:7). We have a God who responds to our desperate cries for help. Jesus Christ is our release.

-Christ Jesus orders those who wish to follow Him to get into the boat in order to go to the other side of the sea. He was leaving the hustle and bustle of the crowd to go do more ministry where it was needed. There was a scribe there who wanted to go, but Jesus commented on His own lack of a permanent home and His adventurous nature, which was always on the move. Another wanted to go but needed to go and bury his father (earthly concerns over heavenly demands). Jesus’ command was to follow Him. The point was that the physically dead can care for themselves and don’t need any more attention. Jesus was direct with those who wanted to follow Him and tested the real desires of their heart in their areas of weakness (Matthew 8:18-22).

-*Application* The Lord always will demand our complete loyalty and knows when we are not fully surrendered to His will. Following the Lord is no game, it is reality, and it will cost us everything. Christianity is serious business. We must count up the costs of discipleship before we surrender.

-Once upon the sea with the disciples that actually followed Him, Jesus shows Himself as the King over even nature as He calms the raging waters that threatened to make the crew perish. He rebukes their lack of faith in this instance and in the end inspires admiration of His awesome-supernatural deeds (Matthew 8:23-27).

-*Application* This is one of several sea storm accounts in the Bible. The crew with Jonah and one of Paul’s adventures come to my mind. We see over and over again that God has control over the weather and the events that proceed from these acts of nature. They represent the times in our lives when we are desperate and cry out to the Lord for help and salvation. Once again, we see that God responds and is primarily concerned with our ability to trust in Him through the storms, trials, and struggles. Believe, believe, believe. God is our rescue and He wants us to know that.

-East and probably south of the Sea of Galilee Jesus came across a man (Matthew indicates two men) that was possessed by a legion (many) of demons. Their response to the Messiah is noteworthy as they wonder what business they have with one another. They knew the power of the Most High and did not want to have anything to do with Him. They bowed in fear and cowered under His authority, even though they had tormented people in this region for a long time being extremely violent with great strength. At the word of the Lord they had to flee being sent into a herd of swine that stampeded into the sea and drowned (weird eh?). The countrymen that saw and reported this were rightly frightened and asked Christ to depart (Matthew 8:28-34). One of the men who was healed understandably wanted to follow Jesus and His disciples, but Jesus had a different plan for him. He was sent home to his own house and people to tell of the awesome and wonderful things the Savior had done for him (Mark 5:18-20).

-*Application* God has ultimate power in our lives and wants to rid us of anything and everything unclean that is within us. Allow His cleansing flow to infiltrate and wash us completely. Then we will be free to go in peace to anywhere that He desires to send us, even if it is in our own hometown.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 8:17, 20

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 7

Matthew 7

-Jesus points out the fact that often people who are making judgments on others are imperfect themselves and should first do some intensive self-evaluation. Hypocrisy is the issue here and it has many applications in life. For instance, the dad who tells his son not to drink alcohol out with his friends while he himself comes home drunk will have little if any effect in providing a proper standard or role model for his son. This is the point of taking “the log out of your own eye” to see clearly with accurate and just judgment (Matthew 7:5). Further, Jesus speaks of those who we entrust ourselves to in the matters of instruction and judgments. After we have cleaned up our act and can be discerning in offering advice and counsel, it is wise to assess the recipients. Jesus illustrates how we can waste our time and be unjustly persecuted when we offer wisdom to the unholy (dogs) and unrighteous (swine or pigs) (Matthew 7:6). These were unclean animals according to God’s Law and their natural instincts (Deuteronomy 14:8, Proverbs 26:11, 2 Peter 2:22).

-*Application* Jesus is stating that we have to be careful with who we teach and lead. Because if we don’t, it can be very unproductive and even detrimental to us. Instead, entrust our righteous teaching to faithful people who will teach others in an ongoing progression after we have repented and lived in a manner worthy of leadership (2 Timothy 2:2). Only God is the ultimate Judge, and we should be ultra-careful to point people in His righteousness knowing that we are imperfect and need His cleansing purity, which is only found in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice by His blood.

-The principles of asking, seeking, and knocking are expounded upon here in verses 7-12. If we ask God, seek only Him and knock reverently upon His door, He will make sure that we receive, find, and have the door open (Revelation 3:20). God is good and knows how to give every perfect and righteous gift to mankind (James 1:17). We can place our trust in that fact.

-*Application* This should help us consider how to treat others also. We fulfill the Law and the Prophets when we treat others as we would want them to treat us.

-We see the authority of Jesus with His teaching here in this next section. He is making a distinction between the two ways that mankind can go in life towards his/her eternal destination. God’s way is narrow (not the majority, not popular, Matthew 7:13-14) and must be chosen with accuracy free from deception that the enemy and this world attempt to bring (Matthew 7:15). Jesus claims that we will know the righteous by their fruits (outward manifestations through deeds and works of an inward reality, i.e. “the soul, or heart, of man,’ Matthew 7:16-20). He warns that there are those who profess Christ outwardly, but actually do not “know” Him and therefore practice lawlessness (Matthew 7:23). The will of God is to act in faith on His words for hidden wisdom and the eternal hope in Him (Matthew 7:21, 24). Jesus also spoke of the well spring of life flowing with living water (John 4:14). He alone is the Originator of transformation and this is His point. The inner wellness will produce good fruit in its dispensation (distribution of things, giving out of something). If one is producing bad fruit there is sufficient evidence that the tree is rotten inside and, in reality, not part of God’s Kingdom (in other words saved, righteous, redeemed).  His will is for complete transformation by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2).

-*Application* We must build our house (life) upon the Rock (Jesus, the firm foundation, 2 Timothy 2:19). His anchor holds and will keep us safe in His security leading us home to be with Him in paradise in the final analysis (Hebrews 6:19). “You will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20)” seems to stand in stark contrast to the comment just nineteen verses earlier, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1).” While we are not the ultimate Judge, Jesus tells us that it is ok to be fruit inspectors. This is a warning for our discernment as we do Kingdom work here on this earth. Be careful with whom we align yourselves in our ministry. If things are not being followed according to the Lord’s command, it is perfectly ok to inspect that and deal with it appropriately under God’s direction, supervision, and counsel. God tells us to be observant and notice things that will help us detect false motivations and intrigue (schemes) that are at best carnal and may possibly be totally not of God at all. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:23).”

-Jesus teaches next that the foundation is crucial upon which we build. Christ Jesus is the firm foundation, the Rock, which is stable and can withstand the storms of this life compared to the foolishness of people who build their lives on shifting sand. As Jesus finished these words, the crowds that followed Him were absolutely amazed at His teachings because He spoke with authority, which was totally different from their experience with the religious scribes of their day (Matthew 7:24-29).

-*Application* For this firm foundation to be ours the Lord says we must hear His Word and act on it (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47). His Word is true and reliable, able to hold up under any circumstance and trial. We can count on it like we count on the sun coming up tomorrow.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 7:1, 7-8, 12, 16-21, 23