Bible Study WELCOME TO AN IN DEPTH STUDY OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL.
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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Deb & others. I have started a new thread in the forum "Christianity & Other Religions" about the "Kundalini" warning. Please don't comment here but go to that forum.
Day 72 Wednesday 11/26/14 Matthew 7:28,29 Wow, What Teaching.
Matthew 7:28 "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
The following is a quote from Albert Barnes (e-Sword) on these two verses.
"As one having authority, and not as the scribes - The scribes were the learned people and teachers of the Jewish nation, and were principally Pharisees. They taught chiefly the sentiments of their Rabbis, and the traditions which had been delivered; they consumed much of their time in useless disputes and “vain jangling.” Jesus was open, plain, grave, useful, delivering truth as “became” the oracles of God; not spending his time in trifling disputes and debating questions of no importance, but confirming his doctrine by miracles and argument; teaching “as having power,” as it is in the original, and not in the vain and foolish manner of the Jewish doctors. He showed that he had authority to explain, to enforce, and to “change” the ceremonial laws of the Jews. He came with authority such as no “man” could have, and it is not remarkable that his explanations astonished them."
Matthew 7:28 "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
The following is a quote from Albert Barnes (e-Sword) on these two verses.
"As one having authority, and not as the scribes - The scribes were the learned people and teachers of the Jewish nation, and were principally Pharisees. They taught chiefly the sentiments of their Rabbis, and the traditions which had been delivered; they consumed much of their time in useless disputes and “vain jangling.” Jesus was open, plain, grave, useful, delivering truth as “became” the oracles of God; not spending his time in trifling disputes and debating questions of no importance, but confirming his doctrine by miracles and argument; teaching “as having power,” as it is in the original, and not in the vain and foolish manner of the Jewish doctors. He showed that he had authority to explain, to enforce, and to “change” the ceremonial laws of the Jews. He came with authority such as no “man” could have, and it is not remarkable that his explanations astonished them."
Chopper,
Just to enhance those thoughts a little, we all need to stand back and exclaim -- God personally taught men on earth -- and that in itself is amazing! The Lord God Almighty has all power and all authority, therefore His personal teaching must be absolutely authoritative and totally astonishing. And yet His Jewish hearers (by and large) did not fall down and worship! We can thank the Lord that His words have been preserved for us.
Just to enhance those thoughts a little, we all need to stand back and exclaim -- God personally taught men on earth -- and that in itself is amazing! The Lord God Almighty has all power and all authority, therefore His personal teaching must be absolutely authoritative and totally astonishing. And yet His Jewish hearers (by and large) did not fall down and worship! We can thank the Lord that His words have been preserved for us.
Day 73 Friday 11/28/14 Matthew 8:1-4 If You Are Willing.
8:1 " When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
8:4 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."
We have finished the sermon on the mount, as it is sometimes called. Those three chapters were full of wonderful teachings of Jesus Christ. It in itself, could be an instruction booklet on life as a Christian. It seems like that every time I study those three chapters, I learn new ways to apply Jesus' Words to my life. Now we enter a brief time of seeing the power and authority of the Son of God.
I notice that the crowds that were recipients of Jesus' teaching come down off the mountain and followed Him. Oh boy, if I had been there, you bet I would have followed Jesus as well. In the day in which we live today, I long for a preacher that would teach the whole counsel of God. I am so very disappointed at the preachers today because they, the ones I know around here, only preach what their congregations will accept. If they step on their toes, out the door they would go and not come back. IMO the preachers are so afraid that they will loose the tithes and offerings that make up their salaries and operating expenses of their buildings that they hold back some teachings that they know they should preach. In my book, that is compromise!
V.2 reveals a person of whom a Rabbi or Teacher of which Jesus was didn't do.. This outcast because of his disease came to the only hope of a cure. I like the fact that he first worshiped Jesus before he ask Him anything. Jesus liked the way the leper worded his request. "If you will, You can make me clean." The man's faith so impressed Jesus that immediately He stretched forth his hand and touched the leper. I'm not sure but wasn't that against the rules for a Rabi to do that? At any rate, Jesus did touch him and healed him.
Jesus then asked the now clean leper not to talk to anyone on the way to see a priest to declare him healed and cleansed.
The following is the process that a leper has to go thru in order to be clarified by a priest as cleansed.
but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. The man was now in one of the cities of Galilee; from hence Christ orders him to make the best of his way, directly to Jerusalem; and present himself to one of the priests, by him to be examined, whether he was free of his leprosy; and then offer what was ordered by the law of Moses in such cases: for as yet the ceremonial law was not abolished: and therefore, as Christ was subject to it himself, so he enjoins others the observance of it. There was a two fold offering, according to the law of Moses, on account of the cleansing of the leper; Lev_14:1 the one was on the first day of his cleansing, when he first showed himself to the priest, and consisted of two birds, alive and clean, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop; the other, and which was properly the offering on the eighth day, was, if the man was able, two he lambs and one ewe lamb, with a meat offering; but if poor, one lamb, with a meat offering, and two turtle doves, or two young pigeons. The Jewish canons, concerning this matter, are as follow (f):
"when a leper is healed of his leprosy, after they have cleansed him with cedarwood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and the two birds, and have shaved all his flesh, and bathed him; after all this he enters into Jerusalem, and numbers seven days; and on the seventh day he shaves a second time, as he shaved at first, and bathes--and on the morrow, or eighth day, he bathes a second time, and after that they offer his offerings--he bathes on the eighth day in the court of the women, in the chamber of the lepers, which is there--if it is delayed, and he shaves not on the seventh day, but he shaves on the eighth, or some days after, on the day that he shaves, he bathes, and his sun sets; and on the morrow he brings his offerings, after he hath bathed a second time, as we have declared: how do they do unto him? The leper stands without the court of Israel, over against the eastern gate, in the gate of Nicanor and his face to the west: and there stand all they that want atonement; and there they give the bitter waters to the suspected women: and the priest takes the leper's trespass offering, while it is alive, and waves it with the log of oil, towards the east, according to the way of all wave offerings; and if he waves this by itself, and this by itself, it is right: after that he brings the leper's trespass offering to the door, and he brings it in both his hands into the court, and layeth them upon it; they slay it immediately, and two priests receive its blood: the one receives it in a vessel, and sprinkles it upon the top of the altar; and the other, in his right hand, and pours it into his left hand, and sprinkles with his finger the right hand; and if he repeats it, and receives it in his left hand first, it is unlawful. The priest that receives some of the blood in a vessel, carries it, and sprinkles it upon the altar first; and after that comes the priest, who receives the blood in the palm of his hand, to the leper, the priest being within, and the leper without; and the leper puts in his head, and the priest puts of the blood that is in the palm of his hand, upon the tip of his right ear; after that he puts in his right hand, and he puts of it on the thumb of his hand; and after that he putteth in his right foot, and he puts of it upon the toe of his foot, and if he puts of it upon the left, it is not right; and after that he offers his sin offering, and his burnt offering: and after that he hath put the blood upon his thumb and toe, the priest takes of the log of oil, and pours it into the left hand of his fellow priest; and if he pours it into his own hand, it will do: and he dips the finger of his right hand into the oil, which is in his hand, and sprinkles it seven times towards the most holy place: at every sprinkling there is a dipping of the finger in the oil; and if he sprinkles, and does not intend it, over against the holy place, it is right; and after that, he comes to the leper, and puts of the oil upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering, on the tip of the ear, and on the thumb of his hand, and toe of his foot; and that which is left of the oil, that is in his hand, he puts it on the head of him that is to be cleansed; and if he puts it not, atonement is not made; and the rest of the log is divided among the priests; and what remains of the log is not eaten, but in the Court, by the males of the priests, as the rest of the holy things; and it is forbidden to eat of the log of oil, until he has sprinkled it seven times, and has put of it upon the thumb and toe; and if he eats, he is to be beaten, as he that eats holy things before sprinkling.''
8:1 " When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
8:4 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."
We have finished the sermon on the mount, as it is sometimes called. Those three chapters were full of wonderful teachings of Jesus Christ. It in itself, could be an instruction booklet on life as a Christian. It seems like that every time I study those three chapters, I learn new ways to apply Jesus' Words to my life. Now we enter a brief time of seeing the power and authority of the Son of God.
I notice that the crowds that were recipients of Jesus' teaching come down off the mountain and followed Him. Oh boy, if I had been there, you bet I would have followed Jesus as well. In the day in which we live today, I long for a preacher that would teach the whole counsel of God. I am so very disappointed at the preachers today because they, the ones I know around here, only preach what their congregations will accept. If they step on their toes, out the door they would go and not come back. IMO the preachers are so afraid that they will loose the tithes and offerings that make up their salaries and operating expenses of their buildings that they hold back some teachings that they know they should preach. In my book, that is compromise!
V.2 reveals a person of whom a Rabbi or Teacher of which Jesus was didn't do.. This outcast because of his disease came to the only hope of a cure. I like the fact that he first worshiped Jesus before he ask Him anything. Jesus liked the way the leper worded his request. "If you will, You can make me clean." The man's faith so impressed Jesus that immediately He stretched forth his hand and touched the leper. I'm not sure but wasn't that against the rules for a Rabi to do that? At any rate, Jesus did touch him and healed him.
Jesus then asked the now clean leper not to talk to anyone on the way to see a priest to declare him healed and cleansed.
The following is the process that a leper has to go thru in order to be clarified by a priest as cleansed.
but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. The man was now in one of the cities of Galilee; from hence Christ orders him to make the best of his way, directly to Jerusalem; and present himself to one of the priests, by him to be examined, whether he was free of his leprosy; and then offer what was ordered by the law of Moses in such cases: for as yet the ceremonial law was not abolished: and therefore, as Christ was subject to it himself, so he enjoins others the observance of it. There was a two fold offering, according to the law of Moses, on account of the cleansing of the leper; Lev_14:1 the one was on the first day of his cleansing, when he first showed himself to the priest, and consisted of two birds, alive and clean, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop; the other, and which was properly the offering on the eighth day, was, if the man was able, two he lambs and one ewe lamb, with a meat offering; but if poor, one lamb, with a meat offering, and two turtle doves, or two young pigeons. The Jewish canons, concerning this matter, are as follow (f):
"when a leper is healed of his leprosy, after they have cleansed him with cedarwood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and the two birds, and have shaved all his flesh, and bathed him; after all this he enters into Jerusalem, and numbers seven days; and on the seventh day he shaves a second time, as he shaved at first, and bathes--and on the morrow, or eighth day, he bathes a second time, and after that they offer his offerings--he bathes on the eighth day in the court of the women, in the chamber of the lepers, which is there--if it is delayed, and he shaves not on the seventh day, but he shaves on the eighth, or some days after, on the day that he shaves, he bathes, and his sun sets; and on the morrow he brings his offerings, after he hath bathed a second time, as we have declared: how do they do unto him? The leper stands without the court of Israel, over against the eastern gate, in the gate of Nicanor and his face to the west: and there stand all they that want atonement; and there they give the bitter waters to the suspected women: and the priest takes the leper's trespass offering, while it is alive, and waves it with the log of oil, towards the east, according to the way of all wave offerings; and if he waves this by itself, and this by itself, it is right: after that he brings the leper's trespass offering to the door, and he brings it in both his hands into the court, and layeth them upon it; they slay it immediately, and two priests receive its blood: the one receives it in a vessel, and sprinkles it upon the top of the altar; and the other, in his right hand, and pours it into his left hand, and sprinkles with his finger the right hand; and if he repeats it, and receives it in his left hand first, it is unlawful. The priest that receives some of the blood in a vessel, carries it, and sprinkles it upon the altar first; and after that comes the priest, who receives the blood in the palm of his hand, to the leper, the priest being within, and the leper without; and the leper puts in his head, and the priest puts of the blood that is in the palm of his hand, upon the tip of his right ear; after that he puts in his right hand, and he puts of it on the thumb of his hand; and after that he putteth in his right foot, and he puts of it upon the toe of his foot, and if he puts of it upon the left, it is not right; and after that he offers his sin offering, and his burnt offering: and after that he hath put the blood upon his thumb and toe, the priest takes of the log of oil, and pours it into the left hand of his fellow priest; and if he pours it into his own hand, it will do: and he dips the finger of his right hand into the oil, which is in his hand, and sprinkles it seven times towards the most holy place: at every sprinkling there is a dipping of the finger in the oil; and if he sprinkles, and does not intend it, over against the holy place, it is right; and after that, he comes to the leper, and puts of the oil upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering, on the tip of the ear, and on the thumb of his hand, and toe of his foot; and that which is left of the oil, that is in his hand, he puts it on the head of him that is to be cleansed; and if he puts it not, atonement is not made; and the rest of the log is divided among the priests; and what remains of the log is not eaten, but in the Court, by the males of the priests, as the rest of the holy things; and it is forbidden to eat of the log of oil, until he has sprinkled it seven times, and has put of it upon the thumb and toe; and if he eats, he is to be beaten, as he that eats holy things before sprinkling.''
We should always be mindful of the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ did not perform His miracles for self-aggrandizement (as we see so often today, and with so-called "miracles"). His objective was always to bring healing to the body and thereby salvation to the soul. If we seek recognition from men, we lose our rewards with God (Mt 6:1-5).
Amen to that! Let's face it. Evangelical and fundamental churches worldwide have abandoned New Testament principles of ministry and church government, as well as Christian giving. That's why we have what you describe. Preachers have no right to be cowed by the fear of man, but they allow themselves to do so because the whole system is out of whack. And churches don't want to hear about their sins either.
Day 74 Saturday 11/29/14 Matthew 8:5-13 Jesus Marveled.
Matthew 8:5 "And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8:8 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.
8:9 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.
8:10 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.
8:11 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.
8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
8:13 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."
I believe that there are a few challenges to our mind for understanding about what is being taught here by Jesus. Ultimately, we have to decide if these events of God's power to heal, and the amount of ones faith to have things like this happen today is still possible. Was the first Century believer and Church different than today because of customs, understanding, holiness and living conditions (without all the debt and toys). I'd like some comments on your thinking.
Vs.5&6 The scene opens with a man who is not a Jew but a Roman Centurion. This Centurion came to Jesus with a strong request for Jesus to heal a servant of his, not in so many words that are recorded here but Jesus knew what he wanted. There are times, I believe, that God will apply His grace to someone who is outside the household of faith to demonstrate His power and love to those who are not His, so to speak. This Centurion showed great respect to the holy Man of God that Jesus was.
V.7 Surprises me in a way because Jesus' immediate remark is "I will come and heal him." It is strange to me because Jesus Himself told His Disciples to go only to the Jews. Of course, Jesus can do what ever He wants because there is always, it seems, a motive behind what He does and it is hidden to me.
V.8 Is the kind of what I call extreme faith, evident here because it surpasses the faith that Jesus saw in His Disciples? The Centurion's response to Jesus was simply amazing for that time which was fairly early in Jesus' ministry on earth. Somehow, this Centurion learned about Jesus and applied it to his request for the healing of his servant. I suppose that this location was in the territory of jurisdiction of this Roman Centurion's charge. He must have witnessed some of Jesus' teaching.
V.9 I am amazed at how this Centurion put his thoughts together revealing that somehow he knew about the power and authority that Jesus had over all men and circumstances. The Centurion compared Jesus authority similar to his own when it came to ordering his men around and even his own obedience to the Roman authority. What seems great to me about this man was that his thoughts were in the spirit realm. Somehow he knew that Jesus had the power and authority to speak and what He spoke would take effect, even across a vast distance, Jesus did not have to be at the side of his servant. Wow, that has always been a great lesson for me when I pray for people who I can't touch.
V.10 This declaration of Jesus about this non Jew's faith, I'll bet, really embarrassed the Disciples and those within hearing distance. This Gentile had more faith than anyone in Israel, Jesus was really impressed with this man!
Vs.11&12 Wow, talk about a rebuke to perhaps most of the Jews who were there, Jesus is saying that from all parts of the world, Gentiles would be coming into the Kingdom and enjoy the blessings of God the same way that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did, and even in death. Now speaking of death, Jesus knew that many of the Jews would reject Him and the result would be an entrance, not into the Kingdom, but Hell itself where there would be extreme torment which is represented by the gnashing of teeth.
V.13 Lets think about this simple statement that Jesus makes. "as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee". This man believed and his servant was healed. Do we have that same kind of faith? How do we get it if we don't? Is it possible to have that kind of faith in todays world?
Matthew 8:5 "And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8:8 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.
8:9 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.
8:10 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.
8:11 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.
8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
8:13 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."
I believe that there are a few challenges to our mind for understanding about what is being taught here by Jesus. Ultimately, we have to decide if these events of God's power to heal, and the amount of ones faith to have things like this happen today is still possible. Was the first Century believer and Church different than today because of customs, understanding, holiness and living conditions (without all the debt and toys). I'd like some comments on your thinking.
Vs.5&6 The scene opens with a man who is not a Jew but a Roman Centurion. This Centurion came to Jesus with a strong request for Jesus to heal a servant of his, not in so many words that are recorded here but Jesus knew what he wanted. There are times, I believe, that God will apply His grace to someone who is outside the household of faith to demonstrate His power and love to those who are not His, so to speak. This Centurion showed great respect to the holy Man of God that Jesus was.
V.7 Surprises me in a way because Jesus' immediate remark is "I will come and heal him." It is strange to me because Jesus Himself told His Disciples to go only to the Jews. Of course, Jesus can do what ever He wants because there is always, it seems, a motive behind what He does and it is hidden to me.
V.8 Is the kind of what I call extreme faith, evident here because it surpasses the faith that Jesus saw in His Disciples? The Centurion's response to Jesus was simply amazing for that time which was fairly early in Jesus' ministry on earth. Somehow, this Centurion learned about Jesus and applied it to his request for the healing of his servant. I suppose that this location was in the territory of jurisdiction of this Roman Centurion's charge. He must have witnessed some of Jesus' teaching.
V.9 I am amazed at how this Centurion put his thoughts together revealing that somehow he knew about the power and authority that Jesus had over all men and circumstances. The Centurion compared Jesus authority similar to his own when it came to ordering his men around and even his own obedience to the Roman authority. What seems great to me about this man was that his thoughts were in the spirit realm. Somehow he knew that Jesus had the power and authority to speak and what He spoke would take effect, even across a vast distance, Jesus did not have to be at the side of his servant. Wow, that has always been a great lesson for me when I pray for people who I can't touch.
V.10 This declaration of Jesus about this non Jew's faith, I'll bet, really embarrassed the Disciples and those within hearing distance. This Gentile had more faith than anyone in Israel, Jesus was really impressed with this man!
Vs.11&12 Wow, talk about a rebuke to perhaps most of the Jews who were there, Jesus is saying that from all parts of the world, Gentiles would be coming into the Kingdom and enjoy the blessings of God the same way that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did, and even in death. Now speaking of death, Jesus knew that many of the Jews would reject Him and the result would be an entrance, not into the Kingdom, but Hell itself where there would be extreme torment which is represented by the gnashing of teeth.
V.13 Lets think about this simple statement that Jesus makes. "as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee". This man believed and his servant was healed. Do we have that same kind of faith? How do we get it if we don't? Is it possible to have that kind of faith in todays world?
Mat 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
I'd like to set the stage here a little more. Like any good story to be able to visualize a location and tie later scripture references to that location is very helpful to one's enjoyment and understanding of that story. This is our Lord's story.
Capernaum was where Jesus began His ministry and where He recruited His first disciples from. Capernaum is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/capernaum.html
Jesus taught in the synagogue here in Capernaum. Archeology has discovered some very interesting things about this site. Excavation under the site have revealed what may even have been the home of Peter.
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/...ouse-of-peter-the-home-of-jesus-in-capernaum/
Matthew 8:14-16, tells us that Peter's house was in Capernaum.
It also seems to imply that Jesus was living there with Peter.
Mat 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
Mat 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings
"tribute: "Gr. didrachma, in value fifteen pence." Exo_30:13, Exo_38:26; This tribute seems to have been the half shekel which every male among the Jews paid yearly for the support of the temple, and which was continued by them, wherever dispersed, till after the time of Vespasian."
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/matthew-17-24.html
I'd like to set the stage here a little more. Like any good story to be able to visualize a location and tie later scripture references to that location is very helpful to one's enjoyment and understanding of that story. This is our Lord's story.
Capernaum was where Jesus began His ministry and where He recruited His first disciples from. Capernaum is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/capernaum.html
Jesus taught in the synagogue here in Capernaum. Archeology has discovered some very interesting things about this site. Excavation under the site have revealed what may even have been the home of Peter.
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/...ouse-of-peter-the-home-of-jesus-in-capernaum/
Matthew 8:14-16, tells us that Peter's house was in Capernaum.
It also seems to imply that Jesus was living there with Peter.
Mat 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
Mat 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings
"tribute: "Gr. didrachma, in value fifteen pence." Exo_30:13, Exo_38:26; This tribute seems to have been the half shekel which every male among the Jews paid yearly for the support of the temple, and which was continued by them, wherever dispersed, till after the time of Vespasian."
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/matthew-17-24.html
I'm making a second post because it's a very different topic and about verse 12.
Young's Literal Translation
Mat 8:11 and I say to you, that many from east and west shall come and recline (at meat) with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the reign of the heavens,
Mat 8:12 but the sons of the reign shall be cast forth to the outer darkness--there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth.'
My thoughts....
The sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These sons (children) were mostly natural born Jews.
In order for them to be 'cast forth' from the reign (kingdom), they must have been 'inside the kingdom reign' at an earlier time.
So this reminds me of the olive tree and of the branches that were cut off because of unbelief but could be grafted back in if they were to 'repent'. When they were cut off they were cast out into outer darkness, a spiritual darkness. Without the Christ there is no light because He is the light that shines and does away with the darkness.
Young's Literal Translation
Mat 8:11 and I say to you, that many from east and west shall come and recline (at meat) with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the reign of the heavens,
Mat 8:12 but the sons of the reign shall be cast forth to the outer darkness--there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth.'
My thoughts....
The sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These sons (children) were mostly natural born Jews.
In order for them to be 'cast forth' from the reign (kingdom), they must have been 'inside the kingdom reign' at an earlier time.
So this reminds me of the olive tree and of the branches that were cut off because of unbelief but could be grafted back in if they were to 'repent'. When they were cut off they were cast out into outer darkness, a spiritual darkness. Without the Christ there is no light because He is the light that shines and does away with the darkness.
Day 74 Sunday 11/30/14 Matthew 8:14,15 His Touch.
Matthew 8:14 "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them."
My focus today will be on Jesus' "touch". Most of the writers that I have researched in preparation to this study mention the fact that Peter had a wife of which the church at Rome had a problem accepting that fact. Whether someone had told Jesus that Peters mother in law was sick is not clearly revealed. I'm supposing that Jesus and His small band of followers decided to go to Peter and Andrews home for some rest and refreshment. At any rate, after they had been at the house for a very short time Jesus learned that the woman was very sick. Some say it was distemper. What ever it was, at that time, it was life threatening.
Jesus, reaching over her apparently took her by the hand to raise her up, and as soon as He touched her, the violent distemper left her very weak body. This is indeed a great physical healing because of the lasting effect of this type of sickness that was no stranger to the Jews at that time in history. There certainly was not the medicine that we have today. I'm told that left alone, the woman would have died. I'm not aware of any herbs or other natural remedies for this kind of sickness.
It always amazes me that Jesus, the Son of God would step in and alter the curse of original sin such as the introduction of sickness which leads eventually to death. I learned long ago what a miracle was. It is God altering His statement that if Adam ate of the fruit of the tree, that he would die. Now, that cannot be changed by man no matter how inventive he becomes because it is the natural or the nature of the curse of death. Man, thru out his life will age and little by little his body begins to get weaker, his mind is effected, as well as his vision and other physical defects. All this involves men and women.
When I look at my own body, I can attest to these facts.
For a miracle to happen, God alters the natural way that He judged and spoke to Adam would happen. Now the Scripture speaks about God not changing, so who are we to ask God to change His mind to do us a favor and change what He said would happen. Case in point: John 17:24 "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." This of course is Jesus' high and priestly prayer for those of whom would believe in Jesus thru the ministry of the Disciples. Please note the Jesus prays to His Father that those of whom are believers "be with Him in Heaven where He is" Ok? Now lets say that Joe Schmuckface is on his death bed at only 47 years old. Joe is the well loved deacon in a wonderful church. The pastor calls for the other Elders and goes to pray for Deacon Schmuckface to get healed by Jesus. Oh my, we have a problem here! Jesus, the Son of God has prayed that Joe Schmuckface die and come to heaven to be with Him. The church has prayed that God would heal Joe. See the problem? Whose prayer is the Father going to answer.
It appears to us that Joe is too young to die, and after all, he is a valuable member of the Church of Christ. BUT, for some reason, Joe is, according to some natural law of perhaps cancer, he is going to die and go to Jesus. God has to make a very difficult decision. Will He answer the prayer of His Son or the Church. In this case He looks at His Son and says, "sorry Son, I will answer the Church because I see a valuable event in the future that Joe will be used in. So the man gets healed and the Church has no idea of the struggle in Heaven. There are folk who think that if they have enough faith, God is bound by some system that He must heal everyone, not so! What works for me is, "not my will but Yours oh God."
Matthew 8:14 "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them."
My focus today will be on Jesus' "touch". Most of the writers that I have researched in preparation to this study mention the fact that Peter had a wife of which the church at Rome had a problem accepting that fact. Whether someone had told Jesus that Peters mother in law was sick is not clearly revealed. I'm supposing that Jesus and His small band of followers decided to go to Peter and Andrews home for some rest and refreshment. At any rate, after they had been at the house for a very short time Jesus learned that the woman was very sick. Some say it was distemper. What ever it was, at that time, it was life threatening.
Jesus, reaching over her apparently took her by the hand to raise her up, and as soon as He touched her, the violent distemper left her very weak body. This is indeed a great physical healing because of the lasting effect of this type of sickness that was no stranger to the Jews at that time in history. There certainly was not the medicine that we have today. I'm told that left alone, the woman would have died. I'm not aware of any herbs or other natural remedies for this kind of sickness.
It always amazes me that Jesus, the Son of God would step in and alter the curse of original sin such as the introduction of sickness which leads eventually to death. I learned long ago what a miracle was. It is God altering His statement that if Adam ate of the fruit of the tree, that he would die. Now, that cannot be changed by man no matter how inventive he becomes because it is the natural or the nature of the curse of death. Man, thru out his life will age and little by little his body begins to get weaker, his mind is effected, as well as his vision and other physical defects. All this involves men and women.
When I look at my own body, I can attest to these facts.
For a miracle to happen, God alters the natural way that He judged and spoke to Adam would happen. Now the Scripture speaks about God not changing, so who are we to ask God to change His mind to do us a favor and change what He said would happen. Case in point: John 17:24 "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." This of course is Jesus' high and priestly prayer for those of whom would believe in Jesus thru the ministry of the Disciples. Please note the Jesus prays to His Father that those of whom are believers "be with Him in Heaven where He is" Ok? Now lets say that Joe Schmuckface is on his death bed at only 47 years old. Joe is the well loved deacon in a wonderful church. The pastor calls for the other Elders and goes to pray for Deacon Schmuckface to get healed by Jesus. Oh my, we have a problem here! Jesus, the Son of God has prayed that Joe Schmuckface die and come to heaven to be with Him. The church has prayed that God would heal Joe. See the problem? Whose prayer is the Father going to answer.
It appears to us that Joe is too young to die, and after all, he is a valuable member of the Church of Christ. BUT, for some reason, Joe is, according to some natural law of perhaps cancer, he is going to die and go to Jesus. God has to make a very difficult decision. Will He answer the prayer of His Son or the Church. In this case He looks at His Son and says, "sorry Son, I will answer the Church because I see a valuable event in the future that Joe will be used in. So the man gets healed and the Church has no idea of the struggle in Heaven. There are folk who think that if they have enough faith, God is bound by some system that He must heal everyone, not so! What works for me is, "not my will but Yours oh God."
Day 75 Monday 12/1/14 Matthew 8:16,17 Good Bye Demons.
Matthew 8:16 "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:
8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."
V.16 Indicates that the Sabbath had ended. An interesting proof of the ending of any Sabbath was found in the numbering of stars. If they could see only ONE star, it was still day and no work could be done. If they could see only TWO stars, it was in doubt that the Sabbath had ended. If they could see THREE stars, then the Sabbath had ended and they were free to work. It was this case that the people could bring out the sick. Also it was the cool part of the beginning of a new day when It would not grieve sick people by bringing them out in the scorching sun.
There were two types of people who needed healing. Those of whom, by order of Satan, sent demons into people to make them have a disease of the mind. There are folk who classify demon possession as something totally different from that of a sickness. Not so, I believe it is a sickness of the mind first. It seems to me that if a demon can control a persons mind first, he can cause a number of physical ailments to occur, this is my opinion based on the folk that I have ministered to. Then there are those who, because of certain diseases that everyone is susceptible to, and certain diseases that are prevalent in certain Countries, fall sick and are in need of medical help. Back in those days, because of the lack of medicine and doctors, people would become sick that might lead to death or some permanent physical limitation.
I think it's important to note that all Jesus had to do was speak the Word and the demon forces were no match for God's Word. My mind goes back to Genesis where Elohim. the Triune God, spoke into existence all matter. Jesus was there with His Father, as well as the Holy Spirit. I will always be in awe and wonder at the absolute power of God. all the power of the devil, demons, man and his machines, and all that man can invent in the future will never come close to the power of the All Mighty God.
Also worthy of mention, Jesus healed ALL those brought to Him, who were sick. There is nothing that God the Son cannot heal. That encourages me as I seek to do the will of Jesus as I surrender my life daily to Him. If He sends me into a very difficult situation, If I hear His "still small voice" and go, I know beyond any doubt that He is going correct that situation.
Now we come to what Isaiah said long before Jesus entered our world.
Isaiah 53:4 "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
At one time when I was the pastor of several Baptist Churches, I was considered a "fundamentalist" by my peers. We led our churches out of any Denomination such as the American Baptist's here in the North. We moved into the realm of "Independent Baptist" Churches. The church that I was the pastor of, sought fellowship with the GARBC or "General Association of Regular Baptist Churches" which were the most fundamental, at that time, in America. Now, I say all of that to point out a problem with what Isaiah prophesied. They felt that these two verses dealt only with sin and not healing. To them the words "transgressions & iniquities" dealt solely with sin. and griefs & infirmities were a result of sin. I did not believe this.
I believe that these two verses speak of both sin and sickness. Isaiah's statement fully states the doctrine of the atonement! Beside sin, the words "griefs & infirmities" refer to diseases of the body. To "bare" our sicknesses definitely means to take them to the Cross in which Isaiah prophesied would happen when Jesus died on that cruel old cross.
Matthew 8:16 "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:
8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."
V.16 Indicates that the Sabbath had ended. An interesting proof of the ending of any Sabbath was found in the numbering of stars. If they could see only ONE star, it was still day and no work could be done. If they could see only TWO stars, it was in doubt that the Sabbath had ended. If they could see THREE stars, then the Sabbath had ended and they were free to work. It was this case that the people could bring out the sick. Also it was the cool part of the beginning of a new day when It would not grieve sick people by bringing them out in the scorching sun.
There were two types of people who needed healing. Those of whom, by order of Satan, sent demons into people to make them have a disease of the mind. There are folk who classify demon possession as something totally different from that of a sickness. Not so, I believe it is a sickness of the mind first. It seems to me that if a demon can control a persons mind first, he can cause a number of physical ailments to occur, this is my opinion based on the folk that I have ministered to. Then there are those who, because of certain diseases that everyone is susceptible to, and certain diseases that are prevalent in certain Countries, fall sick and are in need of medical help. Back in those days, because of the lack of medicine and doctors, people would become sick that might lead to death or some permanent physical limitation.
I think it's important to note that all Jesus had to do was speak the Word and the demon forces were no match for God's Word. My mind goes back to Genesis where Elohim. the Triune God, spoke into existence all matter. Jesus was there with His Father, as well as the Holy Spirit. I will always be in awe and wonder at the absolute power of God. all the power of the devil, demons, man and his machines, and all that man can invent in the future will never come close to the power of the All Mighty God.
Also worthy of mention, Jesus healed ALL those brought to Him, who were sick. There is nothing that God the Son cannot heal. That encourages me as I seek to do the will of Jesus as I surrender my life daily to Him. If He sends me into a very difficult situation, If I hear His "still small voice" and go, I know beyond any doubt that He is going correct that situation.
Now we come to what Isaiah said long before Jesus entered our world.
Isaiah 53:4 "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
At one time when I was the pastor of several Baptist Churches, I was considered a "fundamentalist" by my peers. We led our churches out of any Denomination such as the American Baptist's here in the North. We moved into the realm of "Independent Baptist" Churches. The church that I was the pastor of, sought fellowship with the GARBC or "General Association of Regular Baptist Churches" which were the most fundamental, at that time, in America. Now, I say all of that to point out a problem with what Isaiah prophesied. They felt that these two verses dealt only with sin and not healing. To them the words "transgressions & iniquities" dealt solely with sin. and griefs & infirmities were a result of sin. I did not believe this.
I believe that these two verses speak of both sin and sickness. Isaiah's statement fully states the doctrine of the atonement! Beside sin, the words "griefs & infirmities" refer to diseases of the body. To "bare" our sicknesses definitely means to take them to the Cross in which Isaiah prophesied would happen when Jesus died on that cruel old cross.
Day 76 Tuesday 12/2/14 Matthew 8:18-22 The Cost Of Discipleship.
Matthew 8:18 "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
8:20 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.
8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."
Jesus was in Capernaum, and He had finished teaching the multitude of people there. Which is usually the case whenever Jesus appeared in an area, folks crowded around Him hoping to receive something. That something could be new information, miracles, or just to look upon this very famous Rabbi. Sensing His need to leave there, He directed his disciples to depart from there to the east side of the Sea of Tiberias.
V.19 & 20 Depict a Jewish Scribe who indicated his desire to follow Jesus where ever Jesus went. From what I understand, a Scribe was quite well off, and his desire to follow Jesus needed to be tested by Jesus. Jesus' statement in reply to this Scribe was a picture of how poor Jesus and His followers really were. The Scribe had to decide which mode of living he had to choose, or give up. Apparently his decision was not to follow Jesus and give up his comfy lifestyle because nothing is mentioned of him after this.
V.21 I think the scene that is in front of us is the knowledge that Jesus and His Disciples are leaving the area and some of His Disciples, or in this case a "learner" which is the interpretation of the word "disciple " desired to keep following Him. Now, this statement of the Learner has so very often been a question when ever I have taught or preached on this text. First of all, this is not a violation of Exodus 20:12, "honor your father and mother" as so many people accuse Jesus of doing. This is a case where spiritual matters comes first. It is, I believe, a heart issue. When an issue of obeying a statement of Jesus comes to a follower, he/she has to decide which is more important to a child of God. I think we must realize that we are spiritually disconnected to our earthly father and mother and connected to a different family, the family of God and He comes first in all situations.
V.22 Jesus' statement was "let the dead bury the dead." The usage of the term "dead" simply means that as Jesus knows the hearts of all those who are not a child of God, they are dead (non-responsive) to the things of the Messiah. Jesus is introducing a new Covenant, the old Covenant that Israel follows for their justification is now dead, and we see later in the letter to the Galatians that Christians are not to get entangled again in those old ways. Their justification is in the future death of Jesus on the cross. Even though Jesus has not died on the Cross, Salvation is the present doctrine to be practiced during Jesus' lifetime which is noted in Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus. JUSTIFICATION is the whole issue. We are not justified from our past lifestyle, no matter how good we thought we were. All the good "works" or wonderful things we did in the past, will not impress our Heavenly Father so that He will invite us to be His Child. NO! We need to be declared RIGHTEOUS from original sin caused by Adam. That position of righteousness is only obtained by believing on Jesus the Christ, then we are justified. It is the work of Jesus, not our work!
Matthew 8:18 "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
8:20 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.
8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."
Jesus was in Capernaum, and He had finished teaching the multitude of people there. Which is usually the case whenever Jesus appeared in an area, folks crowded around Him hoping to receive something. That something could be new information, miracles, or just to look upon this very famous Rabbi. Sensing His need to leave there, He directed his disciples to depart from there to the east side of the Sea of Tiberias.
V.19 & 20 Depict a Jewish Scribe who indicated his desire to follow Jesus where ever Jesus went. From what I understand, a Scribe was quite well off, and his desire to follow Jesus needed to be tested by Jesus. Jesus' statement in reply to this Scribe was a picture of how poor Jesus and His followers really were. The Scribe had to decide which mode of living he had to choose, or give up. Apparently his decision was not to follow Jesus and give up his comfy lifestyle because nothing is mentioned of him after this.
V.21 I think the scene that is in front of us is the knowledge that Jesus and His Disciples are leaving the area and some of His Disciples, or in this case a "learner" which is the interpretation of the word "disciple " desired to keep following Him. Now, this statement of the Learner has so very often been a question when ever I have taught or preached on this text. First of all, this is not a violation of Exodus 20:12, "honor your father and mother" as so many people accuse Jesus of doing. This is a case where spiritual matters comes first. It is, I believe, a heart issue. When an issue of obeying a statement of Jesus comes to a follower, he/she has to decide which is more important to a child of God. I think we must realize that we are spiritually disconnected to our earthly father and mother and connected to a different family, the family of God and He comes first in all situations.
V.22 Jesus' statement was "let the dead bury the dead." The usage of the term "dead" simply means that as Jesus knows the hearts of all those who are not a child of God, they are dead (non-responsive) to the things of the Messiah. Jesus is introducing a new Covenant, the old Covenant that Israel follows for their justification is now dead, and we see later in the letter to the Galatians that Christians are not to get entangled again in those old ways. Their justification is in the future death of Jesus on the cross. Even though Jesus has not died on the Cross, Salvation is the present doctrine to be practiced during Jesus' lifetime which is noted in Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus. JUSTIFICATION is the whole issue. We are not justified from our past lifestyle, no matter how good we thought we were. All the good "works" or wonderful things we did in the past, will not impress our Heavenly Father so that He will invite us to be His Child. NO! We need to be declared RIGHTEOUS from original sin caused by Adam. That position of righteousness is only obtained by believing on Jesus the Christ, then we are justified. It is the work of Jesus, not our work!