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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Personally I believe the demons, who are spirit beings, after having known the Son as a Spiritual Being as angels, retained this knowledge after they became demons, also we have to remember the demons that roam the face of this planet are not the fallen angels/demons of Gen 6, who we are told by both Peter and Jude, are being held in Tartarus,
...evidently when the Flood came and wiped out all living beings on the planet, these demons observed the multitude of angels gathering the human souls to transport them to Sheol Luke 16:22, they also observed the angels subduing the demons of Gen 6 and taking them to prison in Tartarus, since we are told Jesus preached to these same demons (in Tartarus) we conclude they are being held in the center of the earth just like Sheol is, which means the demons can observe them and apparently, from their own words, those that are held prisoner there are being tormented, deduced from the fact they said, before the time. meaning they know their destiny is the Lake of Fire, but this would be a torment before that final judgement.
Also we are told Angels are looking into or following Scripture, so if Angels can read the Word, so can fallen angels,
...now this is personal opinion, but examining the facts of the totality of the Bible as to why it was written, it seems to be a defense statement to be used in a court of Law, I think we have a hint to this in the purpose of Luke writing his two letters, one was to his benefactor and the other was as a defense statement for Paul's trial before Cesare, another hint to this is the Centurion asking Agrippa to write something concerning Paul before he sent him to Rome. Acts 25:26
We know Satan's name means accuser and in Jewish custom names are given to signify a persons character, so I believe, Lucifer, when he was judged accused God of not being Love and not being Just, ...not Love because in His mercy He did not pardon him (grace was unheard of and that is what is bamboozling the Angels today), and not Just because in Lucifer's mind the the judgment of the Lake of Fire did not fit the crime of commerce, ...hence on hearing his judgment he accused God of not being Love and not being Just, ..not knowing or realizing his crime would ultimately lead to Decide, ...proving to the Jury, God is Love and God is Just, ...I believe there is more going on behind the scenes at the Great White Throne Judgment than we have been told (remember the seven thunders that are still sealed until their appointed day), ...the evidence is presented by the Advocate, the rulings are made, the case is closed, ...the accusation is false, the accuser/plaintiff is condemned, and the rest of the story is told, ...we live in Eternity, we understand why we went through those tribulations like our friend Job did, our God is exonerated and we live happily ever after in Eternity with our Creator, Redeemer, Savior, Big Brother and Father, ...and He is GOD!
...evidently when the Flood came and wiped out all living beings on the planet, these demons observed the multitude of angels gathering the human souls to transport them to Sheol Luke 16:22, they also observed the angels subduing the demons of Gen 6 and taking them to prison in Tartarus, since we are told Jesus preached to these same demons (in Tartarus) we conclude they are being held in the center of the earth just like Sheol is, which means the demons can observe them and apparently, from their own words, those that are held prisoner there are being tormented, deduced from the fact they said, before the time. meaning they know their destiny is the Lake of Fire, but this would be a torment before that final judgement.
Also we are told Angels are looking into or following Scripture, so if Angels can read the Word, so can fallen angels,
...now this is personal opinion, but examining the facts of the totality of the Bible as to why it was written, it seems to be a defense statement to be used in a court of Law, I think we have a hint to this in the purpose of Luke writing his two letters, one was to his benefactor and the other was as a defense statement for Paul's trial before Cesare, another hint to this is the Centurion asking Agrippa to write something concerning Paul before he sent him to Rome. Acts 25:26
We know Satan's name means accuser and in Jewish custom names are given to signify a persons character, so I believe, Lucifer, when he was judged accused God of not being Love and not being Just, ...not Love because in His mercy He did not pardon him (grace was unheard of and that is what is bamboozling the Angels today), and not Just because in Lucifer's mind the the judgment of the Lake of Fire did not fit the crime of commerce, ...hence on hearing his judgment he accused God of not being Love and not being Just, ..not knowing or realizing his crime would ultimately lead to Decide, ...proving to the Jury, God is Love and God is Just, ...I believe there is more going on behind the scenes at the Great White Throne Judgment than we have been told (remember the seven thunders that are still sealed until their appointed day), ...the evidence is presented by the Advocate, the rulings are made, the case is closed, ...the accusation is false, the accuser/plaintiff is condemned, and the rest of the story is told, ...we live in Eternity, we understand why we went through those tribulations like our friend Job did, our God is exonerated and we live happily ever after in Eternity with our Creator, Redeemer, Savior, Big Brother and Father, ...and He is GOD!
Wow Karl, thank you for that response. I learned a lot from that. It's interesting that those who feel that an eternity in the lake of fire would not be possible for those who reject Jesus because that would be unjust and not loving for God to do that. God is just! Just look at how He cleared the promised land.
Hmmmm, I wonder where they get that from?
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Mat 16:22
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Mat 16:23
Right after Peter had spoken the Truth of the Word, ...satan has his turn with him!
Makes a lot of sense doesn't it when we sit back and look at the big picture.
Day 79 Friday 12/5/14 Matthew 8:30-34 You're Not Welcome Here.
Matthew 8:30 "And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
8:33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."
V.30 I have often been asked "why were these Jews raising hogs" to which I would usually reply that there were a mixture of Jews and Gentiles living in that area. Or, these belonged to Jews and they were raising them to sell them to Gentiles who loved the meat or that they might sell the meat in their markets. At any rate, what John Gill has to say about this verse makes perfect sense:
"Since swine's flesh was forbidden the Jews to eat, Lev_11:7 it may be asked, how came it to pass, that there should be any number of these creatures, or that such a herd of them should be kept in the land of Israel? To which may be replied, that though the Jews might not eat swine's flesh, they were not forbid to bring them up; which they might do, in order to sell to the Gentiles, who dwelt among them; and particularly to the Romans, under whose government they now were, and with whom swine's flesh was in great esteem: but still a difficulty remains; for it was not only forbidden by the law of God to eat swine's flesh, but, by the Jewish canons, to bring them up, and make any advantage of them in any shape: their law was this, לא יגדל ישראל חזירים בכל מקום, "an Israelite might not bring up hogs in any place" : the reasons of this canon were many, partly because of the uncleanness of these creatures; hence one of their writers observing, that next to those words, they "are unclean unto you", are, "and the swine", says, that this is to teach us, that "it is forbidden to bring up hogs"; and partly, because of the damage which these creatures do to other men's fields: hence. (Compliments of e-Sword)
V.31 It's interesting to me that the two men who were possessed with these devils, perhaps 2000, did not utter one word which shows the total control of these demons. I wonder, of the suspected demon controlled folk that I've come in contact with, just how many demons am I dealing with. It has been my practice not to ask the demon anything. My training in casting out demons has been, not to have any kind of conversation with a demon. My preparation, given the time, is to fast and pray over the circumstances prior to the encounter. When I have to cast out a demon, whether in a person or building, I have to realize that even though I might have the faith necessary to carry out this assignment and because I have fasted and prayed, I am on assignment because of the direction given me by the Holy Spirit and it is His power that will accomplish the task, not my power! Matthew 12:28 is my example. "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." If Jesus said that He cast out demons by the Holy Spirit, I must follow His example. (just a little lesson on casting out demons).
V.32 I have to chuckle a little because of the place that the demons wanted to go. Somewhere in Scripture, there is a statement whereby Jesus sent a demon into a waste place where there is nothing to enter, and they are held prisoner in that place. So, these demons did not want to go there, they wanted to possess the pigs. Obviously, Jesus knew that if they went into the pigs, those pigs would have turned wild and would have been on a destruction mode of property and mankind, apparently He knew what would happen.
Hogs were considered unclean, and so are demons, ha ha, the hogs were a good place for those old devils! What those devils didn't know was that such a crazy bunch of demons entering pigs would make them crazy and off the high bank of that lake, they fell to their deaths. I suppose that they went immediately to the prison where other locked up demons were held until their judgment.
V. 33 The reaction of these folk who were keeping this herd of hogs, I believe they were Jews because of their reaction. They were IMO terrified of what Jesus just did. I think they thought they were being judged for disobeying their law of owning swine. Apparently the Jews in the Town were party of this trade, and needed to be told of what Jesus did. I think there were always a big question in their minds as to the real identity of Jesus. Perhaps they took some notice that He said He was from the Father, and now they are in deep trouble.
V.34 This is another account of a reaction of the Jews that is hard for me to understand. Jesus was famous for healing people, and doing good. Why would they not want Him to stay a while? Again, I believe that they were so convicted of breaking their laws, and because they were so rebellious and stiff-necked, they just wanted Jesus to "take a hike."
Matthew 8:30 "And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
8:33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."
V.30 I have often been asked "why were these Jews raising hogs" to which I would usually reply that there were a mixture of Jews and Gentiles living in that area. Or, these belonged to Jews and they were raising them to sell them to Gentiles who loved the meat or that they might sell the meat in their markets. At any rate, what John Gill has to say about this verse makes perfect sense:
"Since swine's flesh was forbidden the Jews to eat, Lev_11:7 it may be asked, how came it to pass, that there should be any number of these creatures, or that such a herd of them should be kept in the land of Israel? To which may be replied, that though the Jews might not eat swine's flesh, they were not forbid to bring them up; which they might do, in order to sell to the Gentiles, who dwelt among them; and particularly to the Romans, under whose government they now were, and with whom swine's flesh was in great esteem: but still a difficulty remains; for it was not only forbidden by the law of God to eat swine's flesh, but, by the Jewish canons, to bring them up, and make any advantage of them in any shape: their law was this, לא יגדל ישראל חזירים בכל מקום, "an Israelite might not bring up hogs in any place" : the reasons of this canon were many, partly because of the uncleanness of these creatures; hence one of their writers observing, that next to those words, they "are unclean unto you", are, "and the swine", says, that this is to teach us, that "it is forbidden to bring up hogs"; and partly, because of the damage which these creatures do to other men's fields: hence. (Compliments of e-Sword)
V.31 It's interesting to me that the two men who were possessed with these devils, perhaps 2000, did not utter one word which shows the total control of these demons. I wonder, of the suspected demon controlled folk that I've come in contact with, just how many demons am I dealing with. It has been my practice not to ask the demon anything. My training in casting out demons has been, not to have any kind of conversation with a demon. My preparation, given the time, is to fast and pray over the circumstances prior to the encounter. When I have to cast out a demon, whether in a person or building, I have to realize that even though I might have the faith necessary to carry out this assignment and because I have fasted and prayed, I am on assignment because of the direction given me by the Holy Spirit and it is His power that will accomplish the task, not my power! Matthew 12:28 is my example. "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." If Jesus said that He cast out demons by the Holy Spirit, I must follow His example. (just a little lesson on casting out demons).
V.32 I have to chuckle a little because of the place that the demons wanted to go. Somewhere in Scripture, there is a statement whereby Jesus sent a demon into a waste place where there is nothing to enter, and they are held prisoner in that place. So, these demons did not want to go there, they wanted to possess the pigs. Obviously, Jesus knew that if they went into the pigs, those pigs would have turned wild and would have been on a destruction mode of property and mankind, apparently He knew what would happen.
Hogs were considered unclean, and so are demons, ha ha, the hogs were a good place for those old devils! What those devils didn't know was that such a crazy bunch of demons entering pigs would make them crazy and off the high bank of that lake, they fell to their deaths. I suppose that they went immediately to the prison where other locked up demons were held until their judgment.
V. 33 The reaction of these folk who were keeping this herd of hogs, I believe they were Jews because of their reaction. They were IMO terrified of what Jesus just did. I think they thought they were being judged for disobeying their law of owning swine. Apparently the Jews in the Town were party of this trade, and needed to be told of what Jesus did. I think there were always a big question in their minds as to the real identity of Jesus. Perhaps they took some notice that He said He was from the Father, and now they are in deep trouble.
V.34 This is another account of a reaction of the Jews that is hard for me to understand. Jesus was famous for healing people, and doing good. Why would they not want Him to stay a while? Again, I believe that they were so convicted of breaking their laws, and because they were so rebellious and stiff-necked, they just wanted Jesus to "take a hike."
Yes it does my friend. My Son in law is a pacifist and can't understand anything other than the love of Jesus, and absolutely no violence. I'll just bet that if someone tried to hurt one of his precious daughters, I'd see a different side of him. If not, I'd go and put a size 11 on his backside! My Son Skip and I have discussed my Son in law's doctrine, and are convinced that he stays away from the O.T. entirely. I believe in BALANCE! When Jesus comes back as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, I don't see that gentle side of Jesus then.
I read this in esword and partially quoted it from the TSK. We know Jesus crossed to the other side from Capernaum to this other city. I found it interesting what the last sentence says.
"Gergesenes.... most copies seem to have read Gadarenes, agreeable to the Parallel Passages and the ancient Syriac version. Gadara, says Josephus, was the metropolis of Peraea, or the region beyond Jordan; and he also observes that it was sixty furlongs, or about eight miles from Tiberias. It is therefore rightly placed opposite Tiberias, at the southeast end of the lake. It was of heathen jurisdiction; .....again annexed to Syria. It is now called Om Keis; its ruins are in a very mutilated state, and when visited by Burckhardt it had not a single inhabitant. The remains of the sepulchral caverns in which the demoniacs abode are still to be seen."
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/matthew-8-28.html
So we see that this is reported as being a heathen city even though the Jews had control of it at different times. I had the same question as Chopper did. It just seemed strange that they would meet Him outside the city and send Him away. But if it was a heathen dominated city with a strong demonic presence then it makes more sense to me.
reba that's true too. I don't imagine they were crazy about loosing their pigs. Just having so many pigs hints that these people were not Jews.
"Gergesenes.... most copies seem to have read Gadarenes, agreeable to the Parallel Passages and the ancient Syriac version. Gadara, says Josephus, was the metropolis of Peraea, or the region beyond Jordan; and he also observes that it was sixty furlongs, or about eight miles from Tiberias. It is therefore rightly placed opposite Tiberias, at the southeast end of the lake. It was of heathen jurisdiction; .....again annexed to Syria. It is now called Om Keis; its ruins are in a very mutilated state, and when visited by Burckhardt it had not a single inhabitant. The remains of the sepulchral caverns in which the demoniacs abode are still to be seen."
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/matthew-8-28.html
So we see that this is reported as being a heathen city even though the Jews had control of it at different times. I had the same question as Chopper did. It just seemed strange that they would meet Him outside the city and send Him away. But if it was a heathen dominated city with a strong demonic presence then it makes more sense to me.
reba that's true too. I don't imagine they were crazy about loosing their pigs. Just having so many pigs hints that these people were not Jews.
We know when He comes back He will rule with a rod of iron, but just look at John's account of Him clearing out the Temple, ...He took the time to methodically braid a whip, ...that is Divine anger under perfect control!
Day 80 Saturday 12/6/14 Matthew 9:1-8 The Power of God.
Matthew 9:1 "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
9:7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men."
IMO, this is a remarkable portion of Scripture whereas Jesus proves His deity. As I was studying this it's as if I could hear in the background, the Holy Spirit clapping.
V.1 A simple verse depicting Jesus complying to the request of the folk of the Town to leave the area, so Jesus and His Disciples got into the boat that they had come in and departed back to Capernaum which was at that time His headquarters.
V.2 This verse explodes with Deity written all over it! Now, Luke paints a picture of more happening in the background of this exact verse. Luke 5:19 "And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus."
Albert Barnes, (e-Sword) fills us in on the buildings in that area that I find very helpful to understand going up on the roof....Sorry it's so long, but I think you'll find it interesting as I did.
"Mark says “they uncovered the roof,” Mark_2:4. Luke says “they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling,” Luke_5:19. To us it would appear that much injury must have been done to the house where Jesus was, and that they must be much incommoded by the removal of tiles and rafters, etc. An acquaintance, however, with the mode of building in the East removes every difficulty of this nature. Houses in Eastern countries are commonly square in their form, and of a single story. On approaching them from the street a single door is seen in the center, and usually, directly above it, a single latticed window. This destitution of doors and lights from the streets, though it gives their dwellings a sombre appearance, is yet adapted to the habits of retirement and secrecy among the people of the East, where they are desirous of keeping their “females” from observation. See the notes at Mat_6:6. On entering the only door in front, the first room is a small square room, surrounded with benches, called the “porch.” In this room the master of the family commonly transacts business, and on private occasions receives visits. Passing through the porch, you enter a large square room directly in the center of the building, called the court. Luke says that the “paralytic” was let down “into the midst;” not in the midst of the “people,” but of the “building” - the “middle place” of the house. This “court” is paved commonly with marble; and, if possible, a fountain of water is formed in the center, to give it beauty, and to diffuse a grateful coolness. This room is surrounded by a gallery or covered walk on every side. From that covered walk doors open into the other apartments of the house.
This center room, or court, is commonly uncovered or open above. In wet weather, however, and in times of great heat of the sun, it is covered with an awning or canvas, stretched on cords and capable of being easily removed or rolled up. This is what Mark means when he says “they uncovered the roof.” They “rolled up” or removed this awning.
From the court to the roof the ascent is by flights of stairs, either in the covered walk or gallery or in the porch. The roof is nearly flat. It is made of earth; or, in houses of the rich, is a firmly; constructed flooring, made of coals, chalk, gypsum, and ashes, made hard by repeated blows. On those roofs spears of grass. wheat, or barley sometimes spring up; but these are soon withered by the sun, Psa_129:6-8. The roof is a favourite place for walking, for repose in the cool of the day, for conversation, and for devotion. See the notes at Mat_6:6. On such a roof Rahab concealed the spies Jos_2:6, Samuel talked with Saul 1Sa_9:25, David walked at eventide 2Sa_11:2), and Peter went up to pray Act_10:9. This roof was surrounded with a “balustrade,” or railing, breast-high, on the sides; but where a house was contiguous to another, and of the same height, the railing was lower, so as to walk from one roof to another. In cities where the houses were constructed in this manner, it was possible to walk through a considerable part of the city on the roofs. A breastwork or railing was of course built in the same manner around the “open space” in the center, to prevent persons from falling into the court below. This railing, or breastwork, is what Luke Luk_5:19 says they let him down through. They removed it, probably, so that the couch could be conveniently let down with cords; and, standing on the roof “over” the Saviour, they let the man down directly before him. The perseverance they had manifested was the evidence of their faith or confidence in his power to heal the sick man."
At this point, Jesus does not perceive any faith in the sick man but the faith in the men who went to all the trouble to transport this man to where Jesus is teaching some people, and with quite a lot of physical exertion, Lower their sick friend right in front of Jesus. Now, Jesus makes a remarkable statement. "be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven." Oh boy Jesus, you just opened a can of worms, err, snakes. At this point, I'm going to include Verse 3.... "And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, "This man blasphemeth."....Now, the word blaspheme means, in this case, To say or attempt to do what only God can do. This is important for us to understand. For Jesus to undertake a "work" that could be only ascribed to their God would be unthinkable and very serious blasphemy. And I'm quite sure that they might have recorded this work of Jesus to accuse Him later.
Why did Jesus make such an explosive statement? I believe that at this time in His ministry, He is revealing that He is in fact the Son of God, He is equal with Almighty God! Actually He knew that this fact alone would be enough to send His to the Cross. So, Jesus, forgave this man's sins in His own Name thus proving by the miracle of his being healed, proved that He was equal with God.
Another fact is that Jesus knew that because of this mans sinful behavior, this palsy had come upon him, thus he needed to have his sins forgiven in order to be healed.
Vs. 4&5 Here, Jesus gives another proof of His Deity, Only God can understand a mans thinking. It must have startled these Scribes when Jesus revealed their thoughts. And, when Jesus said which is easier, He was also exposing His Deity because in one case it takes Divine authority, and in the other, it takes Divine power.
Vs. 6&7 Now Jesus makes a full statement as to His deity. Beyond any shadow of doubt, all the people within hearing distance heard Jesus claim that He was equal with God, He in fact was God. Then, without anymore statements to the Scribes and folk around, Jesus focuses His attention on the sick man and tells him to get up, take your mat, and go home. What a relief that must have been to this man who came sick but goes back, totally healed. His friends must have been overjoyed with these events,
Matthew 9:1 "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
9:7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men."
IMO, this is a remarkable portion of Scripture whereas Jesus proves His deity. As I was studying this it's as if I could hear in the background, the Holy Spirit clapping.
V.1 A simple verse depicting Jesus complying to the request of the folk of the Town to leave the area, so Jesus and His Disciples got into the boat that they had come in and departed back to Capernaum which was at that time His headquarters.
V.2 This verse explodes with Deity written all over it! Now, Luke paints a picture of more happening in the background of this exact verse. Luke 5:19 "And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus."
Albert Barnes, (e-Sword) fills us in on the buildings in that area that I find very helpful to understand going up on the roof....Sorry it's so long, but I think you'll find it interesting as I did.
"Mark says “they uncovered the roof,” Mark_2:4. Luke says “they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling,” Luke_5:19. To us it would appear that much injury must have been done to the house where Jesus was, and that they must be much incommoded by the removal of tiles and rafters, etc. An acquaintance, however, with the mode of building in the East removes every difficulty of this nature. Houses in Eastern countries are commonly square in their form, and of a single story. On approaching them from the street a single door is seen in the center, and usually, directly above it, a single latticed window. This destitution of doors and lights from the streets, though it gives their dwellings a sombre appearance, is yet adapted to the habits of retirement and secrecy among the people of the East, where they are desirous of keeping their “females” from observation. See the notes at Mat_6:6. On entering the only door in front, the first room is a small square room, surrounded with benches, called the “porch.” In this room the master of the family commonly transacts business, and on private occasions receives visits. Passing through the porch, you enter a large square room directly in the center of the building, called the court. Luke says that the “paralytic” was let down “into the midst;” not in the midst of the “people,” but of the “building” - the “middle place” of the house. This “court” is paved commonly with marble; and, if possible, a fountain of water is formed in the center, to give it beauty, and to diffuse a grateful coolness. This room is surrounded by a gallery or covered walk on every side. From that covered walk doors open into the other apartments of the house.
This center room, or court, is commonly uncovered or open above. In wet weather, however, and in times of great heat of the sun, it is covered with an awning or canvas, stretched on cords and capable of being easily removed or rolled up. This is what Mark means when he says “they uncovered the roof.” They “rolled up” or removed this awning.
From the court to the roof the ascent is by flights of stairs, either in the covered walk or gallery or in the porch. The roof is nearly flat. It is made of earth; or, in houses of the rich, is a firmly; constructed flooring, made of coals, chalk, gypsum, and ashes, made hard by repeated blows. On those roofs spears of grass. wheat, or barley sometimes spring up; but these are soon withered by the sun, Psa_129:6-8. The roof is a favourite place for walking, for repose in the cool of the day, for conversation, and for devotion. See the notes at Mat_6:6. On such a roof Rahab concealed the spies Jos_2:6, Samuel talked with Saul 1Sa_9:25, David walked at eventide 2Sa_11:2), and Peter went up to pray Act_10:9. This roof was surrounded with a “balustrade,” or railing, breast-high, on the sides; but where a house was contiguous to another, and of the same height, the railing was lower, so as to walk from one roof to another. In cities where the houses were constructed in this manner, it was possible to walk through a considerable part of the city on the roofs. A breastwork or railing was of course built in the same manner around the “open space” in the center, to prevent persons from falling into the court below. This railing, or breastwork, is what Luke Luk_5:19 says they let him down through. They removed it, probably, so that the couch could be conveniently let down with cords; and, standing on the roof “over” the Saviour, they let the man down directly before him. The perseverance they had manifested was the evidence of their faith or confidence in his power to heal the sick man."
At this point, Jesus does not perceive any faith in the sick man but the faith in the men who went to all the trouble to transport this man to where Jesus is teaching some people, and with quite a lot of physical exertion, Lower their sick friend right in front of Jesus. Now, Jesus makes a remarkable statement. "be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven." Oh boy Jesus, you just opened a can of worms, err, snakes. At this point, I'm going to include Verse 3.... "And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, "This man blasphemeth."....Now, the word blaspheme means, in this case, To say or attempt to do what only God can do. This is important for us to understand. For Jesus to undertake a "work" that could be only ascribed to their God would be unthinkable and very serious blasphemy. And I'm quite sure that they might have recorded this work of Jesus to accuse Him later.
Why did Jesus make such an explosive statement? I believe that at this time in His ministry, He is revealing that He is in fact the Son of God, He is equal with Almighty God! Actually He knew that this fact alone would be enough to send His to the Cross. So, Jesus, forgave this man's sins in His own Name thus proving by the miracle of his being healed, proved that He was equal with God.
Another fact is that Jesus knew that because of this mans sinful behavior, this palsy had come upon him, thus he needed to have his sins forgiven in order to be healed.
Vs. 4&5 Here, Jesus gives another proof of His Deity, Only God can understand a mans thinking. It must have startled these Scribes when Jesus revealed their thoughts. And, when Jesus said which is easier, He was also exposing His Deity because in one case it takes Divine authority, and in the other, it takes Divine power.
Vs. 6&7 Now Jesus makes a full statement as to His deity. Beyond any shadow of doubt, all the people within hearing distance heard Jesus claim that He was equal with God, He in fact was God. Then, without anymore statements to the Scribes and folk around, Jesus focuses His attention on the sick man and tells him to get up, take your mat, and go home. What a relief that must have been to this man who came sick but goes back, totally healed. His friends must have been overjoyed with these events,
Thank you, reba. It's all just so interesting and exciting. Bread for the soul.Deborah13 Thank you so much for your insight... You girl are a very much a blessing...
Chopper the way you described the house took my mind to the movie Ben-Hur... .. the house was exactly like that
It is amazing the different ways Jesus show His Deity ... How He fits where and who He is around...
Boy, your memory is a lot better than mine. I'm simply amazed at how Jesus uses each situation to demonstrate just Who He is. It's no wonder why God has left the Jews in the dust. I just can't believe that they refused to believe what they were present to see, hear, and even in some cases participate in several conversations with Jesus....Thick headed I guess.
Day 81 Sunday 12/7/14 Matthew 9:9-13 Tax Collectors, N.T. IRS.
Matthew 9:9 "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
This passage of Scripture has, for years, been one of my favorite ones. For about three years, I was involved in the "Brethren" movement. They were not Mennonites, or Amish, but close to those. They boasted of being "Plain People". I wore a white or light blue shirt, black pants with black suspenders and my beard was long. I really liked the holiness theology of this movement. Around the end of that three year period, my eyes were opened to the pride of the leaders of this group I call it "plain pride".. There are many such groups scattered around the Country. There are a lot of "Brethren" in Pennsylvania. My problem that I saw was, one group would wear only buttons on their clothes because snaps were considered too worldly. Others wore snaps under the seams so that their shirts and pants showed no visible objects. Some would not wear belts because that was worldly where others did. Long story short, "pride" was what I perceived and I didn't like what that did in each group so I left and went back to my "Holiness Baptist" roots.
In saying the preceding, this was my reason to use this portion of Scripture so much. "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice."
V.9 Apparently, there was a booth or small building in which the tax collector had his office. A tax collector was also called a publican. They were for the most part, thieves and traitors to the Jewish people. They would keep back part of the taxes collected for themselves, and give the rest to a Roman who would come around and collect the money. For the Pharisees, tax collectors were the scum of the earth, great sinners! Jesus, made a simple invitation to Matthew (sometimes called Levi by Mark & Luke) and immediately he left the tax booth and followed Jesus. Oh my, the power of the Holy Spirit when He calls a person to Jesus!
V.10 Luke explains for us as to who's house Jesus went too. Luke 5:29 "And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them." It's interesting to me that Matthew, who is recording these events for us, does not indicate that it was his house that they went into. A prideful man would have boasted of the fine refreshments provided for the Master in his own house. It was probably Matthew (Levi) who invited other tax collectors (publicans) to come to his house to meet this amazing Teacher and miracle Maker. Probably before a meal was set before them, the preparations for such meal gave Jesus the opportunity to teach about the Kingdom of God and how to enter in.
V.11 The pharisees decided to question the Disciples about this sinful gathering, rather than confront Jesus Himself. They wouldn't be caught dead entering the house of such a sinner like Matthew for one reason. Another would be that if they were to confront Jesus, He, in the end would find the Pharisees at fault and they feared being made fools of.
V.12 This is another place where Jesus' divinity is displayed openly. Jesus either overheard these Pharisees, or heard their conversation in His Spirit. I think that they were close enough for Jesus to hear, and He responded to them. I think He left teaching the folk in Matthew's house, went outside and confronted these Pharisees. Naturally, those inside the house would have been eager to get outside to hear what Jesus had to say to them. I almost have to chuckle because the Pharisees would have thought, "of course, those dirty sinners need a good talking too, we are righteous because we follow Moses Law. Go get um Jesus.
V.13 Jesus quotes a verse from Hosea of which they probably were vaguely familiar with. Hosea 6:6 "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."....The Jewish people were famous for their practice of offering different animals for sacrifice to God, in the hopes that He would be satisfied with them and forgive their sins against Him. Their show of sacrifice was just that, a show! It seems that a lot of the leaders of the Hebrew people fell so short of pleasing God because of their rebellious heart. Being so self centered, they were blind to the needs of the poor, sickly, folk with no place to live, and in general, folk that needed a helping hand. They gave a good interpretation of the word "selfish".
I do have to point out though that Jesus is not saying that the Pharisees should no longer obey the sacrificial system, He simply was saying that one without the other is not godly. Similar to "faith without works is dead." Jesus wanted them to go and meditate on this principle that he gave them. MERCY people, mercy! I think that with Jesus, mercy, out of love for people, far exceeds sacrifice of any kind. If I present my body, a living sacrifice to my Heavenly Father, without surrendering my heart and soul to my Master Jesus and His ministry to all people, I have not pleased my Father or His Son.
Last week, while I was praying, the thought came to me to include this as part of my worship and prayers each morning. "Heavenly Father, make Your ways, my ways, and make Your thoughts my thoughts." For me, I need this desperately, His thoughts and ways if ever I'm able to minister to the needs of others I need so very much.
Matthew 9:9 "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
This passage of Scripture has, for years, been one of my favorite ones. For about three years, I was involved in the "Brethren" movement. They were not Mennonites, or Amish, but close to those. They boasted of being "Plain People". I wore a white or light blue shirt, black pants with black suspenders and my beard was long. I really liked the holiness theology of this movement. Around the end of that three year period, my eyes were opened to the pride of the leaders of this group I call it "plain pride".. There are many such groups scattered around the Country. There are a lot of "Brethren" in Pennsylvania. My problem that I saw was, one group would wear only buttons on their clothes because snaps were considered too worldly. Others wore snaps under the seams so that their shirts and pants showed no visible objects. Some would not wear belts because that was worldly where others did. Long story short, "pride" was what I perceived and I didn't like what that did in each group so I left and went back to my "Holiness Baptist" roots.
In saying the preceding, this was my reason to use this portion of Scripture so much. "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice."
V.9 Apparently, there was a booth or small building in which the tax collector had his office. A tax collector was also called a publican. They were for the most part, thieves and traitors to the Jewish people. They would keep back part of the taxes collected for themselves, and give the rest to a Roman who would come around and collect the money. For the Pharisees, tax collectors were the scum of the earth, great sinners! Jesus, made a simple invitation to Matthew (sometimes called Levi by Mark & Luke) and immediately he left the tax booth and followed Jesus. Oh my, the power of the Holy Spirit when He calls a person to Jesus!
V.10 Luke explains for us as to who's house Jesus went too. Luke 5:29 "And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them." It's interesting to me that Matthew, who is recording these events for us, does not indicate that it was his house that they went into. A prideful man would have boasted of the fine refreshments provided for the Master in his own house. It was probably Matthew (Levi) who invited other tax collectors (publicans) to come to his house to meet this amazing Teacher and miracle Maker. Probably before a meal was set before them, the preparations for such meal gave Jesus the opportunity to teach about the Kingdom of God and how to enter in.
V.11 The pharisees decided to question the Disciples about this sinful gathering, rather than confront Jesus Himself. They wouldn't be caught dead entering the house of such a sinner like Matthew for one reason. Another would be that if they were to confront Jesus, He, in the end would find the Pharisees at fault and they feared being made fools of.
V.12 This is another place where Jesus' divinity is displayed openly. Jesus either overheard these Pharisees, or heard their conversation in His Spirit. I think that they were close enough for Jesus to hear, and He responded to them. I think He left teaching the folk in Matthew's house, went outside and confronted these Pharisees. Naturally, those inside the house would have been eager to get outside to hear what Jesus had to say to them. I almost have to chuckle because the Pharisees would have thought, "of course, those dirty sinners need a good talking too, we are righteous because we follow Moses Law. Go get um Jesus.
V.13 Jesus quotes a verse from Hosea of which they probably were vaguely familiar with. Hosea 6:6 "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."....The Jewish people were famous for their practice of offering different animals for sacrifice to God, in the hopes that He would be satisfied with them and forgive their sins against Him. Their show of sacrifice was just that, a show! It seems that a lot of the leaders of the Hebrew people fell so short of pleasing God because of their rebellious heart. Being so self centered, they were blind to the needs of the poor, sickly, folk with no place to live, and in general, folk that needed a helping hand. They gave a good interpretation of the word "selfish".
I do have to point out though that Jesus is not saying that the Pharisees should no longer obey the sacrificial system, He simply was saying that one without the other is not godly. Similar to "faith without works is dead." Jesus wanted them to go and meditate on this principle that he gave them. MERCY people, mercy! I think that with Jesus, mercy, out of love for people, far exceeds sacrifice of any kind. If I present my body, a living sacrifice to my Heavenly Father, without surrendering my heart and soul to my Master Jesus and His ministry to all people, I have not pleased my Father or His Son.
Last week, while I was praying, the thought came to me to include this as part of my worship and prayers each morning. "Heavenly Father, make Your ways, my ways, and make Your thoughts my thoughts." For me, I need this desperately, His thoughts and ways if ever I'm able to minister to the needs of others I need so very much.