><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 7:13-29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) In vs 13-23 what threefold responsibility does our Lord lay upon those who would enter His kingdom a) as to a right choice at the beginning(v13-14);b) as to a right discrimination between false and true(v15-20) and c) as to the condition of being acknowledged by Him at the last(v21-23)? 2) To what categories of men do verses 24-27 refer? In what way do the two houses differ? How is it possible to be building-yet building foolishly? 3) Vs15-20 In what way may we tell the false prophet? Cf Dt 13:1-5;I Jn 4:1-6. Can you think of any modern guise in which he appears? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 7:13-29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) WE must bear fruit, do the will of God, and enter through the narrow gate. I have a friend who wrote a song about "the narrow way", which really touched me. It also reminds me of the song "The Road to Zion" which Sixpence None the Richer (CCM group) sings, "There is a road inside of you, inside of me there is one too, no restless wanderer in the dark- the road to Zion's in your heart..." I do feel our Christian lives are a journey, narrow and winding, but leading to the Father's house. It is so worth every step of the way! 2) v 24-27 refer to born again Christians, and non-Christians. If we build our house upon the solid foundation of Christ, it will not fall. the wicked/those who trust in false things will have collapsed houses, for their foundation is sand. 3) False prophets bear BAD FRUIT. I think of some cults, which seem loving and faithful but actually end in death and control/manipulation of the followers. BAD FRUIT. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 7:13-29 A Prudent Man Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and DOES them, I will liken him to a prudent man (Darby Translation) Who built his house on the rock 7:24 This section of teaching is on the subject of Christians' living and work. Here is the choice of the gates; one leads to life and the other to destruction. "The narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." 7:14. The narrow gate refers to the new law presented in the teachings on the mountain. To walk on the way is a matter of practice. It is a difficult and constricted ways that lead to life; because it takes only God's will. "Many will say to Me in THAT DAY, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? -----." 7:22-23. Notice that delivering prophecies, casting demons, and doing wonders are the highest gifts in Christian practice. But the Lord does not know them because they do not practice His will. This is a conclusive statement throughout the teachings on the mountain - 7:24. Romans 10:9 says "---- if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." It indicates that the first condition of entering into the kingdom of heavens is to be saved. However, not every one who is saved enters into the kingdom of the heaves, 7:21. Only those who DO THE WILL OF GOD will enter into the kingdom of God. It is very clear that the teachings on the mountain are spoken basically to Christians; to the ones who were saved. Further, it is not the question of faith but the question of behavior which determines our kingdom lives. "That day" in verse 22 is the day of judgment at the judgment seat of Christ. Only the saved ones will be there. It is not the judgment at the great white throne. Finally, we are reaching the critical point - Only the prudent, sensible ones, their work is built on the rock, will last forever. Here is the audience response to the teachings on the mountain - "---- when Jesus had ended these sayings that the people were astonished at His teaching, For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." 7:28-29 Are we astonished at His teachings? Do we feel the authority of Jesus in our lives? Are we prudent and sensible to DO HIS WILL? May God have mercy on us! Thy will be done on the earth. Amen. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this chapter v13-23, Jesus sets up the conditions for those who would enter the kingdom. He sets up the entranceway(a small gate), the road(a narrow road) filled with tests from those who would confound and deceive, and the final judgment. This passage shows that the life of a disciple(follower of Christ's teachings) is not easy. If we desire to follow Jesus, He told us the way is not easy. He does not promise sunshine and smooth sailing, but rather warns us in advance that the way is hard. This section also talks to the topic of True faith producing works. Works are not a requirement for salvation, but the natural reflex response to true faith in the redemption of sins according to grace. 2) The wise and the foolish are described in v24-27. The houses differ in their foundations. We can be building a very outwardly sound, solid looking house that would appear impervious to structural damage, yet Jesus warns us that if we are not grounded solidly on the proper foundation, our house will be swept away by the trials and tests/ storms of life. No matter how good our house is from the outward appearance, even if it is built of solid brick and has the best and newest fixtures and is framed with the strongest wood, it will never survive the quakes, storms and trials of real life. Just because we know something and have a head knowledge of it does not mean that we will LIVE according to that knowledge. We must live according to that which we have learned on a daily basis. If we know that gravity exists, but walk off a cliff, we are not living out the knowledge we have. We must choose to LIVE the knowledge we have learned each day. Similarly, we must reinforce our foundation each day. Otherwise as we are adding on to our spiritual house on the topside, the foundation will not be able to sustain all the extra features, additional rooms and added weight we have been adding to our house. 3) We can tell the false prophets in modern day by what they preach. If it is anything other than the Truth(the word of God), we must question whether it is from God. The true messenger and servant of God will speak the Word of the Lord. Let us take this warning from Paul in 1Cor3:10-13 and heed it. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 ¶ For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. We must build our foundation on Jesus Christ, and Him alone. False prophets will be exposed when they are tested by fire, their evil works will be consumed by fire. May we strive to build only those things in our lives which will be refined by fire into pure gold. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 8:1-22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Consider how different the people were who received healing, and how different our Lord's methods with them were. What does this teach us concerning a) His power, and b) our work for Him? 2) What was so remarkable in the centurion's faith as to elicit Christ's great commendation? Contrast Jn 4:48 Note how the statement of verses 11,12 anticipates the revolutionary developments recorded in the Acts Se Acts 13:45-48 3) Vs18-22 Why did our Lord leave the crowds, and why did He check two would-be disciples? Cf Lk 14:25-27. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 8:1-22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1&2) Jesus could deal with the more faithful in different ways. Some could believe Jesus at His word, others needed Him to physically touch, etc., His power is beyond what we can imagine or understand/comprehend. Our work for Him needs to be done with the realization that it is him at work in us, not our own selves. The centurion was remarkable, first he was a military man, not a religious teacher, etc., and he was also very humble and realized Jesus' power. 3) The demands of ministry for Jesus were great. The two disciples were told, basically, that the spiritually alive should not be the ones to bury the dead. "Let the (spiritually) dead bury their own (physically) dead" (NIV study Bible); there were more important things to be done. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 8:1-22 Mairalces of Healing, 8:1-17 Verse 2-4 is healing of a leper. The leper came to Him saying "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." It is a matter of the Lord's willingness and not the mater of He can or can not. The leper had faith in Him. According to the scriptural examples, leprosy comes from rebellion and disobedience. Miriam became leprous because of her rebellion against God's deputy authority, Numbers 12: 1-10. Jesus touched him and told him to show himself to the priest, 8:4. This background indicates that he is a Jew. Then, a centurion came to Him and told Him that his servant is lying at home paralyzed. Here, a gentile came to Him asking for healing. The healing was performed through His Word, not His touching. 8:11 tells us that "---many will come from east and west (gentiles) and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom (Jews) will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." It is a clear indication of salvation would go out to gentiles. Again, when Jesus healed Peter's mother in law, He touched her. So we also can not deny the fact that Jaws have special relationship with the Lord. Let us observe the significance of these sicknesses at the beginning of His Kingdom ministry: Leprosy - rebellion and disobedience Paralyzed - can not walk to serve his master Sick with a fever - too busy in worldly activities. It shows to me that to live a kingdom life, I need to be humble and obedient. Walk in the direction the Lord leads me to serve Him. And concentrate my efforts spiritually rather than material gains. The Cost to Follow Him, 8:18-22 There may not be even a "nesting place". There is a need to reset your priority to observe the spiritual importance rather than human relation and duties. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Person receiving healing Method -=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Leper Touch and ceremony of cleansing Centurion's servant Word Peter's mother Touch This demonstrated that Jesus healed people in unique ways. We must also apply this to the work we join Him in. God does not always work in the same way time and again. Too many times we as humans like to find patterns, methods, algorithms, plans, recipes, and rountines. We want a sure fire way that works each time, that if something goes wrong, we can just rote recite a few words and it will be gone, or just take a certain pill and all our problems will dissapear. God does not work this way. He has unique ways of working in each situation and we must not limit Him and His work by trying to establish patterned responses for common problems/trials. Just because it worked for you in one situation does not mean a technique or method of prayer will work again for you or for someone else with a similar situation. 2) Jesus commended the man because his was a faith in the unseen. He had the faith that could transcend time and space and the confidence in Jesus that would heal his servant without even touching him. 3) In the last section of this passage in 18-22, Jesus withdrew from the crowds because he didn't want to draw attention or following of a posse, a group just supporting Him or following due to their amazement and awe at the wonders done. Jesus was not a sideshow act, He did not desire fame or fortune, but instead in the next two examples, we see that He promised rather no place to lie your head, and a calling that did not come out of convenience, but duty. Jesus was seeking out those who would commit their entire lives to Him. He checks two would be disciples here, the first being a scribe, apparently had some money and may not have wanted to give up ALL he had materially to follow Jesus. The second was not willing to follow at the appointed time. Following Jesus is not something we can put off till later in our life when it is more convenient to us and we are more 'settled' or our useful and productive years at a job are behind us, we must give of our best, we must sacrifice our first fruits at all times, not just when convenient. To follow Jesus we must take on the attitude of the following hymn: I'd rather have Jesus Verse 1 I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I'd rather be His than have riches untold. I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land, I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand Chorus: Than to be the king of a vast domain And be held in sin's dread sway; I'd rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today Verse 2 I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause, I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause; I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I'd rather be true to His holy name May this be our True song each day as we go forward, that we'd rather have Jesus! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 8:23-9:8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) In 9:6 and 8 the word 'authority' is used to characterize Christ's ministry. In what three realms is this seen in this passage? 2) 9:1-8 reveals Christ's power to deal with the deepest trouble of man. What is this? How do these verses illustrate the means whereby a man may find this healing? What follows from it as a visible proof of it? 3) Demon-possession was clearly treated seriously by our Lord. What may we understand by the demons' witness to Christ in 8:29(cf Mk 1:24;3:11;Act16:16-18) In what way does the incident of 8:28-34 have any parallel in the ministry of the Spirit today? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 8:23-9:8 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jesus has authority to forgive sins and heal, to cast out demons/power over evil, and over nature. 2) Sin is the deepest trouble of man. One may find healing by repenting, seeking Christ's forgiveness and restoration and obeying His commands. The healing of the paralytic was a visible proof. 3) Even the demons knew who Jesus was. It seems to me that many Christians are afraid of the ministry of the Holy Spirit today in churches. I have actually heard people say they don't want to see "spectacular" types of manifestations. I have not had much exposure to this myself either, but I would hope that at least I can recognize it's not my choice, but God's to send His Spirit in our midst. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 8:23 - 9:8 The Authority of the King Jesus has no place to lay His head; yet He demonstrated His authority over the winds, cast the demons and forgave sins. Over the Winds and the Sea, 8:23-27 This is an important lesson on prayer. The disciples wake Him up while He was deeply asleep and told Him "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" (In Chinese version - we are losing our lives). This is their prayer - Because they were perishing and asked the Lord to save them. The answer was "you of little faith". Did I command you to depart to the other side? 8:18b. The Lord's word is linked to faith. This is a sign of little faith in the prayer. It does not mean the more prayer, the better. The winds and the sea were rebuked. Wind and sea are not consciousness beings. Who was the Lord rebuking? Why? 8:28 After the Lord rebuked "the winds and the sea"; there was a great calm. "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" 8:27 Casting the Demons, 8:28-34 This portion mentions that there were two possessed by demons. Demons must more prudent than men; they know that Jesus is Son of God, 8:29, and a lot of people heard about Jesus and still not believe that He is Christ. Further, demons know the time of their torment. What a tragedy it is that when people knows and experiences His power and yet rejects Him. "And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region." 8:34. "So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city." 9:1 The Lord never forces people, so He departed from them. This is approach I use to share my faith to the world. I introduce my faith to them and leave it there for their own decisions. I do not argue with them or promote "forced sell". The only thing I do is keep them in my prayer and hoping that one day may the Lord open their eyes. This is a debatable subject. Some others may say that do you love them enough to go the extra mile? Yes, I do love them as my Lord told me so - to love their souls. But I only do what my conscience tells me to do and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. Matthew 9:1-8 To forgive Sins The beautiful part of this paragraph is that the sin of the paralytic was forgiven first and than he walked to glorify God. It is God's mercy to forgive our sin. So that no one could boast of their work, after being able to walk and serving the Lord, that their sins were forgiven. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 8:23-9:8 -------------------------------- 1) In chp8 we see Jesus excercising his authority over the things of this earth. We see power over sickness and disease(leper healed, Peter's mother, over distance in the centurion's servant), power over the elements(calms sea, stays the wind, and ends the storm), and power over the powers and principalities of this earth(demons cast out). 2) Chapter 9 reveals the power to forgive sins. When Jesus heals the paralytic, he doesn't just heal him as with the others in Chp 8, but instead he realizes this man's true need is a healing of the soul and forgiveness of sins. This does not imply that everyone who is sick has committed a sin. In the Book of James we learn that suffering will come with the Christian walk to mold us and shape us, to refine the dross into gold. Jesus promised that we would not have it easy as followers of Christ, but that he would never leave us nor forsake us. Many times though we do incur sickness or bad health conditions due to a more serious spiritual sickness of unconfessed sin in our lives. 3) The demon possession incident is interesting. We see the demons acknowledging Jesus as Son of God, something even the Pharisees and Scribes failed to do... It is also interesting to note that the crowds asked Jesus to leave after casting out the demons into the pigs. Dave Schroeder in his commentary of Matthew offers the explanation that the herdsmen were angry that Jesus had killed their pigs. in v33 they run back to the city to get the officials, and in 34 everyone comes out to tell Jesus to leave. It is amazing at the low level of compassion shown here. These people cared more for their bellys being fed than the two being released from their demon posession. These people acted much as the fortune telling servant girls masters who were taking advantage of the girl to make money off her demon possession. Again another example of people who cared more for money and their own well being than the souls of others. Do we ever do this? Are we ever so concerned about our own 'image', our status, position in business/ business relationships that we are afraid or even so far as ashamed of the Gospel of Christ? We must be courageous to have compassion on the souls of those unsaved to be as Peter writes in 1Peter3:15 to give an answer to anyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. After all without Jesus, each of us is hopelessly lost in our sins. May we increase our compassion quotient daily and have the boldness and confidence in Christ to reach out to those daily, but to do so with gentleness and respect. Let the Gospel be the offense and not myself, for the Gospel is offensive to those who have not yet understood and accepted its message of grace, but we should not be offensive to others in witnessing to them. It is a fine line struggle that we must strive to work out each day in our lives so that we may serve our king and obey His command to GO and Preach the Gospel to all nations... ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER Matt 9:9-34 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In what ways do verses 9-17 disclose the revolutionary character of the ministry of Jesus? What do they teach us of the character of God (verse 13), and of the way a Christian ought to live amongst sinners? 2 Considering the miracles as signs, define the lessons we may learn from the incidents of verses 18-34 about the ability of our Lord to deal with the spiritual problems ofweakness, deadness, blindness, dumbness. Have you such a problem which ought to be dealt with? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter Matt 9:9-34 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) It must have been such a strange thing to see Jesus eating with tax collectors and "sinners". He really was a minister to all kinds of people. We can see how he did unconventional things, and always justified his actions as a lesson statement. The character of God is "loving sinners" enough to reach out and provide salvation. We too should, as Christians, reach out to sinners and not be too proud to associate with any class or person. 2) We can see each of the sick ones/representatives of sick ones were of all different classes and had different spiritual conditions. The ruler was a synagogue ruler namied Jairus. All the healings were based on the sick ones having faith in Jesus power. The question Jesus asks the blind men strikes me, "DO YOU BELIEVE THAT I AM ABLE TO DO THIS?" He actually asks them that. The question penetrates to my heart too, as I seek wisdom spiritually and in school. God has asked me that question. My prayer is that He will remove any spiritual blindness, and that I can glorify Him and confidently claim that He is my strength, wisdom and supplies all I need, educationally and spiritually. May we each one reflect His glory, and not our own ambition. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 9:9-34 The Continuation of the Ministry Matthew's Response to God's Calling 9:9-13 After Jesus called Matthew, we can feel the changes in Matthew's life. He invited the Lord to his house, Luke 5:29. He gathered his friends to meet Jesus and celebrated his salvation. In this banquet, the Lord made two distinguish statements: (1) The ones who are sick need a physician; the sinners need a Savior. (2) God desires to show mercy to pitiful sinners and He does not care the offering of sacrifice of the self- righteous men. 9:13. About Fasting 9:14-16 This chapter gives us a wake up call of living a new life in Christ. Even John Baptist's disciples were confused that why Jesus' disciples do not fast. We are now in the New Testament time. The old form of worship was only a shadow on God's salvation. We need to put on the new garment on us and have new appearance in Christ. There is a "new wine" in our body; the "new wine" has to be contained in the new wineskin; because the new wine is still generate gas and would burst the old wineskin. The same way, when Hope Spirit came into us, we need a renewed body to keep Him. He just would not be able to stay within the old body. About the Bleeding Woman 9:20 This sickness signifies that the life cannot be retained in her. With her faith, she was healed. "Take heart, daughter, ---your faith has healed you." 9:22 Nothing Like This Has Ever Been Seen 9:33 In Chapters 8 and 9, let us review the ones Jesus called into His Kingdom: The man with leprosy, the centurion with a sick servant, the sick ones, the demon possessed ones, the paralytic, the blind one and the mute. The self-righteous ones, the rich ones, the religious men and those who tending the pigs are not included in His Kingdom. There is something for us to look into and pray about. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Matt 9:9-34 -------------------------------- 1) Jesus' ministry and message was unlike any heard before. He was offering the kingdom of heaven for those who would be faithful, and commit to the deeper life, a daily walk with Him. Jesus in 9-13 shows that He came to seek and save those who were lost. His compassion is shown in so many examples here. He reaches out to the unwanted, the outcast, the shunned of society. They are the sinners and those needing the touch of the Great Physician who can heal from even the sickness and disease of sin. We too must have compassion on those who are considered outcast by society. We must be willing to 'touch' their lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus' message too was new wine, and a fresh patch. Jesus warned that we cannot mix old wineskins with new wine. In other words, do not try to contain the Gospel within the Law. To do so will destroy that which the Gospel represents, a new covenant. The Law is the pattern and model of the Gospel, but it cannot be mixed with the Gospel but we must take the old pattern and create a new wineskin to hold the new wine. Take a new garment that contains resemblance to the old. The Gospel offers grace, the Law is judgement. While the Law and OT is the model and was necessary and should still be studied today to see it's place within the NT and the Gospel, we cannot religiously follow it. To do so would be to try to mend the curtain in the temple that was torn when Jesus was crucified on the cross. 2) Jesus shows us in 18-34 his motivation. Repeatedly he asks those whom He has healed NOT to mention this to anyone. Instead, they go spread the news and 'This news spread throughout all the land.' Again we see the fact that Jesus has control over all aspects of the natural world. He can control the demons/dumbness, disease, blindness, and even death itself. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 9:35-10:23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Some of the instructions given to the twelve here are clearly temporary and would not apply to every situation. But what prin- ciples of Christian service can you find, which are always applicable? 2 Verses 10-23 offer the prospect of both persecution in, and power for, service. In this situation, what is to be the attitude of disciples? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 9:35-10:23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The worthy advice: to "search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave..." in whatever town or village the disciple was ministering in; to be on your guard against men, to trust in the Lord to be given what to say when arrested ("The Spirit of your Father speaking through you", v20) Especially, to STAND FIRM TO THE END. To flee to another place when persecuted in one place. They all seem like very practical advice. 2) Disciples are to rely on the Lord and the Spirit for their words and strength. I think they are also to recognize what kind of lifestyle they were living, one of constantly being on the go for God. To realize that they would not be popular people- "all men will hate you because of me, BUT he who stands firms to the end WILL BE SAVED." v22. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 9:35-10:23 Jesus Preaches in Synagogues, 9:35 Jesus did not preach like John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness. He preaches the gospel of the kingdom to the Jews first in their assembling house. Then, He sent the twelve out to be His witnesses. These witnesses are having great power that if anyone who does not listen to their teaching would be charged more severely than the punishment of the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, 10:15. Be Shrewd as Snakes, 10:16 So often, the faithful ones may think they stand out boldly for the Lord and do not worry that they may be killed by thinking that the body they may kill but God's will prevails. But this is not what the Lord teaches us. DO NOT MAKE ANY UNNECESSARY SACRIFICE. Flee away to prevent persecution, 10:23. It is to flee not to resist persecution. You Will Be Hated, 10:22 The reason they will be hated is because they do the will of God and the worldly people do not. It separates good ones from evil. God's will be done through them on the earth. Above all, the evil ones know that one day God's will be done totally on the earth as it is in heaven. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Matt 9:35-10:23 -------------------------------- In this chapter, Jesus commissions his disciples. The commission starts with a burden, a labor of love, a spirit of compassion for the souls of men. Jesus had an inner stirring for the souls of men. He told the people the harvest was plentiful, but the workers few. Next, Jesus gives the disciples authority and sends them out. He tells them not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans, this is not brought about by an exclusion of these peoples, but just the directive and procedure for ministy, start locally then move globally. If you aren't successful at home, you will not necessarily be successful abroad. Verse 7 is key, AS YOU GO, this implies that the work doesn't stop, and that we don't just target a group and go to them, but AS we are going to them, we preach the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven does not mean God's eternal kingdom alone. Jesus said 'the kingdom of heaven is at hand' the kingdom of heaven/God is the acceptance of God in the hearts of men not only the millenial kingdom. As Dave Schroeder puts it, it is like an embryo waiting to be born. It is alive, but has not been born yet. Here are some key concepts of followers of Christ: Freely give(v8), do not acquire(9), shake the dust, do not force the gospel(14), be shrewd(15), be innocent(15), do not worry(16), endure, but flee persecution(17), and do not fear(26) 2) As discples, Jesus warned that there would be persecution in many forms. He cited specific examples here: hated by men, plotted against by men, hated by family, cursed by men, handed over to the courts, and others. The disciples were not to fear persecution, but to avoid it where possible. Jesus left the crowds in many cases just to do this, otherwise He might have been captured and sentenced much earlier, but 'the appointed time had not come'. We need to let God handle the situations that come upon us but be shrewd and flee when possible the persecution, but if it does come, we should take the advice of Paul in Philipians 4:5-8 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 10:24-42 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 With all the realism of the warning in verses 24, 25, Christ encourages His disciples not to fear. Consider the reasons given in verses 26-33 to encourage confidence. 2 In what way do verses 34-42 demand of the Christian both militancy and tenderness? How do you equate the statement of verse 34 with the thought of Christ as Prince of Peace? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 10:24-42 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Often throughout the Bible it encourages believers not to be afraid. I've always found v 27 fascinating, "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, procalim from the roofs." It is almos tlike permission from the Lord to speak boldly about the secret things of Himself. 2) The verse v 37-38, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy ofme and anyone who does NOT TAKE HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME." I think that this is a central concept of the Christian faith that needs to be learned and understood, especially by kids born into a Christian home. v34 about Christ bringing "a sword" seems to contradict the Prince of Peace title. However, He did bring salvation/peace with GOD. But there will always be divisions among men; if there were not, people are probably not speaking their true beliefs/feelings. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 10: 24-42 Jesus Finished Commanding His Twelve 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master." This refers to sufferings. 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." God is the only one who is able to do so. 10:32-33 "-- whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." Whenever, we face suffering and persecution we need to remember these verses, even we are told to flee from it. From 10:34-37 is talking about the situation of those who have unbelieving family. There would be a fight in the family between the King of the heavens and the king of this world. 10:38 "And he who does not take his (not His) cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." It means to follow AFTER the example of His life. It is to follow His footsteps. In Chinese, it is translated as follow and obey. That is to take the will of God by putting themselves aside. This demanded that they, at any cost, give their love first to Him that they might be worthy of Him. Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone? Must Jesus bear the cross a-lone and all the world go free? No, there's a cross for ev-'ry one, And there's a cross for me. The Apostles Were Sent by God Father, 10:40 "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who set Me." 10:42 "And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward." Do not lose your reward by not "giving them a cup of cold water"!!,!!,!!,!!,!!,!!. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 10:24-42 -------------------------------- 1) Jesus had just warned the disciples that they would be persecuted. Now, he gives them assurance that even though they will not have it easy, He will be there. In 26 He tells them not to be afraid to preach the Gospel, that which is not known will be revealed eventually. Woe to those who do not know it then, for it will bring judgement upon them. We are to fear only God, for He is the only one who can bring judgement down on body and soul. Jesus goes on to tell us that he cares for even the cheapest sparrow, why would He not care for us. We must be careful always to be willing to profess the name of Jesus lest He be ashamed of us when we approach the throne of judgement before God the Father. 2) The demands made of a disciple in this last portion of chp 10 are very extreme. It demands that we give up even family and close friends if they would prevent us from preaching the Gospel. I praise the Lord that my family knows the Lord and that they understand that no matter what, I must serve God first, no matter where it may be or in what capacity. For it was beautifully expressed in the Hymn The Way of the Cross Means Sacrifice. The Way of the Cross Means Sacrifice As to God you yield your all, To be laid on the altar, the place of death Where fire will surely burn Tis the way of the cross are you willing for this? What does bearing the Cross mean to you? YOu who've given yourself your all to God To God are you wholly true? Jesus called us to take up our cross and follow Him, if we have found Him, we will lose our life and in losing our life find it for His sake. Let us lose ourselves in Jesus love and take up the cross to follow Him daily. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 11:1-24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What may we learn of the character of John the Baptist from his problems and doubts concerning Jesus, and from our Lord's com- mendation of him (verses 1-19)? 2 Verses 2O-24. We may discern here some important principles behind God's judgment of mankind. What are they, and what relevance do they have in our situation? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 11:1-24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) John the Baptist was from the age of the old covenant; he only announced Jesus (e.g. v17 "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance" referring to Jews who refused to respond to the announcements of Jesus coming). It is interesting that Jesus recognized J. the Baptist as the greatest human prophet; then He turns around and says "he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (John the Baptist). Since J. the Baptist was of the old age, anyone from the New Test ament age had a greater inheritance than he did. Another view from my study Bible is that the humble ones are regarded by God as even greater than J. the Baptist. 2) Romans 9:18: "Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden." This is a difficult verse for our minds to comprehend, but it is the Truth. I cannot deny that; it is so clearly seen throughout the Bible, and just generally in life. However, we can see here how Tyre an dSidon seem to be quicker to repent, and therefore to gain God's mercy. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 11:1-21 Jesus and John Baptist Were Rejected 11:3 John Baptist had been imprisoned for so long (Matt. 4:12). He was offended that why the Lord ignored him? John was stumbled because he did not get what he expected. Hence, he sent his disciples to provoke the Lord. 11:4 Jesus told John's disciples to tell John about what did they hear, God's Word, and the things they saw, the miracles. It is more important for us to know God Word than see the miracles. John Baptist's complaints are why don't you take me out of the jail? John did not realize that his mission is accomplished and his time is over. 11:11 John B. was the greatest among the prophets; because he saw Christ and rest did not. Yet he was the least among the ones in the kingdom of God; because Holy Spirit did not live in him as what we have. 11:17-19 "and saying: 'We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not lament.' 18. "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children." In summary, John came to preach repentance and you did not mourn. Christ came to express His grace and men did not feel happy. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this cahpter, we see John the Baptist questioning Jesus. He is in prison and is wondering if Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus explains to him why He is doing what He is, and that it is the fulfillment of the OT prophecy. John the Baptist plays an important role in the preaching of the kingdom, Jesus wanted all to know this role(v9) - more than a prophet (v11) greaters among those born of women. He also wanted them to know that being great here on earth meant nothing if you weren't kingdom bound. Kingdom lifestyle reflects these qualities. TO BE We MUST -=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rich Be Poor in spirit Happy Meek and accepting of the grace of Christ Great Humble in Christ Wise Obedient to God's will. Joyful Be persecuted for Righteousness sake These are totally against what this world is preaching to us in our modern pop culture. We must totally reject this world and take up the yoke of carrying our cross daily to live a true kingdom life. 2) In this section, we see the impending judgement. Those cities where Christ preached directly rejected Him. He let them know that there would be a harsh judgement, so harsh it would be worse than that on Sodom. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 11:25-12:21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) In 11:25-30, there is an amazing combination of Christ's claims to unique authority and to humility. Can both be true? What do these verses teach concerning (a) His Person, and (b) the attitude He asks from us? 2) Summarize the main principles of sabbath observance outlined a 12:1-14. In what way may we be guilty of the sin of the Phari- ees? How are we to avoid a secularization of the Lord's day? 3) 12:15-21 These verses indicate the significance of the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah for an understanding of Jesus and His ministry. Cf 8:17; Lk. 2:29-32; 22:37; Jn. 12:37,38. What are the outstanding features of this ministry? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 11:25-12:21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We see the centrality of Jesus here- v27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son an dthose to whom theSon chooses to reveal Him." Yes, Christ was a humble servant, and the King of Kings at the same time. 2) Jesus teaches that it is "lawful" to do good on the Sabbath. He totally went against the old teachings of the Jews. this infuriated them, and they plotted how to kill Him. I find it difficult in this modern day and age to keep the sabbath free of secularization; the best way for us Christians is to do it in our HEART. The day is the Lord's, to dwell on Him an dpraise and honor Him. Although I usually do studying/work on Sunday's, I try to meditate and have a quiet heart. It would also be good not to schedule too many "secular activities" for Sunday, in my personal opinion. 3) I always wish I could have been alive when Jesus was on earth. Such a "man" I would want to see, and listen to His teachings. Often, i try to put myself in the perspective of one from that ancient time. The suffering servant is the picture I feel is most unique about our Lord. Other "deities" are high andlofty; while our Lord is exalted above all other gods, He was also the suffering servant, mangled and disfigured beyond recognition on the cross of Calvary. Are we to ignore this man? How can we?? He did not die for nothing. Isaiah 53:11:"After the suffering of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisified; by His knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and HE WILL BEAR THEIR INIQUITIES." Why else would a man suffer such a brutal, shameful death, except for a greater cause...the salvation of our souls. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 11:25 - 12:21 The True Rest on the Sabbaths Right after Jews rejection of Jesus, He gave praise to God. 11:27 "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." This praise related to John 6:37-39: "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by not means cast out." ----- 12:1-8 introduced a charge which Pharisees tried to post on to the Lord saying that the disciples searching for food on Sabbath which is unlawful. Pharisees are Bible scholars and tried to trap Jesus and charges Him guilty by offending Jewish law. They lost the battle. 12:9-12 Pharisees was trying to find fault on Him by healing the sick on Sabbath. This time, the Lord use common sense to defeat them. Verses 17-21: Here God has put the Israelites aside and has turned to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were like bruised and Lord still expected to make them useful. Even the smoking flax He would not quench them and still expected them to give light again. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God does not approve of pride. In v25 we see that those who pride themselves with knowlege and intellect may have the gospel hidden from them. When we approach the gospel we must come as infants, tiny children with open minds and humble hearts. Jesus asks us to be willing to lean on Him, to humble our hearts, to open our minds, and to accept Him. 2) In this section, Jesus is marking the distinction of His message from the OT/Law. It is separate but one, in v30 the light yoke is probably referring to the comparison between acceptance by faith and religious practice of the Law. We must set apart the Sabbath, but not be religiously stuck to practice of it. If we just mechanically go to church we may be guilty of being just like the Pharisees who were great at dutifully doing things without the heart and mind and spirit to do them. 3) The passage in 15-21 refers to Isaiah. Here we see the picture of the "Suffering Servant" Christ. He came to proclaim justice, and no one would listen. His minsitry was blessed by God, and He was persecuted for it. This is also an indication of the opening of the kingdom to the Gentiles in v21. Praise God for the Gospel of Christ's Kingdom which is available to all men, Jew and Gentile, Greek and Roman!