><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 12:22-50 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Verses 22-32. What do you understand by the 'unforgivable sin' interpreted in the light of its context here? Consider the solemnity of these warnings; and note the connection with them of verses 43-45. 2) What is taught in verses 33-37 about the dangers of evil of foolish speaking? In what way may a Christian deal with failure at this level? 3) Why does Christ refuse to give a special sign to the Pharisees (verses 38,39)? What is the significance of His references to the Old Testarnent in verses 40-42? What may we learn from verses 41, 42 and 50 concerning our right response to Christ? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 12:22-50 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit-NIV study Bible says attributing to Satan Christ's authenticating miracles done in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an UNFORGIVEABLE sin. 2) Careless words are spoken every day by Christians and non-Christians alike. However, Christians ought to understand what the Bible says about this- we are held accountable. We should take our words seriously as much as possible. Pray for conversation that is seasoned with grace. 3) The Pharisees are a wicked and spiritually adulterous generation, which seek miraculous signs. Th eonly sign would be of Christ's resurrection on the third day. (Jonah was also in the belly of the huge fish for three days and three nights). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 12:22-50 The Spirit of God and the Kingdom of God Matthew 12:28 "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." In the Bible, there are two major topics: the kingdom of God - the sovereignty of God; the Spirit of God - the power of God. 12:29 "Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house." To bind the strong man, Satan, requires the power of God - the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power of the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 17:21 "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." 12:38-42 Concerning seeking the miracles, why did the Lord specifically mention the prophet Jonah? Jonah was sent to Ninevites, not to Israelites. Corporately, the children of Israel were given up by the Lord. Because of they blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. In Verses 12:47 - 48, it is a sad message to Israelites. Here the Lord Jesus showed to them about His relationship with the children of Israel, and with His mother as well, had been cut off. Verse 50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, the sister, and mother." A brother is for rending help, a sister is for showing sympathy and a mother is for loving tender care. [Watchman Lee notes]. A Few Words about The Pharisees, 12:24 The Pharisees are religious men (leaders) of Jews without faith. They followed a strict adherence to the law. Jesus condemned their hypocrisy, their salvation by works, their lovelessness. Not every Pharisee was so condemned. But, rather those religious leaders who accused Jesus of blasphemy (Luke 5:21), of being motivated by Satan (9:34) and of breaking the Law (Matthew 12:2). Those leaders planned to kill Him, Matthew 12:14. Some of the great men of the New Testament were fruitful Pharisees: Nicodemus, John 3:1, Gamaliel, Acts 5:34 and Paul, Acts 26:5. [Salem Kirban Reference Bible] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The unforgivable sin is the grieving or blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Here, by the Pharisees saying Jesus was working through the power of Satan, they were in essence cheapening and blaspheming the power of the Holy Spirit - equating it to Satan's power. v43-45 give us an idea of the severity and power of these evil spirits. They have the ability to reposses the body they have been cast out of and also to attract more evil to the body possessed. 2) Here, Jesus gives a discourse on the taming of the tongue. James(the brother of Jesus) in his letter also give such a discourse, perhaps we know where he obtained his source information! Jesus says that a good man brings out good treasure and an evil man evil treasure. This is an indication that the tongue is controlled by the mind and heart, that where we store up treasure is where our hearts and minds are focused. Earlier, Jesus said Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these shall be added unto you. He also said: Matt 6:20-23 20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23 "But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! We must take heed and focus our hearts and minds on Christ so that our body will be full of light! 3) Christ reprimands the Pharisees for their need for a sign, yet He eventually gives them the sign, and prophecies it before them here. When it actually comes to pass, they STILL ignore it. Christ was showing that He was greater than the prophets, and also showing the Pharisees His command of OT Law. The last section from 46-50 is again dealing with the subject of families in Christ. Jesus in 48 says 'Who is my Mother and My Brothers' He is not saying again that family relationships are bad, but again He stresses that salvation is a personal commitment to Christ, not something earned by familial association or by being related to Christ on this Earth. It may have been that Christ's earthly brothers or sisters were trying to take advantage of their familial relationship to gain favor in the eyes of men. Jesus as He stated before calls us to "FOLLOW ME" - forsaking all for the Gospel call. Are we willing to forsake even family to follow Christ? It is truly a hard saying, but one that demonstrates the level of commitment necessary in becoming a true follower of Christ. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 13:1-23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) The parable of the sower (or 'the soils') may be regarded as a parable to explain why our Lord taught in parables. How did this method serve to reveal truth to some and to hide it from others? What was the simple and searching condition of gaining benefit? 2) In the parable of the sower what were the reasons why the same seed produced such different results? What conditions are signified by the different kinds of soil? What is indispensable to fruitfulness? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 13:1-23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) v9 says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Those who wanted to hear and had spiritual eyes could understand the parable. To gain benefit, one must hear the Word and understand it, v23. The crop will be 30 or 60 times what was sown. 2) The different results depended on the SOIL, the medium which the seed fell into. A place such as good soil has nutrients, water, the right conditions for growth. The interpretation is given in v18-23. Fruitfulness requires being in Him directly as our source for nutrients, His Word, His Spirit. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 13:1-23 Good Soil In Chapter 12, the Lord was talking to the Jews in their synagogue, 12:9. When they asked Him for a sign and the Lord told them the sign of Jonah - That is the salvation to the gentiles. It is clearly indicated at the end of chapter 12: "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." Now, the same day Jesus went out of the house, synagogue, and came to the seashore. There were great multitudes, where you would find Jews and Gentiles as well. The first parable was taught with this background. In this parable, Jesus did not teach them about what the kingdom of heavens is like yet. What the Lord told them is 'prepare your hearts'. You must have a good heart like good soil to receive the Seed of Life to be sowed in you. Even though you are many, "But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop----", 13:8. "---- he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." 13:23. Good soil will retain proper amount of water and have enough air and mineral to convert the seed into hundredfold, or sixty or thirty of additional seeds. The regeneration of my seed requires rooting in the Word, prayer and exercise of the Spirit. Not all the ones in the multitudes would bear fruit. Only those "others" fell on good ground - only the humble ones who have eyes to see and ears to hear concerning the kingdom of heavens would. If we do not humble ourselves, the Word would not reveal to us at all. Then, we would not be able to root down our faith for bearing fruits. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Jesus' Major Parables - Matthew Commentary by Dave Schroeder Parable Matt Mark Luke ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Sower + Soils 13:1-23 4:3-9 8:4-18 2) Tares + Wheat 3:24-31 4:26 -- 3) Mustard Seed 13:31-32 4:30-32 13:18-19 4) Leaven 13:33 -- 13:20-21 5) Hidden Treasure 13:44 -- -- 6) Costly Pearl 13:45-46 -- -- 7) Dragnet 13:47-50 -- -- 1) Jesus' parables served sometimes as allegory(story giving human characteristics to inanimate or natural objects), sometimes as metaphor(quick as a fox), and always sought to teach those with an open mind and soft heart for the Word. The parables were often related to natural things, or occupational things that the 'common' man could relate to and see in his everyday life. They took kingdom truths and made them tangible to the farmer, the fisherman, the tax collector, the merchant, and the housewife. 2) In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes various results of seed falling in different soil. The soil is the medium in which the seed grows. Our soil is our lives. The hard soil(or road) is a life that is hardened and unyielding, one that doesn't let the seed take root, the seed is thus exposed to the elements(wind/ rain) and the external forces(birds) that can take the seed sown and carry it away from the soil. The rocky places are those that have some dirt, but are not deep. This represents the life that is open to the word, but which does not have a good foundation. The foundation is tough and the roots of the seed do not take hold and stick. Thus when trials(wind/rain) come the plant is blown away. The thorny ground represents a life of good soil, but has other things mixed in with it. This is the life which is so involved with other things that it doesn't have time or place for the seed to take root. The competing thorns(job, money, power, other religious though-New Age thought for example) possess too great a position and choke out the seed that has been sown and the plant dies. Jesus also mentions here the idea of predestination. He says that the hearts of those who v11 have been granted to know. He says to those granted to know the seed and knowledge should grow more abundantly, and to those who have not, even what they have will be taken. May the Lord give each of us eyes to see and ears to hear. The good soil finally is able to take a seed and multiply its effectiveness by allowing it to produce and yield a crop that is 30 to 60 to 100 fold. May we each one be tending to the soil of our lives to clear it of thorns, to remove rocks, and to make sure we don't build roads of hard heartedness on top of the soil which prevent the seed of the Word from taking root in our lives and allowing us to be effective workers for the spreading of the fruit of the Gospel. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 13:24-52 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What is the teaching of the parable of the wheat and the tares (verses 24-30)? 2 Verses 31-33 record two parables on the theme of growth. What is the main message of these verses? May these verses include warning against possible dangers? 3 Verses 44-50 illustrate different ways by which individuals may enter the kingdom. What are these? Why is there a mixture of good and bad? What is the condition of true enjoyment? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 13:24-52 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The wheat are the sons of the kingdom, the tares are of the evil one. Both grow together, live and exist in this world, but the harvest at the end will segregate them. Wicked will be destroyed, God's people will be saved and live with Him. It is a scary though to think who I know that might be among those tares...it inspires me to do my best to witness. When I consider that this world in its present form is passing away, it frightens me that people I like may go to Hell. It is a wake up call. 2, 3) The kingdom will gradually spread throughout the world, like yeast in dough. People who discover what the kingdom of heaven is really like will give their lives for it - a pearl of great value, worth giving up all else for. It amkes sense to invest in what is eternal, and only take certain, measured amounts of interest in what is only earthly and will passs away in a matter of years. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 13: 24-52 The Rest Parables The Tares 13:24 - 30 The first parable was talking about one seed, Word of God. When it applies to different soils that is "the field of your heart"; it would turn out with different results. Now, we are revealing the case that two different seeds are growing in the same soil. "A man", the Lord sowed the good seed in His field. The gardeners, the church watchmen, slept and the enemy came and sowed tares also in the field until the harvest time. Then, the reapers, angels, will come to separate them. The tares will be burned. The Mustard Seed 13:31-32 The third kind seed is introduced here. The mustard seed signifies the principle of God's word of life. This smallest seed would grow up to 10 to 15 ft tall trees in Palestine. The seed of herb is turning into a tree. A vegetable is turning into a fruit-bearing tree. The church was the smallest "organization" and has become Christianity. Watch! Birds came to lodge in the branches of the great tree for food and shed. This is the abnormal development and appearance of the kingdom of the heavens. The Leaven 13:33 - 35 "Leaven" in the Scripture signifies evil things, 1 Cor. 5:6,8, and evil doctrines, Matt. 16:6, 11-12. It reflects the inward corruption and the outward appearance of the kingdom of heavens: the teaching of the Pharisees; the teaching of Sadducees and the worldly way of life. The Hidden Treasure 13:44 The Sowing, the tares, the mustard seed and the leaven are taught in open and the treasure , the pearl and the net were taught in the house, "the house of Israel". Among them, the tares and the treasure are the most important and richest in mystery. The treasure hidden in the field must consist of gold or precious stones, the materials for the building of the church and the New Jerusalem. These treasures, salvation, are hidden in the Bible. The Pearl 13:45-46 The pearl signifies the beauty of the church. The beauty of the pearl is the expression of life, not something of human work. Pearls are produced in the sea, not in the field. The sea refers to the Gentiles, the multitudes of peoples. The origin of the pearl is that it is produced out of an oyster, which is the ugliest animal. This is just like the church, which is produced out of a most humble Christ. [Watchman Nee's Notes] The Net 13:47-50 Some Bible expositors have explained the parable of the net does not signify the gospel of grace, which is preached in the church age, but the eternal gospel, which will be preached to the Gentile world in the great tribulation, Rev. 14:6-7. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 13:24-52 -------------------------------- 1) The teachings here are separated into two categories, those taught in public those in private. The public ones were the Tares and Wheat, Mustard Seed, and Leaven. The private ones to the disciples were the hidden treasure, the pearl, the dragnet, and the householder. These all have a common theme - the kingdom of God. The Wheat and Tares represents life in this world. There will be those who are 'good seed' and those who are tares. We will be unable to tell those who are tares from those who are wheat. We must therefore be watchful, for not all who call Lord, Lord will be with Him in Glory. Only the good seed will receive the kingdom life when the harvest comes. 2) The two parables of growth are the mustard seed and the leaven. Both indicate that the church will grow from a small seed or portion into something much greater than imagined when viewing just the small seed. It is the working of the Holy Spirit in watering the seed / exciting the dough that causes the growth. This represents the kingdom here on earth - the church. 3) The Dragnet again retells the story of the wheat and the tares and expresses the fact that there are those caught in the harvest who are 'bad fish' and that they will be thrown into the furnace of fire in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Entry into the kingdom is described in the next few parables. The kingdom is likened to a treasure and a pearl. The men seeking to possess the kingdom will give up ALL that they own in this world, every worldly possession just to have it. This represents the deep committment we should have when serving the Lord. This next passage is taken from a message on being a Real Man by Rev. Larry Persons given at the Franconia Alliance Men's Retreat 1997 Jesus once said: "The kingdom is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." "I want this pearl. How much is it?" "Well," the seller says, "it's very expensive." "But how much?" we ask. "Well, a very large amount." "Do you think I could buy it?" "Oh, of course. Everyone can buy it." "But didn't you say it was very expensive?" "Yes." "Well, how much is it?" "Everything you have," says the seller. "We make up our minds. "All right, I'll buy it," we say. "Well, what do you have?" he wants to know. "Let's write it down." "Well, I have ten thousand dollars in the bank." "Good--ten thousand dollars. What else?" "That's all. That's all I have." "Nothing more?" "Well, I have a few dollars here in my pocket." "How much?" We start digging. "Well, let's see--thirty, forty, sixty, eighty, a hundred, a hundred and twenty dollars." "That's fine. what else do you have?" "Well, nothing. That's all." "Where do you live?" He's still probing. "In my house. Yes, I have a house." "The house, too, then." He writes that down. "You mean I have to live in my camper?" "You have a camper? That too. What else?" "I'll have to sleep in my car!" "You have a car?" "Two of them." "Both become mine, both cars. What else?" "Well, you already have my money, my house, my camper, my cars. What more do you want?" "Are you alone in this world?" "No, I have a wife and two children . . . ." "Oh yes, your wife and children, too. What else?" "I have nothing left! I am left alone now." Suddenly the seller exclaims, "Oh, I almost forgot! You yourself, too! Everything becomes mine--wife, children, house, money, cars--and you too." Then he goes on. "Now listen-- I will allow you to use all these things for the time being. But don't forget that they are mine, just as you are. And whenever I need any of them you must give them up, because now I am the owner." That's how it is when you are under the ownership of Jesus Christ. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 13:53-14:12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What may we learn from the closing verses of chapter 13 about the nature of prejudice? Of what may it deprive us, and why? 2 In the story of 14: 1-12, identify the distinctive characteristics of both Herod and John the Baptist; what is the difference between John's faithfulness and Herod's keeping of his promise? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 13:53-14:12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this case, Jesus was not believed in in his hometown of Nazareth. He was a "prophet without honor". It is sad, but I think it is true. I have even heard of some famous people whose friends and family do not revere them, but consider them just their old friend, etc., However, this case is the Lord. 2) Herod was under control of others; he wanted to please them, despite his own fears of beheading John the Baptist. Both kept their character to the end- Herod kept his promise out of fear though, John the Baptist lived with strong faith. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 13:53 - 14:12 Jesus Was Rejected In 12:24, we are told that Pharisees rejected Jesus. Here, in verse 13:55, the Galilians, represent common people, rejected Jesus. Further, in 14:2, king Herod recognized the Lord merely as John the Baptist. 13:53-54 The people of Nazareth acknowledge that the Lord had wisdom and did works of power. But do not accept the fact that He is Christ. They think that someone who is powerful must also be mysterious. Jesus is Mary's son and brother of James and Joseph, nothing extraordinary. John 7:24 - 29 " 'Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.' Now some of them from Jerusalem said. 'Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? 'However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.' Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, 'You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know." In 13:55, the Galilians know Him only according to the flesh, not according to the spirit. In Corinthians 5:16 Paul made a statement based on Matthew 13:55 and said "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer." That means that we know Him now not only in flesh but also in the Holy Spirit and in power. 13:58 "Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Many people hindered the power of God because of their unbelief. 14:1 Herod the tetrarch is a king under the emperor. He considered Christ as John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, 14:6-12 is the only place in the Bible that mentions the celebration of a birthday. This is a case that indicates that birthday celebration is not very good. There are Christians who do not celebrate birthdays, not even Jesus' birthday. Some others consider them as cults. Are they cults? I do not think we need to worry about it. We will see on that day when "the wheat is separated from the tares." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Luke 4 and again here, we see the prejudice of Jesus' hometown people to the fact that He is the Messiah. They cannot believe that one of their own would be the Messiah. He is run out of town in Luke and here His ministry is stifled(v58) because of their unsupportiveness. It is interesting to note that usually when a sports team is playing in their hometown they have a 'home-field' advantage - a friendly stadium and crowd cheering them on to victory. Jesus had no home field advantage to speak of, nor even a welcoming home or Homecoming. It is sad that those who knew Jesus best, having grown up with Him around did not believe and were not even supportive of His ministry. 2) The story in 1-12 of John the Baptist's death is a truly sad one. John's faithfulness was founded in God and Herod was keeping his word to man. Herod out of a contempt for John due to his preaching against Herod's actions had John arrested. But, rather than have the guilty conscience of having murdered John, Herod keeps him locked up. Unfortunately the dauther of Herodius had other plans. In Mark's Gospel, we see that Herodias was Herod's brother's former wife. She too had been condemned by John for a sinful marriage and was bitter. She schemed to get her revenge. Her daughter Salome was the executor of that revenge. We must remember that Jesus never promised an easy road for us when following Him. Matt 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. May we seek to travel on the narrow road that we may find the small gate that leads to life! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 14:13-36 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Consider the miracles of these verses as parables in action. What particularly do you learn from the response and failure of the disciples? For what qualities do we need to pray if we are to be found faithful? 2 From the same stories consider the light cast upon the Person of Christ. What characteristics are unmistakably revealed? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 14:13-36 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The disciples demonstrated a lack of spiritual understanding. (Although I probably would have too) They did not understand that God could provide. In the next scene, Peter is saved from drowning by Jesus, and called "you of little faith". However, the result was fruitful because those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus, saying "Truly you are th eSon of God." 2) Christ had great compassion (v14 healed their sick out of compassion), a tender love for the people that was unmistakable. It says that he had compassion on them and healed them, not that he wanted to display his great power. I have often felt that the Lord truly is compassionate towards me, answering my prayers for help throughout the day, that is, when my actions are in line with His will. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 14:13-36 Feeds the Five Thousand, 14:13-21 With all the rejections we read so far, there were still a good number followed Him on foot. They left their towns to a remote place. Jesus healed their sickness until late in the day. 14:13-14. As evening approached, the disciples intended to send them away to the nearby village to buy food, 14:15. It is our human way of conducting programs - sending people away to meet their needs. So often, we think that we are doing a right thing to send people to other churches to fit their language and cultural background etc. without even asking the Lord's way of what should be done. The Lord indicated to the disciples that these people, they dropped their culture, left the towns, to follow Him. He would not send them away. The concept is offering the five loaves and two fish. The blessings came from (1) offering what we have and (2) breaking ourselves, breaking the bread, 14:19, to serve others. By doing so, the needs of the multitude (the whole church) will be met with twelve basketfuls remaining richness. This is church life; this is kingdom life. Jesus Walks on the Water, 14:22 - 33 The disciples were told to be on broad of a boat to sail through sea where there they were distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary in the total darkness. If your church do not have this experience, I boldly speak that your church may be just a religious one and not battling against Satan and his dominion. At the darkest hour, about 3 to 4 AM, Jesus came to save them from their fear, to direct and encourage them to pass through them darkest hours and most difficulty time. That was the day Peter experienced (1) the great feeling of walking on the water; (2) the terrible situation of sunk into the deep sea; (3) he prayed an effective prayer "Lord, save me!"; (4) he experienced roaring waves and the calmness of the sea instantaneously and (5) he together with the whole boat worshipped Jesus and claimed that "Truly you are the Son of God", 14:33. At Gennesaret - All Who Touched Him Were Healed, 14:34 - 36 At Gennesaret, a place means "the king's land of protectiion" or "garden of riches". In this town, all those who touched him were healed. If each time we come before Him with the desire to touch Him, our prayers should all be answered. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1/2) In v 14 we see Jesus' motivation for these miracles - Compassion. Firstly, The disciples lost sight of the ability of Jesus when they want to send the people away. Jesus reminds them that He came to provide for the people. He has the disciples call them to Him and provides the abundant miracle of food. We need to pray that we will have the faith to see where God can work and provides the ability to do things. THE ONLY ABILITY HE WANTS FROM US IS OUR AVAIL-ABILITY. In an effort to avoid being the 'Bread King', and known and sought for solely for provision, Jesus retreats as He does many times. The disciples are to cross the sea. Peter walks on water, but doesn't quite have enough faith to keep it up for long. We need to learn to not doubt even in the face of the storm, the tests and the trials. It is easy to say, but hard to practice. We need our faith to start in our minds, our hearts, and to be evidenced in our lives. The disciples once again seem to have an epiphany of whom Jesus really is. It is sometimes amazing to me that throughout His time with them, they just don't seem to get who He is, constantly slipping back into doubt and questioning of the power and ability of Jesus to completely provide in all circumstances. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 15:1-20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 For what reasons does Christ condemn the religious outlook of the Pharisees? How may we be in danger of similar failure? 2 These verses emphasize the importance of man's heart. Cf 5:8, 28; 12:34; 18:35. What is meant here by the word 'heart'? Cf Is. 10:7, ASV and RSV. How then can a man's actions be put right? 3 What are the three groups of people to whom Christ speaks in these verses? Do you notice any difference in His manner of teaching them? Has this any implication for Christian teaching today? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 15:1-20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) They honored Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him - lip service. When we have much knowledge, but do not apply it daily to our lives, we are no better than an unbeliever- useless salt. We need to be salty Christians, applying our faith daily. Faith in action. 2) The heart is the attitude and the resulting action, I think. If you have a compassionate heart, you will naturally show compassion and do things for those in need. When we seek God's will with all our heart, we will find Him, and our actions will manifest the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). 3) Christ is speaking here to Pharisees, teachers of the law, the crowd, and his disciples (e.g. religious ones, unbelievers/seekers, believers/followers of Christ). He teaches them differently, I feel. To the pharisees, rebuke and tone of righteous anger, "You hypocrites!...", to the crowd, gentleness and patience with instruction, "Listen and understand.", and to His disciples, He trys to correct and admonish them, "Are you still so dull?..." It is how we should teach today. However, as it also says in I Pet. 3:15,with gentleness and respect. After all, we are not perfect - only Christ was. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 15:1 - 20 Condemned the Hypocrites Pharisees and teachers of the law are the hypocrites in this part of study. To be hypocritical is not to be truly evil; it is to be falsely good. False good is worse than evil. These hypocrites came from Jerusalem, their religious center, to find fault of Jesus. Their troubling gave Him the opportunity of revealing the truth about real cleanness, which are covered by verses 10-11 and 15-20. Man should honor his parents that is the first commandment concerning human relationships among the ten commandments, Exo. 20:12. But these hypocrites taught their people " 'If anyone says to his father or mother: Anything I have that I might have used to help you is dedicated to God,' he is rid of his duty to father or mother. In this way you have made God's word null and void by means of your tradition." 15:5-6 The parable of a blind man leading a blind man, referring to the washing hands. The heart is the source of evil. It is the heart that needs cleansing; this is not an outward need, such as hand washing. The fact is that those hypocrites need to be right with God - not to rob the portion people suppose to use in serving their parents to be their procession. This passage speaks concerning man's heart (hypocrites) being defiled. And the rest of this chapter speaks concerning God's heart. It reveals to us about man's heart and God's heart. What a contrast it is. That is the reason that John the Baptist taught about repentance. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Christ here condemns the Pharisees lip service to God. He says that they are only speaking what should be done and know the law in their minds, but not in their hearts or action. We too many time slip into the practice of religion rather than worshipping Him in our daily lives. Our judgemental nature examines things in a head knowledge way and we do things out of a legalistic approach rather than approaching with our hearts and living out our faith. 2) The heart being talked about here could be described as the Will of heart. The intention behind the deed. The motivation behind the action. We need to 'examine our hearts' Psalm 26:2 says: 2 Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. May this be our prayer each day as we strike out, that God would examine us, probe us and change our heart to mirror His. 3) Christ teaches the Knowledgeable Pharisees, the crowds, and the disciples. We too must look at our audience and make our teaching apply to one and to all. We must also not apply the same method of teaching to all we encounter. Just because a program works in one instance doesn't mean we can apply it in all circumstances. We as 'The Church' have sometimes let ourselves become too dependent upon programs and methods that we lose sight of the source and power of the teaching. We must remember to go back to the Least Common Denominator - Jesus, and His Gospel. This is the one thing that ALL men at ALL stages in their understanding of the revelations of God can comprehend. For the Gospel is the power of God unto Salvation(Romans 1:16). We are to have our feet covered with it that it may go with us in our daily walk(Eph 6:15) The gospel is mentioned over 90 times in the NT and usually associated with teaching, both to Jew and Gentile, to common and learned, to the follower and to the lost. It is the LCD and we must remember to keep it at the heart of whatever teaching we are involved with.