><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 19:23-20:28 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Consider the teaching of Jesus on riches and possessions. With verses 23-26, cf Lk. 6:24; 8: 14; 12: 13-21. Compare Paul's teach- ing in I Tim. 6: 7, 10, 17. But note that Christ gladly received help from the rich (cf Lk. 8:2, 3). 2 Is there a place for the concept of reward in Christian service? What do verses 27-30 teach about this? 3 Verses 1-16. What is the main teaching of the parable of the labourers in the vineyard? What does it have to say about the legalistic spirit in Christian service? 4 Verses 17-19 are the third prediction by Christ of His own passion. Cf 16: 21; 17: 22, 23. What new details are added here? What do verses 22 and 25-28 reveal of the mind of Christ with regard to what was ahead? 5 In what ways do verses 20-28 prove the disciples to be out of sympathy with Christ at this moment? What do both Christ's teaching and His example demand of us? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 19:23-20:28 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1-5) It is interesting design how these two passages are right together- the end of "the rich youg man" section where Peter blurts out, "We have left everything to follow you? What then will there be for us?" Jesus reassures him about the great reward for those who have sacrified houses, family, or land for the Lord. However, he ends with the little twist, "BUT many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." Then, we learn that God views "the workers" as deserving the same pay, regardless of the hours worked. In my mind, it is a strong reminder to never ever look down on someone who came to Christ late in life or who has been a believer less years than yourself- God does not count these things as important. All those who have "come to work"/come into the kingdom of God through salvation, regardless of when or for how long, will receive eternal life. However, we cannot delay and make excuses to postpone receiving Christ because of this "grace period". Jesus goes on to predict his death and resurrection; then the mother of James and John wants to get them a "good seat in heaven". This causes much heated debate. Jesus points out that He himself came as a servant and give up his life. Those who want to be great must be servants. Ironic, isn't it? -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 19:23 - 20:28 Jesus LOOK AT THEM and Said - With God All Things Are Possible Matthew 19:26 After the rich young man went away, Jesus said to them "it is hard for a rich man to enter the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. ---- It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the KINGDOM OF GOD." 19:23-24. The kingdom of heaven refers to Christianity; the Church and the millennium. The kingdom of God refers to the spiritual experience; the eternity and the millennium. The eternity is the time from eternal beginning to the eternal end. In other word, the kingdom of heaven is a portion of the kingdom of God. Here the definition of a rich man is a person who is unwilling to commit to God that which he loves. The disciples felt that it is impossible for anyone to be saved and said to Him "who then can be saved?" Jesus LOOK AT THEM and speaking with His eyes that "you are saved." Then, told them "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." If God reveals to us, we would be like the parable of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl, Matt. 13:44-46. Do you feel that all the parables are the "showing-off" of God's wisdom? I do and praise the Lord for His wisdom. Verses 23 - 29 are the statement of renunciation. Then, Jesus gave another parable (19:30 - 20:16) as a hint to Peter that God's way is a higher way. "--- many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." 19:30; "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." 20:16. In this parable we see why the "landowner" treated the worker came by 6:00 AM (early part of church age) and some other came in by 5:00 PM (the end of church age), who worked only one hour. In this passage, are you moved by the statement "GO YE also INTO THE VINEYARD ----" 20:7. It touches and melts my heart. This is the love of God! As long as we search for God, He is available for us regardless the time period of our lives. The door of salvation is always open - Who So Ever Will May Come. The Mother's Request, 20:20 -23 The Lord allowed the mother of John and James approached Him so that He took the chance to reveal the way to enter into the kingdom to us. In this scene, we feel the mother and the two sons are selfish and pride. Actually the other ten were the same; otherwise they would not quarrel about the case. THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE is really in 20:25 - 26 "You know that the ruler of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you ---." The Closing Statement, 20:28 Just as the Son of Man ---to serve and to give ---life ---for many. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jesus teaches us that possessions are not to be our focus in life and if we are rich here on Earth that may be the only blessing we receive. Paul teaches in 1 Tim 6:7 that we brought nothing in and should take nothing out of this world. In Luke 8:2 though, Jesus receives the sponsorship of many who God has given to abundantly. We should use this as our model that when God provides for us, we need to give back what we can to be faithful stewards. 2/3) Verse 30 sums up the positionality in the Kingdom of Heaven. The last shall be first and the first shall be last. Equality across the board. Jesus uses the parable in 1-16 to expound that God's mercy and compassion are great and equal to all who labor for Him. He is no respecter of persons and the laborers who come at the final hour will receive the same blessing as those who have worked a lifetime. We are so focused on justice that we forget the factor of mercy and compassion. In our own self-centeredness we forget that we don't even deserve the pay we are receiving for our 'days' work, but that we should and are deserving of being whipped and punished instead of being payed / rewarded. Praise God for His mercy endureth forever! 4/5) In 17-19 we see the third account given by Christ of His own death on the cross. He adds the fact that He will be scourged and crucified here. Christ also hints to the fact that the cup is not His, but He will drink it in obedience. In 22, 25-28 we see that the parable just preached was lost on the disciples. They still didn't get it. The way to greatness in the kingdom is to be the lowliest servant, the humblest person possible. The kingdom is about sacrifice, about compassion, humility, mercy, and love. May God grant us the eyes to see our need for these traits in our own lives. May we be willing to humble ourselves for the Kingdom of God. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 20:29-21:22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What claims concerning the Person and work of Jesus are here (a) publicly made by Jesus Himself, and (b) openly acknowledged by others? What particularly provoked either rebuke and indigna- tion, or prayer and acclamation? Can you keep silent? 2 What was Christ condemning in His cleansing of the Temple (21:12, 13), and in His cursing of the fig tree (21: iS, 19)? If He similarly came into our church or examined our lives, what would He see and say? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 20:29-21:22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The people realized that Jesus could heal them by now. The blind men called him "Lord, Son of David" What stands out to me is v 34 "Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." However, these men had faith to be healed, desire to see, and courage to follow Him. 2) Christ condemned buying and selling in the temple. It was to be a house of prayer, but was being made unspiritual by the practices that took place. Then in the fig tree example, Jesus showed how faith without doubt could accomplish mighty acts. I agree with the comment question that we need to examine our lives and churches to question whether God is pleased or not. Our daily actions- holding our tongue, not talking too much nonsense, letting our yes be yes and our nobe no, not making vows we can't keep. Painful, but very needed self-examination. Then we need to change our ways. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 20:29 -21:22 The Two Blind Men of Jericho, 20:29 - 34 These two blind men called Him Son of David, 20:31 which is the prelude of the Messiah's triumph entry to Jerusalem - "Hosanna to the Son of David!" 21:9. Our Prayers Needs to be Specific When these two blind men cry out to Him "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" 20:31. Then, Jesus stood still and asked them "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." And immediately their eyes received sight, and they FOLLOED HIM. The Messiah Enters Jerusalem, 21:1 - 11 There is a colt and a donkey. A colt is most difficult to ride on; even a donkey expert cannot do it. Every saved person was once a colt. After we were saved, the Lord rode on us as a colt. A donkey signifies peace. At this time, the Lord comes as the Prince of Peace. When He come the second time, He will ride on a white horse, Rev. 19:11. Hosanna is a cry for help. (It indirectly means to praise) It means that this One has the power and is worthy of our praise. In John 2:13-17, He cleaned His Father's house. Now, He comes to purify His own house; "My house shall be called a house of prayer, ---" 21:13. This time He comes to purify His house in the qualification as the Son of David, and a King. With the rejection of priests and the scribes, Jesus left them and went out of the city to Bethany where He spent the night at Mary's house. Bethany denotes house of grace, love and singing. The Barren Fig Tree, Faith and Prayer, 21:18 - 22 Today's study is concentrating on prayer. At first, we learn the two blind men's prayer. Now, the Lord teaches us to pray with an illustration - the barren fig tree. In 21:1, when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples." Bethphage means "the household of the unripe figs." In the morning, He came back to Jerusalem form Bethany, 21:18, He became hungry and was searching for something to eat from this fig tree and found none. He must feel that it is a waste of land to have this tree and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Here is a tree its leaves were flourishing, and the outward appearance was quite good, yet in reality it was empty and deceiving. Leaves refer to man's righteousness; leaves were used to cover the nakedness of Adam, Gen. 3:7. Does it sound like a Pharisee? Jesus instructed us here that we must pray with faith. When we face obstacles (mountain), if we have sufficient faith and urgency in our prayers, the obstacles would be able to be flattening out and leveled. In brief, prayer should be made in the name of Jesus; with faith, boldness, persistent, Luke 11:8, in unity and walking in the light, 1 Jn. 1:7-9. Then, "---all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." 21:22. Our prayers will surely be answered. However, sometimes it may not be the answers we prayed for. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jesus is acknowledged by the blindmen as Lord and Son of David - this implies His Sovreignty and Messianic role. When He enters Jerusalem, the people cry Hosanna(Save US) which implies their acknowledgement of Him as Saviour. They see Him as a prophet in v11. He only ever acknowledges Himself as Lord when talking to the disciples about needing the colt. We too need to acknowledge His Sovreignty as Lord and ruler of our lives, and as Saviour. If we do not, the rocks will cry out in our place! 2) In the cleansing of the temple Jesus was condemning the immoral practices of the moneychangers who were taking advantage of the people and cheating the people. In the cursing of the fig tree He was condemning an already diseased tree to death, due to its pretense and outward display of being ready to bear fruit, but its lack of true fruit. We must be on our guard that we are not merely giving a religious outward appearance and that our hearts be set on Jesus Christ and fulfilling His will in our lives. We must remember that a tree can be recognized by its fruit. What type of tree are we? If Christ looked at our lives, would He be expecting fruit in season due to the leafy outward appearance of our tree only to find none? Or would He find us in season and out of season producing fruit for His Kingdom? May we be encouraged to seek Him daily and to strive to produce fruit for His Kingdom. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 21:23-46 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Verses 23-27. People often ask for more understanding or for more proof before they respond to Christ. How did Christ Himself answer such a demand? What are the conditions of receiving more light? Cf Jn. 7: '7. In what way does the brief parable of verses 28-32 underline the same teaching? 2 Verses 33-44. What is taught by this parable concerning the character of God, the Person of Christ, the responsibility of men, and the reality ofjudgment? Do you find anything significant in the reaction of the Pharisees in verses 45, 46? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 21:23-46 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jesus gave them no further proof. The parable of the two sons is poignant and observable in today's society. It is a good basis for abolishing social and economic "religous" prejudices. 2) God loved us enough to send His Son. Thoses who do evil and who reject Him will be judged. The intense hatred of Jesus by the chief priests, perhaps also fear, etc., of Him was totally different than the response of the "crowd". The less spiritually/religiously learned accepted Jesus, whereas the learned ones did not. Ironic. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 21:23 - 46 The Authority of Jesus is Questioned 21:23 -27 In this paragraph, the message to me was Jesus revealed the facts to the people in the temple that those chief priests and elders were liars and they had no part in the kingdom of God. They were sons of the devil, the father of liars. While Jesus was teaching in the temple, these "temple leaders" came and stopped Him from teaching and questioned about His authority. The fact was that they knew where His authority came from; but they did not want to recognize Him. Then, they answered the question Jesus asked and said that they did not know where John's baptism ministry came from. How could they not accepting John's ministry while they all "count John as a prophet" 21:26? They lied. The Parable of the Two Sons, 21:28 - 32 The two children both refer to the Israelites. Because according to the flesh, they were the chosen ones. The first son refers to the publicans, the harlots and sinners who have obeyed and repented. The other one refers to the Pharisees and those others like them; they were sons only in name. Verse 32: "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him." It is kind of tightening the teaching of the Two Sons and the Authority of Jesus Teaching in the Temple together. Verse 31b "---I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God BEFORE YOU." It sounds like that the Lord reserves the chance for these hypocrites to repent. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, 21:33-40 In this parable, the householder refers to God. The vineyard signifies the realm of Israel. The hedge signifies protection, Job 1:10. Winepress produces wine; wine refers to the happiness. The tower is a watchtower, by which one acquires knowledge. In Verse 41, the vineyard was leased to other vinedressers. These other vinedressers were the apostles. Verse 42: "------ The stone (Jesus) which the builders ( Jewish leaders) rejected has become the chief cornerstone. ---" Jesus made the connection between Jews and gentiles. Ephesians 2:20: "Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, In whom the whole building fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 21:23-46 -------------------------------- 1) Christ asked the chief priests and elders a question of His own when they wanted more from Him. What Christ has done should be enough, it stands on its own, there is no need for anything else. To receive more light, we must be willing to obey. The parable of the man and his two sons showed the chief priests and elders,(the disobedient son) and those tax collectors, prostitures and others who did believe but at first refused. They saw the light because they were willing to be obedient and follow even though their hearts were initially unyielding. 2) The parable of the vineyard shows God's mercy and love. When the slaves are sent out and the tenants don't listen to them(prophets), the landowner sends His son to them and they take Him(Christ) and kill him. This sets up the position of Christ as Messiah and Saviour/Redeemer. It shows the reality of the judgement. The tenants(Jews) were removed from the vineyard and replaced by others(Gentiles). This is the illustration of the kingdom opening to the Gentiles. The Pharisees v45,46 realized Christ was speaking of them as the tenants and they tried to seize Him, but feared the crowds would harm them. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 22:1-14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In this parable what are we taught about the pattern of Christ's ministry, and what challenge do you find to evangelistic outreach? 2 In verses 11-13 what do you understand to be the significance of the wedding garment? Cf Zc. 3: 1-5. Consider the balance in these verses of the free invitation of the gospel and the demand for holiness, 'without which no one will see the Lord' (Heb. 12: 14). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 22:1-14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Christ reaches out to the good and the bad alike. Therefore, the gospel of Christ is not partial to any man, just that some choose to not accept it. This is the power of a man- volition (free will). It can result in either eternal life or separation from God in Hell. Either you come to the wedding banquet or not- invite Christ into your heart or reject Him. It is a binary choice ticket. 2) You must have the garment, provided by the king (The King of kings in this case). That is you must have salvation, been born again in Jesus Christ to eat at the King's table in Heaven. It is really the most important requirement, but we also need to pursue holiness. Heb 12:14, "Make every effort to live inpeace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." That is quite a challenge to us Christians. Are we living each day with the hope of seeing the Lord? Are we spurred on to holiness by that hope? -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 22:1 - 14 Parable of the Wedding Feast In Chapter 21, Jesus spoke to them in parable about the wicked husbandmen. "Again" in 22:1 has its significance. It means here again another parable that is related to the previous one. The first parable, wicked husbandmen, refers to God's rejecting of Jews because they had rejected the Lord. And the second parable of the Wedding Feast refers to the acceptance of Gentiles, who believe in Him. Between them, Jesus is the corner stone connecting the Jews and Gentiles, 21:42, of whom the Church is built on. 22:4 - The king killed the oxen and fatted cattle (Jesus died). And invitations were sent out for the wedding banquet. But the guests refused to come. They were busy for their worldly prosperity managing their farms and business. 22:6 They treated the servants of the king spitefully, and killed them. They killed Stephen, murdered James and imprisoned the apostles. 22:10 Then, the servants went out in the highway and invited all whom they found (Gentiles), both BAD AND GOOD - The richness of the gospel has nothing to do with the good or evil in our lives. The final goal of the gospel is the glorifying of His Son. Among these guests, there was a man who did not wear wedding garment. And the king asked him, "Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?" And he was speechless. 22:11-12. The wedding garment signifies Christ (Rom. 13:14; Gal. 3:27). God has clothed us with the robe of righteousness. Unfortunately, this man thought that his clothing was good enough (self-righteousness). He did not rely on the righteousness of Jesus. The end result was: "---- the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" 22;13 "For many are called, but few are chosen." 22:14. Rom. 1:7: "To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints; Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. 1:2: "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours;" Eph. 4:1: "Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." To be "called" is to receive salvation, whereas to be "chosen" is to receive a reward. All believers have been called, but a few will be chosen as overcomers. These overcomers are "called, chosen, and faithful." Rev. 17:14. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Christ's ministry was to the Jews first. He tried to convince God's chosen people that He was their Saviour, their Messiah. When this would not work, God opened the kingdom to the Gentiles. This should remind us of our need to reach Jewish people for Christ. Paul, in his ministry was always preaching - to the Jew first, then the Gentiles. 2) The wedding garment in 11-13 was something that would have been provided by the king since the guests were arriving late and would not have had time to change, but some had not gotten robes. The king then casts them out. This symbolizes the same concept as the parable of the wheat and the tares. There are those within the "Church" that appear to be Christians, or call themselves Christians by profession, but in their walk, they are not. These who only do lip service and are religious will be the ones without robes in the end when the king comes to check our readiness for the wedding feast. In Zech. 3:1-5 Joshua is in the dream and has his filthy rags removed and is clothed by the king with a fine garment, preparing him for the wedding feast. Similarly, each one who serves the Lord and truly is walking with Him will receive such a robe. The one's whose names are in the Lamb's book of Life have their reservation in for their tuxedo's for the Wedding feast. v14 reminds us 'For many are called, but few are chosen' Praise God for His mercy on us that He called us out from the darkness into the light and has chosen us to be coheirs with Him in Glory. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 22:15-46 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I Comparing the teaching of Jesus in verses 15-22 with Paul's teaching in Rom. 13: 1-7, outline the duty of the Christian to the state. 2 Verses 23-33. On what does Christ base His teaching about the fact of resurrection? What features of the life of the world to come emerge from this teaching? 3 Verses 41-46. Christ's counter-question here makes some clear aims. What are these? PS. 110:1 is cited in verse 44. Consider the use made of this elsewhere in the New Testament. Cf Acts 2:33-36; Heb. I:13;10:11-13. Of what truths and hopes are we thereby ensured? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 22:15-46 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2,3) It is very clear in this passage that we are to pay our taxes and to obey our leaders. God has put even political leaders in place. If we follow the Biblical teaching, we will not be rebels doing illegal things. (Unfortunately, there are some who do not realize that.) Romans 13:2, "Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has institued, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves." It is interesting how Jesus uses the Sadducess own beliefs to tell them about the resurrection. They only believed in the first five books of Moses. However, in Exodus 3:6 it says, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." By this time, they were already physically dead, but Jesus says that God is the God of the living, not the dead. It is proof of the resurrection of the dead. Jesus was amazing - God and man. He was techically the son of David, being a human. However, he is/was God, and therefore was the Lord over David. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 22:15 -46 On Tribute to Caesar, 22:15 - 22 For this subject, Dr. Charles Ryrie comments are "The tribute tax was a poll tax imposed by Rome on every Jew. The argument, in the minds of many Jews in those days, was simply that why should they pay tribute to any other powers, king or person? if God gave the land of Israel to the Hebrews, and if God meant them to live there, and if He received their sacrifices and offerings in acknowledgement of His relationship to them. If Christ said that they should pay, they could then charge Him with disloyalty to Judaism; if He said no, they could denounce Him to the Romans." They gave the question to Jesus in a tricky way - You as God do not regard the person of men. It means that He should not fear any one, including Romans' governor, Caesar. 22:16. The Resurrection of the Dead, 22:23 - 33 On the same day, after the conservative Phariesses questioned the Lord. Now came the sadducees, the modernists came with their "wise questions". Sadducees' doctrine was based on only the five books of Moses, Genesis to Deuteronomy. They did not believe in resurrection. They attempted to ridicule the Lord on the subject of the resurrection, but they wound up being ridiculed themselves. There are two important points in this argument. (1) "--- in the resurrection we will neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven." 22:30. (2) " 'I am the God of Abraham, the god of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." 22:32 Because in our kingdom lives there is no marriage; therefore their question about the wife had seven legal husband would be irrelevant. Further, the Lord pointed out to them that when a person was dead, it would not be the termination point of his life. The following reference verses illuminate our understanding of this concept: Matthew 8:11 - And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. I Corinthians 15:50-58 - Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed ----. And Phil 3:21; I Cor. 15:42-43 etc. The Greatest Commandment of All, 22:34-40 As Pharisees heard that He had muzzled the Sadducees. They sent one of their best, a lawyer, he was so confident that he would not be turned down by the Lord's eloquence. Jesus indicated that the greatest Commandments are first to love God and then to love your neighbor. The Lord wants us to love our neighbor the way He loves (agape, John 3:16) us. Christ not only Son but Also Lord of David, 22:41-45 In this chapter, all the different social and religios groups came to ask Jesus questions related to religion, politics, belief, and the law. After all, Jesus asked them a question concerning Christ. "The Lord (Jehovah) said to my Lord (Messiah), "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool---" Matthew 22:44; Psalm 110:1 Pharisees knew only that Christ was the Son of David. But they did not know Christ is also the Son of God. That is the reason Jesus asked them that question. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this chapter we see Christ's teaching on rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's. This refers to paying taxes and can be applied to general support of the earthly government's laws. In Rom 13:1-7 we get Paul's extra spin on this matter. Paul adds to it the fact that God set up the ruler in place since He is Sovreign. Therefore, we need to heed and obey our leaders. In another part of the Bible it refers to the fact that we should pray for those in power over us, our government and political leaders. We may not agree with what they are doing, but they have been allowed to assume power by God, and we need to pray that they will live lives in accordance with His will. 2) Jesus based his teaching on the source of the Saducees own beliefs, Mosaic Law. He points to the fact that if God would address Moses in the Present tense "I AM" as the God of Abraham,Isaac,Jacob, then He is a living God. We find from this passage that there will be no marriages in the world to come. We will be like the angels too, not bearing children - one state beings. 3) Christ's counter question is designed to state His position as Lord of Heaven and Saviour of the World. All praise be given to the Lord of Heaven and the Saviour of the World! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 23:1-22 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Verses 1-12 are an indictment of the Pharisees because of their concern for personal prestige and outward show. Do you see how this may happen within the Christian church? In what ways may this temptation come? 2 Note the repetition of the word 'hypocrite' or 'play-actor'. How is this seen in the attitude of the Pharisees to others (verses 13-15),and in their vows and promises (verses I~22)? What do we need to do to avoid becoming like them? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 23:1-22 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) I think that Pharisiacal behavior is seen (in my opinion) when churches try to outcompete each other, forgetting that it is for God's glory. It is tempting because everyone wants their church to grow and to be light in the community. By not focusing on the outward appearance, the gifts and sacrifices , but realizing that everything belongs to God ( we can avoid being like Pharisees). And of course, practice what we preach. Above all, do not try to gain the approval of men, but of God. Acts 17:24-25, "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth adn does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anyting, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." Amen. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 23 Rebuking the Religionists The scribes and Pharisees: Their Hypocrisy and Vanity, 23:1 - 12 Prior to this chapter, most of Jesus teachings to disciples were separately or privately. Here, Jesus spoke to the crowds and His disciples together. Because the teaching is for Jews and disciples are Jews. A Brief Background of Pharisees and scribes According to Jewish history, since the time of Moses the Jews underwent several significant changes: wicked kings, captivity, and destruction. Therefore, people had become ignorant and no longer observed the Law of Moses. The only exception was a group of zealous individuals who came out publicly to lead the Jews back to the original law. These were the forefathers of the Pharisees and the scribes. In the beginning these people were genuinely standing in the position of Moses to execute and teach the law. Yet generation after generation went by until the time of Jesus, when only the name remained but not the reality. They turned out to be hypocrites. Verse 2: Here the Lord did not deny that they were still sitting the Moses' seat. Necessary Clarifications - Brethren and Fathers, 23: 8-9 22:8: "--- you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren." It is Jesus teaching for us to recognize one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. It should not be a denominational identity to be brethren saints. 22:9: "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven." "father" here does not refer to the father in a family but to a father in the church, one who is in authority, such as the "fathers" in Catholicism, a religious father. The Woes The "woe" of selfish denominationalism: vs. 13 The "woe" of paid service: vs. 14 The "woe" of proselytizing: vs. 15 The "woe" of spiritual blindness: vss 16-22 The "woe" of works: vss. 23,24 The "woe" of morality: vss. 25,26 The "woe" of deceit: vss. 27,28 The "woe" of touching God's anointed: vss. 29-36 [World's Bible Handbook] Among these "woes", the last three speak of their living. They kept the ordinance of the law in vain and had no heart to walk in justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Vs. 13: They prevent people from believing in Jesus; Vs. 15: They converted Gentiles to Judaism and did not educate them; Vss. 16-17: They added the law to value gold greater than the temple; Vss. 18-19: They added the law to value gift greater than the alter; -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1/2) This temptation of being too outwardly showy and seeking after personal prestige comes many times in the church. By being given offices and positions in a church, it is easy for us to become entangled by pride and as the Pharisees, to let this responsibility become a power we abuse or are 'proud' of. The source of our motivation for positions in the Church should stem from our humbled service of the King, not our own vain trappings of power mongering. Jesus delivers the "Woes to the Pharisees" Woes - Shutting off the kingdom of Heaven from the people v13 - devouring widow's houses 14 - travel on the sea and land to make one proselyte, then condemn him through false teaching 15 - swear falsely, blind guides 16 - tithing wrongfully 23 - clean the outside, but are full of deceit and stain 25 - whitewashed outside tombs, full of bones and death. 27 - build tombs of prophets, adorn graves of righteous 29 If Christ were to look at the'church' today, who would the Pharisees and scribes be? Would we be the ones receiving His woes? We must guard our hearts and minds and let the mind that was in Christ when obedient to death on the cross be in us.