BIBLE IN TEN

Tuesday, 16 September 2025   And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”  Matthew 13:10   “And the disciples, having come, they said to Him, ‘Through what in parables You speak to them?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus called out for those who heard His parable to hear. Next, Matthew records, “And the disciples, having come.”   Although not a problem, it is unknown exactly when this transpires. It doesn't say “then,” or “at that time.” Therefore, their question could have come at any time, but Matthew is recording it here for the convenience of understanding.   Mark 4:10 says, “But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.” Luke 8 brings this question up in the same manner as Matthew, placing it right after the time Jesus tells His audience to hear.   Jesus was in a boat giving this parable. It appears that He continued His discourse and that the question came later. When it came, it was something asked not only by the twelve, but by many of the disciples.   Whatever the exact timeline, “they said to Him, ‘Through what in parables You speak to them?'”   The disciples' question is natural. Instead of just plainly telling the people what He was talking about, Jesus' words are interesting but veiled. Their question is probably as much a petition to have the explanation to the parables provided as it is one asking why He spoke this way.   At the time, despite being disciples, they were also a part of the audience. If someone from the crowd came up and asked them to explain the parable, they would have been incapable of doing so. This probably occurred and brought about their question to Jesus. This seems likely based on what it says in Mark 4 –   “And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:33, 34   Life application: In Matthew 7, Jesus has already been recorded as saying this:   “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7, 8   Jesus may be speaking in parables, and the disciples may not understand why, but He has already told them that in seeking, the answer will be found. How He responds to their question will, therefore, apply to anyone who comes to Him for an answer.   To this day, the words of Jesus are open to the Jewish people. They are not secreted away by the Lord where they cannot be saved during this dispensation. But there has to be a motivation to seek the truth. In the recent past, a soldier in Israel shared his story about his father's conversion.   He “came to faith after picking up a flyer about Jesus on the street that was just lying around. Reading it and then going to the Bible and reading the gospel about Jesus. Because of all the stigma, he thought the New Testament was written by Nazis, but when he picked it up, he said ‘I felt like it's the real deal that continues the Old Testament.'”   Imagine that. A gospel tract was thrown away by one person, but another picked it up and was willing to check things out. He was encouraged and challenged enough that he had to know if it was true. The disciples have asked Jesus about the hidden mysteries of God. But nothing is really hidden if one searches for the truth and then opens his heart to what he discovers.   Lord God, our time in handing out tracts may seem wasted when we don't hear about any conversions or breakthroughs in the area where we hand them out, but give us the desire to continue to share the good news this way and in any other way that we can. A plant cannot grow unless the seed is first planted. Amen.

Monday, 15 September 2025   He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Matthew 13:9   “The ‘having ears to hear,' he – hear!” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the seed falling on the good earth and the abundance it provides. Having completed the parable, He next says, “The ‘having ears to hear,' he – hear!”   Jesus' words are the same as Matthew 11:15. It is an admonition to listen, understand, and pay attention, applying His words to their lives. In this case, He has instructed the people concerning soil and seed. What He says has value to the person sowing real seed.   This is how things work, and most people listening to Him, who planted the seed, would know this. Some people may never have thought the process through, just helping out on a farm or being young and unaware of how things worked. They could then say, “I heard that Rabbi speaking about sowing seed and I'll follow His advice.”   But Jesus' intent is not to teach about farming practices. The words were given as a parable, and the people would have known this. The problem is that when He says for them to hear, they may not have understood what He was telling them. In fact, in the giving of this parable as recorded in Luke, it says, “Then His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘What does this parable mean?'” (Luke 8:9).   To this day, people differ on the interpretation or intended audience for Jesus' words. Because this is so, having ears to hear may not be as easy as it seems.   Life application: Despite differing interpretations on parables, verses, intended audience for a given passage, etc., there is a proper and intended meaning for everything in Scripture. There are several important points that must be considered for everything that is recorded. The main point above all is considering the context.   A simple example of this is the Law of Moses. Who is the intended audience for adhering to the law? The context is stated right in the giving of the law and within the law itself. The law was given to Israel. Really, go check it out. Read Exodus 19 and 20, where the basis for the law was given, meaning the Ten Commandments.   After that, Israel is the intended audience throughout the entire time of the law. For example, go read Deuteronomy 5:1 and Jeremiah 2:4, among almost a billion other times that words of law are spoken. Israel alone is always the intended audience. Even Jesus addresses Israel directly, quoting the law, such as in Mark 12:29.   No other nation on the planet was given the law. No other nation was required to observe the law. And when Jesus died, it was in fulfillment of the law. Thus, in its fulfillment, it was ended. This is stated explicitly by Jesus Himself. It is also recorded in the epistles numerous times. So why do churches continue to tell people they have to tithe, not eat pork, or to observe the Sabbath?   These are points of law. The context tells us who the law was for.   To understand the meaning of a parable or who the intended audience is for it may not be readily apparent, but the matter will not be solved and solidified in your mind in a manner that matches Scripture unless you read and rightly apply Scripture.   It may be that you have an exceptional preacher or teacher who properly explains these things, but unless you also know the book, you can only assume what he says is correct. In the end, each of us is responsible for his or her doctrine. To place one's eternal soul in the hands of someone else's doctrine without verifying what they say is the height of stupidity.   If you go to any Jehovah's Witnesses meetings, they will tell you they trust the doctrine of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. And yet, what they teach is heretical and anathema to God. Imagine that. Over nine million people in the Jehovah's Witnesses are destined for eternal separation from God because they fail to accept the principle point of Scripture, that Jesus Christ is God.   Be discerning. Read the Bible, consider its context, and don't be led astray by people who have an agenda to control your life by controlling the doctrine of your faith.   Lord God, help us in our understanding of Your word. Open our eyes when we read it to find the truth as You present it. Please keep us away from false teachers and unsound teachings. Please lead us to a right understanding of it and to a closer walk with You. Amen.

Sunday, 14 September 2025   But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:8   “And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus explained that when seed fell among the thorns, the thorns sprang up and choked them. He next says, “And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit.”   The Greek includes the definite article, “the good earth.” The implication is that there is, in fact, good earth. When the seed is scattered, some of it is lost to the various places previously identified, but some of it will land in earth that is properly suited for the intended purpose of the sower, which is to produce a harvest.   The words assure Jesus' hearers that God has provided good earth for this to come about. It is up to the one looking to obtain a harvest to select the right field, prepare it accordingly, and then begin sowing.   Though there is good soil, effort is required to obtain the harvest. Thus, there is the provision of God and the labor of the sower uniting to gain the benefit of the soil. When these are harmoniously combined, the result is “Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”   Each of these numbers is used for the first time: hekaton (100), hexékonta (sixty), and triakonta (thirty). The latter two are formed as decades of the words hex (six) and treis (three).   Jesus' words are a general statement about the various grains that are sown and the quality of the good earth into which it is sown. As such, the numbers should not be pressed when Jesus explains the parable. He is simply providing an example of how things will work when the seed is sown into good soil.   To obtain a hundredfold is not something that was considered impossible. Centuries earlier, the record of Isaac's life says –   “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.” Genesis 26:12-14   Life application: Normally, one will get out of his efforts what he puts into them. This isn't always true because there can be catastrophes that sweep away one's efforts. For example, someone may plant papayas around his property. Those plants that are in good soil, have proper sunlight, and have abundant water will produce fruit.   Others that are out of the sun may not be productive. And because papayas need sufficient water, others may have the buds fall off or produce really deficient fruit if not kept properly watered. This is to be expected when someone tries various spots on his property for planting them.   The ones that meet all the right conditions may produce a large harvest. However, just as the harvest is almost ready (I mean, within days), a hurricane (we'll call it Hurricane Helene) comes through the area and floods the property with saltwater from the nearby gulf. That fruit will be ruined because of the saltwater. The plant is likely to be blown over by the wind, too.   Such things can happen, and one has to ask himself whether it is worth the risk of planting fruit trees at all. For certain, there will be no fruit if one doesn't try. In other words, life is a risk. It takes getting up and working in order to produce a harvest.   Fruit trees abound in the world, but when they are in uncleared areas, they generally are not as productive as they will be when land is cleared, prepared, and the trees are planted in optimum conditions. Sometimes, several years of experimenting may take place before any results are realized.   Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” Eventually, he made a lightbulb that works and lasts. How willing are you to make the effort to learn biblical languages, learn to share the gospel, or excel at playing music (which includes playing at church on Sunday morning)?   We will never have results if we don't get to work. God has given us the time, place, and ability to make things happen. So get up, pray about what you intend to do, asking God to bless your efforts, and then get to work.   If a hurricane (this time we'll call it Milton) comes through and destroys your efforts, you have more choices to make. Pray that God will lead you in the right decisions to continue to glorify Him.   Lord God, may our actions and words be directed first and foremost to Your glory. Only when that is the case, may we then produce the right results that will cause our efforts to multiply. Keep us from thoughts of abundance without effort unless the glory is directed to You. Whether we reap a harvest with a lot of effort or without it, may we acknowledge You as the reason it came about. Amen.

Saturday, 13 September 2025   And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. Matthew 13:7   “And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus described how the seed that fell on the rock-like areas scorched and withered. He now turns to another category, saying, “And others, it fell upon the thorns.”   Thorns in Israel are about as bad as they get. They are everywhere, and they come in a seemingly unlimited number of torturous varieties. When God cursed the earth and said that it would produce thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18), it seems He was specifically highlighting this promised curse in the land of Israel.   Everyone listening would understand His words. The sower is out spreading seed. As he does, some of it falls on the uncleared area where thorns had not been fully removed through burning or tilling. They may not be evident if the tops were burned off, but the roots remained because they weren't in the main part of the field that was fully tilled and cleared.   Leaving thorns around a field can have a positive purpose, such as keeping out unwanted creatures, but once the seed falls into such an area, there is no going back and picking it out. It is there for the duration. Once cast there, Jesus says, “and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them.”   Like dominant plants in any area, those that are hardiest will overcome those that are not. Thorns don't need much water to thrive. They get started early, and when the rains come, they are already prepared to speedily grow beyond whatever else is in the soil. As such, the grain cannot compete against the thorns, and they become choked out, never reaching maturity. Vincent's Word Studies notes the words of Ovid that closely match Jesus' words of these past verses –   "Now the too ardent sun, vow furious showers, With baleful stars and bitter winds combine The crop to ravage; while the greedy fowl Snatch the strewn seeds; and grass with stubborn roots, And thorn and darnel plague the ripening grain." Metamorphoses   Life application: If you go to Israel on a vacation, business trip, tour, or whatever, be sure to have long pants and appropriate shoes if you plan on going for walks in the fields or mountains.   There are thornbushes, thistles, scratchy weeds, etc., all over the place. One can have a jillion lacerations after a short walk through an area that was not cleared. Many of these look innocuous until you step into them. Once you do, it is painful just trying to back out.   This is true throughout the world. The curse that was pronounced at the beginning has continued to be proven true throughout human history. In Israel, a land that is still being reclaimed after two thousand years of inactivity due to the curses of the law being brought to bear against the people for rejecting Jesus, every hill that remains unoccupied bears a reminder of the curse.   Slowly, Israel is subduing these areas and rebuilding towns and villages in the wilderness. Where they haven't, the walk may appear beautiful and an exciting challenge when viewed from a distance, but once you get into the area, you may find yourself wishing you had gone to Tahiti or even to North Korea... anywhere but the painful hill you are walking on.   So be careful if you go. If you remember to avoid such pitfalls, you should probably have a great adventure as you enjoy the land where Jesus walked.   Lord God, it will be really great when we are given a new place to set our feet, one without thorns, thistles, poison ivy, and harmful critters. Violating one law brought about all of this and so much more. But we know that through the grace of Jesus Christ, what we willnow experience will be more wonderful than we can imagine. Thank You for this sure hope we possess. Amen.  

Friday, 12 September 2025   But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. Matthew 13:6   “And sun, having risen, it scorched, and through not having root, it desiccated” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the seed that fell on the rock-like area. When it did, it sprang up quickly. However, He now says, “And sun, having risen, it scorched.”   A new word, kaumatizó, to burn or scorch, is seen. It is derived from the noun kauma, a burn. That, in turn, is derived from kaió, to set on fire or to light, as in lighting a lamp. In the case of the seed, it doesn't catch on fire, but rather heats, scorching it. With this occurring, Jesus next says, “and through not having root, it desiccated.”   Another new word, xérainó, to desiccate, is seen. It is derived from the adjective xéros, dry or withered. The seed has no root in the ground to protect itself. Instead, the root lay exposed along with the shoot. Once the dew or whatever other water is absorbed, there is no source left to continue to keep the shoot fresh, and the entire seed desiccates and withers away.   Life application: Even before reading Jesus' explanation of this seed, we can contemplate what this would be like if it were a human instead of a seed.   If a person goes into the desert with only a certain amount of water, he will need to get more or he will also wither and die. If there are stores along the way, they can be likened to water supplies for keeping him alive. If not, there may be cactus that can be used to hydrate with.   Knowing where water sources can be found is essential in such a place. It is why desert dwellers can survive. The aborigines in Australia are able to live in the harshest conditions imaginable because they understand the layout of the land, accessing the minuscule water sources to stay alive.   Spiritually, things are no different. The word is equated to water in Ephesians 5:26, where Paul speaks of the washing of water by the word. It is the source of becoming connected to God. Suppose a person hears the gospel, believes, and is saved. At that moment, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit as stated in Ephesians 1:13, 14.   However, that is a note of eternal salvation more than anything. It is not a note of remaining close to God during our earthly walk. In other words, the sealing of the Spirit regenerates us into a state of eternal life. We will never lack this again. However, without the word after salvation, our spiritual walk in this life will dry up.   We cannot progress in our understanding of God without knowing Him as He has revealed Himself in His word. And so, without reading and applying the word to our lives, we will, like a seed without water, dry up in our spiritual lives. Peter speaks of this type of thing in 2 Peter 1:2-9.   A person who doesn't pursue the things the Bible lays out, even if saved, will eventually forget that he was saved at all. God doesn't, thankfully, but our lives in Christ while here in this life will be desiccated and lacking any cognitive connection to God without staying connected to Him and growing more like Him as we emulate who He is as described in His word.   Obviously, some people cannot read, and so this continued growth can come through church attendance, Bible lessons, etc. But these things need to be in accord with the word. Be sure to stay close to the word. It will tell you of the wonderful workings of God, how to live in a manner pleasing to Him, etc.   It's important! Be sure to drink in the word each day.   O God, help us to renew ourselves daily as we engage with Your word. May we not neglect this. We heard the gospel and were saved. But we must remind ourselves of this as well. Give us the desire to grow in You and to be closer to You. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 11 September 2025   Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. Matthew 13:5   “And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth, and immediately it out-rose through not having soil depth” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus continued His parable concerning the sower and his seed, noting that some seed fell on the road, explaining that the birds came and devoured them. He next tells of what happens to some of the other seed, saying, “And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth.”   A new adjective, petródés, is introduced. It is derived from petra, a rock or mass of rocks, and eidos, a view as in a form, appearance, shape, etc. As such, it is a place appearing rocky. In this case, it would be a rocky area, but not everything rock-like is actually rocky, such as a wall painted like rocks.   In this case, it may be an area where stones that have been tilled up are tossed, heaping up in a pile. It also might be an outcropping of rocks that abuts the tillable land. Whatever the situation, the sower, while tossing out his seed, inadvertently has some land on this rocky area. When he does, Jesus next says, “and immediately it out-rose.”   A second new word, exanatelló, is used. It is derived from ek, out or from, and anatelló, to rise or spring up. The seed feels the warmth of the sun, and the rock may have had dew settle on it, spurring the seed to germinate and begin to rise. There is a problem with this, though. Jesus notes what it is, saying, “through not having soil depth.”   A third new word, bathos, deep or a depth, is introduced. Some etymologists place this word as the origin of our modern word bath. Others say that it is derived from a Germanic word. Either way, the seed has no soil to cover it. Jesus will explain the result of those seeds' germination in the coming verse.   Life application: The parable of the sower is given based on something almost every person there would fully understand. The society was mostly agrarian. There are those who had other professions, but even those people would be at least familiar with what happened when a seed landed on a rocky spot.   In other words, Jesus is dealing with the people in a manner they would be able to comprehend if they thought the matter through. They may not understand the spiritual application He intended, but at least they would know what was being conveyed concerning seeds.   His speech was plain and directed to them without a lot of nonessential extras. This is just how we should speak to people about the gospel. God has made it extremely simple to understand. So much so is this the case that little children can hear it and be saved. People who are mentally challenged can comprehend it and call on Christ.   And more, it is universal in its ability to convert. It is not limited to some cultures, a “western” mindset, skin color, age, education level, or any other dividing factor. God is perfect and holy, and man is fallen and separate from God because of sin. In this state, he is condemned.   However, God sent Jesus to live the perfect life that we cannot. He was crucified for our sins according to Scripture. He was buried. He rose again on the third day according to Scripture. This is the gospel, the good news, that saves a person when he believes. Nothing else is needed, and its effects are eternal.   Tell this message to a little child who just got caught stealing a cookie, and he will get it. Tell it to a prostitute who wants to be freed from the life she is living, and she will get it. Tell it to a doctor or a scientist, and he will understand the meaning.   The message will be understood. The issue isn't whether a person will hear and understand. It is whether a person will hear and believe. All God wants for His gospel to effect salvation is for the hearer to accept the premise, admit that they have sinned, and believe that God has accomplished what is necessary to bring about restoration.   How simple the message is, and yet how difficult it is for some to believe. And more, people may hear the message and reject it today, but hear it again tomorrow and believe. So keep on giving the simple message of salvation to those who need to hear it.   Glorious God Almighty, with all the wisdom You possess and with all the knowledge in the universe held by You, when it comes to saving humanity, You made the message so simple. There is no need to search high or low, or north or south. Rather, it is right with us when it is spoken in our ears. May we be responsible enough to share it with those who so desperately need You. Amen.  

Wednesday, 10 September 2025   And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Matthew 13:4   “And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road, and it came, the birds, and it devoured them” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began His first parable concerning sowing seed while sitting in the boat. Continuing that parable now, He says, “And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road.”   The word hodos signifies a road of any kind. It can be a highway, a traveling route, a path, etc. It is also used to signify one's journey at times, with the road being stated as the trip itself. It is also used to speak of a person's conduct. We do the same thing when we say something like, “This is not a good path you are on.”   In this case, it refers to either a main road which passes through fields to the right and left, or it could refer to foot paths that are between fields on the sides of a main road, providing access to the various fields in a district.   Either way, as the farmer goes out, he reaches into his bag, pulls out a handful of seed, and casts it towards the furrows that were plowed for the next planting. Without a precise aim for each kernel, some of them will miss their intended target.   Of the grain that misses, some of it will fall near the road or path. Because it is in the open, Jesus continues, saying, “and it came, the birds, and it devoured them.”   Some texts amend the first verb to a plural reading. Unless both verbs are plural, that change makes no sense. Rather, the singular verbs mixed with the plural “birds” is probably referring to a flock, speaking both of the individuals and them collectively.   Regardless of this, the point is that the seed lay exposed on a flat, trodden area. It was clearly visible to the birds as they passed by and easy to pick up and devour. This word, katesthió, to devour, is new. The word kata intensifies esthíō, to eat. As such, the birds hungrily devour the seed, it being easy prey.   As Jesus will explain this parable to the disciples, an analysis of His explanation will come at that time.   Life application: Without getting to Jesus' explanation, we can still think about what may be presented there from a general standpoint. What is it about separation in an open area that makes things an easy target?   One of them is that there is little effort needed to identify or lay hold of something like that. If you have a mob of people beating someone up, there is so much commotion that the eyes won't focus on any single person. But if one of the people smacking the poor fellow gets tired and takes a break to watch others beat him up, he may step outside of the crowd.   With his hands all bloodied from the pounding, he obviously participated in the pummeling. And yet, he is now in an open and exposed place, standing motionless. The girlfriend of the guy getting wailed on has a chance to look at him, remember what he looks like, and file that away for later identification.   This simple example extends to anything that is alone, motionless, and exposed. A shovel full of dirt may have diamonds in it, but they are not exposed. That same shovel full of dirt might be put into an agitator to help separate the contents, but as long as it remains in motion, only glimpses of any diamonds will be seen. When the diamonds pass into a trough carrying only diamonds, a single diamond will not be discernible from the others.   All three of these traits need to be available for a diamond to be easily identifiable. Once it is alone, not in motion, and exposed, the quality of the diamond will be easier to determine. This is why filling a job requires checking out each candidate individually.   Think about Jesus' approach to identifying the state of the seed He describes in this example. If you are alone, idle, and exposed, you are an easy target for a foe. Think of fish balls in the ocean. They cluster when a predatory fish is around, swirling as one in a ball. The same is true with swallows in the air, forming what is known as a murmuration. Be sure to check fish balls and murmurations out on YouTube. They are amazing to see.   But why do they do this? It is because the predators are far less likely to catch prey in such a commotion. Now, think about how you can protect yourself in a spiritual manner based on this simple principle.   “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12   Glorious God, give us wisdom to keep safe from the enemy that is working against us. Help us to be on the lookout, prepared for his attacks, and capable of overcoming them when he does. Your word tells us how to do these things. So give us the wisdom to pick it up and read it. Amen.

Tuesday, 9 September 2025   Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. Matthew 13:3   “And He spoke to them, many in parables, saying, ‘You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing' to sow'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus got into a boat and sat while the multitudes stood on the shore. Next, Matthew records, “And He spoke to them, many in parables.”   There is a new word in Scripture, parabole, a parable. It is derived from para, near, and ballo, to cast. Thus, it signifies to throw alongside. Therefore, it signifies to liken or compare. Using a parable, then, is to state something in a way that is comparable to something else.   Of parables, HELPS Word Studies says they are “a teaching aid cast alongside the truth being taught. This casts additional light by using an arresting or familiar analogy, (which is often fictitious or metaphorical, but not necessarily).” The Topical Lexicon says –   “Fifty times in the Greek New Testament, the word clusters around the ministry of Jesus Christ and appears twice in Hebrews. A parable is more than an illustrative story; it is a spiritual gem embedded in earthy language, inviting faith‐filled listeners to dig for meaning while veiling truth from the hard-hearted.”   As can be seen, the importance of this literary device is not to be underestimated. Jesus will convey truths through these simple but also deep teachings to inform God's people. They are words to guide them in understanding the workings of God in redemptive history. Understanding this, He begins His first parable of Matthew, “saying, ‘You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing' to sow.'”   In the Greek, the locative verb (he went out) is first, laying stress on the act. After that, the one who went out is then described as “the sowing.” The meaning is, a person who is set to sow in the fields. The implication is that the ground has been cleared and plowed. Thus, it is ready to receive the seed that will become the next crop.   Life application:  Jesus' parables are given to make a comparison between two separate things that have a common application. Those separate things are the natural world in which life takes place for humanity, or at least is understood by humanity, and the spiritual realm in which God's workings take place.   This spiritual realm can be worked out in various ways, such as human reaction to something that occurs, angels working behind the scenes to accomplish tasks, Jesus the Messiah fulfilling His ministry or guiding the effects of His ministry, the working of the Spirit of God, etc.   The fact that a parable is used to describe spiritual things by using common earthly/human events shows that the two concepts are not disparate at all. Rather, when a topic is chosen, such as a sower sowing seed, there will be something in the spiritual realm that somehow mirrors what is going on there.   With only a few words of the parable revealed so far, we can consider what it means for a sower to sow. As noted, there is a person going out from one place to another. At the time of Jesus' incarnation, He did just that. A sower will sow when the ground is prepared for receiving grain. The time of the law, the word of the prophets, the span of Israel's existence, and so forth, all were used to prepare the people for His coming.   A sower will obviously have seed to sow. There is a spiritual dynamic of sowing that will take place, intended to bring about a result. Seed, zera in Hebrew, is that which is used to bear more fruit like the one it came from. The word is from zara, to sow (with the implication of producing), exactly what the sower is there to do.   A sower's seed will be in a bag. The seed will have been kept safely away from things that could harm it until it is ready to be sown. At the time of Jesus, a sower scattered his seed by hand, the symbol of authority and power. The seed will be cast by the action of the arm. The arm, zeroa, speaks of power and exertion but also of effective reach.   Notice the intimate connection between the three words. The basic verb zara (to sow) leads to the nouns zera, seed, and zeroa, arm (for scattering seed). Jesus is beginning His first parable with a thought that goes back to the first page of Scripture, where seed is noted several times, beginning with these words –   “Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields (zara) seed (zera), and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed (zera) is in itself, on the earth'; and it was so.” Genesis 1:11   The next time seed is mentioned after Genesis 1 is in Genesis 3 –   “So the Lord God said to the serpent: ‘Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed (zera) and her Seed (zera); He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.'” Genesis 3:14, 15   As all seed reproduces after its own kind, what will this Seed of the woman be? There is a physical reality being spoken of to reveal corresponding spiritual truths. Pay attention to what Jesus is saying in His parables. Think about what Scripture says about things as you open the word each day. God is telling us a story of what He is doing in a world that He created for us to understand Him and His ways, and all of it is centered on what He is doing through Jesus Christ.   Lord God, give us wisdom and understanding in Your word. May our pursuit of it bear much fruit in our lives as we seek out the details of this wonderful story of redemption and restoration. Thank You for Your word that tells us of Jesus, and thank You for Jesus, our great Lord and Savior. Amen.

Monday, 8 September 2025   And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matthew 13:2   “And they gathered to Him, great crowds, so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat. And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 13 began with Jesus going out of the house He was in and sitting by the sea. Next, Matthew records, “And they gathered to Him, great crowds.”   The miracles and teachings of Jesus were of great interest to the people. Therefore, anytime He was in an open area, people would naturally flock to Him. In this case, such great crowds began to surround Him that Matthew next records, “so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat.”   Some texts omit the definite article, saying “a boat.” Either way, there was a boat available at the particular location, and so He got in and sat down. This would allow more people to hear and see Him without overcrowding.   Although the exact spot is unknown, there are places along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee where the land makes a U-shaped formation. In such an area, the number of people who could see and hear Him would increase even more. They could almost encircle Him and listen. Whether this was the case or not at this time, the nature of the shore itself can be determined from the next words, which say, “And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach.”   Here is a new word, aigialos, a beach. It is derived from aisso, to rush, and hals, salt. Although the Sea of Galilee is not a saltwater sea, the idea is that the beach is like one found on a salty sea, where the waters rush upon it. This is likely a beach with sand or small pebbles.   In the immediate area, there are shores with large stones, smaller stones, pebbles, and sand. Some are mixed with large stones leading up to the beach and then small slivers of beach that meet the sea, or vice versa. Doing an image search or watching videos about the area, such as the one at this link, will give a sense of what the shoreline looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifTro5uRaT8   Life application: When you gather at church, what is your intent for doing so? The people of Israel surely had various ideas for going out to hear Jesus. Some were probably interested in seeing a miracle. Some may have wanted to hear the wisdom that overflowed from His teachings. There may have been some checking to see if He crossed every t and dotted every i in relation to the law.   Other people may have simply wanted to be close to the increasingly famous Teacher, making that a point of boasting when they talked to their friends, “Oh my, I got to sit in the front row, just feet away from Him!”   Today, people go to churches for such varied reasons as well. If you go each week to see a miracle, healing, or people speaking tongues, that will explain what you think the purpose of church is. If you are going to sit near a famous pastor, that will explain something about you.   Maybe you go because you want to challenge everything you hear, thus showing how much more you know about the sermon subject than the pastor. Each person's reason for going to a church will be a little bit different because we are all individuals with our own wants, desires, and thoughts about religion.   Consider yourself and what motivates you. Next, consider what you think God would want you to focus on. Does what you want match what you think God would want for you? A few points are certain. God wants to be recognized for who He is, meaning His being, such as what He is like, what His attributes are, and why He has done things the way He has done them.   When we ask people about such things, they are happy to respond because you are showing an interest in them. God wants you to be interested in Him. God also wants you to know His word. It is the word of God that most poignantly reveals Him to us. It is a testament that details creation, spans human history, explains why things are the way they are, and so forth.   God also wants you to see Jesus. His word tells us this explicitly, such as in Hebrews 12:2. However, according to Jesus, it does so in other ways as well. He said this a couple of times in John 5. In reading the Bible, we can find Jesus typologically, pictorially, and in other ways.   So, when you go to church, you should be pursuing these avenues of knowing God. If the church you attend is not doing this, your time in church is misdirected. Be sure to compare if what you do in your pursuit of Christianity is actually based on what Christianity is about.   Read the word, know what it says, and be willing to continue to learn more as you attend a church that explores the many facets of God and His interaction with His creation, especially in relation to Jesus Christ.   Lord God, may our priorities be aligned with Yours more and more each day. Help us to focus on You, and on Your word. May we make a concerted effort to have a closer and more personal relationship with You at all times. Help us in this, O God. Amen.  

Sunday, 7 September 2025   On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. Matthew 13:1   “And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 12 finished with Jesus saying that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother and sister and mother. Chapter 13 now begins with, “And in that day.”   Such words as this will have various meanings based on the context. For example, the Lord may say, “In that day, I will rescue Israel.” Or we may read of the “Day of the Lord.” Such days actually reflect past or future events or extended periods of time. The same terminology is used in English as well.   However, there is no need to assume anything other than a literal rendering of the word here. Therefore, it is either referring to the previous verses or to something coming in the verses ahead. The most obvious and likely meaning is the day on which He had already been speaking. That this is likely is seen in the next words, where it says, “Jesus, having departed from the house.”   Jesus was specifically noted as being inside based on the words of Matthew 12:46 –   “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.”   Noting His mother and brothers were outside means that He was inside. Now, having departed from that house, it next says, “He sat by the sea.”   This is the Sea of Galilee. The narrative is preparing to enter into more words from Jesus by introducing the location and circumstances.   Life application: Because Jesus was in a house, only a certain number of people could hear His words. That is clearly evidenced by the fact that His mother and brothers wanted to speak with Him. He was engaging the scribes and Pharisees in one setting. Even though His words are recorded now for all to know what went on in the house, at the time, what He said was not heard by the people.   However, Jesus' heading out and sitting by the sea is a purposeful decision to allow His coming words to be heard and considered by many more people. As you read the gospels, think about what is going on in the surrounding context.   Jesus walks in various locations at various times. If the name of the location is given, it is certain that particular information is being provided to understand a greater picture. It is as if His very movements are forming a picture for us to consider.   Likewise, when He says something, it is quite possible that His words are fulfilling other pictures from the Old Testament Scriptures. For example, Jesus said, “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33).   In that sentence, Jesus equates Himself to the manna given to Israel in the wilderness. That is explained more fully in the surrounding words. But Jesus also noted that He comes down from heaven. In Hebrew, the word yarad, to descend, is used. It is where the name Jordan, or in Hebrew yarden, is derived.   In studying the uses of yarden in the Old Testament, amazing pictures of Christ, the Descender, will be seen. The very topography of the land of Israel is noted in Scripture to tell us greater stories of Jesus, His work, and how it applies to His people.   But typology can be manipulated. It is easy to “make anything say anything” and claim that is what the Bible is saying. So be careful as you read the word and make conclusions about things you read. Also, be careful about how people present typology.   Something may sound right, but be completely wrong. There must be a reasonable connection to what is being said, and the typological representations must be consistently used. If they are properly searched out and presented, truly amazing stories of God's redemptive plans will shine through.   Consider what God is telling you, both on the surface and how it points to Jesus. This is what Jesus told us would be the case as we read this precious word –   “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39   Lord God, what an intricate and amazing word You have given us. There are many levels of information being conveyed to us all at the same time. Your word is a marvel and a delight for our minds to consider, wonder at, and rejoice in. Thank You for this precious word. Amen.  

Saturday, 6 September 2025   For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50   “For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens,' he – he is – My brother and sister and mother” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus extended His hand toward the disciples and exclaimed, “Here are My mother and My brothers!” In order to explain that, He next says, “For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens.'”   Jesus sets the parameters for whom He is referring from the previous verse, explaining what He meant. But what is the “determination of My Father” that He is referring to? The answer to the thought is found in John 6 –   “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' 29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'” John 6:26   This explains what Jesus is referring to. Jesus is not (by a long shot) telling His hearers that they must observe the Law of Moses. That is what Jesus came to fulfill. He is not telling us that He is kin to the stock of Israel and that we must bless them to receive a blessing, even if His literal descent is from Israel. He does not say that those who have big churches full of wealthy congregants are His family.   The famous, beautiful, athletic, politically connected, royalty, etc., are excluded without believing in Jesus. Cutting out all categories of people, Jesus identifies those whom He is referring to as those doing “the ‘determination of'” His Father. To exactingly identify them, He next closes out Matthew 12, emphatically saying, “he – he is – My brother and sister and mother.”   Genealogy is excluded. This is why Paul says –    “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29   Paul further says –   “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21   It is true that at the time of Jesus' ministry, those of Israel who were under the law were expected to observe the law. Nobody should dispute that. But Jesus' words in John 6, as explained by Paul and the other apostles in the epistles, tell us that we are to have faith in the works of the Son. His works include sinless perfection in His life before the law, His death in fulfillment of it, and His resurrection, which proved that it was so. Belief in this is what God expects of His people. This is the good news of Jesus Christ.   Life application: To cut out much of the theological error that rushes your way from the pulpit, computer, TV screen, etc., remember what God is doing in the world as explained in Scripture. God has a plan of redemption set forth to restore humanity to Himself.   That plan of redemption is based on the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. This plan, centered on His Son, is often co-opted by those who want to control others in various ways. At the time of the early church, it was Judaizers coming in and trusting in the flesh, boasting over those they circumcised.   As the church developed, various cults and sects have arisen to pull people away from the gospel. Eventually, the church became such a large and powerful entity that it exalted itself and its doctrines above the simple gospel. Because of this, the reformation occurred.   In America, a nation that allows freedom of religion, people took advantage of others by proclaiming aberrant ideas through a manipulation of Scripture. Sometimes, there is the exalting of a particular version of Scripture, not Jesus, who is the focus of that Scripture, as a supposed necessary condition for salvation.   Today, unconditionally supporting Israel, a nation that has rejected Jesus at this point, is said to be a necessary condition for receiving God's blessing. In fact, this false teaching is explicitly taught by many supposed Jesus-centered ministries. It is Jesus, not a person, Bible version, nation, or denomination, who brings salvation.   When should believers support a church? The answer is when that church proclaims the gospel. When should believers exalt a people group or nation? The answer is when that nation exalts Jesus Christ. Israel, as a nation, has not yet done this. But unlike other nations, they are explicitly prophesied as someday doing so. For this reason, prayers for them should be raised to God that His will be done in this rebellious group of people.   At the same time, we should be willing to evangelize and pray for all people, telling them about the saving message of Jesus Christ. This alone will bring people to a right relationship with God.   “So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Acts 15:8-11   Lord God, thank You for the simple gospel of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Help us to have our priorities right, clearly thinking through what it means to be in a right standing before You. Your word tells us what it is! It is through faith in Him and what He has done. Yes, thank You for this simple gospel. Amen. Matthew 12   12 In that time, Jesus, He went – the Sabbaths – through the grainfields, and His disciples, they hungered, and they began to pluck kernels and eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, they said to Him, “You behold! Your disciples, they do what it permits not to do in Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Not you read what he did, David, when he hungered, he and those with him? 4 How he entered into the house of God and the bread ‘the before-setting' they ate, which not it is being permitted him to eat, nor those with him, if not the priests only? 5 Or not you read in the law that, the Sabbaths, the priests in the temple the Sabbath profane, and they are guiltless? 6 And I say to you that the temple – greater, it is here. 7 And if you had known what it is, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' not you condemned the guiltless. 8 For Lord, He is – even of the Sabbath – the Son of Man.”   9 And having departed thence, He went into their synagogue. 10 And, you behold! Man, he is, having a withered hand. And they queried Him, saying, ‘If it permits, the Sabbaths, to cure?' That they should accuse Him.   11 And He said to them, “What man, he will be from you, who he will have one sheep, and if this, it should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, not he will seize it and he will raise it? 12 Therefore, how much man – he excels a sheep! So too, it permits – the Sabbaths – to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, ‘You outstretch your hand.' And he outstretched it, and it reconstituted, healthy as the other. 14 And the Pharisees, they took counsel against Him, having gone out, how they might kill Him.   15 And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence. And they followed Him, great crowds. And He cured them all. 16 And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent. 17 That it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken' through Isaiah the prophet, saying:   18 “You behold! My Servant whom I chose, My beloved in whom it approved, My soul, I will place My Spirit upon Him, And judgment to the Gentiles, He will proclaim. 19 Not He will wrangle, nor He will clamor, Nor anyone – he will hear in the streets His voice. 20 A reed, being battered, not He will break, And flax being smoldered, not He will extinguish, Until if He ejects judgment into victory. 21 And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope.”   22 Then he was brought to Him ‘being demon possessed,' blind and mute, and He cured him, so the blind and mute speak and see. 23 And they were astounded, all the crowds. And they said, “Not any, this, He is the Son of David?”   24 And the Pharisees, having heard, they said, “This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.” 25 And Jesus, having known their thoughts, He said to them, “Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates, and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand. 26 And if the Satan, he ejects the Satan, he divided upon himself. How then, it will stand, his kingdom? 27 And if I, I eject demons in Beelzebul, your sons – in whom do they eject? Through this they, they will be your judges. 28 And if in God's Spirit I, I eject the demons, then it preceded upon you, the ‘God's kingdom.' 29 Or how, any, he can enter into the house of the strong and his goods through-seize, if not first he should bind the strong? And then, his house he will through-seize. 30 The ‘not being with Me,' he is against me. And the ‘not gathering with Me,' he scatters.   31 Through this, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy, it will be forgiven men, but the ‘Spirit blasphemy' not it will be forgiven men. 32 And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the coming.   33 Either you make the tree good and the fruit of it good, or you make the tree rotten and the fruit of it rotten. For from the fruit, the tree – it is known. 34 Viper's offspring! You can, how, speak good – being evil? For from the surplus of the heart, the mouth, it speaks.  35 The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil. 36 And I say to you that every inactive utterance that if they will speak, men, they will render a word about it in judgment day. 37 For from your words, you will be justified, and from your words, you will be condemned.”   38 Then, they answered, some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Teacher, we desire to see a sign from You.” 39 And having answered, He said to them, “Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and not it will be given it, if not the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 For just as Jonah, he was in the lunker's belly three days and three nights, thus He will be, the Son of Man, in the earth's heart three days and three nights. 41 Men, Nineveh, they will arise in the judgment with this generation and they will sentence it, for they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah. And you behold! Jonah's greater is here! 42 Queen, south, she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it, for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon's wisdom. And you behold! Solomon's greater is here.   43 And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man, it traverses through waterless spots seeking rest, and it finds not. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house whence I departed.' And having come, it finds ‘holidaying,' having been swept and having been arranged. 45 Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits, itself eviler, and having entered, it dwells there. And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first. Thus it will be also – this evil generation.”   46 And He yet speaking to the crowds, you behold, His mother and His brothers had stood without seeking to speak to Him. 47 And, he said, someone to Him, “You behold! Your mother and Your brothers, they have stood without seeking to speak to You.” 48 And answering, He said to the ‘telling Him', “Who, she is, My mother, and who, they are, My brothers?” 49 And having extended His hand to His disciples, He said, “You behold! My mother and My brothers. 50 For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens,' he – he is – My brother and sister and mother.”

Friday, 5 September 2025   And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! Matthew 12:49   “And having extended His hand to His disciples, He said, ‘You behold! My mother and My brothers'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus rhetorically questioned who His mother and His brothers are. Having so questioned, He immediately provides the response, “And having extended His hand to His disciples.”   One can see Matthew, along with the others, observing His actions and probably feeling overwhelmed by the coming words. Noting that He extended His hand provides a warm and graphic gesture described by eyewitness testimony. Upon extending His hand, “He said, ‘You behold! My mother and My brothers.'”   The words do not exclude Mary and His brothers. They simply make a point that trying to pin down a family relationship based on blood or genealogy as an exceptional excuse to either a right-standing with the Lord or some type of added holiness based on near kinship is an invalid proposition.   Rather, those who are considered nearest of all to the Redeemer are those who will be described in the next verse. When thinking this through, one can see that the cult of Mary, which has so grotesquely permeated the Roman Catholic Church, is completely excluded by Jesus' words in this verse. It is an aberrant teaching that completely misdirects people from what God intends for us to focus on.   Life application: The church has gone through much misdirection, many redirections, and constant ups and downs since its inception. There have always been groups, sects, cults, and aberrant offshoots that claim to be the true way in relation to what Christ offers. For example, the Roman Catholic Church claims to be the true church. Baptism in it supposedly leads to a right relationship with God.   Jehovah's Witnesses claim that they alone are following the proper path that was restored after eons of apostasy. The same is true with Mormonism, Seventh Day Adventism, the Church of Christ, and on and on and on (and on). So many supposedly lay claim to the truth as if they alone possess what the Savior offers freely to the whole world.   An example of this, and one that both started with the early church and that has also arisen in modern times, is refuted by Jesus' words in this and the surrounding verses. It is the cult of the Judaizer, which today is most prominently known as Hebrew Roots.   Everything Jewish is exalted. Being Jewish implies a special connection to the Messiah. People who fit this condition are exalted, not because they have any special qualifications, abilities, or biblical understanding, but simply because they are Jewish.   So much is this the case that some teachers claim to be of Jewish descent even though they don't have any genealogical ties to the Jewish people. However, they know that by making the claim, people will follow their teachings, cling to them as if they have a special connection to the Messiah, and fawn over them as if they were rock stars.   People in Israel hear about how profitable it is to be a Christian teacher or singer and work feverishly to establish themselves as sound, responsible, Messiah-loving servants. Unfortunately, innumerable people are duped by such people because they have failed to know Scripture.   They get sucked into law observance in various degrees and spend their lives trying to measure up to impossible standards set by theological quacks when the avenue to salvation has already been paved by Jesus. It is through faith in Him and what He has done that leads the lost soul back to God. Nothing else will do.   If someone has Jewish blood, speaks Hebrew, or was born in Israel, Jesus would say, “So what!” if their teaching is unsound. He expects us to follow Scripture because Scripture reveals Him to us. Don't waste your time following such people. Read your Bible and follow Jesus!   Lord God, help us to think properly about our standing with You. The gospels have been recorded to show us that Jesus is the Messiah, that He fulfilled the prophecies that speak of His coming, and that He fulfilled the law that stood against the people. In His fulfillment of it, restoration through what He has done is available. May we remember this and cling to JESUS! Amen.  

Thursday, 4 September 2025   But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” Matthew 12:48   “And answering, He said to the ‘telling Him', ‘Who, she is, My mother, and who, they are, My brothers?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was told that His mother and brothers were outside seeking to speak with Him. Matthew next records, “And answering, He said to the ‘telling Him', ‘Who, she is, My mother, and who, they are, My brothers?'”   The words seem curiously distant, as if Jesus is removing Himself from the family relationship He was born into. This is not the case. It needs to be remembered who He has been speaking to. Earlier, it said –   “And all the multitudes were amazed and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?' 24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.'” Matthew 12:23, 24   Since then, He has been speaking to them concerning their accusation, carefully refuting it. It said in verse 46, “While He was still talking to the multitudes...” This tells us that it has been an ongoing speech. The scribes and Pharisees had accused Jesus not only of not being the Messiah (the Son of David), but that He was in league with the devil.   Therefore, in being presented with the note of His mother and brothers coming to speak to Him, He is taking the opportunity to further refute the accusation of the Pharisees. That will be seen in verse 12:50 as the chapter closes out.   Life application: Various charges against both Jesus and Mary have been made because of the words in the se final verses of the chapter. Some may accuse Jesus of not living in accordance with the command to honor His mother according to the law. Such an accusation is unfounded. The gospels bear witness to His concern for her, even to His dying words on the cross.   Likewise, there are those who take Jesus' words to extremes, not even hinted at concerning Mary. Without addressing their inane comments directly due to their ridiculous nature, the reason for their words comes back to contempt for Roman Catholicism's inexcusable fixation on Mary in other ways.   Because of RCC doctrine, and in order to start a tit for tat war of words, Mary as a person is purposefully diminished and disparaged. This intentional poking serves no purpose except to stir up animosity between parties. If there was any substance to what they were saying, they would include the brothers of Jesus in their comments as well.   The words Jesus conveys, when properly understood, are exactly how the Savior of the world would be expected to respond. They form another strong contradiction to the accusations of the scribes and Pharisees. They also support the notion that those who are in a right standing with God are not those who trust in their own merits, like these accusers. Rather, they will reveal those who are favored by the Messiah in the redemptive process that God has set forth.   Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that is carefully revealed in Your word that can, if we analyze it properly, impart that wisdom to us as well. May we carefully consider Scripture as Your word, intended to build us up in the knowledge of who You are and what You are doing in the world as You guide us back to Yourself. Amen.  

Wednesday, 3 September 2025   Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” Matthew 12:47   “And, he said, someone to Him, ‘You behold! Your mother and your brothers, they have stood without seeking to speak to You.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus' mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Now, it says, “And, he said, someone to Him, ‘You behold! Your mother and your brothers, they have stood without seeking to speak to You.'”   This verse is lacking in several ancient texts. Some claim it is an insertion to bridge the thoughts of verse 12:46 and 12:48. The main contents are close to those of the previous verse, but this verse more poignantly ties the brothers with Mary.   In other words, it would be easier to say that verse 12:46 could refer to Mary and some other close relatives who are not necessarily sons of Mary. However, when someone speaks to Jesus of Mary and the brothers in the same breath, it heavily implies that they are of the same intimate family.   As such, it seems likely that rather than being an inserted bridge, the words belong in the text and were dropped out for some unstated reason. The “perpetual virginity of Mary” was introduced into Christian lore early on, being found in the late second-century text known as the Protoevangelium of James, a book never canonized.   This early distraction from the admonition to seek Jesus as the point and purpose of Scripture soon blossomed and has become a source of real apostasy within the church.   Life application: Mary is mentioned only a few times in Scripture. When she is, it is always in relation to the Person of Jesus, even if He is not directly mentioned. The last time she is mentioned is in Acts 1:14, noting her among the other believers. Even then, she is called “the mother of Jesus.”   Someone had to be the mother of Jesus in order for Jesus to be incarnated. Mary was selected because she fit the ancient prophecies about Jesus. For example, she was a virgin, she was betrothed to Joseph, whose registry was Bethlehem, and who later returned to Nazareth, etc. Each of these things was necessary to bring about the fulfillment of prophecies that refer to Jesus. Mary's role in them, though necessary, was incidental to this fact.   When evaluating Scripture, we are to search for Jesus. Studying the Bible to find clues about the “other world,” as many do, is mentally exciting but ultimately a waste of time. And yet, it is studies, videos, and TV shows about this type of thing that enraptures many. It brings fame and a lot of money, but it serves no purpose in glorifying God.   If one is not looking for Jesus, what He has done, or how it bears on the lives of His people, that time in the Bible was not properly focused. This doesn't mean we shouldn't know about things that are mentioned concerning side issues, but that those things should not be our main line of focus.   Teachings about wealth, abundant life, being prosperous, etc., are self-centered. Teachings about extra-worldly encounters with angels or UFOs, or the different levels of heaven, are misguided or even entirely incorrect. Those who constantly pursue end times prophecy have an unsound fixation that misdirects their thoughts away from Jesus.   The list of such things goes on and on. Why is this? It is because what should be man's highest desire and goal, that of intimately knowing and fellowshipping with God, is not our normal priority. We should actively remind ourselves from day to day to change that and seek the Lord first in all things. In doing this, our priorities will be properly aligned.   Lord God, may our greatest desire be a close relationship with You. May our hearts seek You through Your word, searching for Jesus who has made the bridge back to You possible. Open our eyes as we read Your word, revealing Him and His greatness as we are drawn into Your very presence through Him. Amen.  

Tuesday, 2 September 2025   While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Matthew 12:46   “And He yet speaking to the crowds, you behold, His mother and His brothers had stood without seeking to speak to Him” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished His words about the unclean spirit returning to the home it had previously left. Matthew next records, “And He yet speaking to the crowds, you behold, His mother and His brothers.”   Though the words seem to lack any really pertinent information other than the surface meaning, they are important both to the surrounding narrative and to Christian theology. As for the surrounding context, that will be seen as the next verses unfold. However, the fact that Jesus' brothers are mentioned flies in the face of the Roman Catholic heresies or false teachings surrounding Mary.   Though not heretical, the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary is a complete distraction and a direct attack on the concept of keeping our eyes on Jesus. Instead, those in the Roman Catholic Church spend much of their time fixing their eyes on Mary.   The word used here, adelphos, signifies a brother. It can be taken figuratively as a brother in the faith, which is the way it is commonly used in the epistles. In fact, it is used in that manner by Jesus in verse 12:49.   The word is derived from the connecting particle a and delphus, the womb. Thus, it is a sharer of the same womb. The word applies to a brother of the same father and mother, or only of the same father or same mother. As such, Roman Catholics insist that Jesus alone was born of Mary and the others were born to Joseph by a wife before Mary.   This is found in an apocryphal gospel, not in the Bible. However, the Roman Catholic church is famous for going to such texts when it is convenient to obtain theology that supports their aberrant teachings. In the case of this account, by mentioning Mary along with Jesus' brothers, the implication is that they are her sons.   In Mark 6:3, it mentions sisters as well. Of all of these, Jesus was accounted as the Son of Joseph in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 for the purposes of lineage. If Joseph had previous sons, it would remove Jesus from the firstborn status to him.   It is true that there are provisions in the law for raising children of deceased relatives. These and other considerations mean anything is possible concerning Mary. But the obvious and clear understanding to be obtained from reading the accounts in the canonized gospels is that these other sons noted here are from Mary. With this as the intended understanding of the passage, it says they “had stood without seeking to speak to Him.”   Mary and Jesus' brothers had come and stood outside the area where He was and waited to speak to Him. The pluperfect verb gives the sense that they were there while Jesus was speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees, and when He finished His words to them, He was notified of their having come.   Life application: A few points to be considered concerning Mary need to be addressed. Whether Mary was a perpetual virgin or not cannot be determined from the canonized gospels. Nothing is said of it, and therefore, it is not a doctrine that is acceptable to be taught in the church.   As noted above, a reading of the surrounding narrative concerning Mary without any bias or presupposition would immediately alert the reader to consider that these brothers of Jesus were sons of Mary. Unless there was a valid reason to assume otherwise, there would never be a hint that further investigation was necessary.   The terminology in Matthew 1:25, which says that Joseph did not know Mary (meaning he did not have sexual relations with her) until she brought forth Jesus, implies that he did, in fact, know her afterwards. Likewise, in that same verse, Jesus is called her Firstborn. It is true that a firstborn can mean a first and only, but the Greek monogenēs, only begotten, would have made more sense if she were to have no more children.   Such logical deductions tell us that the Roman Catholic Church has a set agenda in distracting people from the prescription found in Hebrews 12:2, where believers are to fix their eyes on Jesus. The willful manipulation of what is clearly implied in the case of Mary having other children tells us this.   For whatever reason, the cult of Mary was introduced, and it has blossomed into an entire subsect of Roman Catholicism. It is highlighted numerous times throughout the year by the main church as well.   Rather than being distracted by such teachings, the clear intent of Scripture is that we should focus our minds, hearts, and attention on Jesus. To do anything else is to fall short of what is expected by God, who gave us Scripture to guide us in our understanding of theology.   Glorious God, give us the desire to focus on the contents of Your word. It is the word that tells us of Your coming in the Person of Jesus to restore us to Yourself. May we not be distracted by that which is false and unprofitable.. Amen.  

Monday, 1 September 2025   Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:45   “Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits, itself eviler, and having entered, it dwells there. And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first. Thus it will be also – this evil generation” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the unclean spirit returning to the house it departed and finding it holidaying, swept and arranged. He continues now with, “Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits.”   The spirit, realizing it had a good thing going, and seeing that there is plenty of new room available for even more uncleanness, goes out seeking friends to join in with possessing the man once again.   The number seven, hepta, is introduced here.    The number seven is the number of spiritual perfection. In this case, even though the spirits are unclean, there is a fullness implied in using the number. It stresses the potency and the immensely malignant nature of the event. This is stressed by the words, “itself eviler.”   There is an amalgamation of evil that will exude from this newly infested person. This is certain because even one unclean spirit will manifest itself in evil. With seven more, Jesus says, “and having entered, it dwells there.”   The verb translated as “it dwells” is singular. Despite being many, they align as one in purpose. It is similar to the account of the demon Legion in Mark 5 and Luke 8:30, where the verbs are singular when referring to many demons. With such a force now inhabiting this restored home, Jesus says, “And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first.”   This is the certain result of the matter. The man had an evil situation in his life. He had it supposedly taken care of, and yet, he wound up being worse off than at the first because he failed to obtain a complete correction to his state. Jesus next clearly states the subject to which He is referring, saying, “Thus it will be also – this evil generation.”   In verse 12:39, the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign. Jesus next called them “evil and adulteress,” explaining that it would not be given a sign except that of the prophet Jonah. Had He given them a sign, they would have exclaimed like the people did concerning Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 –   “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.'” Acts 8:9, 10   The people didn't actually care about Simon. They just wanted to be amused by his tricks. If someone came along, like David Copperfield, they would have left Simon and gone after David. They were looking for a quick cure to their insatiable desire to be delighted with surprise.   Jesus knew this was their heart attitude, and so He refused to give them a sign, telling them instead that their sign would come from Scripture itself. He told them why in John –   “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:46, 47   The sign would be wowed over until someone came and did something new and exciting. Without accepting the word, which was the basis of life and conduct for Israel, they would never truly accept and believe Jesus.   Life application: This set of verses contains a truth that extends beyond just the immediate context of the parable. What Jesus says will prove true in a great number of situations. Take an alcoholic, for example.   A person who has an alcohol addiction can be equated to a person with an unclean spirit, and indeed it is so. He knows he has a problem and strives to overcome it. Eventually, he prevails. The demon of addiction departs. Relieved, the man sweeps out his house, arranges it nicely, and says, “Self, you done well.”   However, he never takes the time to fill this empty house with Jesus. Eventually, when some trial, temptation, or situation arises where he finds himself in a weakened state, he succumbs to drinking again.   However, it is normally the case that the reacquired addiction will manifest itself in worse ways than before. He may take up drugs, get lost in pornography, etc. Eventually, he is bound to lose his home, job, and family. In the end, he is in a much worse state than he ever imagined because He failed to heed his wife's advice to come to church and seek the Lord.   This parable is an excellent one to use when talking to someone about the addiction he is facing. Cheer him on! Tell him to persevere! Offer to be there and assist in any way you can. But be sure to tell him that his void needs to be filled with his Creator's love found in Christ. Without that, things will not go well.   Personal note: I have spent a lot of time dealing with people whose lives were fraught with addiction. Having told many of them what to do when they get clean, far too many of them failed to do so. Most eventually went back to their old addiction, with more problems heaped on their lives. Several have died, leaving loved ones behind. Be careful to ensure you and those you minister to are filled with Jesus.   Heavenly Father, help us to have our priorities right in life. There are many things we can do that may distract us from healthy living. We can get addicted to the internet as quickly as we get addicted to drugs. Help us to instead focus on Jesus and have a proper balance in all other things. Yes, help us in this, O God. Amen.  

Sunday, 31 August 2025   Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Matthew 12:44   “Then it says, ‘I will return to my house whence I departed.' And having come, it finds ‘holidaying,' having been swept and having been arranged” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of an unclean spirit departing a man and traversing through waterless spots seeking rest. However, he didn't find it. Therefore, Jesus continues, saying, “Then it says, ‘I will return to my house whence I departed.'”   Not having found a place to rest, the spirit remembers that he had it pretty good in his last spot. He was able to dwell in him, keep him satisfied with little to no effort, and he didn't have to worry about being overworked. The person was satisfied with the shallower things in life. Therefore, “And having come, it finds ‘holidaying.'”   It is a new word, scholazó, to take a holiday or be at leisure. As such, it can, by implication, mean to devote oneself wholly to, as in 1 Corinthians 7:5. It is derived from scholé, school. One can think of a pursuit a person devotes himself to.   In taking a holiday, there is a state of being unoccupied. This can be positive or negative. In the case of this person, there is an empty house “having been swept and having been arranged.”   Both thoughts are based on new words. The first is saroó, to brush off or sweep. The second is kosmeó, to put in order or decorate. That is derived from kosmos, an orderly arrangement and which is often translated as world because the world is an orderly arrangement.   The substance of Jesus' words so far is that this person had an unclean spirit. This spirit left the man for whatever reason. With the spirit gone, the man swept out his house and made it orderly and left it empty, as if it were on holiday. The unclean spirit decides he had it pretty good where he was, and so he goes back to see if there is space available. What do you suppose will be the result?   Life application: Jesus is making an example for the Jews who requested a sign to consider. His words are instructive, and they ask His hearers to think about what they hear and take action to ensure that what He says is then applied to their lives.   The words of this parable apply to an almost unlimited number of situations, any of which will turn out well if what Jesus says is applied to one's life. However, because He is the Creator who fashioned man, if His words are not heeded, it is a good bet that things will not go well.   When someone comes to you for biblical advice, give them advice from the Bible. Don't tell them, “I think...” It doesn't matter what we think. Tell them, “The Bible says...” But don't be disheartened if, after telling them, they don't take the advice.   The Bible presents us with the state of man. It is a fallen state that says, “You cannot fix yourself.” God offers to fix us, and, in fact, He has already provided the remedy. But people hear what the Bible proclaims and decide that they would rather pursue their own path, thus rejecting the blueprint set forth by the Creator.   In such a situation, don't be upset. Keep being the sound believer you were and keep being a proper example to those around you. Maybe, just maybe, when things don't work out for them the first time, they may be back to ask your advice again. If so, there is a chance they will listen.   Be an example of faithful Christian living, and be willing to share about the goodness of God that is found in Jesus Christ. For those who are willing to listen, their house will be filled with many good things.   Heavenly Father, help us to be ready and willing to share the good news of Jesus with others, and to also share with them what the Bible recommends when their lives are not going so well. May we faithfully proclaim Your word so that others can find relief and proper direction in their walk of life. Amen.  

Saturday, 30 August 2025   “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Matthew 12:43   “And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man, it traverses through waterless spots seeking rest, and it finds not” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the coming of the queen of the South rising up in judgment and condemning those of Israel in that generation, noting that One greater than Solomon was there. With that complete, a new thought begins with, “And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man.”   There are various ideas about the interpretation of the words of this parable. However, a few clues help direct the analysis. In verse 12:38, the scribes and Pharisees had asked for a sign. Jesus' response noted that a generation, evil and adulteress, sought a sign. A second clue is that in verse 12:45, He will say that it will also be as “this evil generation.”   Therefore, the words apply to those He is speaking to, referring to their inherent evil. Therefore, “the man” is referring to them. He has an unclean spirit. If Jesus were to give a sign to them, oh boy! They would see it and accept the sign as some type of sure proof that He was their Messiah, as if they were free of their evil state.   While they are basking in this condition, Jesus says of the unclean spirit that “it traverses through waterless spots.”   In these few words are three newly introduced words. The first is dierchomai. It is derived from dia, through, and erchomai, to come or go. Thus, it refers to passing through an area. A single word that suits would be traverse.   Next is anudros, it is from hudor water (think of hydrate), which is prefixed by the negative particle a. Thus, it signifies “no water,” or “waterless.” The third is topos, a spot or location. One can immediately see the etymological ancestor of topology, topographic, etc. This unclean spirit is out in arid places “seeking rest.”   The obvious meaning is that it had a home in the man. It then left the man and went searching for a new place to settle down. However, men don't frequent arid places unless they have a purpose for being there. A man with a purpose is not a suitable place for an unclean spirit because the man is focused on his business.   But such an unclean spirit needs a person who is not clearly focused. He needs someone whose ears are easily tickled and who is swayed by goofy videos on YouTube that have nothing to do with proper theology. Instead, he wants sensationalism, just like those speaking to Jesus wanted a sign to excite their minds and stimulate their otherwise dull lives. This unclean spirit has looked for a suitable place, “and it finds not.”   There are either no bodies at all in the arid places, or those who are there have brought their own water and are satisfied with their pursuits, being actively employed in a life activity that would make them unsuitable to infest. Such was the case with John the Baptist –   “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!' 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.”' 4 Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:1-6   Life application: As noted above, unclean spirits revel in those who are not grounded in life's proper pursuits and activities. When humanity gets out of focus with what has been instilled in it by the Creator, unclean spirits find easy targets to infest and inflict them.   This is why larger cities inevitably fill with people who appear absolutely immoral and even demonic. In large cities, people migrate away from hard work and industry and turn towards social programs, easy access to easy lifestyles, attraction to sensationalism, etc.   There is an increasing hunger for things that replace the idea of a Creator God who holds man accountable for their actions. It is why cities normally shift towards left-leaning ideology. For example, abortion becomes common because lovers multiply. Because of this, consequences for affairs only get in the way of more affairs.   People gravitate towards what is fascinating, miraculous, etc. A magician can set up on the corner of a busy avenue and impress the people with tricks that are unexplainable to the masses. People think they possess special powers and abilities.   The newest Nephilim video on YouTube will score a million view, but the sound preacher who carefully explains biblical doctrines may get no views at all. Jesus refused to give a sign because He would have been appealing to the masses' desire for that which is sensational.   Stay away from this type of thinking. Focus on what is right, sound, and proper. Just because something sounds exceptional does not mean it is. The magician's tricks are always explainable. When they are revealed, people say, “Duh! I see now.” And then, they go looking for another magician to tease their senses.   Lord God, help us to think clearly and logically as we view the world around us. Help us to not get caught up in sensationalism and hype, but to pursue a path of hard work, careful and circumspect conduct, and – above all – a close and personal walk with You. Amen.  

Friday, 29 August 2025   The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:42   “Queen, south, she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it, for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon's wisdom. And you behold! Solomon's greater is here” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus referred to the account of Jonah's preaching and how Nineveh repented at it. He then noted that a greater than Jonah was there with them. He now reiterates this general thought, beginning with, “Queen, south.”   The queen of the south is identified in 1 Kings 10:1 –   “Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.”   This woman came to discover if the reports of Solomon's wisdom were true. She was, in essence, a woman in search of discovery greater than silver or gold. Rather, she was looking for wisdom and truth concerning the human condition in relation to their Creator. As such, it says, “concerning the name of the Lord.”   One can see her mind asking, “Is Israel's God the true God?” It reflects the search of those in humanity who truly want to know if the knowledge of the Most High can be ascertained or not. As it says several times in various ways in Scripture –   “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10   Sheba is probably in the area of Saudi Arabia today. This can be discerned from Isaiah 60:6, which refers to other known areas in that general location. This woman traveled from this location specifically to obtain wisdom. It can be deduced from Jesus' words that she found it because it says that “she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it.”   It is the same thought as in the previous verse concerning the men of Nineveh. Whereas the men of Nineveh would rise in judgment against those of Israel whom Jesus came to reveal Himself to because they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah, this queen would do so, “for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon's wisdom.”   A new word, peras, an extremity, is used. It is from an obsolete derivative of peiro, to pierce. Like the proverbial Starship Enterprise, one can think of a trek piercing the unknown, even until the end of the trek.   This woman came from an area lying at the extremity of Israel's knowledge of the inhabited world to simply hear Solomon's wisdom in relation to the Lord God of Israel. Understanding this, Jesus finishes with, “And you behold! Solomon's greater is here.”   What is it that Jesus has done, both with the previous verse and this one? He has made an implicit claim to deity. Jesus first spoke of the “proclamation of Jonah” and then that “Jonah's greater” was there. Here, He refers to “Solomon's wisdom” and then says that “Solomon's greater” was there.   Jonah's proclamation was the proclamation of the Lord. Jesus is actually not referring to Jonah the man, but his position as the Lord's prophet. As it is said in Jonah 1:1, “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah.” Of Solomon's wisdom, it says, “behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you” (1 Kings 3:12).   Jesus claims a proclamation greater than that of Jonah. But Jonah's proclamation was that of the Lord, albeit indirectly. Jesus claims a wisdom greater than Solomon's, but it was the Lord who gave Solomon that wisdom. The meaning is that Jesus claims to be the Source of wisdom itself. He is the Lord God.   The men of Nineveh discerned this. The queen of the south discerned this. However, the men of Israel, representative of that generation, were unable to do so. Thus, those who received and accepted the word and wisdom of the Lord from Nineveh and the south would be there at the judgment of Israel, condemning them for their total lack of discernment.   The very people of the Lord, and who possessed the oracles of God, were to be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 22:13) for failing to see who Jesus is.   Note: As promised in a previous commentary, after this commentary, the timeline of Jesus' Passion will be provided. Keep it handy, as it is something people around the world continue to misunderstand to this day.   Life application: In both the previous verse and this one, there is no article before the subject. It simply says, “Men, Nineveh” and “Queen, south.” Saying it this way provides emphasis to His statements. But why would Jesus refer to them this way? The answer lies in who His audience is.   Jesus is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees of Israel. They have the law. They are the religious elite of the “chosen people.” By making His declarations, He is essentially saying, “The Gentiles immediately and completely perceived what you are unable to discern.”   To this day, the people of Israel have the exact same information that the Gentile peoples of the world possess in order to discover if Jesus is God or not. They, however, have rejected that information and refuse to acknowledge their Lord.   They are determined to shun Him, rebuild a temple for worship that rejects Him, and attempt to find justification through their own merits by observing a law that only pointed to Him, awaiting His fulfillment of it.   The book of Hebrews clearly and unambiguously tells what the penalty for such a crime against Him is –   “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:26-29   Pray for Israel. They need Jesus.   Lord God, You have patiently waited for Israel to turn to You for salvation. Many have begun to do so in recent years, but the nation is still fighting against Your truth. We pray that the good news will spread greatly before the rapture comes, and Israel must endure the trial that lies ahead. Amen.   TIMELINE OF JESUS' WEEK OF PASSION   Misconceptions -   1) Sign of Jonah / Three days and three nights. Matthew 12:40 –   a: The sign of Jonah is not the Lord's time in the belly of the great fish. It is the message He preached and which will be rejected. Jonah cried out, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed.” As is consistent in the Bible, it was a warning, a day for a year. Israel would be destroyed in 40 years.   With a cursory look at Jesus' words in Matthew, the sign seems to be His death and resurrection. But Luke leaves out both the time frame and the entire account of the fish. When he does this, he clears up the context – that the sign of Jonah is his preaching, and what that preaching stated… that destruction was decreed in 40 days. The preaching to the Ninevites was the sign.   When Israel disobeyed in the wilderness, they were given a day for a year punishment for every day that the spies were gone. It was 40 days, and thus 40 years of punishment. In Ezekiel chapter 4, he was told to lie on his right side for 40 days, signifying a day for a year of punishment for Judah. He was told to do the same for his left side, but for 390 days. It was a day for a year for the house of Israel. Together, they form the prophetic basis for the return of Israel in 1948.   Forty years after Jesus' words, for a day, Israel was destroyed and carried away into exile. The Romans came in and did what Nineveh was spared of. God's judgment fell heavily upon them for failing to repent, receive their long-awaited Messiah, and conform to the will of God, which is found in the finished work of Jesus Christ.   b: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40   This is an idiomatic expression. It does not mean literally three days and three nights. This is a misunderstanding of the phrase as it relates to Biblical time. It's important to note that this verse is from Matthew and is directed to the Jewish people, Jesus as King.   Hebrew idioms would have been understood and not needed any clarification or verbal amending. To the audience, Matthew was writing that any part of a day is considered to be inclusive of the whole day. It's no different from the terminology we use today. If I arrive in Florida on a plane at 11:30 pm on 11 April, during a later conversation, I would still say I was in Florida on that day.   The biblical pattern of “evening and morning” being a day goes back to the first chapter of the Bible and includes an entire day, regardless of what part of a day one is referring to. If you want to understand the term day and night as an idiomatic expression, simply type “day and night” into your Bible search engine and see how many times, throughout the Bible, the term is used in this way. It goes on and on. Jeremiah does a great job of using it in this way. Study!   The same verse, as recorded in Luke, says, “And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say,    “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.”  Luke 11:29-32   As you can see, Jesus explicitly states that the sign is the preaching of Jonah. In this instance, Luke was not writing only to Jewish people, but predominantly to non-Jewish people – Jesus as the Son of Man. Therefore, the terminology is amended to avoid confusion. This occurs many times in the gospels, and therefore, the addressees (or the background of the writers themselves) need to be identified to understand proper terminology.   The same phrase is given in Esther 4:16 –   “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”   This is then explained in Esther 5:1 –   “Now it happened on the third day (b'yom ha'shelishi) that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.”   As you can see, what she said in verse 4:16 is explained as an idiomatic expression in verse 5:1. This same phrase is exactly repeated in the NT 13 times – “On the third day,” not “After the third day.”   2) High Sabbath. John 19:31 –   “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.”   The second issue to be resolved is that some scholars claim that John “appears” to place the crucifixion on a different date than the other writers. Because of this, an attempt was made to insert a second type of Passover meal, or a second Sabbath, into the Bible. This supposedly helps the Bible out of an apparent problem.   However, no such meal, or Sabbath, is identified in the Bible at any time. Nor is it necessary to make something erroneous like this up. The Bible identifies the timing of the entire Passion Week, dispelling the problem. The terminology for “Preparation Day” used in all four gospel accounts absolutely clears this up and will be noted as we go on.   The terminology "high Sabbath" is pointing to the fact that the Sabbath (there is only one Sabbath, Saturday) coincided with the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a "holy convocation" according to Exodus 12:16 and Leviticus 23:7. There are only six times in the Bible that something is called a Shabbath Shabaton, or “Sabbath of complete rest.” Four of them speak of the Seventh Day Sabbath, one concerns the Day of Atonement, and the last speaks of the seventh-year Sabbath rest for the land.   Thus, there is no second Sabbath. A holy convocation is not a Sabbath. On a Sabbath, meals could not be prepared. However, Exodus 12:16 says –   “On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you.”    3) Four days. Exodus 12:3 –   “Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.'”   This requirement has nothing to do with the Passover at Jesus' time. Nothing in Scripture can be used to justify what is commonly taught, saying that the Passover lamb was selected each year to test it for defects. The opposite is true. The lamb was selected because it had no defects. Thus, this has nothing to do with Palm Sunday and the subsequent days leading up to Passover. Rather, this animal was selected early to ensure that every household had a lamb before the plague of darkness that fell on Egypt. It is never mandated again. People bought their lambs in Jerusalem from keepers of the flock who had already inspected them. Further, they did it within a day of the Passover.   There are four things that occurred at the first Passover that are not required in the annual celebration found in Leviticus 23 –   The eating of the lamb in their houses was dispersed through Goshen. Taking the lamb on the tenth day. The striking of its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their houses. And, Eating it in haste.   The four-day requirement never occurred again. There is no biblical support for it. People have picked and chosen selected verses, without following through on the study, to come to an incorrect conclusion on this.   Chronology of the Events –   1) The easiest way to identify the day of Passover from the gospels is by reviewing the term “Preparation Day.” It is in all four gospels, and it exactingly identifies the day of the Passover –   Matthew 27:62 – “The next day, the one after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.” This was the day after the crucifixion. Matthew says it is the day “after Preparation Day.” After this is recorded the day after the Sabbath (Matt 28:1, the first day of the week).   Mark 15:42 – “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached...” This is the day of the crucifixion. Mark says, “It was Preparation Day.” Mark 14 ends on the night of Christ's time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mark 15:1 then identifies that it is “immediately, in the morning,” meaning Preparation Day.   Luke 23:54 – “It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.” This is the day of the crucifixion. Luke says, “It was Preparation Day.” Luke 23:56 then says that they rested on the Sabbath, and then He was raised on the day after the Sabbath, Sunday, the Lord's Day, the first day of the week (Luke 24:1).   John 19:14 – “Now it was Preparation Day of the Passover.” This is the day of the crucifixion. John says, “It was Preparation Day.” This definitively, and without any chance of coming to any other conclusion, identifies the day as Friday, followed by the Saturday Sabbath. As sad as it is that this is denied by many, it is what the Bible actually teaches.. The four gospels are harmonious in this, and it is… irrefutable. However, the rest of the Passion week identifies this as well.   And so, let's break all this down. Here's what you need to know:   Paul plainly states that the Feast of Firstfruits is a picture of the resurrection:   “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 15:20   The feast of Firstfruits was a Sunday according to Leviticus 23:15 – “From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks.” Note: the Sabbath referred to here is a Saturday. We don't need to go any further there to know this is correct and that Christ rose on a Sunday.     Here is the math from the gospel accounts. It's all there in black and white and very easy to look up –   **“Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.”  John 12:1 This would have been a Sabbath day (Saturday).   **“The next day, the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.”  John 12:12 This would have been 5 days before the Passover, meaning Sunday (Palm Sunday), as the Passover would have started Thursday night at sundown and run until Friday night at sundown (remember biblical days start at sundown).     The account couldn't be clearer that the next day after the Passover was a Sabbath. This is indicated several times. As I said, some people have attempted to use the terminology in John (it was a “high day” or a “special Sabbath”) to indicate that it could have been a day other than a Saturday. All special Sabbaths are specified in Leviticus and don't necessarily fall on Saturdays. However, the term “Sabbath” as used in the other gospel accounts indicates a Saturday. There is nothing to support, anywhere in Scripture, that there were two Sabbaths in a row on this particular week. Further, the special Sabbaths in Leviticus do not apply here. As I said, one is the Day of Atonement, which occurs in the seventh month. The other is a Sabbath for the land every seventh year. Neither applies.   In fact, such an analysis does an injustice to the reading of the text. Therefore, the special Sabbath occurred on a regular Sabbath day (Saturday). As I said earlier, it was a great (high) Sabbath because it coincided with the holy convocation, which is the first day of Unleavened Bread. From this, we can give the entire week's schedule (refer to the cited verses in your own Bible to familiarize yourself with what's being said) –   Sabbath 6 before // John 12:1 - ...six days before the Passover.  Bethany/Lazarus. Sunday 5 before // John 12:12 & Mark 11:10 - The next day...  Palm Sunday/Riding the donkey. Monday 4 before // Mark 11:12 Now on the next day... Jesus cursed the fig tree. Tuesday 3 before // Mark 11:20 Now in the morning... The withered fig is identified. Wednesday 2 before // The gospels are silent on what occurred on this day. Thursday 1 before - Passover starts at Sundown //Mark 14:1 After two days it was the Passover... (this is the first timing mentioned since Mark 11:20, which was Tuesday). - Note:  Pay special attention to the fact that in the following accounts, Mark is using Jewish time (sunset to sunset and John is using Roman time – from midnight) –   Mark 14:12 - "Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread when they killed the Passover Lamb."  Here, Mark, like Luke, unites the Passover with the Feast of Unleavened Bread.   John 13:1 - "Now before the Feast of the Passover..."    Both Mark and John are speaking of the same day – The meal, washing of feet, Gethsemane, etc.    ***Christ was crucified during this same 24-hour period, but it was obviously after the final night at Gethsemane and then the illegal trial.  Mark is speaking of this event from sundown, John is speaking of it in Roman time (this is obvious because they use different terminology for the same meal where Judas left to betray the Lord… can't miss this point and get it right).   6 days before – Saturday 5 days before – Sunday 4 days before – Monday 3 days before – Tuesday 2 days before – Wednesday 1 day before – Thursday The Day – Friday   The problem with people believing that John was speaking of a different day (as mentioned above) is that they miss the fact that the terminology for the day is different based on the author. To clear up any misunderstanding here, one needs only to compare the uses of the term “Preparation Day.” Once one does this, there are no discrepancies in the accounts. Go back and review what I said about that earlier. The timeline is set, it is irrefutable, and it is the only biblical option. Anything else inserts unbiblical information into the record.   Based on the biblical evidence,        1) There is no discrepancy between any of the accounts.     2) Jesus was crucified on a Friday.     3) Jesus rose on a Sunday.   Again, the Bible says 13 times that He was raised “on” the third day.  This is mentioned by Jesus Himself as well as the apostles. Therefore, it must have been Friday that Christ was crucified. --------------------------------------------------------------------   Finally, please don't believe (as some have claimed) that Christ rode the donkey into Jerusalem on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. This would have been the Sabbath. If He did, He would have violated the law –    “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.”  Deuteronomy 5:12-14   There is no need to make the assertion that it was a Saturday unless you simply wanted to finagle the dating. There is also no biblical provision for an exemption to the commandment prohibiting working a donkey.

Thursday, 28 August 2025   The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. Matthew 12:41   “Men, Nineveh, they will arise in the judgment with this generation and they will sentence it, for they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah. And you behold! Jonah's greater is here!” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that just as Jonah was in the belly of the great lunker three days and three nights, He would be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. Next, He continues His address to the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Men, Nineveh, they will arise in the judgment with this generation.”   The location Nineveh is introduced here. The name Nineveh may be a word of foreign origin, but if connected to Hebrew, its meaning is Offspring's Habitation. As the Bible is written from a Hebrew perspective, the Hebrew name is what is to be considered.   Nineveh is a city that was built at the earliest times of man after the flood. It was noted as being built by Nimrod in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:11. It is noted in 2 Kings, Isaiah, Jonah, Nahum, and Zephaniah, but the main biblical accounts of Nineveh are recorded in Jonah and Nahum.   Jesus is referring to the account in Jonah, saying that the inhabitants of Nineveh will arise to judge the generation of Israel in which He came. And more, He next says, “and they will sentence it.”   The verb katakrinó, to judge against, is introduced. In judging against, it means an unfavorable verdict is rendered, leading to condemnation. Condemning or condemnation in the Bible is often associated with eternal punishment. This is not always the case when the word is used.   To condemn means expressing disapproval, censuring, sentencing, etc. The context will derive the meaning. In this case, Nineveh will be a part of the judgment and sentencing of Israel's people at Jesus' time. The reason is, “for they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah.”   Another new noun is stated, kérugma. It signifies a proclamation. Preaching is a type of proclamation. Jonah was sent to NinevehJonah to speak a word of the Lord against Nineveh. This was his kérugma, his proclamation –   “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.'” Jonah 1:1, 2   “And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out and said, ‘Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!'” Jonah 3:4   As noted in the Matthew 12:39 commentary, Jonah's time in the belly of the lunker is not the sign of Jonah. The sign of Jonah is something Nineveh was aware of. They had no idea that Jonah was in the lunker's belly. The sign of Jonah is the kérugma, the proclamation, of Jonah.   But more, it is specifically what the proclamation stated, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” As noted in the Matthew 12:38 commentary, a sign is something that stands for something else. It may be a miracle or a wonder, but a sign points to another thing, such as “this indicates this.”   Jesus clearly states in Luke 11:30-32 that the preaching of Jonah is the sign, just as Jesus' preaching to the people of Israel is the sign. Jonah preached and promised destruction in forty days. Jesus preached and promised destruction as well.   The sign of Jonah is the preaching, which, if rejected, would lead to destruction after forty days. Jesus' time in Sheol, followed by the resurrection, simply bears witness to the truth of Jesus' preaching, which was to an already unbelieving people.   His words of the kingdom and reconsideration to “this generation” are the ultimate sign to them. Other prophets spoke in the name of the Lord, but Jesus spoke in His own name and under His own authority as the Son, and so He next says, “And you behold! Jonah's greater is here!”   The warning to reconsider or be overthrown turned out to be a day for a year, just as it was in the Old Testament. When Israel disobeyed in the wilderness, they were given a day for a year punishment for every day that the spies were gone. It was forty days, and thus forty years of punishment.   In Ezekiel chapter 4, he was told to lie on his right side for forty days, signifying a day for a year of punishment for Judah. He was told to do the same for his left side, but for three hundred and ninety days. It was a day for a year for the house of Israel. Together, they formed the basis of the prophecy concerning the return of Israel in 1948.   Forty years after Jesus' words, a day for a year, Israel's temple was destroyed, and the people were carried away in exile. The Romans came in and did what Nineveh was spared of. God's judgment fell heavily upon them for failing to reconsider, receive their long-awaited Messiah, and conform to the will of God, which is found in the finished work of Jesus Christ.   Life application: The sign of Jonah is the preaching of Jonah. The word of God, spoken to Israel in fulfillment of Scripture, and under the full authority of the Messiah who had been promised since the very beginning of man's time on the planet, was the sign. The resurrection simply proved it.   It is the word that conveys this to us. Thus, the word is its own sign to the people of the world. In essence, “I have used My people, Israel, to be a sign to the world as a proof that My word is true and that it is to be understood and accepted as such.”   The sign of Israel is a sign that is not yet fully fulfilled. To assume that the church has replaced Israel reflects a fundamental flaw in Christian understanding. It fails to match the reality of what is coming upon the world in the tribulation and millennium.   Be sure to have your theology concerning Israel properly aligned with what God is doing in the world. Otherwise, events that lie ahead will leave you surprised and confounded.   “Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.” Matthew 23:34-36   Lord God, thank You for being with us as we engage with Your word. On our own, it is often hard to see what is being conveyed. Add on top of that, innumerable incorrect analyses of what is being said have been loaded upon us. Help us cut to the heart of what You are telling us by reminding us to stay in and study Your word all our days. Amen.

Wednesday, 27 August 2025   For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40   “For just as Jonah, he was in the lunker's belly three days and three nights, thus He will be, the Son of Man, in the earth's heart three days and three nights” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that a “Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and not it will be given it, if not the sign of Jonah the prophet.” He continues with that now, saying, “For just as Jonah, he was in the lunker's belly.”   Two new words are seen. The first is found only here in Scripture, kétos, a huge fish. It is believed to possibly be from chasma, a chasm. That comes from an obsolete word, chao, to gape or yawn. Thus, the idea is that of the gaping mouth of such a fish. The type of fish is not stated here. Some translations say “whale.” That could be correct, even though whales aren't fish.   Some say sea monster, great fish, huge fish, etc. As it is unknown whether it is a fish, whale, or other sea monster, a single word that gets the idea across is lunker, which signifies “an exceptionally large specimen of something, in particular (among anglers) a fish” (Online Dictionary).   The next new word is koilia, the belly or womb. It is derived from koilos, hollow. Thus, it signifies a cavity. The context of the sentence will then provide the appropriate sense of what is being referred to. Jesus next says that Jonah was in this lunker's belly “three days and three nights.”   The duration is specific, but its meaning, like many such things in Scripture, must be derived from the surrounding context. That will be considered momentarily. For now, Jesus says, “thus He will be, the Son of Man, in the earth's heart.”   It is a term not found in exactly this manner elsewhere, and so the meaning must be derived from the story of Jonah in relation to the events coming upon Jesus. Any other view will force something not intended into the narrative.   Special note: To understand the amazing details of Jonah's life, it would be unconscionable not to read or watch the Jonah sermons from the Superior Word library. There, the incredible story is opened up and explained in a manner not found anywhere else.   Having said that, when Jonah was cast into the sea, a picture of Christ's death. He was swallowed by the dagah, fish, in Hebrew, or the kétos, fish, in the Greek Septuagint. From there, it says in Jonah 2:3 –   “From womb Sheol, I cried, You heard my voice, And you caused to cast me – depth, In heart seas.” Jonah 2:3 (CG)   In Greek, the word translated as heart is kardias, the same as that used by Jesus here in Matthew. Likewise, the word translated as womb in the Hebrew text is the same as what Jesus uses here, koilia.   In other words, Jonah is speaking in parallelism, a literary device found elsewhere in the book and throughout the Bible. He is equating Sheol (Greek: Hades) and equating it directly to the belly of the fish. That is then set in parallelism to the heart. This is done while citing the essential contents of Jonah 2:3.   Jesus is taking the story of Jonah and equating the heart of the seas to His own coming death. As such, He has replaced “heart of the seas,” something the Jews were perfectly familiar with from the story, and equates His coming descent into Hades as the “heart of the earth.” This is the parallelism (Sheol = heart seas/heart earth) from which the intent must be derived. Understanding this, He next says this will be for “three days and three nights.”   This is a phrase that, unfortunately, leads to all kinds of misinterpretations and misanalyses of what Jesus went through. The timeline of Jesus' passion, crucifixion, and resurrection is painfully clear when properly laid out. Jesus was crucified on a Friday, He was in the tomb throughout Saturday, and He arose on Sunday.   To confirm this timeline, a complete analysis of it will be attached at the end of the verses referring to Jesus' words in this account, meaning after Matthew 12:42. Because of Jesus' words here, however, some dogmatically claim that Jesus had to be in the grave a full three days and three nights. Some go so far as to demand a literal 72 hours.   This then leads to unscripturally backing up the crucifixion to Thursday or even Wednesday. But this then leads to many other unjustifiable claims, such as a “second Passover meal,” etc. These things are unscriptural, but must be made up to justify the unjustifiable.   The term “three days and three nights” simply speaks of any part of a day and a night. This is seen, for example, in 1 Samuel 30:12. However, it is explicitly noted with the same terminology as Jesus in Esther 4:16, where it says, “neither eat nor drink for three days, night and day.” In Esther 5:1, it reads, “Now it happened on the third day...” Thus, the time frame in Esther, which Jesus uses in Matthew, means three days, up to the third day.   Life application: Care needs to be taken to ensure that what is said in one place aligns with what is said in another place. The only source of understanding Jesus' words in Matthew 12:40 is to be found in the reference that Jesus is using. In the case of the heart of the earth, the reference is explicitly stated in Jonah, where Sheol (Hades) is set in parallel to the heart of the seas. This is an explanation of the belly of the great sea creature.   The “three days and three nights” of Jonah 1:17, which Jesus also cites, is to be interpreted from other Old Testament passages, if available. As it is, explicitly so in Esther 4:16 and then interpreted in Esther 5:1, there is a full and justifiable explanation for the meaning of Jesus' words in Matthew, without fudging or making anything up.   Think about our own use of such terminology. If someone leaves late Monday afternoon and comes back early Wednesday morning, he may comfort his wife by saying, “Don't worry, I'll be back in three days.” This is a true statement, even from a biblical sense (as seen in Esther), and yet, he will only be gone for as little as maybe 48 hours, or less.   Jesus died at approximately 3 pm (Luke 23:44) on Friday afternoon. This would be about three or four hours before the beginning of the Sabbath. That would last until the next evening. From there, it says He rose “very early in the morning” (Luke 24:1), it may have been at 5 am or earlier. This could be a time in the heart of the earth as little as 45 hours. And yet, He is said (again and again in Scripture) to have risen “on the third day.”   Be ready to challenge what you believe. Accept what Scripture says regardless of biases or presuppositions. In the end, you will find an answer to every seeming contradiction that you have been taught exists. None do, because this is the word of God!   Lord God, thank You for the surety and reliability of Your wonderful word. It is a precious treasure and a delight to consider. Amen.  

Tuesday, 26 August 2025   But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Matthew 12:39   “And having answered, He said to them, ‘Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and not it will be given it, if not the sign of Jonah the prophet'” (CG).   In the previous verse, some scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus, saying that they wanted to see a sign from Him. In response, Matthew next records, “And having answered, He said to them, ‘Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign.'”   The noun moichalis, an adulteress, is introduced. Almost all translations say adulterous, the adjective form of the word. This is incorrect. It is a feminine noun referring to a female who is unfaithful.   As throughout the Old Testament, Jesus equates the relationship of the Lord with His people as a covenant of marriage. A wife was to be respectful, obedient, and faithful to her husband. But Israel had been none of these things. That had not changed in the generation He came to.   As for His words, He sees their asking for a sign as an indication of evil, something that an adulteress would seek. The reason for this is that in seeking a sign, there is no faith behind their request. A person of faith does not need a sign. Instead, he will believe based on the surrounding evidence and the surety of the hope he possesses.    That surety should come from past history. They had the Scriptures, which detailed all of Israel's history as well as prophesying of its coming Messiah. All they had to do was go there to find the fulfillment of innumerable signs given in prophecy.   From that springboard, they were to accept what their eyes beheld when they looked to Him. Jesus found this lack of faithful understanding highly displeasing, and so He next says, “and not it will be given it.”   The response holds the same weight and tone as what He says in John 5 –   “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:39, 40   Without directly saying it, Jesus essentially conveys the same thought now. “If you want a sign, go back and search the Scriptures. Compare My ministry to what you see. After that, have faith.” Because of this, He next says to them, “if not the sign of Jonah the prophet.”   Here, Jesus tells them just where to go to find a sign confirming He is the Messiah, meaning Scripture. “Go to Jonah and see the sign He gave. Jonah's words speak of what will come to pass. When they are fulfilled, you will have received your sign.”   But what is the sign of Jonah? Spoiler alert: it is not what Jesus will say in the next verse. The coming statement was a confirmation of Jonah's inescapable call upon him as a prophet. It was a surety that his words were to be spoken as the Lord instructed and that they would come to pass.   Life application: Jesus says that no sign but that of the prophet Jonah would be given. As noted in the previous commentary, Mark 8 says that no sign will be given, period. But that was based on the people seeking a “sign from heaven.” The thought is not unlike what Paul says in Romans 10 –   “But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”' (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, ‘“Who will descend into the abyss?”' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach).” Romans 10:6-8   The Jews in Mark 8 wanted to bring a sign down from heaven. The Jews in Matthew 12 are looking for something already available. Jesus expects people to use what is available, and which points to Him, to make their decision about Him, meaning Scripture.   We do not need a sign from heaven to confirm what we can deduce from the word and accept by faith. What we need to do is evaluate the word, see if it matches what we know about the world around us and our relationship with God, and then accept, by faith, that Jesus is the solution to our dilemma.   Don't be a person looking for a sign every time you need direction in life. Be confident that the Lord has you where He wants you, that He has a good plan and a purpose for you, and that by knowing and adhering to His word, He will direct your steps according to His wisdom.   “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:21-24   Lord God, forgive us when our faith fails. Help us to be confident that, because of Jesus, we are where we should be as we live out our lives. No matter what our station in life is, You are with us. Someday, we shall be in Your presence and have what we must now only hope for. May this hope be sufficient to carry us through each day. Amen.  

Monday, 25 August 2025   Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Matthew 12:38   “Then, they answered, some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, ‘Teacher, we desire to see a sign from You'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that from one's words he will be justified and from one's words he will be condemned. Now, the direction changes based on the following. Matthew records, “Then, they answered, some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, ‘Teacher, we desire to see a sign from You.'”   The words are similar in content in Matthew 16:4, Mark 8:11, 12, and Luke 11:29-32. Each varies a little, but what seems likely is that this request for a sign is something that was asked of Him more than once.   In Mark, it seems contradictory to the other accounts because it says, “Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” In Matthew and Luke, a sign is promised, but none is in Mark. However, in Mark, the request is for a sign “from heaven,” something not requested in Matthew or Luke. Therefore, it is probable that Jesus was addressing that specifically in Mark.   Putting the three accounts side by side and analyzing them, no contradiction arises. There is just different information being conveyed with each account. As for the words here in Matthew, it is some of the scribes and Pharisees who petition Him.   In MarkMatthew, only the Pharisees are noted. In Luke, there is no one mentioned first. Rather, Jesus directly addresses the crowds. Whether His address was in response to a petition, as in Matthew and Mark, is unknown.   Concerning their petition, they desire to see “a sign.” It is a new word, sémeion, a sign which is normally miraculous in nature. It is derived from the verb, sémainó, to indicate or signify. Unlike a miracle, wonder, etc., a sign is something that stands for something else. It may be a miracle or a wonder, but a sign points to another thing, such as “this indicates this.”   On the other hand, a miracle or wonder is its own thing. The purpose of a miracle is determined by why it was given in the first place, such as exalting the Lord, bringing glory to God, etc. In John, specific signs are noted, each having the intended purpose of establishing Jesus as the Messiah.   Some translations, such as the KJV, inconsistently translate the word “sign” as “miracle,” “wonder,” etc. They may be these things, but the intent is that it is a sign pointing to something else. This is the same with the word oth, sign, in the Old Testament. For example –   “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs [oth] and seasons, and for days and years.'” Genesis 1:14   From there, the Bible will give signs in the heavens to indicate that other things will happen. Thus, the sign points to the event. For example, the star of Bethlehem, though not called a sign, is exactly that. It was a celestial event that pointed to the coming of the Messiah.   Life application: The Bible itself is a sign. It is something that is given to point to other things: there is a Creator, there is a problem that exists between God and man, God will send a Redeemer into the world to fix the relationship, God loves His creation, etc. Each of these things is found in the Bible.   It is a witness and a testimony to what He has done, is doing, and promises to do. The Bible may be miraculous in how it was received and in the contents it contains, such as future prophecy, but it is a miraculous sign.   When you pick it up and read it, consider it as such. God is pointing you to truths about Himself and what He is doing. Someday, Jesus will come again for His church. The Bible testifies to this, and it will be a sign to the people of the world who are left behind that what He did was anticipated by those who trust in Him.   Be sure to read your Bible and consider the marvel and wonder that it contains. It is God's wonderful gift to us, a sign of His love for us.   Lord God, help each of us to remember that when we read Your word, we are reading YOUR word. It isn't just something about You, but it is from You. Therefore, it reflects Your very heart and intent for us as we live before You. May we treat it with respect and carefully consider its sacred contents. Amen.  

Sunday, 24 August 2025   For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37   “For from your words, you will be justified, and from your words, you will be condemned” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that for every inactive utterance spoken by man, it will render a word about it in judgement day. Now to fully establish the thought as a set precept concerning man's state, He says, “For from your words, you will be justified, and from your words, you will be condemned.”   This is a general truth regardless of dispensations. Good trees bear good fruit while bad trees bear bad fruit. Likewise, a person's words reveal his nature. What a person says will lead to justification or condemnation.   This, however, has to be taken in its overall sense. People say things that are not good despite being followers of the Lord. And people who don't follow the Lord are fully capable of speaking good things.   If people were to receive eternal condemnation for saying the wrong thing at times, it's pretty certain there wouldn't be any saved people. Peter promised to stick to Jesus no matter what. And yet, even after being told what would happen, he still failed to live by his words.   It can't be that a “bad” person who was capable of saying really good things is going to be justified for all the other bad things he has done. Jesus, therefore, is speaking of the nature of the tree, not every fruit. Good trees with the right fruit can still have bad fruit on them.   The overall substance of the tree is what keeps it from getting cut down. During the time of the law, the people were expected to live by the law. When they failed, as David did, they were to acknowledge their failings and do the things necessary according to the law to be restored.   This is where faith comes in. A person who lived under the law and kept it meticulously may not have an ounce of faith in the provision of God. He is interested in justifying himself through his works.   In this dispensation, the instructions concerning Jesus' words are even clearer to comprehend because the muddy waters of law observance, which are still fully dependent on faith to be justified, have been removed. Paul tells us about words of justification that are perfectly in line with Jesus' proclamation –   “For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, ‘The man who does those things shall live by them.' 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).' 8 But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that 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. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.' 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” Romans 10:5-13   Life application: Words are a reflection of the heart. They may be temporary words that do not reflect the overall character of a person, but rather words spoken out of stress, anxiety, or other pressures. When the moment has passed, the person may say, “I'm so sorry, Lord. I was overwhelmed and just lost it.”   Such a statement indicates faith that wrong words were spoken, and the person's heart was grieved. But more, they indicate faith that the Lord is there and knows our words and actions. If the faith is properly directed, meaning toward God in Christ, there is already forgiveness granted for what was said   The words of justification were spoken at some point. From there, he was sealed with the Spirit, and the blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all his sins – past, present, and future. Another person may have just as much faith that there is a God watching over him, but he has called on the wrong god. He has not been justified through his words because he has not called on Jesus for his atonement.   The difference comes down to Jesus. Only He can remove sin. Therefore, it is not the conscience that saves. Rather, it is properly directed faith. This is why getting Jesus right is so important. Let us remember to tell others about God's wonderful provision in the giving of His Son for our sins.   “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:18-21   Lord God, our hearts get overwhelmed by the things we say and do, knowing that we have not conducted ourselves appropriately in Your presence. David understood this and found comfort in You. Help us to do the same. May You be our place of rest in this world of difficulty, trial, and failure. Jesus has prevailed! May that be our comfort and rest always. Amen.

Saturday, 23 August 2025   But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36   “And I say to you that every inactive utterance that if they will speak, men, they will render a word about it in judgment day” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus referred to the things people bring out of what is stored in their hearts, good or bad. Now, He explains a truth concerning that to which His audience was expected to consider and heed, saying, “And I say to you that every inactive utterance that if they will speak, men.”   A new word is introduced, argos, inactive. When one is inactive, he idles around doing nothing. As such, he will be unemployed, useless, lazy, etc. The word closely corresponds to the Hebrew word mibta, found only in Numbers 30:6 & 30:8, where a woman makes a rash vow. That word signifies hasty or thoughtless. That is derived from bata, to babble.    Jesus is saying that people speak carelessly, not thinking through the ramifications of their words. However, God hears everything man says, even if it is an idle utterance. But more, not only does He hear them, but He is also accounting our idle utterances to who we are in relation to the totality of our personhood.   The thought is general in nature and certainly applies to all humanity at all times, but in this case, Jesus is making a point about the utterances of the Pharisees who spoke carelessly about Jesus without thinking through the logical explanation that He then provided.   He could not be casting out Beelzebul by the prince of demons. His explanation thoroughly refuted the notion. Even if they didn't fully grasp the ramifications of their idle accusation, the Lord heard and was there to render a judgment based on their words, as He next says, “they will render a word about it in judgment day.”   The meaning is that they must give an account for what they spoke, meaning even their idle utterances. Understanding this, Jesus will give an overall summary of this thought in the next verse.   Life application: For now, even before getting to Jesus' summary of the overarching thought presented in this discourse between the Pharisees and Him, we should heed the truth stated by Jesus in this verse.   It is true that those in Christ are in a different economy than those under the law. Despite this, God doesn't change. His ears didn't suddenly turn off when the dispensation of grace came. In other words, everything we say is still known by God and will be set before us by Him when we are brought before Him.   Therefore, we should consider our words carefully. In North Korea, children are executed or sent to grueling penal colonies (which may be worse than death) for speaking like South Korean children, repeating lines from their movies, and so forth.   Such treatment of citizens has occurred throughout human history. An idle word or thoughtless action has led many to the gallows or firing squad. If this is how we may be treated for carelessly speaking before human leaders, how much more severe will it be for those who carelessly and casually malign the Creator?   And yet, it happens innumerable times a day all over the world. People, without thinking through the logic of who God is and what He has done, flippantly ignore the evidence and arrogantly make false proclamations and accusations about Him and His nature. People challenge His word, claiming error or contradiction without considering what it may actually be saying.   In doing these things, we diminish His glory in the eyes of others and place ourselves above Him or what He has done. If humanity understood the consequences of its unholy attitudes, we would be more careful and circumspect in what we say and do. But we fail to consider these things, bringing judgment on ourselves.   For Christians, our condemnation has been decided at the cross of Christ, but what lies ahead still requires judgment for our words and actions now. Let us consider this and pay heed.   Lord God, how often do we say things without thinking through the full scope of what we have uttered? We offend others, we demean those in authority, and we bring dishonor to Your name, even if it was not intentional. Help us to think more clearly and to be careful as we speak, knowing that our words have meaning and may result in unhappy consequences. Amen.  

Friday, 22 August 2025   A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. Matthew 12:35   “The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus called the Pharisees vipers' offspring, telling them that from the surplus of the heart, the mouth speaks. He next explains the result of that, saying, “The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good.”   The word ekballo, to cast out or eject, is used. It is more forceful than “bring out,” such as in the NKJV. The meaning then is that the goodness of a good man wells up inside him until the point where goodness simply exudes from him, being ejected under its own pressure.   The words here show us that Jesus' words in Matthew 9:17 are a comparative statement intended to make a point. In responding to being called “Good Teacher,” Jesus said –   “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”   Jesus was making a comparison of goodness in relation to God. Likewise, Jesus is here making a comparison between people. One is good in relation to others. Because he is, good things will be ejected from him.   This is certainly a comparative statement, because even a good person can get frustrated or fed up, and something not so good will come out of his mouth. However, his character in general is one that demonstrates an inherent goodness in relation to others. Likewise, Jesus says, “and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil.”   This is a person who is comparatively evil. The things that come out of such people, welling up and being ejected into their regular conversation, will be evil. But even such “evil” people can say something nice. Jesus is referring to their general character.   To get the sense of such a person, all one needs to do is turn on the TV and watch people arguing from a political standpoint. Those on the left will spew forth invectives, call out for illegal activities to be condoned, rage against goodness while embracing those who do truly wicked things, etc.   To them, morality is defined by theft and murder, not hard work and self-sufficiency. Those who pray to God are an offense who must be silenced. Because of their character, evil proceeds from them like a well under pressure. In opening their mouths to speak, the evil gushes forth.   Life application: In Luke 6:45, the same words are spoken by Jesus in His sermon to the people, but there are differences –   Matthew - “The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects [ekballo] good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects [ekballo] evil.”   Luke - “The good man, from the good treasure of his heart, he hauls [propheró] good, and the evil, from the evil hauls [propheró] the evil. For from the heart's surplus, it speaks – his mouth.”   In Matthew, different words concerning the motion of what is in the heart are used. One says to eject while the other uses a word meaning to bear forward. A good single word to get the intent would be to haul. Also, in Matthew, the thought about the heart's abundance came in the preceding verse, whereas Luke places it afterwards.   Other slight variations in the Greek exist as well. So the question may be asked, “Which is the original and which one has an error?” Or the statement may be made, “See, there is a contradiction in the two accounts.”   When you are faced with such a question or statement, how will you respond? A suitable explanation is that both can be correct. This could be for various reasons. The first is that it is assumed that Jesus was originally speaking in Aramaic. Different people will write what they heard in Greek in different ways.   Likewise, the change in order of what is said may be a part of that translation process. Therefore, such changes would be expected. But what if the person says, “But even the context of what is said is different! One is to the Pharisees and one during a sermon!”   Is this a contradiction? Not at all! How many times have you repeated a point that is true in your life? Jesus was preaching and proclaiming. He probably stated the same truth innumerable times that are not recorded, along with those that are.   He may have changed the structure of His words, chosen different words, and spoken these things in a multitude of contexts. If the narratives were identical, those who want to tear apart the Bible would (and do!) say that the accounts were simply copies and the events belong to one source. Thus, there are not three different testimonies to Jesus' work.   If they have any differences, the accusation that there are contradictions immediately arises. Don't let such things bother you. Be prepared to show these people the folly of their thinking. From there, drop the argument. Some people wouldn't be content if God spoke the word of Scripture personally.   Wait... He did!   “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17   Lord God, we trust that You have given us a word that carries Your intent for us to know and understand what You desire for us. Help us to be diligent in reading it and contemplating it all the days of our lives. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 21 August 2025   Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  Matthew 12:34   “Vipers' offspring! You can, how, speak good – being evil? For from the heart's surplus, the mouth, it speaks” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of making the tree either good or bad. As it is made, so its fruit will be. Thus, a tree will be known by its fruit. Now, changing the metaphor, He directly addresses the Pharisees, saying, “Vipers' offspring!”   It is also what John the Baptist said to this same group as the people from the surrounding areas came out to be baptized –   “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'” Matthew 3:7   This is probably a reference to the temptation and fall of man in Genesis 3. Serpents continue to be noted in Scripture after that. One instance is especially highlighted in the account of the time during the wilderness wanderings in Numbers 21. There, the people were bitten by serpents, and many died. In this, the people acknowledged their sins, and a remedy was given by the Lord to heal the people.   As such, the main thought of both John and Jesus is probably that of these men being the spawn of Satan, who caused the people to sin, separating them from God. They were the evil offspring of their evil parent, acting in crafty and malevolent ways. Of them, He next says, “You can, how, speak good – being evil?”   The analogy of the tree in the previous verse becomes clear here. They were like evil trees that could only speak evil. This is because they were vipers' offspring. He is uniting the various metaphors into a picture of this group of men standing there, accusing Him. To further explain this, He continues with the words, “For from the heart's surplus, the heart, the mouth, it speaks.”   Here is a new word, perisseuma. It is derived from peri, around. Therefore, it signifies “all around” or “excess” as in “more than anticipated.” These men had wickedness in their hearts that abounded so greatly it welled up out of them in the words they spoke.   They could not say anything good about Jesus because they themselves were corrupt and incapable of determining what was good. Thus, they ascribed evil to His actions, projecting their deficiencies upon Him instead of conducting self-reflection to determine if they were not the ones in error.   Life application: In Matthew 3, John uses the same metaphors, vipers, fruit, and trees, when referring to the same group of people. The full thought recorded there says –   “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.'” Matthew 3:7-12   Such metaphors are found elsewhere in Scripture. They provide insight into what God wants us to consider while reading His word. Remember, as you read, that God is the One who created these things. That is recorded right on the first page of the Bible.   As this is so, and as He is using them in metaphor later in Scripture, He is asking us to consider the inherent nature of these things. Sometimes, such metaphors are explained as to their meaning or intended use.   At times, we have to infer what is being said. But in paying heed to what is being conveyed, we will have a fuller and richer sense of what God is telling us. Take time to consider the use of the various literary devices found in Scripture, and there are a lot of them. The content of Scripture will come alive in new ways when you do.   Take time to read Jeremiah 24. It is only 10 verses long. There, the Lord uses figs as a metaphor for the people of Israel. As you read, remember that the fig is used to indicate a spiritual connection to God or its lack thereof. That is consistently the case throughout Scripture. So think about that meaning as you read the chapter.   In remembering this meaning, the passage will make new sense to you that it may not have previously made. And more, because you are committed to reading your Bible every day, you will come across the fig at other times. When you do, remember its significance and think about why it has been mentioned at a particular time. What a treat it will be for your mind as you say, “Now I understand what God is telling me.”   Lord God, what a great, consistent, and beautiful tool of instruction Your word is for us. Wow! Thank You for how You have laid it out to show us a pattern of all of redemptive history, taking us from Eden and returning us to paradise in heaven. We can see how it all fits as we march toward that state of glory! Amen.

Wednesday, 20 August 2025   “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Matthew 12:33   “Either you make the tree good and the fruit of it good, or you make the tree rotten and the fruit of it rotten. For from the fruit, the tree – it is known” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of speaking against the Holy Spirit and that such an offense will not be forgiven in the current age or the coming age. Next, He begins another thought with, “Either you make the tree good and the fruit of it good.”   The words are stated as an example of a truth that exists. If what Jesus proposes in metaphor were the case in humans, what He says would be the result. There are various types of trees. Some are good and some are bad. He is not speaking of each individual fruit, but of the type.   For example, one can make grafts and produce something good. The nature of the type of fruit is what is referred to. Understanding this, His words are explanatory of what has transpired in their discourse. The Pharisees stated that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebul.   If this were true, then He would be aligned with the devil. However, He refuted this charge by stating that if that were true, Satan would have divided and his kingdom had fallen. So He could not be a bad tree. His fruits (casting out demons) were examples of good fruit. Because of this, their charges against Him were blasphemous. With that understood, He next says, “or you make the tree rotten and the fruit of it rotten.”   If Jesus were a bad tree, the fruits He issued forth would be bad. However, the first premise concerning good fruit has already shown that this cannot be the case. He has cast out demons, something they openly acknowledged with the words, “This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.”   Despite stating it in the negative, their words substantiate that He, in fact, cast out demons: “He ejects the demons.” As they have asserted this with their own words, and as ejecting demons is a good fruit, guess what? The tree must be a good tree, “For from the fruit, the tree – it is known.”   Jesus has taken control of their own words to demonstrate an exacting and undeniable truth. They didn't say, “He pretends to eject,” as if His works were the works of a charlatan. It was obvious from the things He did that His works were real.   Throughout the gospels, the people who are highlighted as having demons cast out, those with afflictions or sicknesses, were known by others as being so afflicted, etc. Some were noted as being born that way, some were seen by the crowds before the healing, some were evidenced in advance to be so afflicted by those challenging Him (such as Matthew 12:9-14), etc.   What He did was not in question. What they challenged was the Source of His ability to do it. With His logical explanations, they must either concede what He says or be subject to blasphemy not of Him, but of the Holy Spirit.   Life application: When a person claims to heal by the power of Jesus and is later seen to be a false healer, it must be questioned how their actions line up with the logic of Jesus' words. They are obviously bad trees because their fruits are bad.   However, if they are claiming they are fruits from a good source, their claims make a mockery of God and bring shame on the Spirit. Ascribing the work of the Spirit to Satan is shown to be an accusation worth condemnation. How about ascribing false fruits (false miracles) to the power of the Spirit?   How much will God tolerate from man before He says, “This line has been crossed?” God knows, we do not. However, for those who make false claims, it seems appropriate to say, “Man, I would not want to be the one standing next to him on judgment day.”   One of the best things we can do as followers of Jesus is to be honest in our actions and claims concerning God. We should never ascribe to God something that didn't happen. False tongues, false healings, false dreams and visions, etc., should never be ascribed to the power of the Holy Spirit.   If we had a dream that seemed real to us, it does not mean it was from God. It is best not to make a claim in such a case than to incorrectly claim. If you had an experience you think might have been from God, either keep it to yourself or tell others without trying to make a claim that may not be what you think it was.   How often do you hear people say something like, “The Lord showed me to do XX,” or “the Lord gave me insight into XX.” However, the thing later doesn't pan out or proves to be incorrect. The person claimed it was of the Lord when it wasn't. It is best to avoid any such rash claims.   Lord God, may our actions and words be so honest and reliable that people won't mind standing next to us on the day we stand before You for judgment. Amen.

Tuesday, 19 August 2025   Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:32   “And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the coming” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that every sin and blasphemy would be forgiven men, but the “Spirit blasphemy” will not be forgiven men. He now continues and builds upon that thought, saying, “And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man.”   Such was to be expected. Here is a Man who lived a poor existence, was from Nazareth, something looked down upon, was the Son of a carpenter, and who probably did these labors Himself, who had argued with the Pharisees about the dietary laws, who had healed on the Sabbath, etc.   Everything about Him was not what one would expect of the Messiah, even if He had a group of disciples around Him and His teachings were interesting. It is obvious they were interested in Him and what He was up to because they kept popping up in accounts recorded in the gospels, inspecting Him and His movements.   But because He didn't fit their notions about a Messiah, they spoke against Him and what He did. Eventually, they would rid themselves of Him by having Him crucified. These things were forgivable, as Jesus notes, “it will be forgiven him.”   It is certain that being complicit in Jesus' death was pardonable. This is evident from the appeals of the apostles after the resurrection –   “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36   This thought is reiterated in Acts 4 when Peter addresses the “rulers of the people and elders of Israel.” Even after their actions against the Son of Man, they could still obtain mercy and forgiveness. However, Jesus continues, saying, “But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him.”   The words “speak against” are to be taken as parallel in meaning to the “Spirit blasphemy” of the previous verse. It is the point that is highlighted for these people to understand the consequences of such words. Mark provides additional understanding of what Jesus is referring to with the words, “because they said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.'”   The men accusing Jesus were ascribing the work of the Spirit to an unclean Spirit. Jesus logically defended why this could not be the case and that He must, in fact, be casting out demons by the Spirit of God. This is the issue. With that now understood, those who understood the Source of His power would have to concede the argument and accept the authority of the Spirit in Christ's works.   To continue in such accusations would be to speak against the Holy Spirit. At what point God determined this threshold had been met, such a person's fate was determined. There would be no forgiveness “neither in this age, nor in the coming.”   The point of the Levitical sacrifices was to obtain forgiveness for transgressions under the law. There are instances where it is noted that forgiveness would not be granted to people under the law. One example is found in the sons of Eli in 1 Samuel 3. Another is found in Isaiah 22:12-14.   In both cases, there was a complete abandonment of God. The Spirit was spoken against as if being ineffectual in the lives of these people through their words and actions. In the coming age, which appears to be referring to the age after Christ's resurrection, it is the Spirit who seals a person for salvation.   This “age” cannot be speaking of the state after death. One's life determines one's state before God. It cannot be speaking of the final age where all saved humanity will be glorified. The eternal state of man will be set at that time. To limit it to the millennium is too narrow a focus for the intent of Jesus' words. Therefore, the age He refers to would be the time after the law is fulfilled and abolished.   To reject the calling of the Spirit upon one's life is a life action that can be equated to speaking against the Spirit. To deny Christ and His power to save, a power evidenced and validated by the resurrection, is to deny the only hope one has of being saved. There can be no forgiveness for this.   Only God can restore man to Himself. To deny this is to deny what God in Christ has done. To do so can be equated to saying Christ had an unclean spirit. Otherwise, it would be obvious that the narrative concerning Him is true. If it is true, it would mean God had ordained Him to be the Author of salvation.   Life application: The door to forgiveness and salvation in Christ remains open until one's final breath. After that, man must face judgment. Some people will never hear the message and will die apart from God. Some will hear and not believe for whatever reason. However, they may at some point believe and be saved.   Others will hear the message and never accept it. The Spirit cannot work in the life of such a person. There can be no forgiveness for such a denial of what God has done. Jesus is the necessary key to understanding the words of this verse.   His resurrection is the proof of the Spirit of God's power to save all men –   “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:1-4   “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:9-11   Lord God, help us to be about the business of sharing the good news concerning forgiveness through the shed blood of Christ. May You guide us as we talk to others so that our words will be effectual in leading them to a right understanding of what You have done. Yes, Lord, help us in this. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.  

Monday, 18 August 2025   “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Matthew 12:31   “Through this, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy, it will be forgiven men, but the ‘Spirit blasphemy' not it will be forgiven men” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said that the one not being with Him is against Him, and the one not gathering with Him scatters. Now, to build upon that thought, He says, “Through this, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy, it will be forgiven men.”   The word blasphémia is introduced. It signifies vilification, especially against God. The meaning of Jesus' words is that sins occur and people blaspheme. These things are a part of being human. People may be uninformed, misinformed, etc. Similarly, people get frustrated, tempted, over-exerted, etc. When these things occur, stamina is weakened, thoughts and emotions get distorted, and so forth.   People can be forgiven of these things through the correction of their heart attitude. The weakness of the flesh might be what disrupts a right attitude. Through being reinvigorated, stamina and mental clarity arise in place of what is evil. Through self-evaluation, a pro-abortionist can redirect his thinking to understand the wrong thought process he previously held.   Such examples as this are understood by God, and when a change to right thinking with a turning from sin and blasphemy, restoration is possible. However, Jesus next says, “but the ‘Spirit blasphemy' not it will be forgiven men.”   Jesus' words, although understood by Christian thinking, reflect a separation that exists within the Godhead. There is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Israel at the time was unaware of these tenets.   Clues to the nature of God may be found in the Hebrew Scriptures, but without the introduction of New Testament theology, such things would remain unclear and obscure at best. What Jesus is saying is in accord with what a Hebrew thinker would understand. God's Spirit, the same Spirit who hovered over the waters in the creation, was known to those hearing Jesus' words.   What He says about “Spirit blasphemy” would have been understood because of this. The Pharisees were accusing Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul. They were ascribing the work of the Spirit of God to the devil.   Whether this, in and of itself, can be considered as “Spirit blasphemy” is debatable. The reason for this is that after being so accused, Jesus corrected their words, and thus (hopefully) their thinking, with a logical reason why it could not be so.   People can do, say, and think things that seem to be beyond the pale, but they may not have any idea of the ramifications of what they are saying or even understand the thought process behind their actions.   The fact is, however, that Jesus' words set a bar that, when it is reached, equates to “Spirit blasphemy.” At that point, there will be no forgiveness obtainable for that person. As the Topical Lexicon rightly states –   “Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-30 locate the unpardonable sin in attributing the unmistakable work of the Spirit to satanic power. It is not a single rash word but a settled verdict against the light, revealing a heart hardened beyond repentance.”   Life application: People often wonder if they have committed blasphemy of the Spirit, worrying about the state of their eternal souls for something they thought or did. The very fact that they are concerned about that should tell them it has not happened.   Unfortunately, there is a great deal of incredibly bad theology taught in seminaries and churches concerning this issue. True story: A group of young boys was outside of a charismatic church where women were rolling on the ground, disgracing themselves through false manifestations of the “Spirit.” The boys laughed at them. One of the women said to them, “You can never be saved. You have blasphemed the Holy Spirit.”   One of the boys lost hope, became a drunk and a rebel in life. In the military, he heard the message about the King of kings and realized the lie that he had heard was nonsense. He gave his life to Christ and became a missionary, telling others about the goodness of God.   The women, not the boys, were much closer to blaspheming the Spirit. They were ascribing their ridiculously stupid actions, showing off in public, and acting like fools to the work of the Spirit.   If someone, we'll say a Muslim, says, “The Bible is the work of the devil.” Is that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? The Bible is inspired by the Spirit. Therefore, someone could make the claim. But what if the Muslim never read the Bible and was just repeating what he had been told? He had no idea what the Bible said concerning God, the Spirit, Christ, or the Christian faith.   He is condemned because he is not in Christ, just like any other human. But what if, after saying what he said, he got the desire to check out the claims of the Bible? In reading it, he realized that he was wrong, that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that Jesus is the Christ. Can he be saved? Yes. His words about the Bible, although incorrect, did not meet the bar set by Jesus.   Keep your fingers from pointing. Paul, a Pharisee who heard all about Jesus, did everything he could to destroy the faith. And yet, despite all he had done, he was not only forgiven by God, but he was given an appointment as His ambassador and apostle.   “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:12, 13   O God, help us to learn and rightly apply sound doctrine to our lives. Help us to not get swayed by false or manipulative people. Rather, lead us in understanding You, Your word, and what is correct as we live our lives in Your presence. Amen.  

Sunday, 17 August 2025   He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Matthew 12:30   “The ‘not being with Me,' he is against me. And the ‘not gathering with Me,' he scatters” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of binding the strong man before his goods can be plundered. With that thought complete, He now poignantly states, “The ‘not being with Me,' he is against me.”   There is a great deal of dissension about who Jesus is speaking of in this verse. Some say it is a word against the Pharisees, others say it is referring to Satan, others that it is anyone at any time as they interact with the cause of Christ, etc. Checking the surrounding verses gives us the answer.   A man who was demon possessed, blind and mute, was brought to Him. He healed the man (vs. 23). The people asked if He could be the Son of David (vs. 24). He was accused by the Pharisees of casting out by Beelzebul (vs. 24). From there, Jesus gave His words on kingdom division, authority to cast out demons, and binding a strong man (vss. 25-29).   In verses 31 & 32, He will speak of blasphemy against the Spirit, stating that speaking a word against the Son of Man is forgivable, but speaking against the Holy Spirit is not. But Jesus has said in verse 28 that if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, the kingdom of God has come upon them.   He is clearly stating that He and what He does are in accord with the Spirit. Therefore, when someone speaks against His actions, they are speaking against the work of the Spirit. As anyone opposed to the Spirit is under the authority of the devil, those opposed to Christ's works are not in accord with the Spirit.   The general words, “the not being with Me,” indicate the devil and those who are his. There is “what God is doing,” and “what the devil is doing.” That is the totality of what is happening in the universe around us. Understanding this, He next says, “And the ‘not gathering with Me,' he scatters.”   A new word, skorpizó, to dissipate, is introduced. It is derived from skorpios, a scorpion. A scorpion penetrates its prey, causing a dissipating effect. One can think of a grenade being tossed into a room, and those in the room scatter, causing a dissipating effect.   When the Spirit of God is present, there will be one effect. When the presence of the devil is present, there will be another. Bengel rightly ties the thought of gathering to the word qoheleth, Teacher or Preacher, found seven times in Ecclesiastes. The word is derived from qahal, to convoke or assemble.   Through the teaching of the Teacher, there is a gathering effect that takes place in the kingdom of God. Through opposition to it, there is a scattering effect. God is teaching us through the work of the Spirit. As Jesus is filled with the Spirit of God in the fullest sense, what He does is the ultimate gathering for the kingdom that can be realized.   Life application: Jesus' words are not speaking of the general state of any of us on a given day. One day, we may be on fire for Jesus and out telling all about Him and His goodness, handing out tracts and blaring Christian music from our car stereo. The next day, we may be in a grumpy mood and completely ineffective in our witness.   This is the normal way of life. Being a Christian does not change that. We are physical, chemical, and biological beings. Variations in those aspects of us can change our whole attitude. But this does not change our state in Christ. If we have accepted the gospel, we are sealed with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13, 14).   Those who have not believed the gospel are incapable of being “with” Christ because they do not have the Spirit of God. It is the Spirit that testifies to Jesus Christ. He inspired Scripture, and all Scripture points to Jesus. Jesus' life is documented in Scripture. We can either accept that He is who Scripture claims or reject that. The gospel is given in the word, and it can be explained by man (Romans 10:14-18).   To reject the gospel is to reject what God is doing in redemptive history in and through His Son. The issue Jesus is referring to is being a part of one kingdom or another. If one moves from the devil to Jesus, he is with Jesus, and he gathers with Him because he has the Spirit of God.   If Jesus is rejected, the person who rejects Him is not with Him. Therefore, his being, his existence, stands in opposition to the work of the Spirit. This is an all-encompassing thought. It is not a Jew/Gentile issue. It is not a Russian/Ukrainian issue. It is not an “I support Israel” or “I don't support Israel” issue, nor a democrat/republican issue. And so forth.   We have our own divisions for various things we want or desire. At times, what we do may or may not align with God's plans as they are being worked out in human history. This may be because of stubborn rebellion, poor doctrine, etc. However, the main division of all things comes down to Christ.   Are we in Christ because of our acceptance of the Spirit's working in Him, or are we of the devil, having never been converted to accepting the Spirit's marking Him as God's chosen Servant to bring us back to Him?   “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:8, 9   O God, help us to clearly identify the battle that is raging in the world. The devil has his kingdom, and Christ Jesus has His. Help us to effectively communicate the gospel for others to see this and to call out to You through Jesus. May You strengthen us for this at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Saturday, 16 August 2025   Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. Matthew 12:29   “Or how, any, he can enter into the house of the strong and his goods seize, if not first he should bind the strong? And then, his house he will through-seize” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus emphatically declared to the Pharisees that if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon them. Next, He questions them with the words, “Or how, any, he can enter into the house of the strong and his goods through-seize?”   His question contains a new word, diarpazó. It is derived from dia, through, and harpazó, to seize. Thus, a literal, albeit clunky translation would be to through-seize. Some Greek texts use the word harpazó here and then diarpazó later in this verse.   Jesus' question is concerning ability. There is a house owned by a strong man. If someone wants to rob this guy, how is he going to do it? Jesus provides the answer in the next clause, saying, “if not first he should bind the strong.”   If the house of a strong man is to be plundered, the strong man has to first be bound. His strength must be dealt with, or it will be impossible for someone to rob him. Instead, he will get a good pounding and maybe a trip to the hospital. But if he is bound up, Jesus continues with, “And then, his house he will through-seize.”   When that which interferes with one's plans to take an action is removed, the ability to take that action can then go forward. The point of Jesus' words is built upon what He has already said. This is introduced with the word translated as “or.”   His first question in this regard was that if Satan casts out Satan, he divided himself. If so, then his kingdom cannot stand. Thus, the word “or” continues to refer to this concept. Speaking again of Satan, he calls him “the strong.”   Some equate the house with the demon-possessed man. But this is too limited. Satan's house, in this questioning, is his place of rule. Thus, it is the Earth. This is the same as the “house of David” being the scope of David's rule. Satan has already been shown to have authority over the earth (Matthew 4:9).   Therefore, the strong, meaning Satan, must be bound. From there, a person can then thoroughly plunder his house. How did God do this? He sent Jesus, born without sin, into the world. This is why Satan attempted to get Jesus to sin right at the start. But Jesus prevailed over his temptations. Remaining sinless, Jesus has bound Satan's authority.   Therefore, Jesus can now thoroughly plunder his house. One step at a time, this will take place until, at the cross, he is entirely defeated. The sinless death of Jesus is the proverbial final nail in the coffin of Satan's ability to come against Him. In His death, the law is fulfilled. Therefore, the thing that stood against man and which Satan used against man, law, will no longer be an implement to cause saved humanity to fall again.   Life application: The importance of the issue of law versus grace is not to be diminished. Law, a violation of it, is what brought sin into the world. Through sin, man died. That state of sin and death spread to all men. This is recorded by Paul in Romans 5.   In Christ, the issue of law, and thus the issue of the imputation of sin, has been dealt with. This is why those who have come to Christ can adamantly avow that they have been saved. They have moved from a position of “under law” in Adam to a position of “in grace” in Jesus.   It is also why salvation, once it has been granted, is eternal. It is true, we may ignorantly reimpose law on ourselves after being saved, but we are still in Christ. Therefore, sin is not being imputed, even for the blunder of placing oneself under law. However, in our state of salvation, we will receive no rewards for a life lived under law, even if we remain in grace. By our actions, we are excluding the chance to be rewarded for our conduct.   On the other hand, those who never believe the gospel, but continue under law, cannot be saved. Only by rejecting self, accepting Christ's full atonement through His sacrificial death, which is proved by the resurrection, can someone be moved from “under law” to “in grace.”   Once that move takes place, it should be the person's goal and desire to live for God, loving Him, and being obedient to His guidance as outlined under the New Covenant in order to receive rewards. This is not for being saved or continuing to be saved. That was dealt with in Jesus' work. It is for rewards and losses in our state of salvation.   Let us learn the lesson of law and cling to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ always.   Glorious God, how grateful we are for what You have done for us in Christ. The power of Satan was bound in our lives, and we have been plundered from His hand. We are now under a new Master who will continue to forever protect us from the power of the devil. As this is so, help us to stay away from evil and always strive for what is good and pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

Friday, 15 August 2025   But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Matthew 12:28   “And if in God's Spirit I, I eject the demons, then it preceded upon you, the ‘God's kingdom'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus trapped the Pharisees with a question concerning the casting out of demons by their sons, meaning their disciples. With that complete, He now states a proposition to be accepted or rejected by the hearer, beginning with an emphatic statement, “And if in God's Spirit I, I eject the demons.”   Jesus has just clearly demonstrated that He cannot be ejecting demons by Beelzebul, something the Pharisees would have to grant based on His logic. Understanding that it is not by Beelzebul, then it must be from another source. In fact, it can only be from one source. And so He says, “then it preceded upon you, the ‘God's kingdom.'”   Here is a new word, phthanó (ff-than-oh), to precede, as in arriving ahead of time. Because of this, it is an arrival “before something which indicates priority in importance or sequence” (HELPS Word Studies).   The use of this word by Jesus indicates that He had already been on the scene, performing healings and miracles while preaching the gospel, but the people didn't realize that He was who He, in fact, turned out to be. One might paraphrase the thought, “Jesus walked among us, and before we knew it, He had revealed Himself to be the Messiah.”   The sense of the word can be seen from Paul's description of the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 –   “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede (phthanó) those who are asleep.”   Jesus cast out demons. He was accused of having derived His authority from Beelzebub. He demonstrated that such could not be the case. Therefore, what He had accomplished was evidence that what He did was from God, and thus God's kingdom had already come upon them.   As usual, the spiritual leaders of Israel missed the boat in understanding the significance of the events around them. Today, two thousand years later, they sit in synagogues and miss the fact that God's kingdom has come, rejecting Jesus, and thus rejecting their only hope of salvation.   Life application: It is common in evangelical Christian circles for people to give Jews a pass on not accepting Jesus, as if they are ok without Him. This comes in varying degrees. The most extreme case of this heresy is that of dual covenantalism, something preached by John Hagee. It is also the set doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Even if it is not openly taught, it is in their doctrinal writings.   Others may not openly understand or accept this doctrine, but they still hold to it in their thinking, trying to rationalize away why Jews are ok with God because they are “God's people,” even while understanding that Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc., are condemned without Jesus.   This attitude stems from a failure to understand who “God's people” are at a given time. Hosea prophesied of a time when His people would no longer be His people, but those who were not His people would be His people. Paul explains this in Romans 9-11.   While the Jews are out of God's favor, they are “God's people” only in anticipation of restoration. However, they are not His people for salvation. Rather, that belongs to those -Jews and Gentiles – who have received Jesus. They are a part of the church.   That day will end at the rapture, and a simple question clears up the heretical notion that the Jews today are “God's people.” Will the Jews who don't believe in Jesus be taken at the rapture? The answer is obvious, “No.” Rather, they as a collective group will go through the tribulation. This proves that they are not now “God's people” except in anticipation of restoration.   The Christian community would do far better by evangelizing Jews than by proclaiming that they are God's people, thus bolstering the idea in their minds (meaning the Jews) that they think Christians believe they are right with God. Without Jesus, there is no salvation. Remember the basic equation –   In proper theology, one plus one will always equal two.   “‘I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.' 39 They answered and said to Him, ‘Abraham is our father.' Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.'” John 8:37-41   Being a descendant (physically descended from) Abraham does not mean one is a child of Abraham from a spiritual perspective. Rather –   “Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.' 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” Galatians 3:5-9   Glorious God, help to get our thinking right in relation to what You are doing in redemptive history. Too many reject Israel because of their misdeeds, as if they no longer have the promises of the prophets. But too many fail to acknowledge that without Jesus, the Jews stand condemned. Help us to have clarity of thought, and to pray for and evangelize to this beloved, set-aside group of people. Amen.

Thursday, 14 August 2025   And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. Matthew 12:27   “And if I, I eject demons in Beelzebul, your sons – in whom do they eject? Through this they, they will be your judges” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the Pharisees that if Satan were to cast out Satan, he would have divided himself. If so, his kingdom could not stand. Now, with a kind of “in your face” question for His accusers, Jesus emphatically asks, “And if I, I eject demons in Beelzebul, your sons – in whom do they eject?”   In this question, the “sons” are those who sit under the authority of the Pharisees, specifically meaning their disciples. There are two main points to consider in this question. The first is that their disciples must have claimed that they cast out demons. Otherwise, Jesus would not have even bothered with the question. Therefore, it is certain that they claimed this power.   Second, Jesus does not say they actually did it. Rather, He is affirming that they practiced the casting out of demons. An example of Jews doing this is found in Acts 19. Other than being a priest, it doesn't say what position their father held, be it a Sadducee or Pharisee, but the matter is documented by Luke –   “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.' 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?' 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.” Acts 19:13-18   People like this made claims that they were able to cast out demons. Jesus has established through His question that He knows the Pharisees' disciples made such claims. If this is so, the claim would be that they did it under God's authority. However, if the argument of the Pharisees was that Jesus was casting out demons by Beelzebul, then their own disciples must be allied with Beelzebul.   They have now placed themselves in an impossible trap. Therefore, they have to either retract their claim, which will then validate Jesus' ministry, or they will have to restate their claim and simply acknowledge that Jesus' authority is of God. If they don't, “Through this they, they will be your judges.”   The words are again emphatic. The claims and actions (whether real or fake) of the disciples bear witness against the words of the Pharisees. Either they are really casting out by God's help and thus Jesus is as well, or they are faking it and are charlatans. Either way, they cannot be casting out by Beelzebul because if they were, Beelzebul would have divided himself and fallen.   Life application: The Pharisees must have known that their disciples were falsely casting out demons. Having seen Jesus casting them out and realizing that what He was doing was true and effective, it cast on them the certain knowledge that He was able to do something they could not do. Therefore, they projected their failings on Him by adding an unsupportable accusation.   This, therefore, is essentially the fallacy known as projection. In essence, their thinking is as follows:   We are not really casting out demons. It is just a Benny Hinn show to dupe the masses. We see Jesus really casting out demons. However, we are (surely!) on God's side. Therefore, He must be doing this at the hand of Beelzebul!   However, because they are lying about their abilities, they are actually doing the work of the devil, because their lying certainly isn't of God. Therefore, they project their own failing on Jesus by ascribing His successes to Beelzebul.   This is a common practice among wicked people. They are corrupt, and yet they take what they are doing and ascribe it to their foes. As a modern example of this, which occurs daily in the US, the democrat party and individual democrats do exactly what they accuse their opponents of doing. In doing this, they project their own failings on those with whom they are at variance.   Unfortunately, shallow people who are unable to clearly process the events as they occur will often accept the words of such people without attempting to reconcile the words against the actions. It is a sort of brain-dead state where their hatred of a person or ideal completely blinds them to the reality in which they exist.   Much of this is a result of a lack of critical thinking, which is no longer taught in schools. Without the ability to see and then rightly process what is actually going on, subjective feelings become a person's hold on reality. As they already cannot properly process reality, they have nothing but enmity welling up in them toward whoever is being falsely accused.   Jesus used critical thinking when dealing with the Pharisees. He was able to cut through their unsupportable accusations and shine the light back on those who made them, exposing their hypocrisy.   To rightly understand the accusations of the left, listening to well-trained critical thinking people such as Thomas Sowell, Victor Davis Hanson, Dennis Prager, and others will help you process what is really going on in the minds of the left.   The same is true in Christian circles. Be willing to listen to sound teachers who have taken the time to learn Scripture and rightly process when someone is giving an invalid argument from it. What God says and does is logical. Nothing illogical will issue from Him. Therefore, when something is illogically presented, even if it sounds right at first, it cannot be.   “With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.” Job 12:13   Lord God, give us wisdom and understanding to rightly process Your word. Help us to possess this in the world around us as well. There is so much unclear thinking out there. Give us clarity of thought, discernment, and the ability to critically evaluate what is presented so that we can then rightly consider and act on what we are told. Amen.

Wednesday, 13 August 2025   If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? Matthew 12:26   “And if the Satan, he ejects the Satan, he divided upon himself. How then, it will stand, his kingdom?” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted what would happen if a kingdom were divided against itself. Using the same idea to ensure the point is understood, He next says, “And if the Satan, he ejects the Satan, he divided upon himself.”   This is the second time that Satan is mentioned in the New Testament. The first time was in Matthew 4:10 during Christ's temptation in the wilderness. At times, it is stated as a name or an appellative, as in Matthew 4:10. In Matthew 4:10, it said, “Withdraw, you Satan!” The meaning is probably closest to, “Withdraw, you Accuser!”   In this verse, both times it is preceded by a definite article, “the Satan” and thus “the Accuser.” Thus, it signifies, “And if the Accuser, he ejects the Accuser, he divided upon himself.” As such, it is not that one of his subordinates is ejecting another. It is as if he is ejecting himself.   It would be comparable to Joe Biden picking himself up and tossing himself out of the White House. That may be something the general public wished had taken place, but if it did, it would mean that he would no longer be in the White House. Instead, the American public was relieved of him in another way.   The point of Jesus' words is that what the Pharisees accuse Jesus of, meaning casting out demons by the ruler of demons, signifies that when a demon enters a person, Satan has essentially entered that person as well. When Satan ejects a demon, he ejects himself. The thought is contradictory to furthering his goals, but more, it is contradictory to logic.   The words are not present tense, saying, “he is divided against himself.” Rather, the verb being aorist says, “he divided himself.” The division is stated regardless of a particular time. It is simply a fact that at some point, when Satan takes such an action, he has at that time divided himself.   As for Jesus' continued words in such an instance, He remarks concerning the Accuser, “How then, it will stand, his kingdom?” The question demands a negative response: “It cannot.” If the verb were present tense, “he is divided against himself,” it could mean he could repair the division.   However, with the aorist verb, “he divided himself,” the repair is impossible. Therefore, just as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, Satan ejecting himself from his subjects has caused his kingdom to fall.   Logically, then, if Satan had given Jesus the authority to cast out demons, he would have given Him the authority to cast himself out. The proposition is ludicrous to even the poorest thinker. As such, Jesus is thoroughly shaming the thought processes of the Pharisees who spoke before thinking.   Life application: Jesus speaks of Satan as a real entity. He acknowledges angels and demons as well. Paul also speaks of the spiritual battle that believers face in Ephesians 6. Unfortunately, Christians cling to this as if we could lose the battle. They dwell on the negative aspect as if it is something that could thoroughly overwhelm us.   Hollywood is great with this, leading people to assume that Satan can steal away people's souls while making no distinction between believers and unbelievers. In the case of believers, this is incorrect. Jesus has prevailed over Satan and his demons.   During this life, we can be afflicted by these spiritual forces, but if we are in Christ, we will never again be subject to their permanent rule. Paul even tells us of this in 1 Corinthians 5. Speaking of a wayward believer, he says, “...deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”   Paul's words of Ephesians 6 give us instruction for conducting our lives as Christians during this life, not “for” the next life. If you want to be free from spiritual affliction, follow the guidelines given there. But your eternal destiny, that of full restoration with God through Christ Jesus, was settled when you believed the gospel.   Don't have the defeated attitude that so many Christians carry around with them. Christ has prevailed! In Him, we too have prevailed. The more we rely on Him and what He has done, the surer we will be that this is true. Stand firm in your salvation, apply the words of Scripture to your life, and don't let the accuser and his minions rob you of your joy in Christ.   Lord God, thank You that because Christ has prevailed, we too have prevailed. May we stand fast in our salvation, knowing that we are free from law and therefore free from the imputation of sin. As this is so, we are free from the consequences that result from breaking the law. Satan can no longer hold such against us. Thank You, O God, that Jesus has prevailed! Amen.  

Tuesday, 12 August 2025   But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25   “And Jesus, having known their thoughts, He said to them, ‘Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates, and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by Beelzebul. This was obviously done quietly among themselves or towards the crowds without Jesus directly hearing it because Matthew next records, “And Jesus, having known their thoughts.”   Jesus perceived their thoughts even though He was not openly privy to their conversation. It is a trait that belongs to God –   “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10   In knowing what they were thinking, He responds to their accusations, as recorded by Matthew, “He said to them, ‘Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates.'”   There are two new words. The first is merizó, to apportion. As such, in this context, it signifies to divide one part from another. The second is erémoó, to desolate or make waste. If a kingdom is united, it will be alive and thriving, but when it is divided, it will become like a ruined wilderness where nothing productive takes place.   The sly accusation of the Pharisees does not hold water because it stands against simple logic. Jesus next provides a second example to solidify this truth, saying, “and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand.”   This is an example that would have been obvious to even someone as observantly dull about the world around them as the Pharisees. They may have been so stuck in their legalism that they never lifted their eyes to see how the normal world works, but Scripture and history would tell them that a city that did not possess the same goals and spirit of unity could not stand –   “And the house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. 23 So the house of Joseph sent men to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city was formerly Luz.) 24 And when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, ‘Please show us the entrance to the city, and we will show you mercy.' 25 So he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man and all his family go. 26 And the man went to the land of the Hittites, built a city, and called its name Luz, which is its name to this day.” Judges 1:22-26   A single man not in step with the rest of the city brought the city to destruction. Evidence of such division makes the accusation of the Pharisees completely untenable.   Life application: Paul spends most of his time in the book of 1 Corinthians writing against divisions within the church. He does this because of the very precept Jesus highlights in this verse. The church at Corinth had many divisions of various types. If this problem were not corrected, the church could not stand.   His letter is a warning and admonition to churches throughout the age. Unless there is unity within the church, little divisions will lead to a total division of the congregation or even a total collapse of the church.   People have many pet peeves that drive their choice of church attendance. Generally, doctrine is not first and foremost on people's minds. Some people want comfortable chairs. Some want a church where food is served. Some look for a certain type of entertainment.   When these types of things are one's priority for church attendance, it is a rather shallow foundation on which continued attendance can be expected. With a simple change in the direction of the music, some will protest. If their protest isn't catered to, there will be disharmony. Depending on the size of the church, it can cause a split, or it may just cause those who are disenchanted to find another church.   As silly as this seems, it is as common as chicken meals at KFC. Churches, first and foremost, are intended to analyze and instruct in the word, which explains God and His redemptive plans for man through Jesus Christ. Once this main reason for gathering loses priority, there is no longer a sound footing for the church to continue without division.   Hold fast to the word, honor God through Jesus, and be ready to restore harmony within the church when it is called for. Jesus spoke about division and its consequences. Paul then set the example for us in his letters. We should do our best to emulate his instruction.   “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,' or ‘I am of Apollos,' or ‘I am of Cephas,' or ‘I am of Christ.' 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:10-13   Lord God, may we stand united in our devotion to You and to growing in You through a proper evaluation and right understanding of Your word. Help us in this, O God, so that we may be mature in our thinking, always placing You first in our hearts and lives. Amen.

Monday, 11 August 2025   Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 12:24   “And the Pharisees, having heard, they said, ‘This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the people, although not committed to the proposition, somewhat suspected that Jesus may be the Son of David. Having stated this, the usual suspects now chime in. Matthew records, “And the Pharisees, having heard.”   Having seen their track record thus far, it can already be surmised that these men were indignant at the very thought of Jesus being the anticipated Messiah. Therefore, “they said, ‘This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.'”   There is no article before “prince” or “ruler” (NKJV). Thus, the statement speaks of a title more than a position. One can see the emphatic retort to the people's questioning –   23 ‘Not any, this, He is the Son of David?' 24 ‘This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.'   In order to draw the people's speculation away from Jesus possibly being the Son of David, they go to the most extreme resolution possible. Not only is He not the Son of David, but He also isn't even just a charlatan. Rather, He has power, but that power is surely derived from he who is prince of the demons!   They couldn't deny that the miracles were real. The evidence was there before them. But they would never come to acknowledge that what Jesus did was of God. Therefore, the certain explanation that they clung to was that Jesus' power was demonic.   Because of their words, Jesus will carefully explain why their reasoning is faulty and why they are in serious trouble before God because of their accusation.   Life application: On 24 June 2025, Adam Sheafe was arrested for crucifying an Arizona pastor several months earlier. Sheafe intended to kill fourteen more pastors, all because they believe in Jesus. The news service said –   “The suspect described his plan as ‘Operation First Commandment' and claimed that the Bible's New Testament teachings about Jesus Christ go against the biblical commandment that says, ‘You shall have no other gods before me.' Sheafe stated, ‘His commandments have been annulled by this character called Jesus, a human being who I believe is the son of Satan'” (American Military News).   Sheafe is obviously theologically confused. But what would lead someone to take such a stand? The answer is because he was told something about Scripture that was incorrect and, instead of doing the research, he trusted what he was told.   The people of Israel were presented with the obvious truth that Jesus was capable of healing the deaf and blind, and yet they questioned whether He was the Messiah or not. To rob them of any faith that may have sprouted in their hearts, the Pharisees quickly intervened and assured them that Jesus was healing by the power of Beelzebul.   It is one thing to listen to authority figures, and it is another to do so without checking what they say. Israel was presented with their Messiah. They rejected Him as a nation, and it caused them to, once again, fall under the curses of the Law of Moses. They had agreed to the law, they were to live by it, and they were to accept what it taught.   As Jesus noted in John 5, Moses wrote about Him. In Luke 24:27, it says, “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Israel rejected this. They continue to do so today.   Unfortunately, because of the teachings of modern-day Judaizers and Hebrew Roots adherents, this attitude has spread around the world. Like the Roman Catholic Church, their doctrine denies the all-sufficiency of Christ's work, mandating individual works as a part of the salvation process.   Law has been the problem since the first days of man on earth. It remains a problem to this day. It is what puts a wall between God and man. What is needed is God's grace. We cannot find life without it, and we cannot find healing and restoration apart from it.   May we remember this lesson. Jesus came to demonstrate to Israel that He was their Messiah. As a part of this demonstration, He gave His life up in fulfillment of the Law of Moses. Why would we ever want to go back to that? May we go forward in God's grace, living for Him and honoring Him by honoring the full, finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord.   Lord God, thank You for the all-sufficient nature of Christ's work. Through what He has done, we are fully reconciled to You. Thank You for Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Sunday, 10 August 2025   And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Matthew 12:23   “And they were astounded, all the crowds. And they said, ‘Not any, this, He is the Son of David?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus healed a mute and blind man so that he could speak and see. Now, the reaction to that by the crowds is provided by Matthew, saying, “And they were astounded, all the crowds.”   A new word, existémi, to be amazed or astounded, is used. It is from ek, out, and histémi, to stand. The idea is that of being knocked off one's feet or beside oneself. The people saw this and were truly amazed at what they beheld.   So incredible was the miracle that, despite not understanding how Jesus could be the Messiah, they still couldn't dismiss it. This is seen in their seemingly oddly constructed words, “And they said, ‘Not any, this, He is the Son of David?'”   The word méti, only seen so far in Matthew 7:16, is used. It comes from me, not, and tis, any (something, certain, some, etc.). A single word that might reflect their thinking would be the word whether. Combining that with “this” to identify Him specifically adds emphasis.   They are essentially saying something like, “It can't be that He is the Son of David, but maybe He is!” They are conflicted and trying to reason between what they presuppose about a Messiah and what their eyes actually see.   This is the second time that anyone has specifically addressed Jesus as the Son of David. The first time was an adamant assertion –   “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!'” Matthew 9:27   These two blind men were able to discern that Jesus is, in fact, the Son of David, meaning the promised Messiah. However, the crowds who could see could not fully come to such a resolution in their minds. Such is the power of presupposition.   Life application: We as humans quite often form presuppositions about a matter or a person based on a limited, imperfect, or tainted understanding of the person or thing. Once that thought is settled in our minds, it is very hard to get it out.   For example, a person may sit in a church when he is young, listening to a biblically inept pastor who doesn't know eschatology very well. The pastor may deny that there is something called the rapture, and without any biblical support, he dismisses it as nonsense.   For that young person, he is sitting under an authority figure whom he likes and respects. He trusts that what he has heard is correct. As he grows, he learns that there are not only those who believe in a rapture, but that there is a wide range of views as to its timing.   However, his mind is already made up that there is no such thing. And so, when he discusses the matter with others, he already has a wall up to defend against the doctrine, even though it is clearly presented in the word. When presented with the clear and obvious instruction, his mind finds it hard to resolve what he already believed and what Paul precisely states.   In this state, he is conflicted, just like the people who saw Jesus' healing of the deaf and blind man. Two blind people, who couldn't see what Jesus looked like, knew from their other senses that He must be the Son of David. But these people, allowing for their preconceived notions about Him, were unable to fully perceive what was plain and obvious.   What do you believe about King James Only-ism? How do you perceive the state of the nation of Israel today? What do you believe happens to believers when they die? Is the coming temple and its sacrifices a good thing or a bad thing in God's eyes? Is Jesus both God and Man? Is Jesus the only way to heaven? If you are saved, can you lose your salvation?   If you have been around the faith long enough, you have already been presented with views on these matters, whether they were responsibly taught from Scripture or not. What you were originally taught, or what your mind conceived was correct, is what you will believe going forward, unless you are to stop and say, “I will go where the word leads, even if it conflicts with what I currently believe.”   This is not an easy path to follow. We usually put a lot of our time and mental thought into what we think we believe. To say, “I was wrong,” is like throwing away a part of who we have become. It can also be embarrassing. And yet, are we going to put God, His word, and proper doctrine first?   The people saw Jesus and they beheld His miracles, and yet, they struggled to say, “Surely, this is the Messiah.” Their Scriptures already told them what He would do, but they held stubbornly to presuppositions, conflicted and tossed about in their thinking.   “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:5, 6   Lord God, help us in our thinking. We come to the table with piles of theological baggage heaped up in our minds. Sometimes it is from honest but misguided teachers. Sometimes, it is from people who don't want us to see the truth. And sometimes, we just made things up in our heads. Help us to clear this out, to see what is correct, and to be pleasing to You in our doctrine. Amen.

Saturday, 9 August 2025   Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. Matthew 12:22   “Then he was brought to Him ‘being demon possessed,' blind and mute, and He cured him, so the blind and mute speak and see” (CG).   In the previous verse, the quote from Isaiah 42 concerning the coming of the Messiah was finished. Now, the narrative concerning Jesus continues, saying, “Then he was brought to Him ‘being demon possessed,' blind and mute.”   The record of this account with the accompanying charges that will be seen in the next verse is recorded as occurring at different times in Mark and Luke. A couple of possibilities exist concerning this. The first is that Matthew uses the word “then,” meaning it is chronological, whereas the others are merely recorded as fact at a certain point.   Another possibility is that in this account, it says, “blind and mute.” However, Luke only says “mute.” Mark doesn't specifically refer to the state of a person being healed in Mark 3. And so, it could be at different times that the surrounding narratives are repeated. Why can it not be that the same charges were stated against Jesus at various times? Rather, it would be expected, just as such charges are brought against people at various times even today.   As it stands, there is no reason to assume the three accounts contradict. Understanding this, a person is blind and mute, something attributed to him being demon possessed. He is brought to Jesus in that state. Next, it says, “and He cured him, so the blind and mute speak and see.”   It is a miracle that exceeds the account in Matthew 9, where Jesus cured a man who was mute and demon possessed. Adding in the blindness is an elevation of the matter, demonstrating that Jesus' healing capabilities were well beyond anything the people could have imagined.   Remembering that this is recorded directly after the words of Isaiah, it demonstrates the coldness of the hearts of the religious leaders who will challenge Jesus on this. Isaiah proclaimed that the Gentiles would hear of Jesus and trust in Him. Those who are recorded as coming against Jesus in the next verses didn't have to hear. They were right there to see with their own eyes.   The contrast is purposeful. The words are given to show the immense void that stands between unbelieving Israel, who had sight to complement their own oracles, and believing Gentiles who heard the word in distant lands about the coming of the Christ. The Gentiles accepted its veracity without having seen.   Life application: A constant theme found in Scripture is the answer to the question, “What do you believe?” The majority of the people of Israel had Scripture read to them each week in the synagogues of Israel. They had the stories of the coming Messiah so well memorized that they would have been talked about openly on any given day and in any particular setting.   When Jesus came, He didn't sell tickets and go into closed halls to cure for a profit for a few select people. Rather, He did it in the open for anyone near to see. At times, He did take people aside and heal them or raise them in a private setting, but there were reasons this was so.   However, He spoke openly, and He cured for the masses to see. All of this was done in perfect accord with the prophecies the people had in their Scriptures. And yet, the nation rejected Him, and many continue to use His name in a derogatory way to this day.   On the other hand, and just as Scripture prophesied, the life and events of Jesus were presented to the nations of the world. People of a seemingly infinite number of backgrounds, cultural preferences, differing languages, and from innumerable pagan influences were told the good news. And yet, in only hearing about Jesus, they walked away from their false spiritual beliefs while maintaining their unique cultural and linguistic states, converting to a full acceptance of Jesus as their Savior and Lord.   By merely hearing the word, belief set in. This is what pleases God. In Christ, He doesn't care diddly about the cultural choices of the Jewish people. Nor does He care about their Jewishness without their accompanied belief. What He desires is faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”   Hear the word, accept it for what it says, and have faith in the God who loved you enough to send His Son to restore you to Himself. This is pleasing in God's sight –   “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29   Lord God, help us not to get fixated on things that are not relevant to our salvation in Christ. It doesn't matter if we are Jews or Gentiles, white or black, intelligent or dummies, or any other such thing. In Your eyes, Your word tells us that You desire us to be people of faith. Help us to be such people, to Your glory. Amen.

Friday, 8 August 2025   And in His name Gentiles will trust.” Matthew 12:21   “And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope” (CG).   In the previous verse, the tender care of Jesus was noted, saying that He would not break a bruised reed, nor would He quench a smoking flax until He had ejected judgment into victory. Matthew's words were based upon the prophecy of Isaiah 42:4. Matthew next finishes the citation from that verse, saying, “And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope.”   A new word is introduced into the New Testament, elpizó, to expect or confide. As such, it provides a sense of trust. When one is expecting something, he trusts it will come. When one confides in another, he is committing his trust in that person. The word is often translated as hope, but that thought must convey the sense of trusting that the hope will come to pass.   For example, a person may be told to storm a machine gun nest. He might say, “I sure hope I make it.” There is no sense of trust in that. However, if he says, “You take the right flank. When I go forward, you provide cover. I hope your shots are as good as they were in basic training.”   In such an instance, he is placing his trust in the caliber of his buddy's shooting, feeling assured it will be sufficient to get him safely to the nest so he can take out the commies who have them pinned down. Therefore, Matthew's intent is that in the name of the Messiah, whom we know to be Jesus, the Gentiles of the world will confidently trust. They will put their anticipation and assured expectation in Him.   As for the original words of Isaiah, notice the difference, as there is a bit of deviation from the Hebrew, which says, “And to His law, coastlands – they will wait” Isaiah 42:4 (CG).   One might say Matthew was misleading in the intent of his citation because the two don't closely match. However, the difference is not as disparate as one might originally think. First, Matthew is citing his words not from the Hebrew but from the Greek Old Testament, which says, “and in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (Brenton Septuagint).   When the Jews translated the Hebrew, they decided that the name of the Messiah formed its own law. This was probably a result of Jeremiah's words concerning a New Covenant in Jeremiah 31. If there is a New Covenant, then the Messiah would, by default, introduce a new law. Therefore, the “name” of the Messiah stands for His law.   Secondly, the term, iy, coastlands of the Hebrew, is a term used to indicate remoteness. The Topical Lexicon says the word “evokes the picture of islands and distant coastlands—territories bounded by the sea and, to an Israelite audience, situated at the very edge of the known world. The word carries geographical, cultural, and theological freight: it signals remoteness, the mystery of seafaring peoples, and the universal reach of the Lord's purposes.”   Therefore, the idea of Gentile nations is, by default, bound up in the use of this word. The non-Jewish people of the world would place their confident trust in the One promised by the Lord through Isaiah.   Life application: In this verse, there is no article before “Gentiles” in Matthew's words. Unfortunately, many translations insert one there, such as “And in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (KJV). This changes the intent to some degree, making it an all-encompassing statement. There are many Gentiles who do not trust in the name of Jesus.   With the article purposefully omitted by Matthew, which is under the inspiration of the Lord, it gives a broad, but not all-encompassing, flavor to the words. It also more poignantly separates the unbelieving Jewish nation from the believing Gentiles. This can be seen when considering both together –   And in His name, Gentiles (as opposed to Jews), they will hope. And in His name, the Gentiles (like the Jews), they will hope.   The nation of Israel rejected Jesus. This age, the church age, is now a time of instruction for the Jewish people to learn from. Paul, referring to the Jewish nation, explains this –   “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!” Romans 11:11, 12   This provocation is intended to meet a specific purpose that will be realized at some point in redemptive history –   “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.'” Romans 11:25-27   One can see how the inappropriate inclusion of a single definite article into the translation can change the whole tenor of what is being conveyed. The Jewish people, the nation of Israel, rejected their Messiah. He is not their confident hope and trust. However, He is the confident hope and trust of Gentiles around the world.   Someday, this will change. Israel will discover what it has rejected for so long.   Lord God, we pray for time so that we can engage in Your word, for illumination as we read it, for confidence as we look to its promises, and a daily heightened sense of anticipation as we draw nearer to the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Grant us these things, O God, according to Your wisdom and grace. Amen.  

Thursday, 7 August 2025   A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;  Matthew 12:20   Note: You can listen to today's commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).    You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).   “A reed, being battered, not He will break, and flax being smoldered, not He will extinguish, until if He ejects judgment into victory” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew continued his citation of Isaiah 42, revealing that the passage prophetically pointed to Jesus and His ministry. That citation continues with his next words, which are comparable to Isaiah 42:3 –   “Reed bruised, not He will break, and flax darkish, not He will extinguish it. To truth, He will cause to bring verdict” (CG).   Matthew's words of citation begin with, “A reed, being battered, not He will break.”   Two new words are seen here. The first is suntribó, to crush completely, such as breaking into pieces. The next is katagnumi, to rend in pieces, such as cracking apart.   The words of Isaiah, and now cited by Matthew, point to extreme care and attentiveness to being gentle. A bruised reed will collapse with the slightest bit of force because its fibers have been damaged. The analogy is to a person who has been bruised by a life of sin or affliction.   For example, in Luke 7:36-50, we read about the sinful woman who came to Jesus, washing His feet with her hair. The Pharisee would have taken her and cast her out, destroying any faith-fiber left in her. But Jesus allowed her to wash and kiss His feet, knowing she was crushed from her life of sin. Because of her faithful display of love for the Lord, His words to her were, “Your sins are forgiven,” and “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”   In a similar metaphor, Matthew next says, “and flax being smoldered, not He will extinguish.”   Three new words are seen in this one clause. The first is linon, flax. It is the material (the flax plant) used to make linen. One can see the etymological connection between the two, linon and linen.   The second new word is tuphó, a word found only here in the New Testament. It signifies to make a smoke, as in something slowly being consumed by fire, but without a flame. It is hot enough to burn, but there isn't enough oxygen for it to turn into a blaze, and so it sits and smolders.   Also, the word sbennumi is used. It signifies to quench or extinguish.   The idea is that a smoldering flax, such as a piece of linen, will go out with the slightest touch. The teeny amount of oxygen that was available to cause the smoldering is removed, and even the smoldering is quenched. The meaning of the words is that of someone with the smallest bit of faith will not have it quenched by the Lord. He will never deprive such, quenching their faith by treating them contemptuously or as if they were unimportant.   And this state of care for His people is, “until if He ejects judgment into victory.”   There are various opinions on the meaning of the words. Each of them, however, finds its fulfillment in the work of Christ. The care of the Lord for those who are bruised or smoldering will not cease until the end. Their judgment will be realized in victory. The direct translation from Isaiah said, “To truth he will cause to bring verdict.”   The judgment of the Lord will be vindicated as a state of truth. The idea seems, therefore, to ultimately point to the Lord's care of His people until the final victory is realized, such as the state of those who are glorified at the rapture of the church –   “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.' 55 ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?'” 1 Corinthians 15:53-55   None shall be rejected who comes to the Lord by faith, even if their faith is comparable to a bruised reed or a smoldering piece of linen.   Life application: Understanding the care of the Lord for His people, we should be careful how we evaluate others. The sinful woman at Jesus' feet would have been cast out by anyone in the religious circles of Israel. But Jesus understood her faith and was unwilling to quench it merely out of social propriety.   The same will be true with anyone who comes to Him in true faith. Each of us will fail the Lord from time to time. This is inevitable, but it demonstrates the immense grace of God that is found in Jesus. Despite our failings, He forgave us. Despite our continued failings, His grace continues.   The Lord would have us not sin at all, but He is aware of our limitations. Because of this, even when we do sin, He is not counting those transgressions against us any longer –   “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19   Heavenly Father, You are aware of our every failing, and yet You still have forgiven us through our faith in Jesus. Help us to be strong in our ability to stand against sin and its many temptations so that we will be pleasing to You. Above all, help us to keep our faith in Christ strong as we live in Your glorious presence, holding fast to Him until that wonderful Day of redemption. Amen.

Wednesday, 6 August 2025   He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. Matthew 12:19   “Not He will wrangle, nor He will clamor, nor anyone – he will hear in the streets His voice” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was referred to in Matthew's citation of Isaiah 42. Isaiah's words that parallel this verse are found in Isaiah 42:2 –   “Not he will shriek, and not he will lift, and not He will cause to declare in the street His voice” (CG).   In the Hebrew, the word “lift” must mentally be supplied with the additional words “His voice.” Understanding this, Matthew continues his citation, stating, “Not He will wrangle.” Matthew uses the word erizó, which signifies to wrangle, as in disputing or quarreling. This is its only use in the New Testament.   While among Israel, Jesus did not possess a contentious spirit. Rather, He stated His case and rebuffed falsities, but the gospels show that He did not get into lengthy arguments with those who came against Him. Next, it says, “nor He will clamor.”   It is a second new word, kraugazó, clamor, as in people shouting vehemently. There are times Jesus is recorded as having lifted up His voice, but it was usually in a petition for reason or a calling of those around Him to come to their senses. There was no sense of violent argumentation in those accounts. The only other time this word is used when referring to Jesus is found in John 11 –   “Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!' 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.'” Matthew 11:43, 44   In that instance, Jesus' crying out was not violently agitating the people, which is the point Isaiah and Matthew are making. Understanding this, Matthew continues with, “nor anyone – he will hear in the streets His voice.”   The idea here is a person who looks to draw attention to himself as a way of gaining popularity. If one went into the streets and started singing or acting, it would mean he was trying to draw attention to himself. Likewise, if he started a public agitation about some leader or against Rome, he would be trying to gain an audience.   Jesus didn't approach His ministry that way. Instead, He led by His actions, not having a need to distract from them with lofty or manipulative words.   Life application: There are innumerable ways of getting the word out to the people. It would be a sad loss for people to take the words of this verse and say, “Jesus didn't do XX, and therefore I will not do that as well.”   He has already told His disciples, “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops” (Matthew 10:27). There is no record of Jesus having gone to the rooftops to do this. Jesus set His own example based on His ministry. We are to set our example based on our abilities, culture, situation, etc.   It would be inappropriate for a person to stand up in the middle of his office and start preaching like a street evangelist. It would probably lead to his dismissal. Sometimes, handing out a tract is the right thing to do. At others, getting a permit and going to a town square to preach may draw people to you.   However, standing on a street corner with a megaphone and yelling at the passing people that they are all sinners and are going to hell is a ridiculous approach that many have taken over the years. That will only cause people to close their ears, laugh at the crazy Christian, and alienate those in the crowd from ever wanting to have anything to do with Jesus.   The point of evangelizing is to bring people to Jesus. Understanding the time, situation, location, state of the people, etc., is all necessary to effectively transmit the good news so that it will be heard and accepted.   Remember that the exaltation of Jesus as the One God sent to restore us to Him is the primary thing we are to share with others. This is the point of the gospel. We are in a bad spot. God took the initiative to correct that. He sent Jesus, who did everything necessary to restore us to God. All God wants from us is to believe the good news.   How you communicate this message is important. Consider it and then act accordingly.   Heavenly Father, help us to be aware of the best way to get the message of Jesus out to others. Help us to consider the time and circumstances around us and to then be willing to use them to lead others to a saving knowledge of You. Yes, Lord, give us wisdom in this awesome responsibility. Amen.

Tuesday, 5 August 2025   “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles. Matthew 12:18   “You behold! My Servant whom I chose, My beloved in whom it approved, My soul, I will place My Spirit upon Him, and judgment to the Gentiles, He will proclaim” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew noted that Jesus' actions were prophesied by Isaiah. To support this, he quotes Isaiah, saying, “You behold! My Servant whom I chose.”   The word hairetizó, to make a choice, is found only here. It signifies to select as one's own. The words are a loose rendering of Isaiah 42:1 –   “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold.”   The Greek translation of Isaiah rewrites the Hebrew to indicate that Isaiah was speaking of Jacob, saying, “Jacob is my servant, I will help him.” Israel is called the Lord's servant in Isaiah 41:8 –   “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen.”   This is probably why the Greek changes Isaiah 42:1 to read Jacob.  However, there is a developed thought being made between Jacob (Israel) and the coming Messiah in the words of Isaiah, where the Messiah is given as representative of Israel. As for Matthew's citation, he continues with, “My beloved in whom it approved, My soul.”   The Hebrew is close, reading, “In Him, My Chosen, it accepted, My soul” (CG). The Lord God is saying that He is fully pleased with the One He has chosen to represent His people. Therefore, Matthew continues with, “I will place My Spirit upon Him.”   The Hebrew of Isaiah 42:1 says, “I gave My Spirit upon Him” (CG). The Lord, looking forward in time, speaks in the perfect aspect, as if it is already done, knowing that the Messiah would perfectly fulfill His will. This event occurred earlier in Matthew –   “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'” Matthew 3:16, 17   God ordained that Jesus would come and that He would fully and adequately deal with what was necessary to redeem man, restoring him to a right relationship with his Creator once again. Everything given in type and shadow under the Mosaic Covenant would be perfectly realized in Jesus Christ. As such, Matthew continues with, “and judgment to the Gentiles, He will proclaim.”   The Hebrew reads, “Verdict to the Gentiles, He must cause to bring out” (CG). The word verdict, mishpat in Hebrew, signifies the system of law and truth, “especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty” (HELPS Word Studies).   A comparable word is given in the Greek cited by Matthew, krisis, a decision. That extends to a tribunal and, thus, justice rendered by such a tribunal.   Isaiah's words refer to what the Messiah would come to do, including bringing out a verdict to the Gentiles, meaning the non-Jewish people. Matthew says that Jesus is the One who fulfilled these words through His ministry. The Pulpit Commentary rightly states –   “The thought here, therefore, is not of Christ's power to punish and avenge (though he refused to use it as yet), but of his bringing a revelation which should eventually spread, not only to the Jews who now rejected him, but to the Gentiles whom they despised.”   Life application: Because of prophecies, such as those from Ezekiel and especially Daniel, a timeline is set in the Old Testament concerning the timing of the coming of the Messiah. There is a very precise and limited time in which He could have come.   Further, other prophecies give the necessary genealogy of the coming Messiah, such as being from Judah. Israel is still waiting for their supposed Messiah to show up. This negates the timeline provided by Daniel, but it also negates the prophecies of lineage.   This is because it is impossible to prove such a lineage today. There are no existing records to prove from which tribe a person descends. There is a claim that some genetic markers help isolate the priestly class of Israel, but that is not what is necessary to prove a Messiah, because priests descend from Levi, not Judah.   As the timing of the coming of the Messiah is known to have occurred already, and as the genealogical records of those who could be the Messiah were destroyed after a certain point in time, either the prophecies are wrong and the Hebrew Scriptures are not the word of God, or the Messiah has come at the set time and with the proper credentials.   Looking back on history, there is only One who is documented to have met those requirements. And more, there is a written record of His coming found in the four gospels. Comparing what those writers say to what was prophesied before His coming, we can be perfectly confident that Jesus is, in fact, the fulfillment of God's plans in this regard.   If we believe in Jesus, we have put our eggs in the right basket. Be sure to believe the gospel, the good news, concerning Jesus Christ!   Lord God, with a bit of study, we can be wholly confident that what was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As You sent Him to not only be the Messiah of the Jews, but to be the One who would render right judgment to the Gentiles, we praise You because of Him and through Him. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 4 August 2025   that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: Matthew  12:17   “That it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken' through Isaiah the prophet, saying,” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was noted as admonishing the crowds not to make Him apparent. Next, Mathew says, “That it should be fulfilled.”   As has been seen several times already, Jesus is the Subject of prophecy. Things were declared concerning Him, His coming, His work, and the effects of His work toward those He was sent to deliver.   Matthew returns to Scripture to provide more insights into the proclamation of the prophets, saying, “the ‘having been spoken' through Isaiah the prophet, saying.”   As seen above, the last verse from Matthew noted Jesus not wanting to be made openly manifest at the time. Thus, we can conclude that something Matthew will draw from Isaiah will point to that.   Life application: Radio personality Joe Rogan made the news concerning his new idea concerning God. The article said, “he feared God ‘is actually created by human beings creating this infinitely intelligent thing that can essentially harness all of the available energy and power of the universe and create anything it wants.'”   The article also cited him, saying, “This whole idea of Jesus coming back, well maybe it's real. Maybe we just completely misinterpreted these ancient scrolls and texts and what it really means is that we are going to give birth to this.”   Citing another author, the article said, “Yampolskiy, an author and researcher in AI safety, added to Rogan's theory, suggesting that reality is just an ongoing cycle of Big Bangs - the explosion that kickstarted the universe - starting and restarting life over and over again.”   It's a problem when people don't take the time to think logically. These men are discussing infinites as being created by finites. Further, where is the Creator if something created does the creating? These are problems of logic that should be contemplated from time to time.   What is known as the First Principles will help a person to think logically about God. In understanding these First Principles, we can weed out errors in our thinking. In doing so, we can more fully appreciate the prophecies recorded in the Old Testament as they point to Jesus.   Was there a Creator? Could He tell the future? If so, what does this say about the coming of the Messiah and what He would do? Think about such questions as you study the word. As for the First Principles, a quick review of them is in order –   ‎1. Being Is (B is) = The Principle of Existence To say “There is no being” is self-refuting. One must exist in order to make the claim.   Being Is Being (B is B) = The Principle of Identity To say “Being isn't being” is self-refuting. One must be a being in order to make a claim about not being a being.   Being Is Not Nonbeing (B is Not Non-B) = The Principle of Noncontradiction If being exists (see Principle #1), then it cannot be non-being. The principle is self-evident and undeniable.   Either Being or Nonbeing (Either B or Non-B) = The Principle of the Excluded Middle If I exist (asking the question means I do), then I am being. If I am being, then I am not non-being. The principle is self-evident and undeniable; there is no wiggle room.   Nonbeing Cannot Cause Being (Non-B>B) = The Principle of Causality Something cannot come from nothing (and we cannot have an infinite regress in matter (or being) – see Einstein and Relativity). The principle is undeniable.   Contingent Being Cannot Cause Contingent Being (Bc>Bc) = The Principle of Contingency (or Dependency) This would lead to an infinite regress of causes, which is disproved by Relativity – Time, Space, and Matter came into existence simultaneously and are dependent upon each other. The principle is undeniable.   Only Necessary Being Can Cause a Contingent Being (Bn --->Bc) = The Positive Principle of Modality A being that cannot Not exist must, therefore, exist if contingent beings exist. The principle is reducible to the undeniable.   Necessary Being Cannot Cause A Necessary Being (Bn>Bn) = The Negative Principle of Modality The principle is undeniable. Only one Necessary Being can exist. Any being which exists apart from a Necessary Being is contingent and could Not exist. It is self-evident.   Every Contingent Being Is Caused by a Necessary Being (Bn--->Bc) = The Principle of Existential Causality The fact that there are contingent beings (I think, therefore I am, but I am not necessary) necessitates a Necessary Being. We exist. Therefore, a Being that cannot Not exist must exist. The principle is undeniable in and of itself.   Necessary Being Exists (Bn Exists) = Principle of Existential Necessity Contingent beings exist (see next principle); therefore, a Necessary Being must exist. The principle is reducible to the undeniable.   Contingent Being Exists (Bc Exists) = Principle of Existential Contingency The principle is undeniable. To say “I (a contingent being) don't exist” is self-refuting. I do exist (Principle 1), which is self-evident.   Necessary Being Is Similar to Contingent Being(s) It Causes (Bn ---similar --->Bc) = Principle of Analogy Nothing can exist that doesn't reflect the nature of the Necessary Being. To state something doesn't is self-refuting. The principle is undeniable.   Understanding the nature of God, reality, logic, etc., is indispensable in understanding why one religion is false and another may be true. Weeding out what is false through logic leaves us with one possibility concerning God. It is the God presented in Scripture who matches what is logically necessary.   It is our duty to read Scripture and see if what is presented there is an acceptable revelation of God. As fulfilled prophecy shows that the Bible is reliable, we can trust that the message of the Bible is from God, who knows the beginning from the end.   Lord God, help us to think clearly and logically as we approach theology. May our understanding of who You are and what You have done from the Bible give us reassurance for all of our days that what You have promised will, in fact, come to pass. Thank You for Your word, this wonderful word that reveals You. Amen.

Sunday, 3 August 2025   Yet He warned them not to make Him known, Matthew 12:16   “And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was said to have withdrawn from the area where the Pharisees had plotted against Him. As He went, it was noted that multitudes followed Him and He healed them all. Matthew continues with, “And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent.”   There is a new adjective, phaneros, apparent. It is derived from the verb phainó, to shine, which is normally translated as appeared. The meaning is that despite healing all the people, He would tell them not to disclose Him and His deeds openly.   There are probably several reasons for this. The first is based on the conduct just seen concerning the Pharisees. The time for the completion of His ministry had not yet arrived. Multitudes making Him and His works apparent would likely hasten things. Therefore, a balance was maintained as He tended to the people.   Also, being made apparent would hinder the ministry. Crowds would become so large that He would not be able to move freely.   A third closely associated reason is that, in being made apparent, a reaction from the people noted in John 6 was likely to occur anywhere and at any time –   “Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.” John 6:15   As such, Jesus determined that those He tended to should not trumpet out His works. Instead, they were to accept His healing hand with quiet gratitude.   Life application: It is not easy to do good deeds without wanting some hint of recognition for having done them. It is human nature to want to be noticed for the things we do. When we are noticed, we can then feel that the people around us have a positive view of us.   Because this is so, we need to evaluate why we do the things we do. If it is to have others see us in a positive light, then was it about the good deed to begin with? The answer may be that it was, but it is nice to have added benefits attached to what we do.   Jesus' words in Matthew 6 concerning deeds are good to remember at any time and in any situation –   “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3, 4   If we really want lasting added benefit to the good things we do, we just need to do them with a heart for the Lord and in the understanding that He is aware of what we do. He knows our weaknesses, He reads our hearts, He sees our good deeds, etc.   There is no need to try to hide our failings from Him, and there is nobody else whose praise we need when we do a good deed for another. Knowing that God is aware of everything about us, we can be thankful for His mercies and grateful for the rewards He is storing up for us.   Lord God, wherever we are and whatever we do, You are with us. May we remember this and live our lives accordingly. May we do our best to refrain from wrongdoing, press on in right living, and live in faith that You are tending to us as children because of Jesus our Lord. Thank You for the minute care You have for us. Amen.

Saturday, 2 August 2025   But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Matthew 12:15   “And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence. And they followed Him, great crowds. And He cured them all” (CG).   In the previous verse, the Pharisees, not happy with Jesus having healed on the Sabbath, went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. Matthew next records, “And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence.”   Of His withdrawal, Mark adds in the words –   “But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea.” Mark 3:7Matthew 3:7   Staying where these Pharisees were would only be like rubbing salt on an open wound. There was no reason to stay and have them further challenge Him at this point. He knew His time had not yet arrived, and so He put distance between Himself and them, going to a location where He could still openly speak to the people.   This is perfectly in accord with His words to the disciples from Matthew 10:23, which say, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another.” Understanding this, it next says, “And they followed Him, great crowds.”   Mark explains the crowds, saying, “And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him.” Mark 3:7, 8   Therefore, His withdrawal was not in hiding. Rather, it was just to get away from the annoying Pharisees who plotted against Him. With crowds following Him, they would not dare do something to harm Him lest the crowds turn on them. Matthew's next words say, “And He cured them all.”   Matthew returns immediately to the thought of Jesus' healing of others. This is what got the Pharisees in a huff. Their analysis of the law did not allow them to see the logic of Jesus' healing on the Sabbath.   Jesus, however, knew that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, His works were not opposed to Sabbath observance. Rather, they were in accord with it, just as when the priests profaned the Sabbath and yet were guiltless.   Life application: One of the beautiful aspects of being in Christ is what it says in Paul's epistles. First, he writes –   “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14   Because of this state of grace, Paul further says –   “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19   When we, as saved believers, do wrong, God does not impute our sin to us. If He did, we would lose our salvation. As we all do wrong quite often in one way or another, no person would remain saved. But God has placed us under a state of grace where we are free from condemnation.   This is the doctrine of grace. When a person is saved, he is saved forever. His state will never revert to being unsaved. A vast swath of Christianity, however, cannot stomach this truth. They fail to understand what the word grace means. Therefore, they incorrectly teach that one can, in fact, lose his salvation.   That is not grace. That is a continuing state of works. However, these same people, not accepting that they are wrong in their theology, will then accuse those who rightly understand that salvation is eternal, of teaching that it is ok to sin. To them, this must be the case because anyone who would teach eternal salvation must, by default, think it is ok to sin.   This isn't even close to reality. Paul, who teaches the doctrine of eternal salvation, continues in his very next words after Romans 6:14, saying –   “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:15   No reasonable thinking Christian would ever assume that being saved means we can willingly sin. If he understands a thing about the judgment seat of Christ, he knows that his eternal rewards are based on NOT SINNING as well as living out lives of faith, because people of faith will do their best to not sin but instead be pleasing to God.   This in no way diminishes the doctrine of eternal salvation. Rather, it exalts God, whose word instructs this doctrine. He has done everything necessary for the believer to be saved and to remain saved forever, despite himself. Such people understand what grace means and are eternally grateful for it.   Lord God, Your grace is seen in how You have saved Your people and then how You have continued to save them, despite themselves. Each of us is living in a body of sin, knowing we were and remain unworthy before You, but You give more grace. Thank You for Your tender, loving care of Your people. Amen.

Friday, 1 August 2025   Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. Matthew 12:14   “And the Pharisees, they took counsel against Him, having gone out, how they might kill Him” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus instructed the man with the withered hand to stretch it out. When he did, it was completely restored. With that complete, it next says, “And the Pharisees, they took counsel against Him.”   There is a new word, sumboulion. It is derived from sumboulos, a counselor or advisor. Thus, it signifies advisement, especially that derived from a deliberative body. They were miffed at Jesus for having healed on the Sabbath, and they were certainly still stinging from not being able to accuse Him for the conduct of His disciples as they walked in the grainfields. They had no valid excuse to condemn Him.   His handling of the word was appropriate, and His logic concerning the circumstances in relation to it was impeccable. Despite this, they had presuppositions and biases running through their minds. They couldn't let go of their thoughts about Jesus and His actions on the Sabbath. Therefore, they took counsel against Him, “having gone out, how they might kill Him.”   This cannot be based on a precept from the law. If it were, they would have presented charges against Him and let the determining counsel decide His fate. But it was apparent that His response to their accusations adequately defended Him. As such, and because they didn't like how things were going, their counsel was more of a plot to kill than a legal means of pursuing execution.   If they can trap Him in His words or manipulate the circumstances to have Him done away with, this is what they will do.   Life application: The Pharisees were so blinded by their own presuppositions about things that they could not see logic or reason, and they could not accept a different interpretation of the word, even if it was in accord with God's intent.   In a review of the New Testament epistles, it becomes perfectly apparent that Sabbath observance is no longer required for those in the church. It is stated directly in several ways, and it is implied in many more.   Despite this, when a clear presentation of what these epistles say is shown to a Sabbatarian, he may deny that the words say what they say. This condition, known as cognitive dissonance, can be almost impossible to overcome.   In fact, when a challenge is presented to someone's beliefs about a matter, even when it is correct, a state of enmity arises in the mind of the person who is being challenged. He may stomp away in a huff, say vile things to the person who has challenged his belief system, or he may even become violent, even to the point of death, over the matter.   This is where the Pharisees mentioned in Matthew were in their minds. Jesus gave examples directly from Scripture concerning the matter in the grainfield. He gave impeccable logic to those in the synagogue concerning the healing of the man's withered hand.   But more, Jesus simply spoke the words, “Stretch out your hand,” and the hand was healed. There is nothing to be found in Scripture about speaking on the Sabbath Day. The Pharisees could not bring accusations against Him for that! Because of this, they determined that having Jesus killed was preferable to a proper interpretation of Scripture.   When we think we know it all, we will normally find out that we are wrong. This is especially true with proper biblical interpretation. No matter how well we know a particular doctrine, there are almost always things we have not considered in relation to it.   It is always good to put aside presuppositions and acknowledge that our understanding of a matter is probably imperfect. Having humility in our exchanges with others is, therefore, something we should display. Let us be reasonable as we discuss theology with others. Even if we are correct in our interpretation, we can present our side with respect and courtesy.   Lord God, give us patience with others as we consider Your word and debate what the intent in it is concerning its various doctrines. Help us to be open to understanding why others believe as they do. Even if we are right in our thoughts, may we be willing to patiently and kindly instruct others. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Thursday, 31 July 2025   Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. Matthew 12:13   “Then He says to the man, ‘You outstretch your hand.' And he outstretched it, and it reconstituted, healthy as the other” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Therefore, how much man – he excels a sheep! So too, it permits – the Sabbaths – to do good.” Having said this, He now turns His attention to the man with the withered hand. Matthew notes, “Then He says to the man, ‘You outstretch your hand.'”   The account says nothing of healing prior to the command. One might think He would say, “Give Me your hand and let Me help you,” or something similar. Instead, right in front of the Pharisees who had questioned Him about the appropriateness of healing on the Sabbath, He spoke the word of authority.   In His speaking, He expected that the man would comply. From there, the man could have said, “I can't, the hand hasn't worked for twenty-five years.” Instead, however, Matthew next records, “And he outstretched it.”   At this point, one might expect him to have extended his arm with the hand withered and useless, saying, “Well, if You want me to, here You go. If You can do something, please do it.” Instead, Matthew immediately records, “and it reconstituted.”   It is a new word, apokathistémi. It is derived from apo, from, and kathistémi, to place down, such as putting someone in charge of something. As such, it would be a restoration back to the original standing of something. There is a separation from the previous, negative state to what lies ahead, meaning the restoration.   In this case, the man's hand was once lively and active. For whatever reason, it became atrophied, desiccated, and useless. But with the mere spoken word from Jesus, the vitality it once had was restored, and the hand was reconstituted, just as “healthy as the other.”   Hooray for Jesus! The man must have been astonished at the feeling of life, power, and ability in a hand that was thought to be forever useless. With nothing more than a spoken command, he could go back to a life of tending to chores, holding his wife's hand, and raising his arms in thanks to the God of Israel for His tender care of His people.   Life application: Imagine having an arm that is like a dried-up piece of wood or legs that hang down, dead and unusable. There would never be a day when you would say, “I can't wait to do such,” and so because you would know that it wasn't within the realm of possibility to do it.   You would simply accept your limitations and remember what it was like when you could do the things you can no longer do. Eventually, you will die, and that will be the end of it.   Now consider that because of Jesus, whatever is afflicting you will someday no longer exist. Think of what it says in Revelation 21:4 –   “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”   The man's withered hand was suddenly completely whole. Assuming this lasted until his death, he would remember the event with a sense of joyful amazement all his days. Someday, we will enter into a new phase of existence that we cannot even imagine now.   This is the marvel of what God in Christ has done. What was lost at the beginning was tragic, but what has been gained on the way to glory actually makes all of the tragedy of this life worth it. This is because we will have something that we otherwise never would have known or been able to grasp.   We now have Jesus. Someday, we will have the results of what Jesus did for us in their fullness. We will remember this life, consider the change, and be able to forever appreciate the difference. This man's restored hand is only a small taste of what lies ahead. And all God asks us to do to receive it is to believe the good news of Jesus Christ.   Let us thank God. Through faithful obedience to the word, a lifeless hand was restored. Through faithful obedience to the gospel, the dead shall rise, and together with them, those who are His at the Lord's coming will be reunited with their Creator forever. Faith. Have faith in God's word.   “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that 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. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.' 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” Romans 10:8-13   Lord God, we have heard the word and we believe it. Thank You for the good news that has been presented to us. We are saved by the precious blood of Christ, not by anything we have done. What a wonderful thing to consider. Praise to You, O God, forever and ever. Amen.  

Wednesday, 30 July 2025   Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:12   “Therefore, how much man – he excels a sheep! So too, it permits – the Sabbaths – to do good” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus asked the Pharisees what a man would do if he had one sheep that fell into a pit on a Sabbath. Wouldn't he lay hold of it and draw it out? The question demanded a positive answer. As such, He continues with, “Therefore, how much man – he excels a sheep!”   Certainly coming at this from both angles, Jesus notes the intrinsic value of a man over a sheep. The sheep could be rescued on a Sabbath, and so how much more should a man be rescued?   At the same time, a man would profane the Sabbath to rescue a sheep on the Sabbath, meaning he had the inherent right to do this good deed on the Sabbath by rescuing it, but the man with the withered hand was denied this ability to rescue his one lamb (supposing he had one that fell into a pit).   As this was a right man should be able to exercise, then it is fitting that he should be healed so that he, too, could follow through with such a necessity. Either way, the answer to healing on a Sabbath, according to Jesus' logic, is, “So too, it permits – the Sabbaths – to do good.”   Jesus calls this good. In other words, His example is clearly one of someone doing something that others could consider work. Going down into a pit and pulling out a lamb is a physically demanding proposition. Despite this, there is a benefit that results from it, for the lamb as well as for the owner of the lamb.   But this is only a proposition that may be played out in innumerable ways. The man has a withered hand, and he may need it for any imaginable thing that could arise on the Sabbath.   Likewise, he had a withered hand that needed rescue, simply out of human compassion. Therefore, the action of healing him, from both angles, serves a good purpose, despite the day of the week. As such, doing good on the Sabbath, including the healing of another, is an acceptable allowance for profaning the day.   Life application: In John 5, it says –   “For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.'” John 5:16, 17   There is no potential in God. He doesn't change in any way. He is not bound by time or space. However, creation came from Him. When Jesus says that the Father has been working until now, it is because God is outside of time. In His creative effort, a creation which has existed and continues to exist, there must be something sustaining that creation.   This is God. It is explained in Colossians 1:17 where it says of the Son, “...in Him all things consist.” Again, in Hebrews 1:3, also referring to the Son, that He is “upholding all things by the word of His power.” These things can be said of the Son because He is a member of the Godhead. He is the One through whom these things come about.   For God to create, it signifies an eternal act. This doesn't mean creation is eternal, but because what God does is from the eternal realm, as long as the creation exists, it is only so because God continues to sustain it.   The Sabbath was given based on creation –   “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11   Later, it notes the Sabbath was given based on redemption –   “And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:15   However, the Sabbath observance was mandated after both of these things. Thus, the Sabbath was given as a commemorative act. As the creation fell and had to be restored through the work of Jesus, and as the redemption of Israel from Egypt only anticipated the greater work of redemption of man through the work of Jesus, then the Sabbath was also anticipatory of these works of Christ. Thus, it both commemorated and anticipated.   In His coming, we now have the substance rather than the shadow. Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer, and He is our Sabbath rest. Let us remember this and find our peace with God through what Jesus has done.   Because Jesus is God, what He has done is eternal in nature. God the Father is working through Him to this day, forever sustaining us and leading us back to Himself. In time, everything anticipated in Scripture will come to its fulfillment. Until then, let us rest in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord.   Lord God, may we not fret about the future. The book is written, and for those who have come to You through Jesus, we have the certainty that everything will come out as it should. As this is so, may we find our rest in Jesus now, content that what is coming will come in its due time. Amen.  

Tuesday, 29 July 2025   Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Matthew 12:11   “And He said to them, ‘What man, he will be from you, who he will have one sheep, and if this, it should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, not he will seize it and he will raise it?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew noted a man with a withered hand in the synagogue and that the Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He now records, “And He said to them, ‘What man, he will be from you, who he will have one sheep.'”   In the original, the word sheep is singular, followed by the definitive word “one.” The meaning is clear. The man possesses a single sheep, not a few or many. As such, it is more precious to him than if he had a whole flock where one could be overlooked. In such a case, it may be that this sheep was specifically kept for the Passover.   Because of the nature of the situation, the sheep would be carefully tended to. However, things happen, even to well-tended sheep. Therefore, Jesus continues, saying, “and if this, it should fall into a pit.”   The word empiptó, to fall in, is introduced. Thus, it signifies being entrapped or overwhelmed with. The idea is that the sheep has fallen into a bothunos, a hole. It is another new word, signifying a hole in the ground.   The word is connected to the verb bathunó, to be deep, and the adjective bathus, deep. As such, this isn't just a shallow hole, but a pit or cistern. It is a hole that has overwhelmed the sheep so that it cannot get out of it. With that understood, Jesus adds to the dilemma, saying it was “on the Sabbaths.”   The subject of the conversation is that of healing on the Sabbaths. There is a man right there among the Pharisees and Jesus who has a withered hand. Jesus is making a direct connection between the two.   It is true that the man has only one sheep, but the value of a sheep cannot be compared to a usable hand. And more, without a usable hand, the man probably could not lift the sheep out of the pit. Thus, there is a double dilemma, at least for him.   However, for anyone else, there is still the question concerning the sheep. What will the man do? Jesus says, “not he will seize it and he will raise it?”   The answer begs a positive response. Regardless of what is later recorded in the Talmud, and which very well may have been because of Jesus' words here concerning this matter, His very wording indicates that the answer would be positive. Yes, they would seize it and raise it.   As this is true, Jesus will make a point concerning the man that will fully answer their question.   Life application: The comparison of Jesus' words to Himself should not be overlooked. Jesus is called the Amnos tou Theou, the Lamb of God, in John 1:29. The word signifies a young sheep. Jesus was tried and crucified on a Friday, dying in the afternoon. The Bible specifically speaks of Him being interred quickly, before the Sabbath (such as in John 19:31).   Thus, He was essentially in a pit on the Sabbath. The common thinking at the time of Jesus was that someone with a sheep in a pit on the Sabbath would take hold of it and retrieve it, particularly if it was his one sheep. How much more if he needed it for the annual Passover!   This man, however, had a hand that would have precluded him from helping his sheep. Jesus, therefore, stands as a Substitute for man who cannot retrieve the sacrificial lamb. God the Father did not raise Jesus on the Sabbath. Instead, it says in Mark 16:9, “Now when He rose early on the first day of the week.”   All four gospels indicate this. The healing of the human condition, being lost in sin, was being dealt with by God through Jesus' interment over the Sabbath, He being our Passover Lamb. The irony of Jesus' words in Matthew concerning the raising of a lamb and its being connected to the healing of a man would be handled by God in the most magnificent way.   “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11   Lord God, You gave Your only begotten Son for us. When we could not save ourselves, You sent Him to save us, not sparing Him who is of the greatest value of all. Thank You for Your goodness to us in the giving of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Monday, 28 July 2025   And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—that they might accuse Him. Matthew 12:10   “And, you behold! Man, he is, having a withered hand. And they queried Him, saying, ‘If it permits, the Sabbaths, to cure?' That they should accuse Him” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was said to have gone into the synagogue where the Pharisees met. Now, while there, it says, “And, you behold! Man, he is, having a withered hand.”   Here is a new word, xéros. It is an adjective signifying arid. Thus, it can extend to earth, as opposed to water, dry land, a state of being withered, etc. In this case, the man's hand was withered from some malady like muscle atrophy, nerve damage, or various genetic conditions or diseases. With his hand in this withered state, Matthew notes, “And they queried Him.”   Another new word is introduced, eperótaó, to inquire, seek after in questions, demand, desire (to know), etc. They are looking for an opportunity to determine His doctrine, probably having heard about His healings elsewhere. Therefore, they propose to Him a question, “saying, ‘If it permits, the Sabbaths, to cure?'”   The question is a general one that was probably brought up from time to time. Someone might get hurt, have an affliction or a disease that is flaring up, catch a cold, etc. The natural question might be, “Can we go to the doctor today?” or “Can we ask the neighbor for a bottle of Robitussin?”   That may seem silly to us, but there was always the constant fear of doing something that might violate the law or even violate someone's interpretation of the law who had the authority to act against you. As in Islam today, one can see the “religious police” out looking for offenders of any supposed infraction.   Saying “Sabbaths” in the plural is a way of saying “on any Sabbath.” There were the weekly Sabbaths, but there were also other times when partial or total rest was expected of the people. They were to be aware of these things and act properly according to the set standards of law and culture. Understanding this, Matthew next notes, “That they should accuse Him.”   Another new word, katégoreó, is seen here. It signifies “to be a plaintiff.” As such, it would signify to charge some offense, accuse, object, etc. He had already silenced them on the matter of plucking grains and removing the kernel for eating.   This would have embarrassed them, and they are obviously looking for some other way to make an accusation against Him.   Life application: There are various groups of people who mandate Sabbath observance. This includes the Jews, Seventh Day Adventists, Hebrew Roots adherents, and others. Some base this on it being a point in the Law of Moses, and so it is a requirement for people today.   This is nonsense. The Law of Moses was only given to Israel. No other group of people was ever obligated to it. But even then, Jesus' ministry included His fulfilling the Law of Moses. It is now obsolete (say it with me ob-so-lete). It is no longer binding on anyone who comes to Christ. They have entered into the New Covenant.   One of the claims by some is that the seventh day Sabbath is an eternal requirement, mandated by God at the beginning, and must always be required.   This is nonsense as well. There is no such prescription found in Scripture. All it says is –   “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3.   That is a statement of fact, but it prescribes nothing. If one reviews the wording of Exodus 16 as given in the Hebrew, it is apparent that before the law was given, the Sabbath was not observed. Only after the exodus from Egypt did it become a prescription for the people of Israel.   There is not a single word to indicate that anyone, from the time of Adam until after the exodus, ever observed a Sabbath. If it was something required for the people, that would be (and is) a glaring omission that should have been included for our understanding.   There is nothing to even suggest that the Sabbath applies to believers today. In fact, exactly the opposite is the case. The book of Hebrews speaks in detail about the Sabbath. It sums up the matter in Hebrews 4:3, saying, “For we who have believed do enter that rest.”   In other words, what the Sabbath day only anticipated is realized in Jesus Christ. When one believes in His completed work, he enters into what the Sabbath only pictured. This is made clear in Colossians 2:16, 17 –   “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”   All of these things, and so many more, were merely types and shadows of what Christ would come and do for us. Let us not get caught up in fanciful legalism that has no basis in reality. Rather, come to Christ, rest in Christ, and find your blessed state of contentment in Him alone.   “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.” Romans 14:5, 6   Lord God, how grateful we are to You that we don't have to worry about the religious police telling us our salvation is in question because we didn't do this or that. What we did, meaning trusting in Jesus' completed work, is sufficient to reconcile us to You, once and forever. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.