BIBLE IN TEN

Wednesday, 19 November 2025   But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16   “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘They have no need to depart. You, you give, them to eat'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples came to Jesus, noting the remoteness of the area and the late hour, imploring Him to send the people away so they could buy food. In response to that, it now says, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘They have no need to depart.'”   Although each gospel narrative stands on its own, it is still interesting to see the fuller conversation. Mark's gospel omits the words “They have no need to depart,” but it adds in the words, “And they said to Him, ‘Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?'” Luke likewise leaves out this first clause and omits the additional words of Mark. John's narrative says –   “Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.'” John 6:5-7    Each account is from the writer's own perspective, and yet, they can be harmoniously woven together. In Matthew, Jesus continues, saying emphatically, “You, you give, them to eat.”   One can see the emphasis from Jesus returned to the disciples based on their words, emphatically highlighted by the remoteness of the area –   *“Desolate, it is, this place, and the hour, it passed already. You dismiss the crowds that, having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food.”   *“They have no need to depart. You, you give, them to eat”   Jesus is providing instruction in who He is and what He is capable of, and He is doing it in a manner that has astonished the minds of His people for two millennia. These are His disciples, and they have been called to accomplish an impossible task. Despite this, the mass feeding will take place, exactly as Jesus directs.   Life application: The miracle of feeding this multitude is something that the Bible asks us to believe at face value. We are not to look for some behind-the-scenes finagling on the part of the disciples or Jesus. In other words, there wasn't a convoy of trucks just on the other side of the hill, secretly ready to deliver food to feed the multitudes.   Rather, God provided the food for the people just as He did with the manna in the wilderness for forty years. It was a true miracle that is to be accepted as such. God continues to perform the miraculous in ways we may not perceive or understand, even to this day. These are done in order to suit His purposes.   Unfortunately, too often, people claim the miraculous when what occurred had nothing to do with God's providing a miracle. There are key issues we should look for to determine if something is truly miraculous.   One is to ask if the matter brought glory to God. That is the first and key point. However, such cannot be a miracle that supposedly glorifies God but which doesn't glorify Jesus. There are innumerable claims of the miraculous in Catholicism, which supposedly highlight Mary or some other figure. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and other religions claim miracles all the time. Do a general search on YouTube and you'll see this.   Likewise, claims of the miraculous come from Mormonism and other false cults that fall under the umbrella of “Christian” denominations. If biblical Christianity is true, these miracles cannot be real, God-directed miracles. Paul speaks of false gospels, false prophets, false brethren, and the working of Satan, which includes power, signs, and lying wonders.   Therefore, not everything that appears miraculous is. In fact, the large preponderance of so-called miracles in the world is nothing but chance events, false claims, or active workings of Satan. As you read the Bible, evaluate the miracles in it and consider why they are recorded.   They will always be there to glorify God and to validate His workings in and among His people or for their instruction. Have discernment, and don't trust anything simply because it is presented by someone who claims to be Christian. You will find that almost every supposed claim of divine intervention, be it dreams, tongues, appearances, or other supposed miraculous events, is simply hogwash.   The Bible is written. It testifies to Jesus and His workings. Do you really need more to edify your walk before the Lord? Have faith in what God has done. If He does more in your life, be grateful that His hand was upon you for whatever need you had, be it healing, financial help, or a moment of encouragement that you alone share with Him and that builds you up as His child.   Lord God, help us to have discernment and not to get caught up in things that are not helpful to our relationship with You. There are way too many distractions in this life that are neither edifying nor healthy. Keep us from such things, O God. Amen.

Tuesday, 18 November 2025   When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” Matthew 14:15   “And evening having come, they came to Him, His disciples, saying, ‘Desolate, it is, this place, and the hour, it passed already. You dismiss the crowds that, having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus is said to have been moved with compassion for the multitudes and healed their sick. Next, after a day's labor, it says, “And evening having come.”   To understand the timing and the same term being used again in verse 23, referring to the other gospels will help –   “When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him...” Mark 6:35 “When the day began to wear away...” Luke 9:12   John's gospel does not refer to the time of day but the time of the year, saying, “Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near” John 6:4. This, however, adds its own issue. Passover is around March each year. The days are shorter, between 11 and 12 hours, and the setting of the sun is therefore earlier than later in the summer months, which extend to about 14 hours.   Matthew's note indicates the amount of time already spent with the people, “the day was far spent.” Luke's note indicates the afternoon hours leading to the setting sun, a time known in the law as ben ha'arbayim, “between the evenings.” It is the time of the evening sacrifice, which would be around 3 pm. There is the evening of the day when the sun begins to decline and the evening of the light when the day transitions into night.   Thus, this is at an hour when the day is in decline, and the people had already been there for quite some time. As the day is waning, there is an obvious problem. Therefore, “they came to Him, His disciples.”   The disciples see that there is a need, and they must think Jesus is unaware of it, as if He weren't paying attention to the situation. As such, these disciples address Him, “saying, ‘Desolate, it is, this place.'”   The word desolate is in the emphatic position. They are essentially saying, “We are in the middle of nowhere. There is no gas station, 7-11, or even a watermelon stand. But all these people...!” And more, they say, “and the hour, it passed already.”   There are various possibilities for what this might mean –   The hour for the people to get home before dark. The hour of the afternoon sacrifice, which is 3pm. The normal time Jesus would dismiss crowds so they could get home. The hour for women to start preparing food. Etc.   Whatever the intent, it was something understood by Jesus, and it indicated that time was getting on while the people were still there in this remote location. Therefore, they say, “You dismiss the crowds.”   One can sense the urgency in their voice. They had crossed the sea. By the time they arrived, the people were already there to meet them, meaning they would have had to exert a lot of effort to do so. Jesus immediately had compassion on them and began healing the sick.   Eventually, Jesus and the disciples went aside privately (Luke 9:10 & John 6:3). However, the people remained in the area. Therefore, He needed to dismiss them with alacrity. And so they continue, saying, “that having departed into the villages, they should buy themselves food.”   The word bróma, food, is introduced. It speaks of that which is eaten as indicated by the verb form, bibróskó, found in John 6:13. The disciples have clearly set the stage for the events ahead by emphatically noting the desolateness of the location. Along with that is the timing of the day. Either the people will need to be immediately dismissed, or the time ahead will be one of great difficulty for them. There is, however, one other option the disciples are unaware of.   Life application: There are times in life where events lead us to the brink of seeming disaster. Suddenly, and from unexpected means, an abundance is realized. Was it chance, luck, the clicking of cosmic tumblers, or the divine hand of God tending to us after allowing us to go through a time of testing?   To what or who do we ascribe the credit for tending to our needs, even basic daily needs, but also those that are sudden and totally out of the normal? If we are wise, we will always credit that which we have or that which we receive to the gracious hand of God.   If we earn money, it is because He fashioned us to do so. He gave us the physical or mental ability to earn what we have. He gave us the time and place in which we live in order to prosper. And so, if that ends, we should accept it as His decision and live within the new confines He has dealt us with contentment and gratitude. In all things and in all ways, we should acknowledge God's sovereignty and thank Him for that which we possess.   Glorious heavenly Father, thank You for the lives You have given us. You have wisely chosen our place and time of life, the abilities we possess, and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. As this is true, through good and through trials, we acknowledge Your wisdom and thank You for Your guiding hand in our lives. Amen.  

Monday, 17 November 2025   And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14   “And Jesus, having withdrawn, He saw a great crowd, and He gut-wrenched upon them and He cured their sick” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, having heard the news about Herod, withdrew in a boat from where He was to a desolate place. At the same time, the crowds followed him on foot. Next, it says, “And Jesus, having withdrawn.”   The most prevalent view among scholars is that this refers to Jesus having come out of a desolate place to meet the crowds. That is based on a misreading of John 6. They dismiss it as meaning He came out of the boat He was taking. However, the same account in Mark says exactly that –   “But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out [exelthōn], saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:33, 34   Luke's account doesn't address this part of the narrative, simply noting that they “went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida” (Luke 9:10). However, Luke's account does note the crowds being healed during the day before the miracle of feeding the multitudes. John's gospel also mentions this account –   “After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.” John 6:1-3   John's gospel acknowledges the crowds, but says nothing of them at the time of arrival except that they followed Him. It only mentions them coming toward Him later when the time for the miracle of feeding the multitude had arrived.   This doesn't necessarily mean that He got out of the boat, went to a retreat, and then only later saw the crowds, something that would contradict all three other gospels. It means that John is focusing on the crowds and the miracle at the later point of the day.   In other words, the crowds were already there when the boat arrived (Mark 6:34). He began to teach and heal them at that time. It only says that later in the day that Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the people. John skips over that entire portion of the day and focuses on the multitude's needs at the end of the day.   Despite the obvious meaning given in Mark 6, scholars note it and ignore that it means He withdrew from the boat. But the same Greek word is used in Luke 8:27 to convey the exact same thought –   “And when He stepped out [exelthonti] on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.”   The point of the specificity is to show the zeal of the people, rushing along the shore to meet Jesus as He arrived in the boat. Any other analysis diminishes the clear and precise wording and the excitement of the people to continue to be with and hear Jesus. Understanding this, it next says, “He saw a great crowd.”   Imagine going from one location to another to get some solitude, and before you even get there, an entire crowd is excitedly waiting for you, having sprinted from where you left to where you were heading just to continue to be with you. Because of this display of zeal and love for Jesus and His abilities, it says, “and He gut-wrenched upon them.”   The word was used in Matthew 9:36. It indicates yearning, sympathy, compassion, etc. It is based on an emotion that literally moves the inner parts of man. Jesus felt this when He understood that these people longed to continue in His presence and experience His abilities, including the ability to heal. This is seen in the final words of the verse, “and He cured their sick.”   This means that this group of people probably carried their sick on their backs or on litters to get them to Jesus as He was arriving. It is an amazing note concerning the zeal of the crowds to experience Jesus and His messianic ministry.   Life application: It is good to be reminded of the various tricks our minds play on us when we don't want to face a situation or confront a matter that may affect our sensibilities in a particular matter. Things like biases, prejudices, presuppositions, cognitive dissonance, etc., can affect how we think and hinder us from thinking properly.   In this verse, it is obvious that it is the same account referred to in Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6. Scholars acknowledge this because all four gospels detail the same miracle of the feeding of the five thousand.   Mark 6 is more precise and details exactly what occurred as Jesus sailed across the Sea of Galilee. And yet, commentaries will, even after acknowledging Mark 6:34, ignore what it says because they have already made up their mind about what Jesus must have been doing –   “The words imply that our Lord, from the height to which He had withdrawn, saw the crowds drawing near, and then, instead of retiring still further, went forward...” Ellicott   “...from the solitude into which he had retired. In opposition to Matthew 14:13, Maldonatus and Kuinoel, following Mark 6:34, interpret: out of the boat.” Myers   These and other commentaries look at John 6, see how the two accounts are somehow irreconcilable (which they are not), and attempt to reconcile them based on what John says. This is totally unnecessary.   Understanding that the feeding of the multitudes occurred many hours later, “When the day was now far spent” (Mark 6:35), brings all four gospels into harmony. In fact, the only time a contradiction arises is when John's gospel is used as the basis for the word in question concerning His coming out. If it means from the boat, all four gospels square. If it means from a mountain retreat, there is a contradiction in what happens.   Be sure to consider if you are biasing an analysis because of some sort of prejudice, presupposition, or a case of cognitive dissonance. Do thorough research and consider what is being said and how each perspective fits into the greater narrative.   In the end, we will always find that the Bible is without contradiction if we take the information from it as it is logically presented.   Glorious God, how good it is to share in Your wisdom as it is displayed in Your word. Help us to not approach it with incorrect thoughts that may bias our study of it. Rather, may we carefully consider that what we thought was right at first may be in error. If so, may our pride not step in and force the narrative in a way not intended by You. Amen.  

Sunday, 16 November 2025   When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. Matthew 14:13   “And Jesus, having heard, He withdrew thence in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. And the crowds, having heard, they followed Him afoot from the cities” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that John the Immerser's disciples came to retrieve his body and bury it. They then went and told Jesus. Now, it says, “And Jesus, having heard, He withdrew thence.”   It is to be remembered that the narrative of John the Immerser was predicated upon the words of Matthew 14:1, 2 –   “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.'”   In other words, the disciples of John going to tell Jesus was a part of the narrative that went from Matthew 14:3-12. The words, “And Jesus, having heard,” return to the main narrative about Herod, not the sub-narrative about John. Jesus heard that Herod was curious about Him. Therefore, He withdrew thence.   Meyer's NT Commentary disagrees and says that the words of Matthew 14:13 follow after the “having come, they told Jesus” of the previous verse. This discounts the fact that Matthew 14:1 says, “at that time Herod...” which sets the stage for the narrative now. This is further supported by Mark 6, where the explanatory sub-narrative about John is also addressed after the note about Herod.   That sub-narrative is followed by the note about the apostles coming and telling Jesus all they had done and taught while ministering in Israel. This is how Herod heard about Jesus, and it sets the stage for Jesus' departure to a desolate place.   This is fully supported by the narrative as it is laid out in Luke 9, where the sub-narrative concerning John is omitted, and only a short note about him is given. The connection is to Herod's hearing about Jesus, not John's beheading. Therefore, it next says, “in a boat to a desolate place by Himself.”   Jesus was at some location around the Galilee, likely Capernaum, based on Luke's account as indicated in Luke 8, which leads into Luke 9. The apostles were given their commission, they went forth, returned, and at that time Herod heard about Jesus. At the same time, the disciples returned to tell Him about all they had done.   As Jesus and His apostles got into a boat to go to a desolate place, it says, “And the crowds, having heard, they followed Him afoot from the cities.”   A new word is seen, pezē, foot-wise or afoot. The people figured out where Jesus and His apostles were heading and headed to the same area, trudging afoot to meet Him there. This sets the narrative for the great event about to be described.   Life application: A basic reading of the narrative thus far in Matthew 13 would lead one to assume that Jesus retreated to the desolate place because He had heard about the death of John the Baptist, and the distress of that event drove Him to seek isolation.   This is a commonly used thought for preachers when addressing the matter in sermons on Sunday morning, but it is not a correct analysis of the events. Two things precipitated Jesus' decision. The main one is Herod's interest in Him. This can be deduced from the fact that all three gospels refer to that event first in the narrative: Matthew 14:1, Mark 6:14, and Luke 9:7. Each sets the stage for the rest of what is stated.   The second thing to bring this about was the return of the apostles from their time of ministry, as noted in Mark 6:30 and Luke 9:10. As noted, it would have been the expanded presence of Jesus' ministry in Israel that alerted Herod about Jesus.   Therefore, the retreat into the desolate area was probably an expedient to avoid the events of Jesus' passion beginning before the proper time while also allowing the apostles to process their time ministering in Israel. Mark 6:31 said there was so much going on, they didn't even have time to eat. These two thoughts will come together in the miracle that is set to take place.   Understanding this detail should alert you, once again, to the fact that following someone as a Bible teacher because he has a certain ability that others may not possess doesn't mean his instruction is correct. People thoroughly trained in Greek, like the Myer's NT Commentary, do not equate to properly understanding what is being said in the text.   This is true of famous preachers, having a particular genealogy (like being Jewish), having gone to a particular seminary, etc. Just because someone has certain abilities or characteristics does not make him a specialist in the Bible. Myer's Commentary gets many things right, but it also makes errors. This is true with any Bible preacher, teacher, or scholar.   Consider each commentary on each passage you study as suspect until you have researched it and read varying opinions on what is presented. Unless you do this, you may be setting yourself up for incorrect conclusions or even faulty or heretical doctrine.   Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to consider Your word carefully in each passage we read and study. May we be willing to think beyond the single verse or paragraph we are evaluating and to consider the greater context of what is being said. By doing this, we will be able to more perfectly piece together what You are telling us. Yes, Lord, help us in this lifelong pursuit of Your word. Amen.

Saturday, 15 November 2025   Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:12   “And his disciples, having come, they lifted the body and they interred it. And having come, they told Jesus” (CG).   In the previous verse, John's head was brought to Herodias' daughter on a platter. From there, she took it to her mother. With that noted, it next says, “And his disciples.”   This refers not to Jesus' disciples but John's. They probably tended to John while in prison, such as bringing him meals, stopping by to talk, and so forth. Upon going to the prison to attend to him, someone would have let them know that John had been beheaded. With that understood, it next says, “having come, they lifted the body and they interred it.”   A new word, ptóma, is seen here. It is derived from piptó, to fall. It signifies a ruin, but specifically a lifeless body, meaning a corpse, carrion, etc. The disciples determined to ensure that John's body was treated with dignity after the sad treatment he had received at the hands of Herod.   As for its disposal, almost all translations say “buried” here, but this is not the way bodies were handled in Israel at the time. Rather, they were placed in tombs to decay. Normally, after some amount of time, the bones would be collected and placed in ossuaries, or they would be stored in a single section of a tomb. This is what probably would have been the case with John's body as well. Once John's body was interred, it says, “And having come, they told Jesus.”   This would be the natural extension of such a series of events. What seems likely, although unstated, is that these disciples would henceforth follow Jesus. If so, the death of John would have immediately changed the course of their lives in more than one way.   Life application: It is quite often the case that at some point after a tragedy, death, or catastrophe, something good will result. At the time of the event, things seem overwhelming, and sadness or grief may take hold of us for a spell. Eventually, however, when our minds have adjusted and our lives have settled, we can look back and process the unfolding of events.   When we do, we can often see how what seemed a one-way street of woe was actually a path that turned onto another road of opportunity for joy and a new direction in life. However, some people never accept this and stay wallowing in their misery, blaming God for the events that brought them so much grief.   But this is God's world, we are His creatures, and He has a right to choose the events of our lives. Instead of holding things against Him, we should take time to evaluate what has taken place and how it fits into the greater picture of our continued existence.   When we do, we will be able to see how things brought us into a new dynamic with new hopes and possibilities. So, let us take the time to grieve, but not to get stuck there. Rather, as Solomon noted, there is a time for everything. And as the author of Lamentations notes, the compassions of the Lord are new every morning.   Wait for time to heal the wounds of life, and look for the hand of the Lord to be with you each day as He sends His gracious favor to you in the process. You will find out that this is how He works in the lives of His people.   Lord God, thank You for Your tender mercies. There is trial, trouble, tribulation, and catastrophe in this life, but there are still wonderful blessings that come to us, even in such times. May we focus our minds on You, even as we struggle through this life. Surely, when we do, things will always make sense as we continue through our walk on the path to You. Amen.

Friday, 14 November 2025   And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Matthew 14:11   “And his head, it was carried upon a platter, and it was given to the damsel, and she carried to her mother” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod sent and he beheaded John in prison. It next says, “And his head, it was borne upon a platter.”   The word pheró, to bear, is introduced here. HELPS Word Studies says, “properly, to bear, carry (bring) along, especially temporarily or to a definite (prescribed) conclusion (defined by the individual context).”   Once John was beheaded, it was placed upon a platter, being carried to its now rightful owner according to the oath made by Herod. It next says, “and it was given to the damsel.”   Something new concerning Herodias' daughter is seen here. She is called a damsel, a little girl. It explains why she went to her mother (as recorded in Mark) to determine what she should ask for when the oath and offer were extended to her by Herod.   From the prison where John was beheaded, it was borne by an attendant and taken to Herodias' daughter. She was the one who had pleased Herod in the dance and to whom the promise was made. Therefore, the burden of carrying it to its final destination was accomplished by her. As it says, “and she bore to her mother.”   Nothing beyond this is recorded concerning what happened to the head. Some extra-biblical comments about it have been made, but the Bible itself is silent on the matter.   Life application: In the story of the life of King David, the account of David encountering Goliath on the battlefield is recorded. There it says –   “So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.” 1 Samuel 17:48-51   A bit later, it says, “And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent” (1 Samuel 17:54).   To understand the significance of what occurred in that account, sermons from the Superior Word detail the events and their typological significance in detail. One thing that can be deduced about the beheading of John is connected to that account concerning Goliath.   Everything about the law is associated with death. God gave Adam a law in the Garden of Eden. Adam violated that law, and it brought about his death (Genesis 2:17), and it also brought about death in humanity (Romans 5:12). Even Jesus, who was under the Law of Moses, died in fulfillment of it. It was a necessary death for grace to be bestowed.   John the Immerser was the final prophet under the law. He was the herald of the coming of Christ. As such, he was destined to die as an example of the law's power of death over life. Only in coming to Christ's completed work is the matter reversed, and life, meaning life in Christ, prevails over death.   As terrible as the account concerning John the Baptist is, we are being instructed in the difference set forth between Adam's failure and Christ's victory. This includes the death of John, who proclaimed law to the world.   The law had to come to an end for grace to be bestowed. John is the one who brought it to that point. Jesus is the One who then acted, completing the task and offering something far more glorious to the people of the world. Let us never forget the lesson of law vs. grace. Hold fast to the grace of God as it is revealed in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, our Lord.   Lord God, in the end, it is all about what You are doing in Christ Jesus for the people of the world. Help us to remember this and to hold fast to this truth. We don't need more law! What we need is grace. Thank You for the grace offered through His completed work. Amen.

Thursday, 13 November 2025   So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. Matthew 14:10   “And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison” (CG).   In the previous verse, despite being grieved, Herod commanded that what Herodias' daughter asked for was to be given to her. Because of that, it next says, “And, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison.”   The word apokephalizó, to decapitate or behead, is first seen here. It is from apo, from or away, and kephalé, head. The meaning is clear. A separation between the body and the head is realized.   Of this word, it is in the third person singular. The action, though carried out by an executioner, is laid at the feet of Herod: “he beheaded.” It cannot be thought that the word is referring to the executioner, because none is identified in the previous words, even if one is implied. The nearest antecedent, being Herod, places him as the responsible agent for John's death.   There is a dispute concerning where the execution took place. If Herod was in one location and the prison in another, then there would be a day or two separation between the beheading and its presentation to Herodias' daughter.   It could also be that this birthday party took place in the location where the prison was. In reality, it doesn't matter. The narrative ties the event of John's beheading to the request of the daughter. The dance took place, the oaths were made, the request to fulfill the oath was stated, and the king ordered the beheading.   If the Bible wanted us to know the other details, it would have included them. However, the fact that the execution took place immediately after the request is what the narrative is concerned with.   Life application: There is often as much to learn from what is not stated in Scripture as what is. When details are specifically left out, we can know that they were omitted for a reason.   For example, if there is a narrative about a particular person, and it notes that he went to seven different named locations, and then he had various things occur at a particular place, but the name of that place is never given, it means that the name is left out to not mar the typology that is being presented.   This happens quite often. A list of people is mentioned, and their names are given. However, another person who is mentioned many times, such as a servant or a friend, is never identified beyond his position. We have no idea what his name is, despite being mentioned repeatedly.   Pay attention to such things. Information is being conveyed within stories and the record of particular events. Each name or description provides some sort of detail that God is using to continue His typological and pictorial presentations for us to learn other truths from.   Nothing is superfluous in the word of God. It all has bearing on what He is doing. Looking to discern His intent will allow us to understand why odd or obscure stories have been selected from history and included in His word.   In the end, it is all pointing to Jesus and what occurs in relation to Him in the greater context of redemptive history.   Lord God, thank You for the intricacy and incredible depth of Your word. The smallest child can pick it up and find You and the key to eternal salvation and fellowship with You. And yet, the greatest scholar can pick it up and find something to challenge him to the point of mental fatigue as he struggles to plumb the depths of Your word. What a treasure it is! Amen.  

Wednesday, 12 November 2025   And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. Matthew 14:9   “And grieved, the king, but through the oaths and those co-reclining, he commanded it given” (CG).   In the previous verse, Herodias' daughter made her petition to Herod to give her the head of John the Immerser on a platter. In response, Matthew records, “And grieved, the king.”   A new word is seen, lupeó. It signifies distress. Reflexively, it thus signifies to be sad or grieved. In his impulsiveness, Herod opened his mouth without thinking. It has now cost him because he failed to consider that this girl might first go to her mother and seek her advice. In doing so, the mother would know exactly how far she could go without stepping over a line that was not to be crossed.   It is true that Herodias' advice would put Herod in a personal bind, but it was not something that he would refuse to grant. As such, Herod grieved that he had been outsmarted in the matter of John, something that had probably already come up between him and his wife previously. Despite the uncomfortable request, Matthew next says, “but through the oaths.”   The plural, oaths, goes back to verse 14:7 where it said, “with an oath he assented.” He made an oath and then restated it as a binding surety that he was being sincere. When such a proclamation is made, it would show a lack of character to withdraw the offer, thus breaking the vow stated with such adamancy. Along with his oath was the added embarrassing note, saying, “and those co-reclining.”   Not only had Herod made a vow and then assented to it, but he had done so in the presence of others. For him to withdraw his words, even after such a request, would mean that when these men spoke to him in the future, they would always wonder if his words would match his actions.   The girl's request was exceedingly embarrassing, but not impossible to grant, petition. Therefore, “he commanded it given.”   Herod, maybe laughing as a disguise for his horror, ordered his men to have John's head removed and brought forward. Not only would this be a trying evening for him personally, but it would be an event that would bring him notoriety and shame in the eyes of those who heard about it. It would also add a gruesome sight for those who were in attendance to remember and consider when invited to dinner with the king in the future.   Life application: Despite all of the gore to be seen on TV and in movies, and even in the news to some extent, seeing a dead person close up for the first time is always a shocking event.   One of the common things seen inside a mortuary when a first-time visitor is brought in is for the person to stop, step backwards, and place his hand over his mouth. There is a sense of mental horror that a dead person is really right there in front of his eyes. This isn't just a Hollywood movie or a prop in play, but a human being who is no longer alive.   Stepping back is a mentally horrified reaction that death somehow can be avoided if enough distance is put between the person and the corpse. And the hand over the mouth usually occurs because people somehow equate death to an influence that actually permeates the air. Covering the mouth and nose is not based on a reaction to smell, but the presence of death itself, as if it can be breathed in.   Imagine being at the banqueting hall of royalty and seeing the platter with John the Immerser's head on it. If it was covered with linen, the mind could escape the truth of what was under it. However, with the linen removed, anyone who had never seen a dead person in closed quarters would probably react as those first-time visitors who enter a morgue will react.   When looking at a dead person, we can remember that the person lying there is dead for a reason. Ultimately, it is because of the results of sin. Now consider those who saw Jesus when He died. His body was removed from the cross, and He was carried away to be interred.   Those in attendance, if they understood theology, would know that sin caused Jesus' death. What they would not know is that it wasn't His sin that did so. However, an astute person standing by the tomb on the third day, seeing Jesus alive and well a well, would be able to theologically process the information. Jesus died because of sin. Jesus rose again. Therefore, Jesus must not have had any sin.   But if the wages of sin is death, then how could Jesus have died in the first place? If that person understood the Scriptures, had heard the words of Jesus during His ministry, and considered the true role of the coming Messiah, he would be able to say, “I get it!”   Jesus Christ really died, He was truly interred in the tomb, and He truly rose again. The magnitude of what Jesus did is the highlight of all human existence since the creation of man. From time to time, we must stop and consider what God in Christ has done for us. The lifeless body of Jesus signifies the removal of our sin. The resurrection of Jesus proves to us that it is so and that it is permanent. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ our Lord.   “And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. 22 The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:20-22   Lord God, thank You for the death, internment, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 11 November 2025   So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter.” Matthew 14:8   “And having been instigated by her mother, she says, ‘You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Herod offered by oath whatever Herodias' daughter asked for. With his offer made, it next says, “And having been instigated by her mother.”   A new word, found only here in the New Testament, is seen, probibazó, to instigate. It is derived from pro, before, and biazó, to force. Thus, it is to force forward, hence, to instigate as one prods another to take a certain action.   Mark 6:24 fills in the detail left out by Matthew, saying, “So she went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask?'” Her response, still in Mark 6:24, was, “The head of John the ‘Immersing'!” That is then explained by Matthew with his continued words, where “she says, ‘You give me here upon a platter the head of John the Immerser.'”   Another new word is seen, pinax, a platter. It is a variant form of plax, a molding board, meaning a flat surface. Going along with her mother's instigation, the young lady requests the immediate execution of John, seen in the word “here,” with his head presented to her.   It is a rather gross request, but young ladies will be young ladies, and she was obedient to her mother's instigation. Thus, the request was set before Herod in regard to her mother's desire.   Life application: As tragic as John's beheading was, the fact that he would die before Jesus has already been hinted at. In John 11:11, Jesus said, “Amen! I say to you, not he has risen in ‘born of women' greater than John the Immerser, but the least in the kingdom of the heavens, he is greater than he.”   If John were to have survived until after Jesus' death, he would have certainly believed the good news of the resurrection and been a part of the church age. Therefore, John's death had already been factored into things as they unfolded.   Despite this, there is a hope for those who died in faith in the promises of God. In Daniel 12, it says –   “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3   After the church age, the world will enter into the tribulation. It will be a terrible time on earth, but once that is over, those who were of faith will be raised to eternal life. This included Daniel, as stated to him in Daniel 12:13. As such, it is certain it will be inclusive of all who died before the coming of Jesus who were people of faith, including John the Immerser.   We don't need to worry that God's plan is out of control, and we do not need to fret over comments by people who claim God is somehow unfair or uncaring when they make negative comments over things, like John's beheading, as if it demonstrates God is not good.   This life is temporary, and unless the Lord comes first at the rapture, we are all going to die. It really doesn't matter how that occurs. Once you are dead, that's it. As we are told in John 6:33, the flesh profits nothing. What matters is what we do with this life now.   Be sure to focus on Jesus, trust Him even in the most difficult of times or circumstances, and trust His word. In the end, good things are in store for those who do so.   Lord God, thank You for the promises set forth in Your word for us. We are undeserving of the least of Your mercies, and yet, You have promised us that great things are in store for Your people. Help us to focus on this as we walk in this world of troubles, trials, and wickedness that hem us in. Amen.

Monday, 10 November 2025   Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Matthew 14:7   “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had a birthday celebration and that Herodias' daughter danced for him, pleasing him. Matthew continues the narrative, saying, “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask.”   The word that confirms the oath is homologeó, to assent. It signifies “to voice the same conclusion” (HELPS Word Studies). What is probably intended is affirming a matter by repeating it, a common Hebrew form of speaking, such as, “I vow with a vow to do this thing,” or “Vowing with a vow, he confirmed his word.” In this case, the repetition is seen in the exchange as recorded in lengthier statements in Mark 6 –   “And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.' 23 He also swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.'”   Herod was enamored with the girl's dancing and wanted to reward her for it publicly, something that would demonstrate his magnanimity to those around him. When assenting to his oath, he binds himself to whatever she asks. It is not a wise way of engaging in gift giving. However, being the king, the one who is offered something with such an oath would not be expected to abuse the request, thus eliciting the disfavor of the king.   Life application: In Scripture, people are seen to make vows that can be taken as rash and unwise. A glaring example of this is found in Judges 11 –   Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through Mizpah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead he advanced toward the people of Ammon. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, 31 then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” 32 So Jephthah advanced toward the people of Ammon to fight against them, and the Lord delivered them into his hands. 33 And he defeated them from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and to Abel Keramim, with a very great slaughter. Thus the people of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. 34 When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.”   Jephthah made a vow that, unfortunately, cost him the life of his daughter. He understood that despite the consequences of his vow, it was one made to the Lord, and it had to be fulfilled. The reason for this story being included in Scripture is to make a point about what God is doing in redemptive history concerning salvation and His favor or rejection of a particular people group.   To understand what is going on in that passage, you can refer to the Superior Word sermons on Judges 11. As for our words today, a point made by Jesus and which is repeated by both Paul and James is that when we speak, we are to refrain from making vows concerning such matters.   Instead, we are to let our Yes be Yes and our No be No. In other words, when we say we are going to do or not do something, our integrity should be so accepted by others that they know we will perform our word. Additional vows and oaths are unnecessary and will detract from what the Lord expects of us.   This does not mean that we are not to make any oath at all. In society, we must swear oaths in court, on legal documents (with our signature, for example), etc. But when speaking, we should refrain from people thinking there is any necessity to go beyond a simply stated affirmation concerning our intent.   Lord God, help us to be people of integrity where others can trust our words, taking them at face value. Help us to remember that when we speak, You are being evaluated through the performance and accomplishment of what we say. Help us to remember this and follow through, to Your glory. Amen.

Sunday, 9 November 2025   But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Matthew 14:6   “And being Herod's birthday, she danced, the daughter of Herodias, in the midst. And she pleased Herod” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that although Herod wanted to put John the Immerser to death, he feared the multitude because they reckoned him to be a prophet. It next says, “And being Herod's birthday.”   A new word is seen: genesia, birthday. It is the plural of genesis, which means birth, origin, and genealogy. It signifies one's recurring birthday or the ceremonies accompanying it. Despite being plural, rendering it in the singular is to accommodate the standard usage in English. On his birthday, “she danced, the daughter of Herodias.”   This was Salome, the daughter of Herodias by her former husband. Victorian-era commentaries on this condemn the matter as if it were the most inappropriate event imaginable, remarking how sensual and voluptuous the scene must have been. Ellicott's comments reflect their general sentiment –   “Dances in filmy garments that but half concealed the form, commonly of an impure or voluptuous nature, were common enough both at Eastern and Roman banquets, the guests being simply spectators. But the dancers were, for the most part, women who made it their calling, like the nautch-girls of India; and it was a new thing, at which every decent Jew would shudder, for the daughter of a kingly house to come-thus into a shameless publicity and expose herself to the gaze of the banqueters.” Charles Ellicott   One must wonder what such scholars do with the contents of the Song of Songs! Dances have been common at public and private gatherings for all of human history. Cultural norms set the parameters for such things, and it is only the most prudish sort that would condemn such things without considering them in more than their own limited context. Of Salome's dancing, it next says it was “in the midst.”   The meaning is that she would have been in the midst of the room, hall, etc., with those in attendance gathered around. When dances or performers came in, the people would direct their attention to the event. In the case of Salome's dancing, it next says, “And she pleased Herod.”   Another new word is seen, areskó. It signifies to be agreeable and thus, to please. In Romans 8:8, Paul says that those who are in the flesh cannot please [areskó] God. Herod saw the dance and found it satisfying.   Life application: One of the ridiculous standards set forth in the Jehovah's Witnesses is that they do not celebrate birthdays. Their reasoning is that only two birthday celebrations are noted in Scripture, and both are held by bad guys, Pharaoh and Herod.   Therefore, they illogically deduce that God finds the celebration of birthdays unacceptable. Such a conclusion is based on several fallacies. One of them is what is known as an argument from silence.   An argument from silence is when one makes a faulty conclusion based on it not being stated in a source. Yes, there are two examples of birthdays in the Bible, but they merely present the basis for what occurs in the surrounding narrative. There is no need to mention other birthdays, but because no other birthdays are mentioned, the supposedly obvious conclusion is that nobody else observed them, and those who did were bad people.   Another fallacy that accompanies their inane logic is known as a slippery slope. There are various types of slippery slope fallacies, such as the causal, precedential, and conceptual. The conceptual argument is that because no clear line between two concepts on a spectrum exists, there is no meaningful difference between them.   So if Pharaoh and Herod had birthdays and they resulted in negative events or had negative effects, then all birthdays must result in negative outcomes. This is also known as the fallacy of the beard. A person doesn't shave for 12 hours, and he develops a shadow on his face. By the next morning, he has stubble. In two days, he will have bristly hairs.   At what point is it called a beard? The argument is ridiculous, whether it is based on a birthday or a beard. The thought process is unclear and has no basis in reality. Unfortunately, such fallacies are not limited to the Jehovah's Witnesses. They permeate the thinking of the people of the world, including those in the church.   Because of this, all sorts of legalism creep into churches. That is as harmful as a liberal attitude toward Scripture. Whether adding in rules and regulations that have nothing to do with biblical intent, or ignoring things made explicit in Scripture because they don't suit personal mores, the results will always be unhealthy, even detrimental.   Learn about fallacies and remember to think clearly and critically when evaluating the reasons why people come to conclusions. Quite often, you will see where the faulty thinking lies, and you will be able to avoid it.   Lord God, may we learn to think clearly and critically about what Your word presents. Help us not get caught up in things that pull our hearts and minds away from focusing on You. At the same time, may we live our lives in the manner that will bring You glory while also enjoying the lives You have given us here in this world. Amen.  

Saturday, 8 November 2025   And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 14:5   “And desiring to kill him, he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that John had told King Herod that having his brother Philip's wife was unlawful. Therefore, Matthew continues with words concerning Herod's attitude toward John, saying, “And desiring to kill him.”   In Mark, it notes that Herodias wanted to kill him, but she couldn't because Herod feared John “knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him” (Mark 6:20). No contradiction should be considered between the two.   It should be obvious to anyone who has been accused by another that Herod was certainly miffed at John when he was confronted with his wrongdoing and scolded for it. Being king, he probably thought, “I'll just have this guy killed... problem solved!”   However, after thinking about it, he would have then reconsidered, something Herodias was unwilling to do. As for Herod, the account next says, “he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet.”   These words align with the thought given in Mark and match the suggested state of Herod just noted. Herod was confronted with his sin. He didn't like it, and Herod wanted him killed. However, after thinking it through and realizing this would not be a popular course of action, he renounced that thought.   The prophets were often hated by everyone. They called out sin in the people, and depending on the overall attitude of the populace, they could go from being popular with the commoners to being hated by them as well. In John's case, he not only called out for people to turn to the Lord, but he also proclaimed the immediate coming of the Messiah.   This would have been very popular with the commoners who had to suffer under the rule of the dirty priests, the oppressive kings, and the even more oppressive hand of Rome, to whom even these lesser positions were responsible. Add in the arrogant and controlling attitude of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes, and they would have been elated at the thought of a new rule under the Messiah.   On the other hand, these people in positions of power and authority would openly claim they were happy about the coming of the Messiah, but only so far as He would continue to allow them to retain their exalted positions.   Regardless of what the leaders thought, the people were happy with John as a prophet and could have thrown the nation into turmoil if Herod executed him, especially when it was Herod who was violating the law and which brought about John's words of rebuke.   Life application: It should come as no surprise when a Bible preacher is not liked by people in general. His job is to preach the whole counsel of God. In doing so, the general population will not like his message because it highlights sin in humanity.   This is not something people want exposed in their lives, even if nobody else is aware of it. Scripture exposes each individual's sinful state in relation to God. People would rather hate the messenger than acknowledge their sin.   People in the church will also get miffed at preachers. If someone believes people can lose their salvation, but the preacher rightly explains why this is incorrect, the preacher will be mocked and spoken against by those who disagree with him.   The safest way to avoid such things is not to address them at all. Hence, some preachers have churches that fill stadiums because they give easy messages that the masses won't feel intimidated by. Those who may have personal views on particular doctrines are never challenged on them.   For the preacher, it is a safe and often effective walk on a path of mediocrity that keeps money coming in, people content in their weekly church experience, and nobody is seemingly harmed by it.   But this is incorrect. People must be made aware of what the Bible expects and approves of and disapproves of. If not, they will not be properly prepared for the true challenges of a close walk with the Lord in a fallen world of choices that must be made to stay in line with what He expects from His people.   Consider what it is that you want when you select a church. If you are wise, you will desire to attend where the Bible is fully explained, even from those sections that can cause division and animosity. After all, they too are a part of God's word.   Lord God, be with us as we pursue a right understanding of Your word. Open the eyes of our pastors and teachers to rightly understand and properly teach Your word so that we will know what is correct. Amen.

Friday, 7 November 2025   Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Matthew 14:4   “For John, he said to him, ‘Not it permits for you to have her'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had bound John and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. That continues now with the words, “For John, he said to him, ‘Not it permits for you to have her.'”   John, being a prophet of the Lord, was careful to uphold the word of the Lord. In the case of Herod, it was especially important to call out his misdeeds because, as the record of the kings of Israel bears witness, as the leadership of the nation goes, so goes the nation.   When a king was willing to violate the law, the people would see this and gladly follow suit. With the turn of a page, the history of Israel as recorded in Scripture often goes from prosperity and a tendency to follow the Lord to corruption and rejection of Him and His law. The example of the king was the preeminent reason for this, time and again.   In the case of Herod, as noted in the commentary of the previous verse, he had taken his brother's wife. Therefore, he was guilty of committing adultery, thus violating the seventh commandment –   “You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14   He was also guilty of breaking the moral codes recorded in Leviticus –   “You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness.” Leviticus 18:16   Also, it is implicit that he first broke the tenth commandment –   “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20:17   The term “neighbor” extends to any such situation, be it an actual neighbor or any other person, such as one's brother. It was John's responsibility to highlight the illegal actions of Herod, calling them out for the people to know that even someone of such a high position was not above God's law.   Life application: The tenth commandment is a secret commandment when it is violated, except as it is then displayed in the actions of an individual. Nobody may know that another covets his neighbor's wife. But the Lord does.   One can see that the Lord is not merely evaluating the external deeds we do, but He is searching our hearts, looking at the intent behind our actions. If one covets his neighbor's wife for ten years, not another soul might know it. But then, in a fit of passion, he may take whatever action is needed to have her.   Once this occurs, that coveting has become another violation of the law. It may even lead to a third. First, there is the taking of another man's wife, like King David did. From there, murder follows suit, as King David did. And it all started with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and/or the pride of life.   Any of these can step in and lead to catastrophe for us if we are not constantly in tune with the Lord. As human beings, we are not above temptation and falling prey to our temptations. And so, we should constantly be talking to the Lord, interacting with Him in our hearts and minds while staying in His word to remind us of our position in relation to Him.   “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:12-15   Lord God, be with us in our frailties and weaknesses. You fashioned us. You know our limitations and or proclivities. So help us to be attentive to You and our relationship with You. May You give us wisdom and strength to overcome those things which lure us into sin. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Thursday, 6 November 2025   For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Matthew 14:3   “For Herod, having seized John, he bound him, and he placed in prison for Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife” (CG).   In the previous verse, Herod exclaimed his belief that John the Immerser had risen from the dead, which is why he had the miracle powers working in him. The narrative will now explain what led to John's imprisonment. That begins with the words, “For Herod, having seized John.”   Herod himself was behind the arrest of John. One can already sense that his conscience was nagging at him as the narrative begins. Something about John's death came about because of Herod. Understanding this, the narrative continues, saying, “he bound him, and he placed in prison.”   Cambridge notes the location of this prison –   “At Machærus, in Peræa, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea, near the southern frontier of the tetrarchy. Here Antipas had a palace and a prison under one roof, as was common in the East. Cp. Nehemiah 3:25, ‘The tower which lieth out from the king's high house that was by the court of the prison.' It was the ordinary arrangement in feudal castles.”   The reason Herod put him in prison is stated as, “for Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife.”   To understand the abbreviated thought, and in anticipation of the words of the next verse, Albert Barnes states –   This Herodias was a granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was first married to Herod Philip, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, probably the one that danced and pleased Herod. Josephus says that this marriage of Herod Antipas with Herodias took place while he was on a journey to Rome. He stopped at his brother's; fell in love with his wife; agreed to put away his own wife, the daughter of Aretas, King of Petraea; and Herodias agreed to leave her own husband and live with him. They were living, therefore, in adultery; and John, in faithfulness, though at the risk of his life, had reproved them for their crimes. Herod was guilty of two crimes in this act:   Of “adultery,” since she was the wife of another man.   Of “incest,” since she was a near relation, and such marriages were expressly forbidden, Leviticus 18:16.   John was the last prophet under the Law of Moses. His duty was to call the people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Instead of the king turning and accepting his wrongdoing like David, he doubled down in his sin like so many of the biblical kings under the law had done.   And like so many of those kings, he acted against the Lord's prophet, attempting to silence him from publicly exposing his deeds.   Life application: Under the New Covenant, there is no Law of Moses for believers to condemn people with by living it out for them to see. However, there is the truth, like during the time of Noah, that the world is accountable to God for its actions.   Paul says, “because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” Romans 4:15. And yet, he speaks elsewhere about the law of conscience –   “...for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Romans 2:14-16   Because of conscience, especially since the coming of Christ and His fulfillment of the Law of Moses, it is still right for believers to call out wrongdoing in others, particularly those in positions of authority.   In the world, this has been a dicey thing to do at times. It is becoming that way again in much of the world. Like in the times of Noah, the whole world is marching towards ungodliness and actively pursuing wickedness. Despite this, believers need to stand fast on what is wholesome and morally proper.   Numerous denominations and churches have caved to the inappropriate and ungodly mores of fallen humanity. This only makes it more important for Christians to be ready to speak out concerning what is proper.   Not only are we tasked to evangelize the masses within society, but we need to do so with those who are supposedly members of the church. Let us continue to be beacons of light, even if the whole world is clamoring to be rid of us. This is right and proper, and it is what the ancients are remembered for –   “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16   Lord God, despite the trouble it is bound to bring us, help us to stand firm on Your word, openly living out what is expected of us for others to see. When the chance comes for us to defend Your word or to speak against the immorality around us, may we boldly do so, knowing that there is a reward ahead for the stand we take. Amen.  

Wednesday, 5 November 2025   and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” Matthew 14:2   “and he said to his servants, ‘This, he is John the Immerser! He, he is aroused from the dead, and through this the miracles work in him!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it said that Herod the tetrarch heard the words about Jesus. Now, that continues, saying, “and he said to his servants, ‘This, he is John the Immerser!'”   Both Matthew 16 and Luke 9 show that there was speculation about who Jesus was. Among them, there were three predominant views –   “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?' 14 So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'” Matthew 16:13, 14   The reason Herod was certain that Jesus was actually John the Baptist will be the subject of the coming verses. Through verse 12, it will explain Herod's interactions with John and members of his household that led him to a seemingly neurotic state concerning John. Of this deduction made by Herod, he emphatically continues, saying, “He, he is aroused from the dead.”   The word dead is plural. In English, “dead” is normally a cumulative word, especially when preceded by a definite article. Herod is stating that John was among those who had been dead, but he had somehow been raised from among them. The emphatic nature of his words shows that he was certain this was the case. As a result of this, he continues, saying, “and through this the miracles work in him!”   Herod ties the power of working miracles as the result of being raised from the dead. This confirms the words concerning John recorded in John's gospel –   “Then many came to Him and said, ‘John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.'”  John 10:41   In his life, John didn't perform any signs. However, Herod says, “through this,” meaning through the resurrection, he was now able to perform signs. If one thinks this through, it shows the ridiculous stupidity of his thought process.   If John were raised from the dead, after losing his head, that itself would be the greatest miracle, not any of the others instead. And more, it shows without any ambiguity at all that Herod thought that the dead could be raised.   Life application: Have you ever talked to someone about Jesus and been told that he didn't believe it is possible for the dead to rise? It is not uncommon for people to hold this view.   And yet, the same type of people accept that the universe exploded itself into existence and then put itself together in such a way as to create the precision of life on planet Earth. Along with that, it planned the placement of the sun, moon, and earth, so that eclipses can take place with absolute predictability and precision, the seasons are perfectly marked to support life and return at the exact time necessary for the cycle to continue, etc.   Others claim that life is sacred and killing a person, even if he has committed the most horrendous of crimes, is wrong. And yet the same people claim that killing the unborn or euthanizing the physically or mentally defective and elderly is perfectly acceptable.   Still others believe that ghosts exist, demons can live within people, various gods have control over events in nature, or things coincide within the span of time in order to have certain objectives met according to predetermined plans (things understood by divination, for example).   People can accept the most ridiculous propositions, including people rising from the dead (like Herod's belief about John the Baptist), but they turn around and deny that the dead can actually rise when presented with the evidence concerning Jesus.   It is as if we have a default setting in us that says, “If the true God is involved in the process, it cannot be true.” However, we will accept the exact same type of evidence without reservation once the true God is taken out of the picture.   God created and made everything perfect for man to inhabit the earth. “No, it cannot be!” God says that life is sacred and that when someone violates that principle, he must be executed. Jesus came to die for the sins of all people, including murderers. He died for them and rose again. “No, it cannot be!”   Jesus rose again, proving there is more than the material realm that is working in the world around us. “No, it cannot be!”   If you encounter such unclear thinking, as frustrating as it is, you can use their unclear reasoning (if they are willing to consider your thoughts) to show them that they already believe what they deny, and that what they need to do is to reconsider the source of their belief, going from a non-God centered reality to a God-centered reality.   It is not always easy, but if you have the time to work with people by learning what they accept or do not accept, you can then help them understand the hypocritical thoughts going on in their head, assisting them to realign their thinking to what is sound and reasonable.   Lord God, You have changed our hearts and minds to go from a state of unbelief to one of accepting the proposition concerning the good news of Jesus. Help us to now work with others to think clearly about what we believe, demonstrating to them why our thoughts are reasonable. We know the truth of Your word, so help us to present it to others so that they can see it as well. Amen.

Tuesday, 4 November 2025   At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus Matthew 14:1   “In that time, Herod the tetrarch, he heard the ‘Jesus hearing'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 13 ended with words concerning Jesus' not doing many miracles in Nazareth due to their faithlessness. Chapter 14 now begins with, “In that time, Herod the tetrarch.”   A new word is seen, tetrarchés. It signifies the ruler of the one-fourth part of a country or region. In other words, he is not a ruler of a country with three other rulers. Instead, his rule covers one-fourth of the area of a county.   Thayer's Lexicon notes that “the word lost its strict etymological force, and came to denote ‘the governor of a third part or half of a country, or even the ruler of an entire country or district provided it were of comparatively narrow limits; a petty prince.'”   Of this particular Herod, Charles Ellicott provides the following description –   “The son of Herod the Great by Malthace. Under his father's will he succeeded to the government of Galilee and Peræa, with the title of Tetrarch, and as ruler of a fourth part of the Roman province of Syria. His first wife was a daughter of Aretas, an Arabian king or chief, named in 2Corinthians 11:32 as king of the Damascenes. Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip (not the Tetrarch of Trachonitis, Luke 3:1, but son of Herod the Great by Mariamne, and though wealthy, holding no official position as a ruler), was daughter of Aristobulus, the son whom Herod put to death, and was therefore niece to both her husbands. Prompted partly by passion, partly by ambition, she left Philip, and became the wife of Antipas (Jos. Ant. xviii. 5, §4). The marriage, at once adulterous and by the Mosaic law doubly incestuous, shocked the conscience of all the stricter Jews. It involved Antipas in a war with the father of the wife whom he had divorced and dismissed, and it was probably in connection with this war that we read of soldiers on actual duty as coming under the teaching of the Baptist in Luke 3:14. The prophetic spirit of the Baptist, the very spirit of Elijah in his dealings with Ahab and Jezebel, made him the spokesman of the general feeling, and so brought him within the range of the vindictive bitterness of the guilty queen.”   Concerning this Herod, Matthew records, “he heard the ‘Jesus hearing.'” In other words, the news (it is a noun signifying “a hearing”) of Jesus was circulating everywhere. He heard of this exciting news, and it set the stage for what lies ahead. Today, such a hearing might be precipitated by a statement like, “Have you heard the news about the guy from Nazareth, Jesus? He is incredible!”   Such a statement is the hearing. Herod heard it and will react to it.   Life application: Some of the translations of this verse say, the fame of Jesus, the news of Jesus, the report of Jesus, the reports of Jesus, heard about Jesus, the hearing of Jesus, concerning Jesus, etc. Various smaller changes from some of these exist.   Don't think that because a translation doesn't exactly match the original that there is an error. The intent is essentially the same. Some versions give a thought-for-thought rendering. Some attempt to give a closer rendering of each word, but amend it to sound more common to the hearing of the audience.   A literal, or close to literal, translation can be extremely unpleasant to listen to and tiring to the mind to read. Trying to make sense of the structure of the original language while also trying to understand the intent in a reasonable way is much more difficult with a direct rendering of each word.   Also, there is the consideration that different people will come up with different words to describe the same original word. Therefore, at times, there are going to be a seemingly infinite number of differences in translations, but they all will carry the same message to some extent.   We should never tolerate purposeful manipulation of the text, something that scholars will search for and highlight. Such manipulations have occurred in the New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses as well as some Hebrew Roots Movement translations.   In order to meet their perverse agenda, such manipulations are underhandedly introduced. If you are looking for a new translation to read, be sure to check up on whatever you are leaning towards buying, just in case someone has identified such things.   But be sure to check the source you are reading as well. Some commentaries on Bible translations are biased towards one translation, the KJV, for example. Therefore, they will find all other versions damnable. That is not a healthy way of looking at such things either.   In the end, just keep reading the word. Keep thinking about what God has done in the giving of Jesus. Let the word of God dwell in you richly. It will bring delight to your heart, joy to your day, and contentment to your soul as you consider the eternal blessings that lie ahead for the redeemed of the Lord.   Lord God, thank You for allowing us to enter into the study of another chapter of the book of Matthew. We anticipate a great adventure as we analyze it day by day. Give us the clarity of mind that is needed to properly understand what is being conveyed. Amen.

Monday, 3 November 2025   Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58   “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that the people were offended at Jesus. Because of this, He said that a prophet is not without honor except in his fatherland and in his house. With that stated, Matthew next records, “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.”   A new word, apistia, faithlessness, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and pistos, faithful. Therefore, depending on the context, it means not faithful, unfaithful, unbelief, an unbeliever, faithlessness, etc.   The preposition preceding this, dia, through, signifies that the cause of His not doing many miracles was their unbelief. In the parallel account in Mark 6, this is stated more firmly so that it is understood –   “And He could not do any miracles there, if not a few infirm, having laid the hands, He cured.” Mark 6:5 (CG)   This is similar to what Jesus said to the apostles after the transfiguration –   “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?' 20 So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:19-21   In Nazareth, the unbelief of those who resided there kept Jesus from being able to cure them. In the case of the apostles, their faith blocked the healing process. Either way, a lack of faith was a hindrance to what otherwise could have been possible.   Life application: Unfortunately, it is common today for people in charismatic churches, or who carry around the name it and claim it attitude, to accuse those who have health problems, financial problems, etc., of lacking faith.   They strut around like roosters, boasting of the supposed spiritual superiority as if they have access to such things on a whim. This type of attitude laughingly extends to claims of being able to protect homes from tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.   This is neither acceptable nor responsible. We live in a fallen world. People get sick, we have troubles and trials, and people die. Such things are a part of human existence. God is not looking for super spiritual showoffs.   Rather, He is pleased with the simple faith of those who trust in Jesus despite their trials and troubles. Nothing in Scripture ever says that believers will be immune from the woes of this world. In fact, just the opposite is true, both in spiritual and physical matters.   Don't let the arrogant, boastful, and theologically uninformed rob your joy in Christ through such false claims or accusations. Rather, pity them. Because when their times of trial and woe come upon them, and they will, they will have nothing to fall back on.   Be responsible, read your word, and have faith in God and His promises, despite the trials and catastrophes that come your way. In this, God will be pleased with you.   “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4   Lord God, we know that we are ordained for trials and troubles in this life. Despite this, we thank You for the promises You have given us in Christ Jesus. Whatever happens now, no matter how great and troubling it is, we know it is temporary and just a glitch on our path to eternal glory in Your presence. Thank You for the surety we possess in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Matthew 13   13 And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea. 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. 3 And He spoke to them, many in parables, saying, “You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing to sow.' 4 And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road, and it came, the birds, and it devoured them. 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. 6 And sun, having risen, it burned, and through not having root, it desiccated. 7 And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them. 8 And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty. 9 The ‘having ears to hear,' he – hear!”   10 And the disciples, having come, they said to Him, “Through what in parables You speak to them?” 11 And having answered, He said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries ‘the kingdom the heavens.' And to them, not it has been given. 12 For whoever he has, it will be given him, and he will superabound. And whoever not he has, and what he has, it will be lifted from him. 13 Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend. 14 And it fulfills upon them Isaiah's prophecy, saying,   ‘News you will hear and no, not you might comprehend, And seeing, you will see and no, not you might see. 15 For it thickened, the heart of this people And their ears, heavily they heard, And their eyes, they shut, Lest not they should behold – their eyes, And they should hear – their ears, And they should comprehend – the heart, And they should return, And I will heal them.'   16 And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears. 17 Amen! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous, they passioned to see what you see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard.   18 You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown.' 19 Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not comprehending, the evil, he comes, and he seizes the ‘having been sown in his heart.' This, he is, the ‘having been sown near the path.' 20 And the ‘having been sown upon the rocky places,' this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it.' 21 And he has no root in himself, but he is temporary. And having come pressure or persecution through the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 And the ‘into the thorns having been sown' this is the ‘the word hearing,' but the care of this age, and the delusion of wealth, it strangles the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 And the ‘upon the good earth having been sown,' this, it is ‘the word hearing and comprehending' who surely he fruit-bears and it yields – some indeed hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”   24 Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field. 25 And in the ‘sleeps the men,' he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away. 26 And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit, then it appeared, also, the darnel. 27 And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field? Whence, therefore, it has darnel?' 28 And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!' And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?' 29 And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat. 30 You allow both to co-grow until the harvest. And in the harvest season, I will say to the harvesters, “You gather first the darnel, and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them, and wheat you collect into my barn.”'”   31 Another parable He presented them, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field. 32 Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds. And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings, and it becomes a tree, so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches.”   33 Another parable He presented them, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like leaven which a woman, having taken, she concealed in flour – three measures – until it all, it leavened.”   34 All these, He spoke, Jesus, in parables to the crowds, and besides parable, not He spoke to them. 35 So it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken through the prophet,' saying,   “I will open My mouth in parables. I will blurt things having been concealed from foundation – world.”   36 Then Jesus, having dismissed the crowds, He went into the house. And His disciples, they came to Him, saying, “Expound to us the parable of the fields' darnel.”   37 And answering, He said, “He, the ‘sowing the good seed,' he is the Son of Man. 38 And the field, it is the world. And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom. And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil. 39 And the enemy, the ‘having sown them,' he is the Traducer. And harvest – it is the age's consummation. And harvesters – they are messengers. 40 Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation. 41 The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness. 42 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth. 43 Then the righteous, they will irradiate as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ‘having ears,' let him hear!   44 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed, and from the joy of it, he withdraws and all that he has he sells and he buys that field.   45 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant, seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, having found one highly valued pearl, having departed, he has sold all – as many as he had, and he purchased it. 47 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine having been cast into the sea, and from every kind having been gathered, 48 which, when it was filled, having dragged upon the beach, and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out. 49 Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst. 50 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   51 Jesus, He says to them, “These all, you comprehend?”   They say to Him, “Yes, Lord.”   52 And He said to them, “Through this, every scribe, having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens,' he is like a man, a house-master, who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies.”   53 And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence. 54 And having come into His fatherland, He taught them in their synagogue, so they are outstruck and say, “Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles? 55 Not this, He is the artificer's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” 57 And they stumbled in Him.   And Jesus, He said to them, “Not, he is, a prophet dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.” 58 And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.

Sunday, 2 November 2025   So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Matthew 13:57   “And they stumbled in Him. And Jesus, He said to them, ‘A prophet, he is not dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the questions about Jesus continued as the people asked about His sisters, wondering how He had obtained His wisdom and mighty working abilities. Because of their confusion, it next says, “And they stumbled in Him.”   The meaning is that they were tripped up. Their mental disconnect would not allow them proper understanding of how someone so common and who was a seemingly normal child among them had grown into such a mighty intellect with the ability to accomplish such great things.   Their assumption, though faulty, is not uncommon. To them, humble beginnings equated to a humble existence henceforth. Instead of looking at Jesus as a prodigy, they probably looked to Him more as a charlatan or an underhanded opportunist. However, Matthew records Jesus' response to them, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘A prophet, he is not dishonored.'”   A new word, atimos, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and the word timé, value. Thus, it extends to honor, esteem, dignity, etc. Jesus' beginning words of His response indicate that prophets are normally honored for their prophetic ability.   They stood with kings, were esteemed by the people, and were sought out by all classes of people in times of need. However, there was often a notable exception. Jesus continues with, “if not in his fatherland and in his house.”   A prophet who only became a prophet later in life by the call of the Lord could expect to be ignored by those he grew up with and who once interacted with him regularly. People would not understand how someone they knew and hung around with, just a common Joe, could somehow have a special connection to God.   This is the intent of Jesus' words, which were probably a proverbial expression concerning such things.   Life application: As noted above, the reasoning of the people is commonly faulty. There are innumerable ways people can suddenly excel who seemed to have no special background, potential, or abilities.   For example, from time to time, someone may get bumped on the head and suddenly have the ability to do incredible feats in math, memory, invention, etc. A prophet or preacher may have a sudden calling on his life that changes the entire course of his existence.   In the case of the latter, faith in God demands that people take stock of such a thing and consider it. Of course, the chances are good that a person is making a false claim about such a religious encounter, but the only way to get to the bottom of that would be to test him, observe his conduct, and check with others who may have intimate knowledge of the situation.   However, others may be in on the scam as well. Joseph Smith claimed he had received the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni. Brigham Young supported him in his false teaching and helped perpetuate and grow Mormonism. So one has to be careful with such things.   There is a great example of the thought presented here right in Scripture –   “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:26, 27   Paul resided in Jerusalem. People there knew of his conduct toward those in the church. After his conversion, his change was a hard sell to those who previously knew him. This is to be expected. However, there is a point when such things need to be accepted as true and valid, like Paul's conversion, or forever rejected, like Joseph Smith's false claims.   The evidence behind the claims should be sufficient to make such a determination. Pay attention to such things as you interact with others. Your initial assessment may be wrong. Likewise, your lurking suspicions may be borne out when a false narrative is exposed. Be wise and discerning, and as John admonishes, “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).   O God, we pray for Your hand of protection to surround us from false teachers. At the same time, we pray for discerning minds that can identify them so that we are not led astray by them. There are so many who claim they know the “mysteries” of how things work by You when in fact, they are just making stuff up. Help us to see the truth and keep far from such people. Amen.  

Saturday, 1 November 2025   And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” Matthew 13:56   “And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” (CG).   In the previous verse, the people of Nazareth questioned Jesus about His father, mother, and brothers. Their words continue with, “And His sisters.”   The word translated as “sister” is adelphé. It is the feminine form of adelphos, brother, and carries the same connotation, one of the same womb. As with the previous verse, however, the word can figuratively be extended to a person in a figurative sense –   “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters [adelphé], with all purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1, 2   For this reason, the Roman Catholic Church and others who hold to the perpetual virginity of Mary insist that the words here extend to daughters of Joseph and not daughters of Mary, despite the obvious intent of the words to indicate actual sisters having been born to Mary.   Mary, not some unnamed former wife, is spoken of in the same context as the rest of the family, making her the natural connection to these sisters. As for the number of them, that is to be inferred from the next words, “not they are all with us?”   Although no number is set, it is telling us that there were three or more sisters. Otherwise, it would have said, “isn't she here with us,” or “are not both of them here with us.” Not only was Mary not a perpetual virgin, apart from Jesus, but she had at least seven other children. Having noted Joseph, Mary, and the siblings of Jesus, demonstrating complete familiarity with the family, the people next exclaim, “Whence then this – these all?”   The words are referring to “this wisdom and the miracles” mentioned in verse 54. In other words, everything about Jesus and His family was laid out before the people through years of close interaction.   And yet, somehow, He suddenly appeared to them with incredible abilities that surpassed the normal life He previously lived. They could not understand how Jesus could have gone from a simple Son of an artificer to a great miracle worker and biblical scholar.   Life application: The supposed perpetual virginity of Mary is never taught in Scripture. It is unfathomable that God would present such a doctrine without clear and unambiguous evidence for it. And yet, a normal read through the text would lead anyone with a modicum of honesty to conclude that Jesus was the Son of Mary and the others mentioned here were as well.   The only result to be realized from this aberrant doctrine is to cause Scripture itself to be violated. The words of Hebrews 12:2 implore Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus, not Mary, Paul, David, or Moses. To highlight Mary's role, as has been done by the Roman Catholic Church, destroys this precept.   Be wise, filled with prudence when dealing with doctrinal and theological issues, and consider what God is doing and why. Don't accept people's teachings just because they seem authoritative or because they have some particular trait that makes them seem special.   For example, it is as common as peanuts in peanut brittle in Christian circles today to highlight Bible teachers simply because they are Jewish. It is as if being Jewish elevates people to some supposed level of biblical knowledge that must be listened to and adhered to. It is a ridiculous way to handle one's biblical studies.   Whether someone has a PhD, can read and write Hebrew and/or Greek, or has a large congregation, such things have nothing to do with adherence to Scripture. Evaluate your teachers based on how they teach the word of God. And guess what, this is impossible unless you yourself know the word well enough to do so. Read the Bible!   Glorious God Almighty, help each of us to desire knowing Your word above even the food we eat. May we listen to it, meditate on it, and cherish it in our hearts and minds all the days of our lives. To Your glory. Amen.

Friday, 31 October 2025   Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? Matthew 13:55   “Not this, He is the carpenter's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus returned to His fatherland and began teaching in the synagogues. The people were amazed and wondered where He got His wisdom and abilities to perform the miraculous. They next exclaim, “Not this, He is the artificer's Son?”   It is a new word, tektón, an artificer or craftsman. This could be in wood, stone, metal, etc. The general thought and tradition is that Joseph was a woodworker. However, some believe he worked in stone. There is a stone quarry in the area of Nazareth where objects have been found, such as cups, that have been fashioned out of stone.   From the time of Homer down, the word was used to define a woodworker, such as a carpenter, joiner, shipbuilder, etc. To limit Joseph to one specific trade or another may be to limit the application of the word. For all we know, he was a general artificer who worked in wood, stone, etc.  Continuing with the query, the people continue, saying, “Not His mother, her called Mary?”   They are not asking this as if they could be wrong, as in, “We thought He was Mary's Son? No?” Rather, the reason for the question is that they definitely know He is Mary's Son. Thus, they know all about His family line. He is not a mystery to them. Rather, He grew up with them. And more, they next ask, “And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?”   The word used is adelphos, coming from the connective particle a and the word delphus, the womb. Thus, it literally means, “of the same womb.” That is the sense that should be considered here. However, for the cult of Mary who insists she was a perpetual virgin, it is argued that the word can be extended to people in close personal relationships, of the same people (such as Jews), etc. It can also be applied to those born to one of two parents, etc.   In other words, in order to justify their stand, the claim by those of the Mary cult is that these are Joseph's sons but not Mary's. The normal and reasonable sense that anyone reading this without a bias or presupposition would agree upon is that this is speaking of Jesus' brothers from Mary, especially when she was just mentioned prior to these words.   The point of the questioning by these people is that their words otherwise form an emphatic proclamation. “We know Jesus! We know His father's trade, and we know His mom and siblings!” With such a knowledge base about Him, they will next reveal why this understanding is important to them.   Life application: In reading the record of Jesus in the gospels, it is inconceivable that someone would suddenly start highlighting Mary as the key figure in the narrative. She is hardly mentioned at all. Her purpose for being mentioned clearly centers on Jesus, and then she is not mentioned other than incidentally at any other time.   To focus on Mary as those in Roman Catholicism do makes as much sense as focusing on Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned way more than Mary, the mother of Jesus. But the devil knows how to misdirect people. He has done it since our first parents in the Garden of Eden.   In getting people to take their eyes off the Lord, he has the ability to rob them of the prize, meaning a right relationship with God and the surety of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If this can be passed down from one generation to the next, the level of veneration will normally increase.   This is certainly the case with the cult of Mary. It has become a global phenomenon that has robbed innumerable souls of properly directed faith in Jesus. Don't be swayed away from what God wants us to focus on when we read Scripture. That is Him and how He has revealed us in the coming of Jesus Christ.   May we hold fast to Him, fixing our eyes on Him, and never being distracted from that goal and focus all the days of our lives –   “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-3   Glorious God, the whole world is trying to rob us of our focus on You and what You have done in the giving of Jesus Christ. Leading that attempt is the devil, who is ever striving for us to turn from You and to do things our own way. Give us wisdom, strength, and the fortitude to stand against this and to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 30 October 2025   When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Matthew 13:54   “And having come into His fatherland, He taught them in their synagogue, so they are outstruck and say, ‘Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was noted to have lifted Himself and purposefully set out from where He was. Matthew next says, “And having come into His fatherland.”   It is a new word, patris, a fatherland, coming from patér, father. It speaks of one's native country. Therefore, more than simple geography is being referred to. Instead, thoughts such as identity, family tradition, family lineage, etc., are being referred to. In Hebrews 11:14, it refers to the hope of the saints who await their true homeland, a heavenly country –   “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland [patris]. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16   Once Jesus arrived in His earthly fatherland, “He taught them in their synagogue.”   Mark adds that this teaching in the synagogue was on the Sabbath, something that is unnecessary in Matthew's gospel, as this would have been understood by the Jewish audience his words are directed to. This teaching by Jesus in the synagogues that He attended is noted elsewhere. In the case of His instruction in Nazareth, it notes, “so they are outstruck.”   Matthew's use of the present verbs brings the reader directly into the room. It is as if they are sitting in front of us having this awe-inspiring conversation. The reason for their astonishment is next stated, “and say, ‘Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles?'”   Another new adverb, pothen, whence, is seen. It is from the same source as posos, how great, how many, how much, etc. The explanation for their questioning will be given in the coming verses. But one can imagine already why it would be so. They had seen Jesus growing up, observed His family, learning, daily habits, etc. None of that could seemingly account for His presentation while teaching.   Life application: How often has it been said of people who have come to faith in Christ that the change in them is inexplicable? Someone went to a particular school, bumbled around like most youth do, spent his time surfing or doing some other activity, and seemingly would be the guy who would spend the rest of his life in a local bar talking about the good old days.   And yet, after meeting the Lord, he returns home eloquent, confident, and ready to challenge the norms of those still living out their lives in the same cliques they were in years earlier. When they see him, they are astonished at the change, question what kind of game he is up to, and offer him a free round of bowling as they try to figure him out.   But even more pronounced is the reaction of his family. They knew all of his secret faults, shortcomings, and personal struggles. How could there be such a vast change in him? But this is the power of Jesus in our lives.   He will transform each believer as they allow Him to. This will never be forced, and yet, for every inch of our past lives we are willing to cede to Him, He will step in and renew us in His image. Jesus wants us to reflect Him, and He will gladly allow us to do so in order to bring Him glory.   Likewise, our conversion may be stunning to others at first, but eventually, they will realize it is true and permanent, or at least as permanent as we stand fast and direct our eyes to Jesus. Once they realize this, we will no longer appear as an aberration, but a source of hopeful change in their own lives when difficulties come their way.   This is what Jesus would have for each of us. Not only should we be conformed to His image and transformed in our minds, but we should also do so to the point that we effect this change in others as well. May it be so with each of us, to the glory of God who saved us in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Lord God, may our lives reflect the goodness of Jesus in all we do. May our actions and words lead others to want the same confident walk with You that we possess. In all ways, may we bring glory and honor to You with every fiber of our being. Amen.

Wednesday, 29 October 2025   Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. Matthew 13:53   “And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus explained that when a scribe is instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven, he is like a householder who brings out treasure, both newbies and oldies. Matthew next records, “And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence.”   A new and rare word, metairó, to get up and remove oneself, is seen. It is derived from meta, after-with, and airó, to lift. There is no exact English word, but the idea of a plane taking off is somewhat analogous. There is a purposeful intent of getting up and removing oneself from one place to another. Of this word, the Topical Lexicon provides the following information to consider –    -------------------------- Overview Underlying the verb translated “withdrew” or “left” [...] is the idea of deliberately lifting oneself from a setting in order to proceed elsewhere. It portrays purposeful movement, not aimless wandering, and appears at pivotal junctures in the life of Jesus Christ when a season of public instruction has reached its conclusion.   Occurrences in Matthew's Gospel   Matthew 13:53 – “When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew from that place.” Matthew 19:1 – “When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.”   Both texts follow extended teaching sections (the kingdom parables of chapter 13 and the community-life discourse of chapters 18–19). The verb signals a narrative hinge: completed revelation is now matched by fresh movement, preparing the reader for the next stage of ministry.   Literary Function in Matthew   Matthew organizes his Gospel around five large discourse blocks, each ending with a formula, “When Jesus had finished…” (compare Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). [...metairó] occurs twice within those formulas, highlighting two transitions:   From parable instruction to the rejection at Nazareth (Matthew 13:53-58). From community ethics to the southward journey culminating in the passion (Matthew 19:1).   The choice of this verb underscores that Jesus' withdrawals are neither retreats born of failure nor random relocations but divinely timed steps moving the redemptive plan forward.   Historical and Geographical Background   In the first reference, Jesus moves within Galilee, probably from the lakeside to His hometown region. In the second, He journeys from Galilee to Judea “beyond the Jordan,” the customary pilgrims' route that avoided Samaria. Both settings remind readers that the incarnate Son walked real roads, interacted with real communities, and timed His travels to align with Jewish feast cycles and prophetic destiny (John 7:8-10; Luke 9:51).   Theological Significance   Completion of Mission Segments: Each use follows the clause “when Jesus had finished,” emphasizing that the Lord never departs prematurely. His timing illustrates the principle later echoed in John 17:4, “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” Sovereign Direction: The verb underscores Christ's authority over His itinerary (John 10:18). Opposition, crowds, or regional constraints cannot detain Him once the Father's purpose in a location is fulfilled. Pattern for Discipleship: Just as Jesus taught and then withdrew, believers are called to combine proclamation with obedient movement (Acts 8:4-5, 26-40).   -------------------------- Life application: In a single verse that is normally read over without much thought, there is a new and rare word that is purposefully used by Matthew, setting it off from more common words that bear a similar meaning. His choice of wording begs us to stop and consider why the change is made.   What God in Christ did at the coming of Jesus was purposeful. It was meticulously set forth and accomplished by Him. When Jesus successfully trained His disciples in these kingdom parables, and with their acknowledgment that they understood what He was speaking of, He next resolutely lifted Himself up and departed for Nazareth, His hometown.   Upon arrival there, His ability will be questioned based on their having seen Him grow up there. Thus, it will say that they were offended at Him. Jesus purposefully and knowingly went there to contrast the acceptance of His message by the disciples to the disbelieving rejection of His own town.   Have you faced rejection with family or friends because of your acceptance of Christ? Have you noticed a contrast between how those in the church and those you once were so friendly with treat you? Jesus went through this before you did. Be willing to accept what occurs and continue to keep Jesus at the forefront of your attention. He is there with you in your walk.   Lord God, when family and friends have turned away, we know that You are still with us. We will press on from day to day, walking this life with our Lord Jesus. Amen.  

Tuesday, 28 October 2025   Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52   “And He said to them, ‘Through this, every scribe, having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens,' he is like a man, a house-master, who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus asked His disciples if they understood everything that He had told them as He conveyed to them the parables. They responded that they had. Based on their response, Matthew next records, “And He said to them, ‘Through this, every scribe...'”   The word scribe here is being contrasted to the scribes of the law, who Jesus has already interacted with and who will eventually become some of His most pronounced opponents. Jesus is not equating those He refers to as being scribes like them at all. They had the law, but they studied the law as a means to an end.   The scribes Jesus is referring to are scribes who are, as He says, “having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens.'”   Jesus has set a firm and fixed wall between the law and the kingdom of the heavens. He has mentioned this kingdom in this chapter in verses 11, 18, 24, 31, 33, 37, 41, 43, 44, 45, and 47. In them, He never mentions the law as a vehicle for obtaining righteousness. Rather, His words in verse 11 had already begun to demonstrate and explain the barrier between the two.   If one uses the law as a means to an end, he will never be able to understand what God is doing in the redemptive process in order to restore man to Himself. Think of it! A person studying the law as a means of getting right with God will never understand God, who sees man as treasure hidden in a field, nor a pearl worth selling heaven's riches in order to obtain that pearl.   Rather, what does Paul say the purpose of using the law is? He explained it to Timothy –   “But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11   Jesus says a person who looks at the law, or any other part of God's word, when looking for Jesus (the one who gave up all of heaven's riches to obtain His treasure), “he is like a man, a house-master.”   Jesus says a scribe of the kingdom of the heavens is like a house-master. Before reading His further explanation, one must ask, “A house-master of what?” What is a scribe's purpose? He is to evaluate Scripture and interpret it. But Scripture, even in the books of Moses, is filled with obscure stories that do not specially point to conduct in life, but life as it has been conducted.   The scribes of the law used the law, including all of these stories, for the purpose of self-exaltation, be it personal righteousness or the exaltation of the national character of Israel. And this, despite the fact that both are revealed to be lacking throughout all of the historical writings.   Rather, there is almost a complete rejection of the Lord on every turn of the page, while the Lord patiently corrects and guides Israel, keeping them as a people in accord with His word. Jesus says that a scribe of the kingdom is like a house-master “who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies.'”   What is this treasure Jesus refers to? The answer to that must be in understanding what a scribe does with Scripture. As noted above, it is to evaluate and interpret it. If a scribe of the law has missed the mark by looking at Scripture as a means of righteousness as well as personal and national exaltation, then what is he to look for? Well, what did Jesus reveal in His parables?   The answer is that He revealed the contrast between those who hear and obey, those who are a part of what God plants and then grows into a giant entity, those who remain in a fallen world but who fix their eyes on the Lord, those who bear what is good, those who God finds of the highest value in the world, and those for whom He came, having given up everything in order to obtain them as His personal and prized possession.   Everything about His parables refers to Him or those who put Him first, bearing fruit of righteousness based on Him, not on self. Therefore, to pull out treasure from His word, newbies and oldies, we are to look for Him. Those writings that existed point to Him. Those writings that were yet to be written explain Him.   When reading a story, such as Joshua taking Israel across the Jordan, it is to be taken as literal history, but it is to be evaluated based on the work of Jesus. If this is so, then it – by default – must have a future application. Jesus would not arrive on the scene for almost 1400 years. But if we are to find Jesus in the story, then it means that the story has been given as a typological and pictorial representation of something He does or the results of what He has done.   This is pulling out of the treasure, the body of Scripture, newbies and oldies. Finding Jesus in Scripture is akin to rightly understanding the kingdom of the heavens.   Life application: If you want to understand Scripture properly, evaluate it through the lens of Jesus. When you read the story of David and Goliath, consider that God has given that story to reveal Jesus, meaning Him, what He has done, or how that will be realized in the people He has come to save. Everything about Scripture tells us about God in Christ.   Therefore, anytime you evaluate Scripture as a tool for self-exaltation, self-aggrandizement, or personal gain, you have failed to properly evaluate what God intends for you to see. This is why those who insert or reinsert the law as a means of righteousness are so abhorrent to God.   It is why those who look to explain Scripture as a tool of divination (such as rapture date setting or finding codes about the future) will never bear good fruit, and why those who teach a prosperity gospel deceive both those they teach and themselves.   Jesus! Jesus is the key to rightly understanding this precious word.   Lord God, forgive us for always trying to make our time in Your word about ourselves. We read it and conclude that we are the center of what You are trying to tell us. Help us to set ourselves aside and to search for Jesus. In doing this, only then can we understand everything else that this precious word conveys to us. Amen.

Monday, 27 October 2025   Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Matthew 13:51   “Jesus, He says to them, ‘These all, you comprehend?' They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished the parable of the seine. With these parables now complete, Matthew next notes, “Jesus, He says to them, ‘These all, you comprehend?'”   The word suniémi has already been seen, first in Matthew 13:13 –   “Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend [suniémi].”   Jesus, asking them this question with this word, is intended to elicit a contrast between His disciples and those who hear the parables but don't comprehend them. He has provided enough information through explanation that they are trained in how to grasp His intended meaning. However, should there be another parable they don't comprehend, they know just what to do –   “And having summoned the crowd, He said to them, ‘You hear and comprehend! 11 Not the ‘entering into the mouth' it profanes the man, but the ‘proceeding from the mouth,' this, it profanes the man.' 12 Then His disciples having coming near, they said to Him, ‘You have known that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled.' 13 And having answered, He said, ‘Every planting that not He planted, My heavenly Father, it will be uprooted. 14 You leave them! They are blind blind-conductors. And blind, if they should conduct, both – they will fall – into a pit.' 15 And Peter, having answered, he said to Him, ‘You expound to us this parable.'” Matthew 15:10-15 (CG).   Jesus gave a parable concerning what profanes a man. The disciples did not know what He was asking them to comprehend, and so they came to Him asking for its meaning. In the case of the parables just expounded to them in Chapter 13, after Jesus asked them if they comprehended all the parables He gave, it next says, “They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.'”   Their answer confirms that they fully understood the parables, just as He conveyed them. This should alert us to the fact that in the two parables about the concealed treasure in the field (verse 44) and the pearl of great value (verses 45 & 46), the man mentioned in each was referring to Jesus, not those in the church.   He had consistently used the man in the other parables as a description of Him and what He was doing in redemptive history. To change the subject would have confused the disciples, and they would have then responded in the negative here. But they fully understood that the man who found concealed treasure and the man who found the pearl of great value were the same subject.   Life application: When reading Jesus' parables, as with any of the unusual stories scattered throughout the Old Testament, remember that if they don't seem to make sense, it is because we are not thinking about what God is alerting us to, meaning the ongoing process of redemption as it relates to Jesus.   Unfortunately, this is so hard for us to remember that at times, translations will divert to other texts that have amended the meaning, or the translators will purposefully amend the translation because the main text doesn't seem to make sense to them. When they do this, the reader is left with a void in ever being able to understand what is being conveyed.   To overcome this, one should read the footnotes if the Bible has them. There, they will normally give the literal rendering, sometimes accompanied by a short explanation of why they made their change. These are not the commentaries often included in study Bibles, which are normally useless. Rather, the footnotes contain mechanical information about what is going on in the text or alternate texts for the reader to consider.   Try to remember to read these footnotes and mentally catalog what they are saying. If you don't understand, there may be an explanation in the prefix or in the addenda to the Bible telling you how to read and understand those footnotes. You will only get out of your time reading the Bible what you put into it. So be sure to read it and carefully study what is going on in it.   Learning to understand what is being conveyed in Scripture is a lifelong journey. So take steps every day in walking that path. You will be rewarded in your mind and soul, and God will be pleased with your pursuit of His wonderful word.   Lord God, thank You for this precious word You have given us. It is a delight to our minds and a joy to consider. In it, we can find that You are fixed on those who cherish You. We are like a pearl of great value that You have gone to infinite lengths to obtain. We may not understand why it is so, but Your word tells us it is. Thank You for this blessed reassurance. Amen.

Sunday, 26 October 2025   and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:50   “And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, still explaining the parable of the seine, noted that at the end of the age messengers would come forth and separate the evil from the righteous. He now completes the parable, beginning with, “And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire.”   It was noted in the parable of the darnel that it could not be referring to the church age. This parable is the same. There is nothing recorded in Scripture that says there will be a separation of the good and the bad at the end of the church age as described in this parable.   Rather, there will be a separation of the saints from the unbelieving world. They will be taken in the twinkling of an eye. After that, the tribulation will come upon the world. It is only after the tribulation that those who survive that ordeal will be separated.   This will be done to ensure the millennium begins on a better note, being populated with those who are acceptable. Once the bad have been separated out and chucked into the fiery furnace, Jesus finishes with, “There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   As before, the words speak of great sadness and agony. Pursuit of the temporary pleasures of this life while neglecting the things of God will be rewarded with what the people deserve. There is nothing arbitrary, unfair, or capricious about this. Man will receive his just due for the things done while in the body.   God has offered a better hope to the people of the world in the giving of His Son. What we do with Jesus will be an eternity-defining decision.   Life application: By placing the conclusion of the parable of the darnel next to the conclusion of this parable, one can see how the two parallel –   “Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation. 41 The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness. 42 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   “...they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out. 49 Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst. 50 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   The parables repeat the same essential information. One may ask, “Why would the Lord bother doing this? Wasn't one parable sufficient?” The reason is because He is making a point that we should accept as certain and sure to come to pass.   There isn't one gospel book, but four. And three of them more closely parallel in their presentation while providing new or different aspects of the information presented in the others. This is true with the Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles to some extent.   In the case of these two parables, Jesus ensures us that what He says about the end times is not to be taken only as a spiritual teaching, but one that is just how things will be at the end of the age. The separation of the wheat from the darnel and the good fish from the bad does not only apply to Jews who enter the tribulation, but the whole world.   For Israel as a nation, though, the point of the tribulation is to bring them as a nation to realize that they missed the coming of their Messiah the first time. It is to bring restoration to the nation in order to fulfill the promises made to them in the Old Testament.   But the whole world of people, Jew and Gentile, must be separated. Those who are deemed worthy will enter the millennium. Those who are not will be cast into the furnace of fire. This is just how it is going to be. The repetition of the same general information in these parables ensures us that it is so.   Lord God, may we carefully evaluate Your word, holding fast to its truths and thoughtfully consider when You are giving us literal information that is to be accepted as such. May we not spiritualize those things that are intended to be taken literally. Help us to more rightly understand and process this wonderful word so that our thinking is mature and proper. Amen.  

Saturday, 25 October 2025   So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, Matthew 13:49   “Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the good fish in the seine would be gathered into vessels, but the bad would be cast out. In explanation of that, He next says, “Thus it will be in the age's consummation.” The thought is similar to that of verse 39, where the same word, sunteleia, consummation, is used –   “Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation.”   The parable teaches a similar truth to that one. There is a time of things continuing on, and then there will be a time when things are brought to their consummation. Like the darnel being separated by the messengers from the wheat and cast into the fire, Jesus next says, “The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst.”   A new verb, aphorizó, to separate or set off by a boundary, is seen. It is derived from apo, away or from, and horizo, to mark out or bound (as in a horizon). Thus, it signifies a separation of the two by a set boundary.   There will be a separation of the two before things have come to their completion. Considering the end set for the darnel, the end for the bad fish will probably not be so great. What that end is will be seen in the next verse.   As with the parable of the wheat and darnel, the metaphor would have to be so stretched to fit the church age that it would lose much of its intent. There is no separation before the rapture that matches what Jesus is describing here. The people of the world will be going about their lives when, suddenly, and without prior notice, there will be a removal of saved believers.   Only after this will the world enter the tribulation. At the end of the tribulation, a separation will take place before those who are worthy will enter the millennium.   Life application: Jesus' words in John 3:18 should be remembered –   “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”   Paul repeats this thought in Romans 5 –   “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” Romans 5:12-14   Jesus says that people are condemned already. Man doesn't need to do anything to be eternally separated from God. He is conceived and stands condemned. This is not because of committed sin by the person, but because of sin committed by Adam. As all are in Adam, all stand condemned already.   Jesus came to undo this. Despite being born of a woman (He is fully Man), He did not inherit Adam's seed, which is transmitted from father to child. Rather, His Father is God (He is fully God) and received His Father's righteous innocence concerning sin. He cut the line of sin in fallen man, thus fulfilling the sign of circumcision.   In living perfectly after He was born, meaning He had not committed sin, He became a suitable substitute for the sins of the world. By faith in what He has done, man can move from fallen Adam to the innocent risen Christ.   Understanding this, there is nothing cold, uncaring, or malicious in God's judgment of the darnel and bad fish. Rather, there is the perfection of love in the offering of His Son for fallen, corrupt, and already condemned humanity.   No person will be able to come before God and say, “My condemnation is unjust!” Rather, all people will acknowledge the rightness of the situation in relation to the perfect holiness of God. Be sure to get this right. Understanding that God is fully vindicated in His judgment is something people must be taught. Be sure to let those you talk to know that what He does is perfect and beautiful.   Glorious God Almighty, how great You are in Your judgments. We have no right to accuse You of wrongdoing or having an uncaring attitude toward our plight. Rather, what You have done is the height of loving attention to Your wayward creatures. How good and loving You are, O God. Amen.  

Friday, 24 October 2025   which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. Matthew 13:48   “Which, when it was filled, having dragged upon the beach, and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that gathers every kind in it. He continues that, saying, “which, when it was filled.”   This is where the skill of the fisherman is realized. There is a set time for letting down the net, and there is a time when the net is to be drawn in. Likewise, God alone will determine the times of the kingdom. There is no point in speculating on what the word does not provide. In fact, it is presumptuous to do so. Once the time has come, Jesus gives the next thought, saying, “having dragged upon the beach.”   A new word found only here is seen, anabibazó, to cause to go up. It is derived from ana, up or upward, and basis, a pace (as in a step). Thus, the sense is drawing up, one arm pull at a time. Once the net is entirely drawn up, it next says, “and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels.”   Another new word is seen, aggeion, a receptacle or vessel. It is derived from aggos, a pail. That in turn is derived from agkos, an arm. The arm is curved and is like our own personal carrying vessel when needed. So the words are believed to connect through that thought. There is the curved arm, the curved pail, and the pail leads to the vessel for the fish.   The net is hauled up, the men sit by it and begin sorting them, and the good ones are placed in the vessel, ready to become dinner for some hungry soul. As for the others, Jesus says, “and the bad they cast out.”   Whatever “bad” means to a fisherman, including being too small, being unclean according to Israel's law, or being dead already, fishermen normally chuck the bad ones back in the water as they perform their own function in God's creation. A different disposition will be seen for these bad fish. The point is that they are rejected by the fishermen, unsuitable for selling to the people.   Life application: It is noted above that the fisherman determines when the net will be drawn in. He is the one to decide the matter. It is his decision alone, and to second-guess him would be to accuse him of doing wrong with his own nets. It is his, and he can make the choice according to his plan.   As is usual, within the past week, the rapture date setters were wrong for the jillionth time since Jesus left. Websites were full of predictions that Jesus was coming to take His church on the 23rd of September. When this didn't happen (again!), those who published their false teaching immediately set out to justify why the Lord didn't follow their carefully set date.   How many times will you listen to such ridiculous people? A review of the top ten videos indicated millions of views. People, like dogs going back to munch on their own vomit, spent their precious time watching worthless information put out by false teachers.   The Bible does not tell us when the rapture will occur. In fact, Jesus explicitly told His disciples when He left that they (meaning them and all who follow) would not know –   “And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.'” Acts 1:7   Paul repeats Jesus' words concerning the timing of redemptive events –   “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” 2 Thessalonians 5:1, 2   Do you really suppose that God is going to violate His own word to speak through these false teachers? It will never happen. Stop wasting your time on the sensational. The Bible is not a book of God's errors or misstatements. It is a book of what He is doing in redemptive history.   The time that was wasted on these ridiculous videos, meaning millions of hours of productivity, could have been far better spent actually telling people about Jesus, actually learning what the word says, or even spent with family.   We are accountable for what we do with our time. Let us use it wisely –   “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5   Lord God, thank You for Your word. May we not treat it contemptuously, as if it is we who decide what it says. Rather, may we look for what You intend for us to see. Help us to identify false teachers and keep far from them. May our time interacting with You through Your word be a sweet time of learning and growing in You. Amen.  

Thursday, 23 October 2025   “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, Matthew 13:47   “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine having been cast into the sea, and from every kind having been gathered.” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. Next, He begins another parable, saying, “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine.”   A word found only here in Scripture is seen, sagéné. A seine or dragnet. It is a derivative of satto, to equip, “especially a pack-saddle (which in the East is merely a bag of netted rope)” HELPS Word Studies.   Such a net is curtain-like. It would be weighted, thus forming a circle for the fish as it dropped. As it is pulled out, the fish would be captured in it and hauled onto the shore or boat. As several of the disciples were fishermen, and as they probably all went out together while in the Galilee, they would all be aware of what Jesus was referring to.   Of this, Jesus next says, it is “having been cast into the sea.” The sea is where fish are, but Jesus is making a metaphor. So understanding the sea in the Bible will help us understand the intent. The sea has several overall connotations, including chaos or a place of chaotic existence, thus unpredictability. In such a place, there is danger, such as sea monsters.   It also gives the idea of the people groups of the earth, who by nature are generally chaotic, even if there are governments and some sense of order. That is seen, for example, in Revelation 17, where the Great Harlot sits on many waters, meaning in lands throughout the earth. There it says –   “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” Revelation 17:15   A similar analogy is seen in Daniel 7:2. One can think of the multitude of languages, cultural ideas, and norms, etc. Thus, there is a sense of the chaotic. The net is thrown into the sea, “and from every kind having been gathered...”   The verse stops in the middle of the thought, but one can see that there is a sense of a gathering from the sea. Without going any further, it cannot help but be seen that this extends beyond Israel. If Israel represented one type of fish, there would be harmony, not chaos. Though there may be various accents, there was one language to unite them, etc.   Life application: It is a chaotic world. Despite this, in modern times, there is the ability to supposedly overcome the chaos in ways never thought of before. In the past, if there were nations with distinct languages, say English and Chinese, there was an absolute need to have people proficient in both languages available in both nations for effective diplomacy to take place.   If there were an interpreter from China only, that interpreter could bias the translation on behalf of her country, thereby gaining an advantage. Only by having two independent translators verify one another could diplomacy truly be considered reliable.   This process required integrity, time, sound education, etc. Today, the world's languages are quickly being digitized, and in real time, languages are able to be interpreted in both languages through the power of computers. Curiously, there is the obvious play on this by the tech giant Google. The place where languages were separated was Babel –   “But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the Lord said, ‘Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.' 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:5-9   In an assent to this event, the modern Google translator is called Babbel. It is as if they are attempting to undo what God had done. Obviously, God knew this would occur, but the point is that man's efforts, like at Babel, are being directed to uniting the people of the earth as if to show their primacy and ability to cast off God.   Nothing has changed. Man believes he has the ability to do anything. But there are underlying divisions in the world that would have to be dealt with. An example of this is found in Daniel 2:41-43. Such things must be dealt with, and it will lead to great slaughters of people in an attempt to harmonize the goal of world unity. The problem with that is that no two people think exactly the same. The only way to have absolute unity is to eradicate everyone else. God understands this. Hence, Jesus said –   “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21, 22   How desperately man needs God's hand to direct him. Without that, we are all goners. Thank God for Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.   Gracious and glorious heavenly Father, thank You that we have a hope that extends beyond this tragic, fallen world. Because of our Lord Jesus, there is hope for humanity. Someday, we who believe the gospel will be gathered before You for all eternity. There will be no more war or conflict. Won't that day be wonderful? And so, we pray You speed the coming of it. May it be so. Amen.  

Wednesday, 22 October 2025   who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:46   “who, having found one highly valued pearl, having departed, he has sold all – as many as he had, and he purchased it” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. That continues with the words, “who, having found one highly valued pearl.”   A new word, polutimos, highly valued, is seen. It is derived from polus, much or many, and timé, a value. Thus, this signifies something of great value, a large sum of money, great honors, etc. Continuing, Jesus says, “having departed, he has sold all.”   Another new word is seen, pipraskó, to dispose of as merchandise or into slavery. One can see him taking his wares and selling them so that he has enough to make the purchase of this one pearl. He sold, “as many as he had, and he purchased it.”   The pearl merchant was willing to make this complete exchange to obtain this single pearl, knowing its value was more than what he already possessed. He saw the object, he understood its immense value, and he was willing to give up all else to obtain it.   As with the previous parable, this cannot be speaking merely of salvation during this dispensation, as pretty much every commentary states. If it is, the lesson would have to be stretched to the utmost extreme.   It is Jesus who purchased our salvation for us (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23, Ephesians 1:14, etc.), not the other way around. The parable follows the same pattern as noted in the previous parable –   *Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field.” *Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed... * Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant...   Jesus is the merchant. In this case, a pearl merchant. The pearl is the effect of the gospel, meaning those who live by faith, trusting the Lord alone for their salvation. This is why Paul could say that even Abraham was included in the gospel –   “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 3:8, 9   It explains why the “gospel” could be preached to Israel even before Jesus completed His work (as in Matthew 4:23, etc.). Jesus was willing to give up all He had to make this purchase –   “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8   It is through this that He made His purchase. This is just what it says, using the same Greek word, in 1 Corinthians 7:23, “You have been purchased [agorazó] at a price” (NAB).   A point about pearls should be considered. They are taken from shellfish, something deemed unclean under the Law of Moses. The point is that in a world full of unclean individuals, either for being condemned apart from the law or those who are condemned because of the law, God is looking for those of faith.   These comprise the pearl that is precious in God's eyes. It is not those who are self-boasting and proud of their deeds under the law that God is pleased with. God has set the parameters, and He has confirmed them in His use of metaphor. Be sure to be a person of faith. This is what God is most pleased with.   Life application: As with the previous parable, this analysis bucks against almost all others. The scholar John Gill (1697-1771) seems to have figured this out, but what he penned is otherwise pretty much ignored.   But it is unthinkable to equate what is offered freely to believers with what is stated here. It is Jesus who does the work. It is we who are prized above all in His eyes. For whatever unimaginable reason, the Bible reveals it is so. Even David struggled with this –   “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:4   We cannot do a change-up switcheroo in the subject of these parables without coming to a faulty conclusion about what is being said. Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 13:37 that the Sower is the Son of Man.   Taking these two parables and changing the subject confuses the lessons. Jesus is the reason for Scripture's presentation. We are the reason Jesus came. Were it not so, He would have no need to depart heaven, giving up all. There would be no point in it.   Instead of trying to earn God's favor through the incorrectly taught explanation of these parables, stop and consider your value to God when you believe the gospel. How can it be that He would find those of faith so precious? And yet, it is so.   When you feel that you are lacking value, all you need to do is remember what Jesus Christ was willing to do to purchase you back from Satan's power. Be assured and be reassured that you, because of your faith in Him, are a part of the pearl of great price.   This perfectly describes why the gates of the New Jerusalem are pearls, as noted in Revelation 21:21. They are a reminder of this fact.   Heavenly Father, we cannot imagine what our value is in relation to what Jesus was willing to give up in order to buy us back to You. Whatever it is, may we be people of ongoing faith, accepting that You have done it and so it must be. Thank You for the care and attention that You have lavished upon us. Amen.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, Matthew 13:45   “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant, seeking beautiful pearls” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus gave the parable of the hidden treasure. He next turns to another parable, beginning with, “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a merchant man.”   The word emporos, merchant, is introduced. It will be seen four more times, all in Revelation 18. It is derived from en, in, and poreuomai, to traverse, go, depart, etc. This would be a wholesale merchant who moves trade. Thus, he is an “in-traveler.” In this case, he is “seeking beautiful pearls.”   Being a merchant, he would be the go-between for those in the pearl diving trade and the jewelers who set the stones. This is a person who understands the nature of pearls. There are various aspects of a pearl that increase or decrease its value.   In today's world, there are natural and cultured pearls. The natural ones are more valuable. At the time of Jesus, there were cultured pearls, but this was rare and limited to the area of China. Much later, in the late 1800s and on, they were cultured in Japan.   Natural pearls are prized for various aspects, such as size, luster, shape (perfect spheres being the most valuable), and color. Along with that, surface quality is also evaluated. Like anything that is prized among men, pearls have value based on their rarity. This traveling merchant specialized in pearls. He would have obsessed over every nuance, looking for the finest of them all.   Life application: Our search in life, if we appreciate quality, is to improve our surroundings and possess things that are different and special. It is true that many people are steeped in mediocrity, but even then, they will normally choose the better option of something if given the chance.   Looters, for example, are not the upper crust of society. They may live in rat holes and get a monthly welfare check, but when the power goes out and the getting is good, they will grab the 48” TV before a 36” TV. The fact that it has more value, either for showing off in the house or getting more when pawned to buy drugs, makes it the preferred target.   If we consider our place in this walk of life, we demonstrate wisdom if we are willing to search for that of the absolute highest value. But that will come down to what we think is of value.   Baseball fanatics may search for the rarest baseball card. Auto collectors may sell all they have to own a Stutz Bearcat. But these things, despite being rare, are just things. James speaks of priorities in his epistle –   “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” James 5:1-3   Baseball cards can get stolen, lost, ruined, etc. Cars, no matter how well tended, corrode and require constant care. But they can be destroyed in a moment during an earthquake, fire, etc. In fact, nothing physical has any true lasting value. Time causes things to change, degrade, die, etc.   The wise person will look around himself at all the great things that have been created and say, “If this is so great, God who created it all must be even greater!” In understanding this and then taking it to heart, that person will begin to admire and cherish the Creator for who He is, even if that is all he knows about Him.   But what if the Creator has provided information about Himself that goes beyond the plainly evident world? And what if there are people who have come along and said things about the Creator that make a similar claim? Is there a way to know which is the true information and which is not?   This is the search of those who truly want to know. “How can I know if this information is truly from God or not?” This is a study that will lead to the most blessed joy of all when the truth is found. Why? Because the Creator is greater than everything else.   No longer will the temporary searches for beauty, uniqueness, or cash value matter. When one truly understands who God is and knows that he possesses God intimately, the things of this world no longer bear the importance we thought they did.   How can we know if the information in the Koran, the Sutri texts, or the Bible is correct? The answer is that it will match what must be true about the Creator. This is where we as humans need to use our thinking caps. But if we truly desire God, we will be willing to consider the things of God.   In the end, if you are willing to accept it, the Bible alone contains information that is truly from God. Don't trust this commentary at face value, though. Pick it up and read it! There you will find God because there you will find Jesus. And in finding Jesus, you will find what is most valuable of all.   Heavenly Father, how good You are to us. You have not only created a world filled with wonder and delight, but You have extended our grasp to interact with You, reaching into the infinite realm of Your love, goodness, and wisdom. May we be responsible with our time, seeking You all our days. It is a search that is well worth the time we spend. Amen.  

Monday, 20 October 2025   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44   “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed, and from the joy of it, he withdraws and all that he has he sells and he buys that field” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished the explanation of the parable of the darnel. He next continues, saying, “Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field.” The parable of the darnel began in a similar manner. That was shown to be a parable not specifically intended for the church age, but for those who would or would not enter the millennial kingdom. This parable cannot be speaking of believers in the church.   There is nothing concealed about the gospel. It is something that has been, and continues to be, openly proclaimed throughout the world. Although nobody knows the gospel until it is told to them, it is a message that is proclaimed through preaching, tracts, knocking on doors, etc. Jesus continues His words, saying, “which a man, having found, he concealed.”   Ok, it's true. Too many Christians hear the gospel and never bother telling anyone else. They don't particularly care about evangelizing, handing out tracts, knocking on doors, or otherwise getting out of their safe space. They just hide it away. But that is not what one is supposed to do when hearing the gospel and accepting it.   This person found treasure in a field that doesn't belong to him. He hides it there, quite happy about his secret, “and from the joy of it, he withdraws.”   When someone receives the gospel, believing the message he heard, he is sealed with the Spirit. It is a done deal. There is no “coming back later” to secure the deal when the gospel is heard. It is ours at that moment, or whatever moment we finally decide to believe. As for the parable, Jesus next says, “and all that he has he sells and he buys that field.”   A new word is seen, agorazó, to go to market, but by implication to purchase. Unless you are dealing with false teachers bearing a false gospel, there is no purchasing the gospel. It ain't for sale. Believers do not need to wait. They do not need to sell anything. Nor do they need to buy the gospel. They only need to believe.   The parable is referring not to individuals but to Jesus. It is the same idea as that of the Parable of the Sower –   *Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field.” *Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed...   The field is the world (Matthew 13:38). Jesus is the man. The devil holds possession of the world (Matthew 4:9). Jesus was willing to forsake all, giving up everything in order to regain possession of the world.   There can be no kingdom until He accomplishes this task. But in His death, He made the purchase for all humanity possible (1 Corinthians 6:20, etc.). In His completed work, the kingdom is realized. Jesus explained this to Pilate in John 18:33-37. This is why Pilate ensured the words THE KING OF THE JEWS were inscribed on the title above Jesus' head.   Life application: It is true that this interpretation of the parable goes against the standard interpretation given throughout the church age. However, it is the only one that fits the typology of what is being conveyed.   Unfortunately, this parable has been so abused with faulty analyses over the past two thousand years that far too many people actually believe that they have to forsake everything in order to be saved. Even websites that normally provide a competent analysis of Scripture devolve into this.   They have to mix dispensations and take verses out of context in order to explain something to the church that has nothing to do with the church.   To be sure it is understood, let's review the gospel. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 that the gospel he preached and by which, when you believe, you are saved is –   1) Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 2) He was buried, and 3) He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.   That is it. When you believe, you are saved. At that time, Paul says –   In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were   *Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is *The guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession   All of this is “to the praise of His glory.”   You hear the word, you believe, you are saved, and you are sealed. That is it. Be sure to accept the wonderful gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ today!   Lord God, thank You for the saving message of Jesus. Amen.

Sunday, 19 October 2025   Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:43   “Then the righteous, they will irradiate as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ‘having ears,' let him hear!” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus referred to those who will be chucked into the furnace of fire, noting that there will be lamentation and the gnash of the teeth. Now, in contrast to them, He next says, “Then the righteous, they will irradiate.”   It is a word found only here in Scripture, eklampó. It is derived from ek, out of or from, and lampó, to give light or shine (as in a lamp). Thus, it signifies to shine out of. A comparable English word would be irradiate, a word signifying to shine out of or emit rays. One can think of the sun shining out between the clouds as they pass. The words reflect what was promised to Daniel concerning this same time –   “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:2, 3   But more, it reflects the description of Jesus at His transfiguration –   “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” Matthew 17:1-3   Those comparisons are confirmed in the next words, “as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”   One can see that righteousness equates to light and life, while unrighteousness has a completely negative effect on humans. Therefore, Jesus provides a closing admonition, saying, “The ‘having ears,' let him hear!”   Those who were in attendance, and all who hear the words since, are to pay heed to what He says. Even if there are events that will differently affect those in the church and those after the tribulation, the effects of righteousness remain unchanged. The key to righteousness, however, is not from law observance or any other sort of personal merit. It comes through faith in Jesus –   “Jesus answered and said, ‘This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.' 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?' 35 Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.' These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.” John 12:30-36   Life application: In John 12, Jesus noted that when He is lifted up, He will draw all to Himself. This means that His salvation is provided to all with no restrictions on the type of person, such as gender, race, culture, previous history of sin, etc. It does not mean that all people will be granted it, however.   One must accept Jesus' work by faith, believing that God did what His word states. Without faith in the Son, the person who was drawn will not be granted His righteousness. Be sure to tell all about Him. That is the first step in the process.   One cannot be drawn to what he is unaware of. Once the word is heard, the choice must be made. Be sure to understand this process and not assume that God draws people independently of their free will. The idea is preposterous and has no basis in Scripture.   Likewise, the idea of universal salvation has no basis in Scripture. People must believe after hearing the word. There is no other way to be deemed righteous before God.   Lord God, thank You that You have made the gospel available to the people of the world. It is we who turned our backs on You, and yet, You made the first move to reconcile us to Yourself. What You offer is a gift that simply needs to be received. May we be wise and receive what You offer in the giving of Jesus. Amen.

Saturday, 18 October 2025   and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:42   “And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that at the end of the age, the Son of Man will send out His messengers to gather all who offend or practice lawlessness. Their fate will not be a happy one. This is seen in His next words, saying, “And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire.”   The kaminos, furnace, is introduced here. It is derived from kaió, to burn or to light (as in a lamp). Thus, it speaks of setting on fire. This then consumes what is lit. The kaminos is a place where this occurs.   Furnaces are places of immense heat, but they are also shut when ignited, making them inescapable, except through where the fumes and venting of heat take place. The idea then is that of total destruction with no chance of escape. As people are being referred to, this speaks of a place of divine judgment. This coming judgment was referred to in Malachi –   “‘For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,' Says the Lord of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. 3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,' Says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:1-3   Of this end-of-the-age event, Jesus next says, “There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   Lamentation is a sign of great mourning. Those who rejected their own chance of salvation through coming to Christ will realize the error of their ways. They will certainly plead for mercy, but none will be provided. Their chance in life was wasted on setting snares and practicing lawlessness.   Gnashing teeth is a sign of immense negative emotion that accompanies the lamentation. One ridiculous commentary found in the Expositor's Greek-Testament says the word is “held to be inappropriate here, because the gnashing of teeth is caused by cold, not by fire.” Cold causes teeth to chatter, not gnash.   The imagery is that of people receiving the just penalty for the aberrant lives they lived. Like those at the time of Noah's flood, they were warned by him as he prepared the ark. In the end, only he and his family were saved. An entire world of people was swept away through the judgment of the flood. In the end times, fire will replace flood.   Life application: There are times when a commentary is so ridiculous that it needs to be highlighted and spoken against. Imagine someone so nitpicky that they find fault in God's word by claiming Jesus' use of the word translated as gnash to describe the anguished state of these people is inappropriate. But this is what scholars who have no care about the word do.   The word brugmos, to gnash, is derived from bruchó, to grate the teeth. That is used in Acts 7 –   “‘You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.' 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed [bruchó] at him with their teeth.” Acts 7:51-54   These people weren't standing in the cold with their teeth chattering. Rather, they were in a heated rage at Stephen because he identified their arrogance and hypocrisy against the Lord by always resisting His will.   Be careful when you read commentaries to not accept what you hear without thinking through what is stated. Far too many supposed scholars have one overarching intent, which is to tear apart the word in an attempt to make themselves look smarter than God, who gave us His word.   Such people are warped and twisted. Think about what you read. There is nothing inappropriate about what God presents to us. What is inappropriate is how we may arrogantly dismiss it or speak against it. For some good advice, if the guy who gave this analysis, Holtz by name, is saved, don't stand too close to him at the Bema Seat of Christ. It may be a bit fiery there. Lord God, may we never attempt to diminish the beauty or glory of Your word. Help us to remember that it is given to us to lead us into the knowledge of You and what You have done in the giving of Jesus. There is nothing awry or inappropriate in it. It is a precious and sacred bestowal to the people of the world. Help us to treat it accordingly. Amen.

Friday, 17 October 2025   The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, Matthew 13:41   “The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that just as the darnel is gathered and burned in the fire, so will it be at “the age's consummation.” Now, to explain the exact meaning of that, He says, “The Son of Man, He will send His messengers.”   The word aggelos, messengers, is used. The word can signify heavenly beings, people appointed for a task, or even a natural event. For example, it can refer to a pastor or a person sent by someone else to carry a message. It can also speak of the wind being sent as a messenger from God.   To translate this as angels immediately instills a bias in the mind that may not be correct. As noted in verse 39, these could be people sent out to do the job of rounding up the bad people. It could also be humans who returned with Jesus in glorified bodies, a possibility based on Revelation 19 –   “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.” Revelation 19:11-14   This actually seems like a likely explanation of the thought, but it is speculation. Whoever the messengers are, He next says, “and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares.”   The word skandalon, a snare, is introduced. It is specifically a trap-stick, a bent sapling, that provides tension on the trap. It thus speaks of the trap of someone getting caught in his own devices or an unsuspecting person getting trapped in wrongdoing. Such people who have either deceived themselves or who are lulled into deception will be gathered. Along with them, Jesus says, “and those doing lawlessness.”   The word signifies illegality, coming from a, the negative particle, and nomos, law. This word doesn't speak of the Law of Moses, but of any law that is set forth and which is ignored or willfully disobeyed. In fact, it is contrasted at times to those who are under the law and who violate that law (as all do), as opposed to those who are righteous in Christ.   Such people are the darnel of the field, who will be gathered and chucked into the fire.   Life application: In our world today, laws are set forth by governments. For example, there are laws in the United States and other countries that regulate immigration, what to do with illegals, etc. They are existing laws set forth by the duly elected representatives of the nation.   When a federal law is passed, it applies to all people, councils, counties, states, and those in the federal government. Unless the law is found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, it stands as the law of the land.   Despite that fact, the immigration laws passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by the president at the time it was enacted have been ignored by those on the left millions of times in recent years, from the president down to the lowest levels of government. Even private citizens have engaged in and profited off of this lawlessness.   When those on the right who are in power over a particular part of the government, be it federal, state, or local, have tried to enforce those laws, states and local governments have ignored the law and the authorized authorities and claimed themselves “sanctuary cities” or “sanctuary states.”   This has caused tension within the land, as there is a state of lawlessness that now exists. It is an untenable situation in any nation that must be corrected. If it is not, then lawlessness will only increase. This has been markedly seen in the United States in the early 2020s. A nation under such lawlessness cannot stand.   This is a communist attempt to undermine the structure and enforcement power of the government. With such chaos in place, it becomes certain that, in due time, the nation will collapse. With such a void, the same type of power struggle that occurred in both Russia and China will take place. Millions will be slaughtered.   This is something occurring in Europe and elsewhere as well, and it explains how the world can easily fall into the chaos prophesied in Revelation. It is this belligerent attitude that must be removed from the world before the millennial reign. This is what Jesus is telling His disciples. There will be no such lawless attitude. Rather, people will understand what is right and accept it.   Imagine a world with no lawlessness! Houses will not need locks, people will not need to carry weapons to defend themselves, and little children will be able to take a bus or train without fear of being abducted or physically abused.   Think of why you feel you must lock your car before going shopping. Think of the wasted time and expense there is in the world around you because of those who attempt to steal what you have rightly earned. These things cannot be a part of what Christ will grant to the world upon His return. Oh, happy day it will be!   Lord God, no wonder You told Your people to pray for Your kingdom to come. When You establish the millennial reign of Christ, it will be a time that humanity cannot truly imagine. Our lives are so overwhelmed with fear that we don't even realize we exist with it. It is just a state that exists in almost everything we do. Thank You that You will show the world what it is like to live in peace, contentment, and harmony. May that day be soon. Amen.

Thursday, 16 October 2025   Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. Matthew 13:40   “Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus explained who the enemy is, what the harvest signifies, and who the reapers are from His parable of the darnel. He next says, “Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel.”   In the parable, the darnel was gathered first. As noted previously, this cannot be speaking of the end of the church age without severe modification of the typology, something that would make no sense. This is not only true from the idea of keeping the parable comparable to actual events, but also because of who Jesus is speaking to.   Speaking about the church, something not yet understood by the disciples, would be comparable to someone today speaking about the terrible job the next administration is doing in handling the economy. The next administration is years away, and the candidates haven't even been selected.   Therefore, at the end of the age of Israel's interaction with the law, meaning the end of the tribulation, the darnel, the sons of the wicked one, will be gathered up first. From there, Jesus says, “and fire – it consumed.”   Before the wonderful millennial reign, the agents of Satan will be identified and eliminated. Like darnel, fire will consume them. Only then will the world be ready to enter into the final dispensation. To sum up this thought, Jesus says, “thus it will be in the age's consummation.”   The word aión, age, is used. This is not its first instance, but as a reminder, it speaks of various things based on the context. It signifies an era or time span. HELPS Word Studies says it is “characterized by a specific quality (type of existence)”.   In this case, it does not have to mean the end of the church age, even if that is what comes next. The type of existence that Jesus is currently speaking to (and about) is Israel under the law, not yet having received Him. It is the consummation of this age, this type of existence, that is being referred to. Keeping the boxes straight will keep students of the Bible from having actual contradictions in their biblical understanding.   Life application: In this parable, Jesus speaks of fire as the disposition of the darnel. It is rather popular for people to overlook or diminish Jesus' judgment and the resulting effects of it. Some say, contrary to several passages, that condemnation is not eternal. Rather, people are just snuffed out and done.   Others say that nobody will go to hell. Such notions would mean that the Bible is actually untrue in its statements and depictions. Rather, judgment lies ahead for all humanity. For believers, their judgment for salvation or condemnation was realized in their receiving Jesus' punishment, meted out to Him vicariously, at the cross of Calvary.   However, even believers have a judgment of fire coming. To understand that, or to refresh yourself, Paul says –   “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15   “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11   Real judgment lies ahead for each of us. In Christ, it will be a judgment for receiving rewards or for the loss of what we could have received. How will we live our lives in Christ? The choice is up to each of us.   When we fail to live appropriately, we will suffer loss, but praise God! We will be saved. Jesus has paid the full price for our sins. Condemnation no longer hangs over us. This is one of a long list of verses that assure us of eternal salvation. Thank God for His grace. Hallelujah and amen.   Lord God, may we be faithful in our walk with You. We received Jesus' work, were saved, and at that time we were sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee. May we now reflect that in our daily walk, pressing forward with Jesus as the fixation of our eyes. Amen.

Wednesday, 15 October 2025   The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:39   “And the enemy, the ‘having sown them,' he is the Traducer. And harvest – it is the age's consummation. And harvesters – they are messengers” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus continued the explanation of the parable of the darnel. His continued words of explanation are, “And the enemy, the ‘having sown them,' he is the traducer.” This is the first time the devil, or traducer, has been mentioned since Chapter 4. Jesus is the Sower. He sows good seed, but along with His efforts, the traducer sows his bad seed.   As the seed grows and matures, there has to be a separation between them. But Jesus, not wanting to harm the progress of His efforts, leaves them until the end. That is seen in His next words, “And harvest – it is the age's consummation.”   A new word, sunteleia, is seen here. It is derived from suntelo, to complete entirely. Thus, it is an entire completion. Strong's adds to the meaning, saying, “of a dispensation.” As this is so, something that can be understood from the context, the logical question to ask is, “What dispensation?”   The most common answer by scholars throughout the centuries is, “The church age, of course.” Two points immediately dismiss that. First, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about Israel under the law. Regardless of what their ministry will later be, that is the context. Second, the church age had not yet been introduced. So poignant is this the case that as Jesus was departing to heaven, this exchange is seen –   “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,' He said, ‘you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'” Acts 1:4-8   The disciples were wondering when the kingdom would be ushered in, as if it would be soon. Jesus didn't tell them there would be no kingdom for Israel. Rather, His plan for them is one that encompasses the duration of the church age. The period of law, for Israel, never ended. They have been under the curses of the law for having rejected Him.   The church age is given to bring salvation to the world through the gospel, but that is not its only intent –   “But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.'” Romans 10:19   “For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.” Romans 11:13, 14   Properly understanding the dispensational model addresses the issue that cannot be rightly understood otherwise. So profound is this truth that even those who hold to dispensationalism still mix their theology and take the words of Jesus as referring to the church age. This is incorrect. Understanding this, He next says, “And harvesters – they are messengers.”   There is no article before messengers. What type of messengers is not stated. The vast majority of translations and commentaries say they are angels. Though this is possible, it is not a necessary deduction. For all we know, it is earthly people appointed to decide the matter of who is who at the end of the tribulation.   Either way, this is referring to Jesus' words found in Matthew 24. In 24:3, the disciples ask about the sunteleia, the end of the age or consummation. Jesus then explains what will take place in verse 24:31. He notes that He will send His messenger to gather the elect. He then gives the details of that through the end of the chapter.   None of what He says refers to the church or the rapture. They are words of the elect being gathered and the others having judgment brought upon them. Only then will the earthly millennial kingdom be ushered in.   Life application: Though not yet complete, there is unexplained wording in Jesus' parable. There are also unexplained concepts not specifically stated. In other words, and for example, after Jesus' explanation is complete, nothing will have been said about why He allowed the traducer to sow bad seed.   Jesus died on the cross and defeated sin. Why didn't He just take care of him and all of the world's mess at that time? The answer is not so that the church could usher in a state of perfect harmony before Jesus returns.   The answer is found in His covenant promises to Israel. Israel rejected Him. But their rejection does not negate His faithfulness to His words of promise to them. In order for these things to be realized, He began the new dispensation, that of grace.   During this age, the whole world is evangelized, and the eternal kingdom is being added to daily throughout the world. Eventually, His plan will lead back to Israel being the focus of attention. That is beginning now. Though they are not His people (ammi: My people) at this time, according to both the prophets and Paul, they will be at some point.   The world, including Israel, is being prepared for that day. At some point, the rapture will take place. When that occurs, the events of the end time will start to unfold, leading to the fulfillment of His parables and explanations of those times. Get ready! Israel is back in the land. The end of all these things is being prepared.   Lord God, thank You for Your faithfulness to Israel. In seeing how You deal with them, we can know that You will deal the same with us. We are so unfaithful, but You are faithful and true. Help us to realize this and to honor You all the more for Your kind grace directed toward us. Amen.  

Tuesday, 14 October 2025   The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. Matthew 13:38   “And the field, it is the world. And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom. And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began His explanation of the parable of the darnel, explaining that the One sowing good seed is the Son of Man. He continues with, “And the field, it is the world.”   The word kosmos is used. It signifies an orderly arrangement. By implication, it thus speaks of the world. However, that can be the world as the globe, the inhabitants of the world, the state of the world (as in “they are not of the world”), etc.   Jesus' parable goes far beyond a single field or the several fields of a landowner. As such, it would explain why the parable would not be understood without really thinking things through, and maybe not at all.   When evaluating such things, the human mind will make images of what is happening, such as in the sowing of a field. To expand out to the entire world takes a real leap in thought. Jesus continues, saying, “And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom.”   Having already heard the explanation of the parable of the sower, the imagery here is understandable. The seed reflects people. Obviously, if the sower wants a good harvest, he will sow good seed. The same would be true with Jesus. He will only bring forth that which is good. However, “And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil.”   Pretty much every translation adds in the word “one,” saying, “sons of the evil one,” “wicked one,” etc. This is a correct thought, but it is not a true rendering. It only uses the adjective as a descriptor. Hence, italicizing it is appropriate. Jesus will continue the explanation in the next verse.   Life application: There is a standard method of interpreting Scripture that has been set forth for eons: “Let Scripture interpret Scripture.” In other words, when something is recorded in the Bible, the way to interpret it, first and foremost, is to let the explanation of it be what the Bible says about it.   For example, the story of Sarah and Hagar is recorded in Genesis. For almost 1500 years, it was “just a story” with a meaning that was not understood. Scholars would give their ideas about why it was included in Scripture, normally ensuring that it was understood that the line leading to the Jewish people was highlighted as the true line, chosen of God.   This is not incorrect, but it is incomplete. There are exacting details in the narrative that could have just been left out, and that premise would still be understood. But every word of Scripture has a particular reason for being there.   Only in the coming of Christ and the introduction of the New Covenant is the reason for the story understood. Paul gives a brief explanation of it in Galatians 4, stating “which things are symbolic” in verse 4:24. As Paul has given the explanation under the inspiration of God, we do not need to look for any other explanation for the story. We are thus letting Scripture interpret Scripture.   This is true with incense. In both testaments, incense is explicitly stated as being a metaphor for prayer (see Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8). Therefore, we don't need to speculate about its set typology when looking at the times when incense is mentioned in the Bible.   In Exodus, great detail is given concerning incense. Understanding that it signifies prayer, the meaning of all of those details becomes evident and can be properly analyzed. This is true with something found in the parable of the darnel. In this verse, Jesus said, “And the field, it is the world.”   Therefore, because Jesus has explained what the field signifies (in Hebrew, sadeh means field), we don't need to go anywhere else to understand what is being seen in the typology of a given passage. All we need to do is consistently stick to what Jesus has said.   Unfortunately, translations may fail to translate sadeh as field at times, or they will translate something else as field from another word that actually has a different meaning. Therefore, we can make errors in our figuring out typology by trusting in a given translation that has failed to be consistent. An example would be Genesis 32:3 –   “And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom” (KJV).   The KJV failed to translate sadeh as field, instead rendering it “country.” The NKJV followed that translation, but they thankfully footnoted it as “field.” If one were to read only the KJV, he would never know that it was a faulty rendering of the word. If he were attempting to typologically explain the passage, his explanation would be faulty because of the already faulty translation.   Therefore, when doing an analysis of a passage, attempting to understand what it means, 1) first and foremost, let Scripture interpret Scripture, 2) be consistent in your typological meanings, (if you are to divert from a particular typology, you must have a valid reason for doing so), 3) don't trust a single, faulty translation (like the KJV), and expect proper results. Check with the original. It is not difficult to do, and it will keep you on a sounder, surer path of properly explaining the passage.   Lord God, may we be careful with Your word, never making stuff up in order to provide an explanation that we want. Rather, may we go where You are leading as we carefully evaluate the set purpose and intent that You have for each passage. Amen.

Monday, 13 October 2025   He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. Matthew 13:37   “And answering, He said, ‘He, the ‘sowing the good seed,' he is the Son of Man'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him to explain the parable of the darnel. Therefore, Matthew records, “And answering, He said, ‘He, the ‘sowing the good seed,' he is the Son of Man.'”   His words reveal that this is not just a parable without an exact meaning, like a fable or a general metaphor that can be equated to various things. Rather, it is a specific parable that provides specific information.   Because this is so, even though truths from it may bleed between dispensations, the most likely explanation is that it is an overall truth applying to only one. This was discussed in the comments provided when the parable was given to the crowds by Jesus.   Jesus is the Sower. Therefore, the parable is referring to Him and cannot be transferred to anyone else as an example of their life or ministry.   Life application: As noted in an earlier commentary (Matthew 13:30), if the words of this parable are referring to the church age, there needs to be a specific spiritualization of some of what is being said.    This is generally what people do, attempting to fit themselves and their situation into parts of the Bible. Passages, for example, that provide hope to Israel in exile to Babylon, such as are found in Jeremiah, are transferred to our lives. Although they are words of hope, they are intended for a particular audience.   We can learn about God's mercy and compassion from those passages, but we should not endeavor to place ourselves into what is being stated. The words of this parable are specific and have an intended audience.   We can learn truths from it, and we can also see parallels in our dispensation to some of the things that happen, but the best course of action when reading it is to understand that it is dealing with Jesus and Israel.   Lord God, help us to understand Your word as You intend for us to understand it. Keep us from making faulty or illogical connections that are not intended by You. Rather, may our time in Your word be for understanding Your nature and Your care for humanity as You interact with us at any given time. Amen.

Sunday, 12 October 2025   Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” Matthew 13:36   “Then Jesus, having dismissed the crowds, He went into the house. And His disciples, they came to Him, saying, ‘Expound to us the parable of the fields' darnel'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew quoted the words of the prophet Asaph Isaiah to explain why Jesus spoke in parables. Next, he returns to the ongoing narrative with the words, “Then Jesus, having dismissed the crowds.”   After speaking out His parables, a dismissal of the crowds took place, once that was attended to, “He went into the house.”   The article before house means it is a particular house. Going back to Matthew 1, it says, “And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea.” It is this house, explained during that verse, that is being referred to. Once in the house, it says, “And His disciples, they came to Him.”   Houses at the time were not big McMansions that many live in today. There would be no need to go looking for Him in the house. Therefore, it is probable that as soon as Jesus went into the house, those following asked this as they were coming in, highlighting their desire to hear an explanation of His words. In their words to Him, they were “saying, ‘Expound to us the parable of the fields' darnel.'”   The word phrazó is introduced here. It is only found in some texts here. Most use the word diasapheó, a word also first found here. This word, phrazó, is found only elsewhere in Matthew 15:15. It means to indicate by word or act or to interpret. Thus, it signifies to expound. They are looking for an indication of what He was talking about in the parable, meaning its underlying meaning.   The other word used in other texts, diasapheó, comes from two words signifying “through” and “clear.” Thus, it is a thorough clearing of something. Thus, it figuratively means to declare.   The parable of the darnel in the field was recorded in verses 24-30. The parable was deeper than the subsequent two, those of the mustard seed and the leaven in the bread. As such, the disciples wanted a clear understanding of what Jesus was conveying in it.   Life application: As seen in the parable of the leaven, which Jesus did not explain, there is disagreement in its meaning. The majority of commentators state that the leaven was used as a good thing, it being the one exception to the normal use of leaven in Scripture, which is in a negative sense.   However, that seems inappropriate, and a suitable explanation that follows the normal Scriptural meaning of leaven was provided. If there is disagreement on such a short parable, being only one sentence long, it is good that the disciples asked for an explanation of this longer and more complicated parable.   Not everything Jesus said during His ministry is carefully explained. This lack has led to innumerable interpretations of various things He set before the disciples. The majority of these divisions in interpretation could be resolved by remembering the main rule of biblical interpretation: What is the context?   Jesus' ministry was to Israel under the law. His words deal with that context. Jesus never spoke of things like the rapture. The reason He didn't do this was because that event belongs to the church age. The doctrine of the rapture is only explained by Paul because Paul is the apostle to the Gentile led church.   Remembering the context of Jesus' words will normally help clarify what He is saying. It is true that kingdom terminology can overlap in meaning. Therefore, it can be difficult to come down adamantly on some things He says. The more conservative our interpretation of Scripture is, though, the less we will devolve into inappropriate lines of thought.   Therefore, unless there is a specific reason for including the church in His words, which can be fully explained, it is best to assume He is not addressing the church, but Israel alone.   The main thing for us to do is to keep reading His word. No matter how many times we have done so, we will always learn something new. After a person has a stroke, his brain must rewire around the damaged parts of the brain.   In a similar way, the more we read the word, the more we are able to rewire our thoughts and lives around those things that inappropriately affect our understanding of who God is and what He is saying in His word. Keep in the word! It will never bring you harm. Rather, right thinking will continue to develop in you.   Lord God, time in Your word is like a healing balm to our souls. We are molded more and more to Your mind as we learn it and apply it to our lives. Give us the time and the sense to pick it up, read it, and contemplate it all the days of our lives. Amen.  

Saturday, 11 October 2025   that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35   “So it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken through the prophet,' saying, ‘I will open My mouth in parables. I will blurt things having been concealed from foundation – world'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew noted that it was Jesus' habit to speak to the multitude in parables, and when doing so, not speaking to them any other way. He now explains why by citing Scripture. That is introduced with the words, “So it should be fulfilled.”   In other words, and as has been seen before, Matthew is stating that some portion of Scripture is fulfilled by Jesus' actions. In this case, it refers to His conduct in relation to addressing the crowds. What is fulfilled is “the ‘having been spoken through the prophet.'”   Matthew explicitly notes that words spoken by a prophet are fulfilled by what Jesus is doing. Saying “the prophet” indicates that it was a recognized prophet of Israel whose words are recorded in Scripture. The prophet being referred to in this instance is Asaph, whose words are recorded in Psalm 78 –   “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us.” Psalm 78:2, 3   Knowing where the thought came from, Matthew continues, “saying, ‘I will open My mouth in parables.'”   The Hebrew reads, “in parable.” The Greek converts that to the plural, which is then used by Matthew. This sets the tone for how Jesus dealt with the people. As for what that is, Matthew next says, “I will blurt things having been concealed from foundation – world.”   Two new words are seen here. The first is ereugomai, to belch. It is found only here. It is used figuratively to indicate speaking out. A word that ties the sense of both thoughts together is blurt. It is a sudden, abrupt, and poignant mode of speech.   The second new word is katabolé, a deposition. Thus, when referring to the beginning of the earth, it speaks of its foundation.   There are several ways of taking Matthew's thought so that it aligns with the intent of the psalm because the words are not a direct citation. Thus, rather than a quote, a thought is being presented. The likely meaning is derived from the change of speaking “in parable” to “in parables.”   In other words, Asaph spoke in a parable concerning the history of Israel. The psalm is a long recounting of events that occurred. However, the words are then to be considered in a parabolic fashion, having an underlying meaning in addition to the historical references.   The Greek converted the singular to plural. Matthew saw this as an inspired change, pointing to the teaching style of the Messiah. In just the manner that Asaph recorded Israel's history, so Jesus taught the people, reflecting the same type of literary teaching device.   When He opened His mouth, it would be in parables. And in His use of parables, He would blurt out things that had never been heard before, having been concealed in the wisdom of God from eternity past.   Life application: There are times when people get anxious about saying, “Well, Peter said,” or “John says in His epistle.” The thought is, “If this is the word of God, we should say something like, ‘the Lord said,' or ‘the Lord through John said.'”   This is unnecessary. There are abundant times in the New Testament where the words of Scripture are attributed to individuals rather than God. For example, Jesus refers to Moses having commanded something. This is followed in the words of the apostles. The same is true with other names like David and Isaiah.   The reason why this is acceptable is that these people really said or wrote those things, doing so in harmony with the will of the Lord. If a musician like Eddie Van Halen played a tune from Bach, we might say that was an amazing piece Eddie played. At the same time, we could say, I heard a song by Bach today, and it was incredible.   There is a harmonious synergy between the author and the player. This is how Scripture works. When we read Jeremiah, we can see his personal style, choice of words, etc. And yet, we can also know that the hand of divine inspiration was upon him in prophetic utterances, determined proclamations, etc.   There is nothing wrong and everything right about saying it either way, meaning “The Lord said,” or “Jeremiah said.” When we believe in the process of inspiration, we are upholding the value of the word by stating things in this way. Notice how Jesus holds carefully to this process as He explains it to the leaders of Israel –   “Jesus answered them, ‘Has it not been written in your Law: “I said, you are gods'?” 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be nullified), 36 are you saying of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,' because I said, ‘I am the Son of God'?” John 10:34-36 (NASB)   Lord God, help us in our understanding of Your word. Open our eyes so that when we read it, we can comprehend it in ways we may not have previously considered. There is so much depth and richness to it, and we want to understand and experience it all. So help us in this, O God. Amen.

Friday, 10 October 2025   All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, Matthew 13:34   “All these, He spoke, Jesus, in parables to the crowds, and besides parable, not He spoke to them” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the Parable of the Leaven. Matthew next says, “All these.”   The words indicate the parables just given by Matthew. A set of them has been recorded, but no explanation for them is provided to the people. Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “He spoke, Jesus, in parables to the crowds.”   Matthew confirms that these words were spoken by Jesus, as noted before, it isn't certain if these were all said at this one time or recorded categorically. The words now seem to tend to the former. However, having explained the parable of the sower between the other parables gives a strong hint that it is actually just the opposite.   Either way, the way that Matthew states this verse needs careful attention. In this clause, the verb is in the aorist tense. Jesus spoke to the crowds about these particular parables. He next says, “and besides parable, not He spoke to them.”   A new word, chóris, without, is stated. It is derived from chora, a space of territory which, in turn, gives the sense of room. Therefore, chóris means “at a space.” As the word is accompanied by the word “not,” it means that He wasn't speaking to them any other way.   However, the verb is imperfect. Meyer's NT Commentary further rightly defines it as a relative imperfect. As such, the words do not necessarily mean that Jesus only spoke to the crowds in Israel with parables. But when He was speaking these parables, it was the only way He spoke, meaning that He didn't speak plainly by explaining the meaning of the parable.   The understanding of that is seen in the explanation found 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   By looking side-by-side at the two clauses with their precise wording, the sense becomes more evident –   *All these (the parables just recorded), He spoke (aorist), Jesus, in parables (plural) to the crowds. *And besides parable (singular), not He spoke (imperfect) to them   He spoke these parables, but He was not explaining any parable that he spoke. Only when He was alone with the disciples would he then explain the parables.   It is common for scholars to insist that these words are intended to mean that Jesus spoke only in parables at all times when speaking to the crowds. But Meyer's challenges that notion, stating –   “The absolute sense in which the words are understood by Baumgarten-Crusius and Hilgenfeld is inconsistent with historical facts; nor could Matthew, or Mark 4:34, have intended the words to be so taken without being guilty of the grossest absurdity.”   Life application: The discussion above highlights particular nuances of the text that are debated over. Not understanding the precise intent doesn't mean that someone now has the wrong doctrine. Rather, they may have a misunderstanding of the nuances of what is written. This is evident by reading various translations of the verse.   Despite not having the exact sense of what is being said, anyone reading the text can get the major points. There is the understanding that the use of parables when speaking to the crowd was important. Through His words, prophecy was being fulfilled. That is the major point to be understood.   As one grows in knowledge and understanding of the nuances, a clearer grasp of the overall intent is realized. This is why some people are plumbers who read the Bible from time to time, and then there are scholars who read and study its every nuance.   Unfortunately, some scholars come to the text wanting to tear it apart, find contradictions, demonstrate that they are smarter than the text as given by God, etc. From there, people read their analyses, believe them because these scholars are more understanding of the text than the average Joe, and they believe what they hear.   This leads to weak believers who cannot trust the word of God. The deeper you get into the details, the more you should study many scholars and contemplate what you read. Don't take anything at face value, even if the argument seems convincing at first.   Be assured, there is nothing wrong with God's word. If you come to it with this understanding, you will be in the sweet spot, even if you never find a resolution to the question you are looking for. Someday, the perfection of God's word will be fully comprehended by us all.   Lord God, help us to carefully treat Your word, never diminishing it or trying to find fault with it. If it is Your word, it is just what You intended for us. As You are without fault, we know that what You say will be as well. Help us to carry with us the understanding that Your word is sacred and should be treated as such. Amen.

Thursday, 9 October 2025   Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” Matthew 13:33   “Another parable He presented them, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like leaven which a woman, having taken, she concealed in flour – three measures – until it all, it leavened'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished the parable of the mustard seed. With it complete, Matthew records, “Another parable He presented them.”   As noted previously. It is unknown if these parables were all stated at the same time or if Matthew is recording them in a categorical fashion. Either way, however, Jesus begins the Parable, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like leaven.”   Here is a new word, zumé, ferment, as in boiling up. Thus, it refers to leaven, which causes a change, usually through rising (as in bread) or some other type of reaction, such as in the process of making beer.   The meaning of the parable is highly debated. However, yeast is consistently given as a type of spreading evil, and thus sin. This is true in both testaments, either typologically or figuratively –   “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:6-8   Many commentators feel that this parable must be an exception to that. If so, it would be an extremely unusual outlier. As for Jesus' words, He continues, saying, “which a woman, having taken, she concealed in flour.”   Here is another new word, egkruptó, to conceal. The idea is concealing through incorporation. The woman takes the leaven and incorporates it into the dough. When looking at it, no one would even know that it was leavened. Only when the effects are realized after the reaction would it be known that it was in there.   Putting yeast into flour will inevitably result in the dough being affected. Yeast was never to be presented to the Lord in the sacrifices and offerings of Israel, with but two exceptions (Leviticus 7:13 & Leviticus 23:17).   Those exceptions were specifically given in typology, indicating that because of Jesus, the redeemed are considered acceptable to God even though they are sinful people. As for the leavened dough, Jesus continues, saying, “three measures – until it all, it leavened.”   In Scripture, the number three “...stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire” (Bullinger). It is the number of divine perfection. Thus, there is the notion of divine perfection in what Jesus is stating concerning this picture of the kingdom of the heavens.   Concerning the parable, as noted above, the meaning continues to be debated. Most commentators agree that the words are the only exception to the spiritual meaning of leaven. Rather than it being a negative thing, it is taken as a positive thing, as if the leaven itself is an instrument for good.   But this seems contrary. Leaven consistently signifies sin throughout the Old Testament, including the two times it is presented to the Lord. It is then used in this manner by Jesus in the gospels, such as Matthew 16:6. It is later used this way by Paul in 1 Corinthians and Galatians.   Despite this, commentators waffle on the meaning here because of the association that is made with the kingdom of the heavens. “How could the influence of sin be seen in the kingdom of the heavens?” But for the sake of consistency and evaluating it from that perspective, meaning taking it as a picture of sin, what is going on that could allow this?    What seems a suitable explanation is that the woman is a picture of the wisdom of God, something particularly highlighted in Proverbs 1. Jesus uses that idea of the feminine wisdom in Luke 7 –   “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:33-35   Jesus came to save sinners. He specifically notes them in these words as those He associated with. The three measures indicate the entire course of the kingdom of the heavens, where everything is substantial, complete, entire, etc. There is the notion of divine perfection having been attained.   How is sin realized? Through law. Without law, there is no imputation of sin. Even if sin is worked through the entire body of Christ, something that is an undeniable fact, it has been dealt with. Therefore, the picture Christ is painting is that of a body of believers, all stained with sin, and yet acceptable to God, as is clearly represented in Leviticus 23:17.   To understand that typology, one should refer to the Superior Word sermon on that passage. The wisdom of God is that even among the sinful people of the world, where sin is fully worked into those who are a part of Christ's offering to Him, Christ's atonement, His covering, is sufficient to make them acceptable to God once again.   This is the substance of the gospel where Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). The explicit meaning is that we are sinners, have acknowledged that fact, and are asking for forgiveness through what Jesus has done. The others in the world are just as sinful, but they lack the suitable atonement to be acceptable to God. Therefore, they cannot be presented to Him as acceptable.   Only in Christ is sin dealt with. This is the wisdom of God –   “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Ephesians 3:8-12   Life application: Consistency in typology is an important part of understanding what is going on in the pages of Scripture. It is best not to divert from what is typologically set without a supportable purpose that can be clearly defined and explained.   It is true that one thing can have more than one meaning, such as the significance of water, but the symbolism is given by God in His word, not conjured up by us and then inserted into it.   Be careful not to manipulate what is presented in Scripture. Your time in the word will be much more fruitful and aligned with God's intent when typology is used consistently after care and thought have been taken to ensure it aligns with the rest of Scripture.   Lord God, help us to understand Your word. It is big and at times extremely complicated. May we not force things into it that don't belong there. Instead, open our minds to draw out from it what is present by You and then to consistently evaluate it from that point on. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, 8 October 2025   which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:32   “Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds. And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings, and it becomes a tree, so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began what is known as the Parable of the Mustard Seed. He finishes that short parable in this verse, beginning with, “Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds.”   Saying “the least of all seeds” is an agricultural reference that the people would understand, not a scientific analysis of all seeds on the planet, be they of plant or animal life.   Jesus already set the parameters by saying that it was seed to be sown into the field. People don't sow orchid seeds into a field expecting a crop of edible food to arise. Understanding this, He continues, saying, “And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings.”   The word lachanon, a garden herb, vegetable, etc., is introduced here. It is derived from lachaino, to dig. Thus, it is a seed for which tilling takes place, after which it is planted. The closest word in English is likely tillings, which, like the Greek word, highlights the action that took place.   The word is inclusive of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, as can be seen from Paul's words in Romans 14:2, where the same word is used –   “For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables [lachanon: tillings].”   Jesus even uses the word to describe what was tithed by the people, indicating the value of the act of labor and harvest behind what is offered –   “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs [lachanon: tillings], and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Luke 11:42   For deniers of the Bible to try to equate Jesus' words to mean “all seed without exception” is a ridiculous proposition. He is speaking in specific terms concerning particular seeds intended to produce a certain outcome for the people. With this understood, He next says, “and it becomes a tree.”   This is a teeny-weeny little seed when it is planted, and yet, unlike other seeds that start bigger and only then grow into small plants, this little champion grows into a tree. This tree increases to be quite large, “so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches.”   Two more words are introduced. The first is kataskénoó, to encamp. It is derived from skénoó, to tent, which, in turn, comes from skénos, a tent. The prefix kata intensifies the word. Thus, it signifies to encamp.   The other new word is klados, a twig or bough, and thus a branch. The little seed has developed into a hero of an herb, towering over the other seeds that started bigger than it did. Hooray for the mustard seed!   Life application: It is good not to judge things based on how they started. From small beginnings often come great things. Jesus started with a small number of disciples. His ministry was in a small piece of land, and the message was first heard by a comparably small number of people to the inhabitants of that land. This can be deduced from the evangelism that took place there in the book of Acts. Of those who heard it, only a small number accepted what He said.   Human history is filled with the record of insignificant people having had a great impact on the course of history. Out of all of the billions of books in the world, one has truly changed the path on which humanity has been.   Other books that have been widely published and disseminated have had a great impact, often negative, on the world, like the Koran. But that and all other books have failed to change the state of man from sinful and lost before God, to having obtained salvation and eternal life through the message of reconciliation found in the Bible.   Little churches may have a small gathering on Sunday, and in today's world, they may have little online audiences as well, and yet, they may have more of a worthwhile theological impact on the people of the world than the largest of mega churches on the planet.   While the larger churches are dealing in theological fluff intended to fall easily on the ears of the congregants, the message of sound pastors and preachers is intended to change and develop the hearts and minds of those who are willing to be conformed to the will of God.   Never underestimate the power of small beginnings. Think about the heroic mustard seed and the delight it brings to the palates of people around the world. Well done, little seed – approved by God for such a purpose. Well done.   O God, may we not fret when the things we do are not noticed by the world around us. If what we are doing is right and proper in Your eyes, we are fulfilling our purpose for the life You have given us. Who needs bigger and shinier when such things will someday deflate or corrode away? Help us to focus on the eternal, thus glorifying You. Amen.  

Tuesday, 7 October 2025   Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, Matthew 13:31   “Another parable He presented them, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus completed the parable of the sower. Without any intervening thoughts, it says, “Another parable He presented them.”   Whether this was actually stated one parable after another, or if this one is just placed here by Matthew categorically may be debated, but either way, the information is presented to continue to illuminate Jesus' instruction through this teaching method. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel.'”   Two new words are introduced. The first is kokkos, a kernel of seed or simply a grain. As a different word is used for seed, that is not a great choice for translation, although some versions use it. The second word is sinapi, mustard. Strong's said the word may be derived from sinomai, to hurt. Thus, it would explain the biting flavor of the herb.   Those listening would know immediately what Jesus was referring to. Being an agrarian society, the people would understand the various seeds that were available. Further, Mom would have them all around the house for use in the kitchen. In this case, the reason for using the mustard seed in His example will be seen in the next verse, but the people would know it already.   Therefore, His words are not an explanation of the seed. Rather, they will be used as a comparison. As such, it isn't cheating to explain that the mustard seed was the smallest seed used by farmers in the land at the time. Of this eensy weensy seed, Jesus next says, “which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field.”   Mustard seeds grow into mustard plants. These bear more mustard seeds (see Genesis 1:11). Mustard seeds have many uses. They can be kept whole or ground up when used in cooking. They are prized for their nutty, spicy flavor, which is used in dishes such as curries, pickled treats, dressings, marinades, etc.   They are also used in condiments. Beyond these culinary-type applications, they are considered to have health benefits. They can also be used to make mustard oil. These and a host of other uses explain why farmers would have mustard plants in their gardens. Jesus will make His comparison as He continues.   Life application: In Mark 4, the same parable says the following (as translated by the NKJV, et al.) –   “Then He said, ‘To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth.”   This seems to be an error on Jesus' part. The mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth. How will you take that newly presented information? If Jesus is God incarnate, wouldn't He know this? Will you now close your Bible and give up on your faith?   A few points should clear this up. The first is that despite other seeds being smaller, such as types of orchids, man doesn't sow them into the ground for food, which is what Jesus just implied in His words. There may be seeds that are smaller that are sown (point 1) for food (point 2), though. What if there are?   The word translated as earth in Mark 4 is gé. It does not necessarily mean “the inhabited globe known as Earth.” Rather, it is just as often, or even more commonly, translated as soil (Matthew 13:8), ground (Matthew 10:29), or land (Matthew 10:15), etc. In other words, there is a context to what is being said. When speaking of the coming Messiah in Matthew 4, the word is used when referring to the land (gé) of Zebulun and the land (gé) of Naphtali.   Jesus is sitting in Israel talking to people who live in an agrarian-based economy. When He tells them this is the smallest seed used for sowing in a plot of land in Israel for gardening, He is telling them both the truth and something of which they were perfectly aware.   He was not concerned about orchid seeds in the Amazon jungle, nor were His listeners. There must be a context to every statement made by Jesus, or a challenge against His words is simply given to form a pretext.   If you are presented with a difficulty in what is said in the word, don't close your Bible, curse God for having fooled you into believing He exists when He doesn't (which is kind of ridiculous, because if you are cursing God who doesn't exist, you are wasting your breath!), and then spend the rest of your life mocking Christians for being so blind.   Rather, check out what you have been told, consider the information from the context presented, and understand why Jesus says what He says. When you do, you will find that His detractors are the inane ones. Your faith is well placed. Your hope is in a real Savior who came from the true God who created all things.   Jesus Christ is not wrong in His words about the mustard seed. His detractors are the ones who will stand before Him in judgment someday. Hold fast to your faith.   Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the wisdom of Your word. It is a marvelous place for us to find the truth, to rightly direct our hope, and to find the love that extends from You for Your creatures. Thank You above all that in it, we find Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Monday, 6 October 2025   Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”'” Matthew 13:30   “You allow both to co-grow until the harvest. And in the harvest season, I will say to the harvesters, ‘You gather first the darnel, and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them, and wheat you collect into my barn'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said that the servants of the landowner were instructed not to gather up the darnel, lest they should also uproot the wheat with them. He continues the landowner's words, saying, “You allow both to co-grow until the harvest.”   A word is seen only here in Scripture, sunauxanó, to co-grow. It is derived from sun, with or together, and auxanó, to grow. As for the words of the landowner, there is no point in causing harm to the efforts of the sower and those who then tend to the wheat as it grows.   Leaving the darnel, though it may affect the growth of surrounding plants due to soaking up needed moisture, is not something that will destroy them. As the labor needs to be done at one point or another, there is no reason for causing more harm than good while the crop is maturing. As such, he continues, “And in the harvest season.”   The Greek reads, “and in season the harvest.” The article is before harvest, but it is lacking before season. There is a season when the harvest will be ready. It is then that the harvest is gathered. At this time, the landowner continues, “I will say to the harvesters, ‘You gather first the darnel.'”   Although the truths found in the parable can apply to any dispensation to some extent, these words negate the parable being applied specifically to the church age. There is no indication in Scripture, and every reason to reject the notion, that false teachers will be gathered out of the church before the pre-tribulation rapture. The timeline for the rapture is set by God through Paul's writings. It is his writings that revealed the mystery, including its very specific details concerning the event and its timeline.   As such, though points from the parable can be used to refer to truths within the church age, such as not pulling up the darnel before the harvest, the gathering of false teachers before the rapture is not something that will occur. As for this harvest, the landowner continues, “and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them.”   Unless Jesus is simply making a point about false teachers being spiritually gathered for the day of judgment, having been identified as such at the time of the rapture, these words continue to dispel the notion that this is referring to the church age. Such an analysis, though highly unlikely, is not out of the realm of possibility, but the gathering and binding of false teachers is not a physical event that will take place during the church age.   Therefore, if these words are referring to the church age, there needs to be a specific spiritualization of some of what is being said. Based on Jesus' coming explanation, the points He makes do not accurately fit into the doctrine of the rapture at the end of the church age. Either way, the landowner finishes his instructions with, “and wheat you collect into my barn.”   John the Baptist has already given hints of this event and what precedes it, saying, “Whose winnower - in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing-floor. And He will gather His wheat into the granary, but the chaff He will incinerate – fire unquenchable.”   Therefore, there is judgment on those who are considered darnel, there is a separation of those who are considered chaff, and then there will be a time when these will be cast into unquenchable fire, incinerating them for eternity.   Jesus will explain this parable later in the chapter, but its truths are readily discernible by understanding the metaphors He uses.   Life application: As noted, this parable, though containing truths that exist in the church age, does not fit the sequence of events as laid out by Paul concerning the rapture. The sequence of events as the church age closes out is carefully detailed by him –   1) Rapture of the church, 2) the falling away and the revealing of the Antichrist, 3) the day of Christ (Day of the Lord).   The rapture is an event that will have no sign preceding it. It will occur suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, and the church age will end. Until that day, we should be about the business of the church. Too many hours are squandered away by believers who have an unhealthy fixation on the rapture.   Be productive, know that Christ is coming, and in the flash of an instant, we shall be gathered to Him. This is great news for those who are His. For the rest of the world... not so much.   Glorious God, what a wonderful hope we possess because of what You have done in the sending of Jesus. May we be busy in sharing this news with others as we await the wonderful day when we are gathered and brought into Your glorious presence. Amen.

Sunday, 5 October 2025   But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Matthew 13:29    “And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said that the servants of the landowner asked him if he wanted them to gather up the darnel from the field of grain. He continues now with, “And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat.'”   A new word, ekrizoó, to uproot, is seen. It is derived from ek, from or out of, and rhizoó, to root. Hence, it is to uproot. If you've ever worked in a garden, you know the wisdom of the landowner's decision. When you have weeds around the plant you are growing and pull them out, you can often damage your plant's roots or even pull the plant out with the weeds.   In the case of the darnel, its roots would be entangled with the good stalks, easily ruining them if you try to pull it out. There is also the chance of treading on the good stalks while going through the field to get the darnel.   And even if both of those were avoided, as noted above, the soil around the good stalks could be disturbed enough to negatively affect or kill those nearby. It is not worth the risk to take such chances.   Life application: Think of the patience and wisdom of the Lord. The devil has his dirty fingers all over the church, even since the very beginning. At the earliest days of the church, Paul and the other New Testament writers were writing letters of warning to the churches concerning those who were harmful darnel within the good crop –   “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17, 18   “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” James 5:1-3   “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 2:1   “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John -9-11   “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” Jude -16-19   Think of it. These people were writing in the very earliest days of the church. Each personally encountered the risen Christ. And yet, they were already warning of the proverbial darnel among the wheat. But the Lord's example in this parable was to allow them to continue lest good stalks were harmed in the process.   But can't these false teachers harm the crop as well? The answer is, “Most assuredly.” This is why these warnings have been written. But how are you, a stalk of good grain in the body of believers, going to avoid being harmed by them? By knowing what the word says!   It is not sufficient to trust your pastor. He could be one of the false brethren noted above! Didn't the church suffer (and it still suffers to this day) through the teaching of people like Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell, Ellen G. White, and innumerable other false teachers? Haven't countless people lost their lives to false teachers like Jim Jones and David Koresh?   Display wisdom! Know what the Bible says by reading it daily. When a false teacher enters into your sphere of existence, you will be able to identify him (or her!) and alert others. Be sure to do so. The Lord will take care of them in the end, but we have our part to do now.   Glorious God, give us wisdom in identifying false doctrine and those who teach it. May we responsibly handle Your word, learning it and being on the lookout for those who might harm the crop the Lord is preparing. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Saturday, 4 October 2025   He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' Matthew 13:28   “And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!' And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the servants of the landowner came to him and asked him whether or not he had sown good seed in his field because there was also darnel growing in it. Jesus continues, saying, “And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!'”   The owner, without throwing an unfounded accusation at anyone in particular, identifies the problem immediately. An enemy has entered his field and sown darnel in with his good seed. In stating it this way, it could include or exclude anyone, even if the owner had already identified in his mind who was responsible.   Further, it could be that there is a main enemy who has used agents to accomplish his destructive work. Nothing is excluded by the way the statement has been presented. With this stated as a certain fact, Jesus continues, “And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?'”   With the understanding that there is a problem, and that it has been caused by an enemy, the servants are desirous to see the matter resolved. However, they intend to do whatever the master has determined, and so they ask his opinion. In essence, “We can take care of the darnel now if you want. We can identify it and remove it right away.”   The choice of what to do with it is now in the landowner's court. Whatever he decides will be what they follow through with.   Life application: This parable presents a truth that is not limited to a particular dispensation. During the time before the flood, there were those already identified as “sons of the God,” meaning those who were of faith in the promise of God concerning the coming of a Messiah. Noah was “a preacher of righteousness” from this line.   The world was filled with darnel that needed to be removed. The same is true after the flood. Job was of the “sons of the God.” The implication is that there were others who were not, simply because the group he worshiped with was. A contrast between the two exists. Likewise, during the time of the law, there were those who were of faith and those who were not.   That truth exists in the church today. There are those who are sons of God, a term noted in verses such as Romans 8:14. The context of Paul's words indicates that there is a contrast between them and those who are not sons of God.   Within these groups are obviously those who claim they are of the seed of God who are not. They may look like true sons. But eventually, they will fail to produce the proper fruit and other characteristics that sufficiently identify who is of the true seed.   Whatever dispensation Jesus is equating His thoughts to for the sake of the parable, it is a truth that has existed and which continues to exist in the world. It may be that the parable is intended to cover any such situation.   Understanding that there are such people in the world, even in government or private entities, we can more carefully consider what is going on around us. For example, if you are employed by the government, there are certainly bad actors who have been planted in your area by those who intend harm.   Communist countries like Russia and China have cultivated people for eons to enter into the military and steal information as well as sow discord. They look like anyone else in uniform, but they are there with evil intent.   This is true with any branch of government. People elected to office, even in the highest positions in the land, have been groomed by unfriendly governments to infiltrate and ruin our society. It is our responsibility to carefully evaluate those around us, whether in our workplace, church, government, etc., and be careful not to allow those who bear bad fruit to ruin the efforts of those who are working for the proper purpose intended by the one in charge.   In the case of the church, Jesus has set the standard. It is recorded in the word. When we find that someone has entered into the church at large who is bearing bad fruit, it is our responsibility to identify him as such.   At times, however, some take this to unintended extremes, identifying every little pet peeve of theirs as proof of someone being a false prophet or a false teacher. Likewise, false teachers level accusations against true believers, claiming what is sound doctrine is actually false.   The only way to sort through this mess is to read and know what the Bible says. It is our blueprint for proper living and a right understanding of what is true and what is false within the church. Know your Bible!   Lord God, it is hard to sort through all of the accusations directed at people in the ministry, claiming they present a false message of some sort. Help us to go to the source for understanding this, Your word, in order to rightly identify what is true and what is false. Help us in this, Lord. Your word is big and filled with a lot of information. Give us understanding in it as we seek out Your truth. Amen.

Friday, 3 October 2025   So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' Matthew 13:27   “And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field? Whence, therefore, it has darnel?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus continued the parable of the wheat and the darnel. He continues further, saying, “And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field?'”   It is an obvious question to set the tone of voice for what will next be said. There is darnel rising in the field along with the wheat. Rather than abruptly telling the master it is so, making him look incompetent, it is natural to ask in a positive manner. It will allow him to deduce on his own what must have taken place. As such, they continue with, “Whence, therefore, it has darnel?”   A new word is introduced, pothen, whence. It gives the sense of from which or from what. In this case, a single word to define the intent and speaking style would be whence. They know the answer to their own question, it being rhetorical in nature. Therefore, they continue with an obvious follow-up question to help alleviate the owner's tension.   Life application: Having tact when approaching a sensitive matter is important. Barging up to someone and telling him that his brother just died without showing care and empathy would be considered rude. The same is true with any sensitive matter.   In some cases, people can get upset or angry over things we might not even consider sensitive. Such instances cannot be helped. But we can take the general idea of tact that is understood in a given society with us when we talk to others. Being the bearer of news means that responsibility is attached to the delivery.   As some people lack any sense of tact at all, it is good to identify them and make a mental tag, never assigning them to passing on sensitive matters. They may even be close friends, but it is important to make these types of divisions in our minds and remember them. Learn who around you can't keep a secret.   Such a person might be the nicest guy around, but he just cannot keep quiet when entrusted with information. So mark him as such and keep from sharing things that may be sensitive with him. This thought can even extend further, such as knowing personal relationships that exist around you. Someone who is normally trustworthy may have a beef with someone or a group of people.   Knowing this and keeping harmony between the disaffected parties is important. So the more situational awareness you have, the more effective you will be in keeping seemingly little things from getting out of hand. Pay attention to such things. Work on developing your skills in identifying who should carry a word or message about a matter, and then deploy this knowledge wisely. Such things are seen even in Scripture –   “Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, ‘Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the Lord has avenged him of his enemies.' 20 And Joab said to him, ‘You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king's son is dead.' 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, ‘Go, tell the king what you have seen.' So the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran.” 2 Samuel 18:19-21   Lord God, grant us the wisdom to be situationally aware concerning matters of tact, diplomacy, and trust. The world is a place where people can get easily hurt or offended. So help us to be wise and discerning in matters that require special care. Yes, Lord, be with us and help us to grow wise in such matters. Amen.  

Thursday, 2 October 2025   But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. Matthew 13:26   “And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit, then it appeared, also, the darnel” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the field of wheat was invaded by an enemy who went in and sowed darnel among the wheat. With that action accomplished, it next says, “And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit.”   When the two plants first begin to grow, they are almost indistinguishable. Both look like grass in their early stages. So much is this the case that only the most observant person would be able to tell the difference. But nobody would normally look for such differences, assuming that all of the field was sown with wheat, which is what originally occurred.   However, as the two plants continue to grow, noticeable differences begin to occur. The color of the wheat begins to turn the familiar golden brown, and the heads will begin to nod or bow on the stem as they approach harvesting time. The darnel, however, remains greener and continues to stand upright. It is as this maturing time approaches that Jesus says, “then it appeared, also, the darnel.”   The evident differences have alerted the farmers that there is a problem. Darnel has been found among the wheat. This is a problem that must be rectified. However, as will be seen, the decision of how to do so must be handled by the owner.   Life application: The differences between the wheat and the darnel can teach us things that the people of Israel would already know. They were an agrarian society, and these things would be common knowledge as the people interacted with the farms each year.   Wheat is a grain crop. Its seeds are nutritious and are used to make flour for bread, pasta, cakes, pasties (oh! pastries), crackers, etc. The straw also has uses, such as insulation, animal bedding, paper, etc. Further, the wheat byproducts can be used in animal feed. These include the bran and the germ. The whole plant has some uses that are beneficial. There are seven stages of wheat growth –   Growth Stage 1: Germination. When the seed absorbs water, growth from the seed's dormant state begins. Growth Stage 2: Leaf Development. The sprout rises and forms. Growth Stage 3: Tillering. The grass forms new stems or shoots from its base, thus increasing the overall density. Growth Stage 4: Stem Elongation. The stems continue upward, preparing for the next stage. Growth Stage 5: Booting. The head, now fully formed, is enclosed within the swollen sheath of the flag leaf. This is just before the head fully comes forth. Growth Stage 6: Inflorescence Emergence, Heading. It is when the visible appearance of the grain, known as the inflorescence, emerges. This is the transition point between the vegetative and reproductive phases. Growth Stage 7: Flowering, Anthesis. The blossoms open and become functional, and the reproductive stage is realized.   Darnel grows about the same height and the same speed as wheat, mimicking it until a certain point. The seeds are much lighter than the wheat, and this is why they continue to stand up while the wheat bows. Darnel is poisonous to both humans and livestock. Their side effects are dizziness, nausea, and even death when consumed in high amounts.   The roots of the two plants can get intertwined. Because of this, an obvious negative effect of pulling the darnel out is seen. This is why their state must be decided by the owner. As for the end purpose, wheat is harvested, processed, and the grain is stored as a valuable source of food. The darnel, however, is separated from the wheat, heaped up, and burned.   Reread the two descriptions (which are not all-inclusive of their traits) and think about how closely each represents what you would expect as you evaluate teachers, preachers, and congregants within the larger church (or within the people of Israel at the time of Jesus).   Think about churches with proper doctrine, sound handling of Scripture, and proper growth of the people. Contrast them with other churches you may have attended, or church figures you may have seen on TV, or heard about.   Lord God, even the grasses of the fields can teach us lessons about You, Your wisdom, what You cherish among people, and what You find repulsive and offensive. If we just open our eyes and compare the world around us to what You tell us in Your word, we can learn so very much. Help us to do so as we interact with Your word and the world we live in. Amen.  

Wednesday, 1 October 2025   but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. Matthew 13:25   “And in the ‘sleeps the men,' he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began the parable of the wheat and the darnel. He continues now, saying, “And in the ‘sleeps the men,'”   Fields are not normally things that get attacked. In daily life, people go out to their fields, come in, and eventually go to bed. Guards are not posted, and there are usually no walls or fences around agricultural fields unless it is an area which necessitates it.   In this case, while those who work in the field were sleeping, Jesus continues with, “he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away.”   A new word, zizanion, darnel, is introduced. It refers to a poisonous rye grass that closely resembles wheat as it sprouts out of the earth. It is used figuratively when speaking of false believers who spring up among those who truly believe.   The man had an enemy who disliked him enough to actually go in and cause him grief. But in this world, there are all kinds of people who are willing to harm others simply because they have a personal beef with them. This is not unheard of in the Bible. Though the reasons are given, what occurred between Absalom and Joab shows that a person's crops can be a target between those who disagree at times –   “And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king's face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come. 30 So he said to his servants, ‘See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.' And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom's house, and said to him, ‘Why have your servants set my field on fire?'” 2 Samuel 14:28-31   Life application: Jesus' words could be considered from many different angles. We could apply them to our work environment, our family life, our church, etc. When we are being productive in a particular area, it is to be expected that there is someone lurking in the distance who will want to tear what we do apart.   For example, in the United States, there is a constitution that provides certain guarantees for the citizens of the nation. The people of the nation have taken these rights for granted and have been inattentive to those who hate the freedoms we possess. Many of these enemies are right within our borders, and they have crept into all levels of government, even to the presidency.   While the people of the nation slept through times of prosperity and abundance, the enemy has been planting seeds of discord, immorality, and un-American ideals throughout our school systems. Now, instead of a good crop of sound-minded, freedom-loving Americans, we are faced with entire populations of people who actively hate the prosperity they participate in.   They hate the rights granted by the Constitution because these rights take away the opportunity for societal control that they desire, and which has been instilled in them by the enemies of freedom.   This happens in churches as well. It is so prevalent that there are ministries dedicated to getting people out of churches that steal away the freedoms found in the Bible in order to control their followers. For example, Ministry Watch published an article entitled, Ministry Helps Christians Escape ‘High-Control' Churches.   High control over churchgoers is one of the surest ways to keep followers giving lots of money and effort to a church. When a church teaches people that one's salvation must continue to be earned after it has been received, the people find themselves in a state of bondage never taught in Scripture.   However, it is the most common of all teachings. It permeates Roman Catholic doctrine. It is awash in Adventism, it overflows in Holiness churches, etc. Even in churches where grace is taught, there are often subtle undertones of implied necessity to do things, such as tithing.   Why are people bound in such situations? In America, it is because the people put too much trust in their leaders and do not take the time to understand the source of their freedoms, meaning knowing what the Constitution says and what the founders wrote about its precepts.   In the church, people likewise put too much trust in spiritual authorities. Instead of reading the Bible and understanding its precepts, they allow those who work in the darkness, meaning their ignorance, to destroy the good crop that they are entitled to.   Be on the lookout by knowing what the source says, be it the US Constitution for political matters or the Bible for your spiritual walk. Don't let the wicked people of the world deprive you of your rightful heritage!   Lord God, we have a religion that is founded on the greatest work of all, that of Jesus Christ. It is a religion of faith in what He has done. May we not squander our right to this by listening to others who would rob us of this precious freedom in one of so many ways. Help us to know and rightly apply the word to our walk before You! Amen.  

Saturday, 1 November 2025   And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” Matthew 13:56   “And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” (CG).   In the previous verse, the people of Nazareth questioned Jesus about His father, mother, and brothers. Their words continue with, “And His sisters.”   The word translated as “sister” is adelphé. It is the feminine form of adelphos, brother, and carries the same connotation, one of the same womb. As with the previous verse, however, the word can figuratively be extended to a person in a figurative sense –   “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters [adelphé], with all purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1, 2   For this reason, the Roman Catholic Church and others who hold to the perpetual virginity of Mary insist that the words here extend to daughters of Joseph and not daughters of Mary, despite the obvious intent of the words to indicate actual sisters having been born to Mary.   Mary, not some unnamed former wife, is spoken of in the same context as the rest of the family, making her the natural connection to these sisters. As for the number of them, that is to be inferred from the next words, “not they are all with us?”   Although no number is set, it is telling us that there were three or more sisters. Otherwise, it would have said, “isn't she here with us,” or “are not both of them here with us.” Not only was Mary not a perpetual virgin, apart from Jesus, but she had at least seven other children. Having noted Joseph, Mary, and the siblings of Jesus, demonstrating complete familiarity with the family, the people next exclaim, “Whence then this – these all?”   The words are referring to “this wisdom and the miracles” mentioned in verse 54. In other words, everything about Jesus and His family was laid out before the people through years of close interaction.   And yet, somehow, He suddenly appeared to them with incredible abilities that surpassed the normal life He previously lived. They could not understand how Jesus could have gone from a simple Son of an artificer to a great miracle worker and biblical scholar.   Life application: The supposed perpetual virginity of Mary is never taught in Scripture. It is unfathomable that God would present such a doctrine without clear and unambiguous evidence for it. And yet, a normal read through the text would lead anyone with a modicum of honesty to conclude that Jesus was the Son of Mary and the others mentioned here were as well.   The only result to be realized from this aberrant doctrine is to cause Scripture itself to be violated. The words of Hebrews 12:2 implore Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus, not Mary, Paul, David, or Moses. To highlight Mary's role, as has been done by the Roman Catholic Church, destroys this precept.   Be wise, filled with prudence when dealing with doctrinal and theological issues, and consider what God is doing and why. Don't accept people's teachings just because they seem authoritative or because they have some particular trait that makes them seem special.   For example, it is as common as peanuts in peanut brittle in Christian circles today to highlight Bible teachers simply because they are Jewish. It is as if being Jewish elevates people to some supposed level of biblical knowledge that must be listened to and adhered to. It is a ridiculous way to handle one's biblical studies.   Whether someone has a PhD, can read and write Hebrew and/or Greek, or has a large congregation, such things have nothing to do with adherence to Scripture. Evaluate your teachers based on how they teach the word of God. And guess what, this is impossible unless you yourself know the word well enough to do so. Read the Bible!   Glorious God Almighty, help each of us to desire knowing Your word above even the food we eat. May we listen to it, meditate on it, and cherish it in our hearts and minds all the days of our lives. To Your glory. Amen.