Matthew (Pt. I)
It is interesting the genealogy of Jesus includes Rehab the harlot, Bathsheba, etc. I wonder if there is significance in generational numbers? Joseph being a righteous man did not want to shame Mary— I wonder if this gives us a glimpse into how righteous men see Marriage and divorce, especially adultery, or rather how God sees it? How does a righteous man or woman deal with an adulterous spouse?
The Slaughter of the Innocence: This is the only place this is recorded. But this does not necessarily discredit. It seems at least two years had passed between the birth of Christ and Matthew 2. Bethlehem would only have been around 400 people at this time, so there would not have been many 0-2 year olds in the village. This would have not been noteworthy to record elsewhere, especially for a Herod to slaughter a few children considering how cruel the Herod’s were.
John the Baptizer is on the scene preaching repentance and baptism. The reference of Isaiah speaks of the greatness of God. Prior passages in Isaiah prophecy that King Hezekiah will be carried away to Babylon. References in the Bible are intentional, but I’d need to look into this more to determine meaning. It is interesting that Jesus was baptized— why? Baptism washes away sins and Jesus had no sin… In any event, if baptism was good enough for Jesus, perhaps it is good for me too?
Jesus is lead by the spirit and is tempted by the Devil. He quotes scripture to fend off the Devil and in all three instances it appears he quotes the Law in Deuteronomy. There is likely much to glean here on a later date. Jesus then fulfills prophecy in Isaiah 9. The prophecy appears to be a Messianic prophecy of a righteous ruler (called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) who will set Israel on the proper path. The prophecy is followed by judgement against Israel. When Jesus begins His ministry, he also begins selecting His disciples. Rabbinic teachers in this time often had followers and disciples that followed them. I wonder how long was the exchange between Jesus and Peter/ Andrew? Surely longer than just the words, “follow me?” In any event, great faith was required to leave everything and follow Jesus.
Who are great in God’s kingdom? Those who are poor in spirit; those who mourn, he will comfort them; those who have the power to be warriors, but stay their sword; those who are starved and hunger for righteousness, he will satisfy them; those who show mercy, he will show them mercy in kind. He will be seen by them. The peacemaker, He will greet them as sons of God. Those who have been persecuted for Him, for they shall be of God’s Kingdom and rule. Those who bare insult, persecution and evil for the sake of God. Their reward will be great in the Kingdom.
Who are the disciples of God? They are the salt of the earth. They give it flavor. They are the light of the world. They are to be seen (yet be humble) by men so that they may glorify God. They revere God’s law as the word of the living God. They obey and keep its precepts. They teach the world to do the same.
How shall the disciples of God behave? The disciple does not harbor hate in his heart. He does not lash out verbally or physically; therefore, he seeks the resolve conflict quickly. A disciple does not lust after a woman who is not his wife. He is to take drastic action if he is burdened by lust. Remove an eye. Cut off a hand. Flee from temptation! Do not allow lust to be entertained even in the smallest degree. A disciple does not divorce the woman he married. Remember how Joseph was a honorable man? How different things may have been if Jesus grew up without a physical farther? A disciple does not make false vows but keeps his word. It is sinful to break vows— perhaps the disciple should not make the vow in the first place… let your yes be yes, and no, no. A disciple does not seek retribution. An eye for an eye makes the world blind. A disciple endures humiliation and does not respond in kind. He bares it. A disciple loves all. His neighbor, his brother, and his enemy. Especially his enemy.
A follower of Christ is to give without announcing it or with pomp and flair. They are to do so with discernment as to not be glorified by men, but rather in humility to glorify God. A follower of Christ does not seek praise from men. He does not show off his righteousness or adopt a “more holier than thou” attitude. He rejects hypocrisy.
Jesus models a prayer for His disciples, which consists of the following structure:
Glory to God;
His will be done;
Daily sustenance;
Forgiveness of our sins; &
Protection.
There is a lot of meat in this chapter for us. A few great quotes from it:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our heart, our thoughts, our motives will lie with our treasure. What we treasure will dictate our direction. If for world possessions, we will be consumed by them. If for God, we will be consumed in His glory.
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clean, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” What you see is what you get. If you view corruption and evil, you will be full of corruption and evil, and if you view good and righteousness, you will be full of good and righteousness. Bounce those eyes.
“No one can serve two masters,” and “You cannot serve God and wealth.” Like the first quote above, what you pursue will be your master.
This reminds me of another quote I’ve heard many times: “money [wealth] can be a good servant, or a terrible master.” Pursue the yoke of Christ, not the yoke of greed and despair.
Jesus’ cure for anxiety: Do not be worried about your life— what you will eat, drink or be clothed with. The Lord will provide. We must have faith and trust that He will do what He says He will do. The cure is this: “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you… So do not be worried about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
We will be judged by the same standard which we judge others. A follower of Christ must first address himself before he can address others. This requires honesty to address our own state, and humility to shut up.
God will provide what is good for us if only we ask. This is not to be confused with prosperity gospel, but rather, in the context of spiritual things. Solomon asked for wisdom and God granted it to him. The gate of life is narrow and the narrow— so always stop to check your step, your motives, etc. A tree is known by its produce— much as a Christian. A Christian is known by his fruit. A fruit tree that does not produce fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. A good fruit tree has strong roots— when the winds and the rain come, it remains strong!
I think the key word would be faith here— faith healed the leper and the Centurion’s son. Faith is required to follow Jesus as well as take action. Faith is not mere speculation or belief— it has to have action associated with it! The lepers traveled some distance to Jesus to be healed. The Centurion traveled some distance to Jesus on behalf of his son. The believers in v. 18-22 lacked action.
It has been argued that Jesus did not say He was God in the Gospels, except for John (they then argue we must also exclude John because it is “obviously” biased or some other silly reason). But they are wrong— by calling Himself the “Son of Man,” (from Daniel 7 which is a Messianic prophecy where the “Son of Man” is seated at the right hand of the Ancient of Days and is given power and dominion), He is stating He is equal to God (and is in fact, God).
Responding to a comment on why Jesus eats with tax collectors, He quotes: “I desire compassion and not sacrifice,” literal translation is I desire mercy more than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). In the context of Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees who criticized Him, He sates he is there for the sick, much like a physician. Furthermore he quotes Hosea, wherein compassion and mercy are more important than sacrifice. Recall that Hosea took as his wife a Harlot, who represented Israel’s idolatry, but how did Hosea and God respond to her unfaithfulness? By loving her when no one else would. That is love and that is more important than the sacrifices we memorialize to God. Love and mercy.
Fasting is a discipline that most all Christians neglect. To remove something you need for a period of time in order to achieve, or attain something else is important. They will fast when Jesus is no longer with them.
Like the prior chapter, faith is also an important element here. Several more accounts of great faith in Jesus leading to healing. The people were distressed and downcast. What do we know about this time? Jews no longer had sovereignty. Ruled by the Romans, which the relationship was very strained at best. They had been in states of captivity and rebellion, for hundreds of years. There were many false prophets and revolts (think of the Maccabees). Inept leadership. Widespread poverty and misery. The harvest was plentiful for love, mercy and discipleship.
Jesus sends His disciples out to preach the gospel to Israel— “the rule of God is at hand’ (lit. has come near).
v.. 12-13- “Peace” appears to be something that can be given or taken away.
v. 15- What, or which, day of judgement is he referring to? If we took the position that “day of judgement” could be 70 AD and the end of the world, or end of that world, one would be within the lifetime of the apostles and not 2,000 years and counting… One would condemn that group to judgement within the lifetime for rejecting the gospel and the other would not. I guess it could be argued that if they were “judged” at the end of the world (2,000+ years), it would still be a destruction worse than Sodom and Gomorrah, which it would, but I’m not sure how fitting it would be in context while discussing this with the apostles.
v. 16- “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Be clever and discerning, but be peaceful. Could also be the word similar to “meek”— one who knows how to use their sword, but who restrains himself and keeps it sheathed.
v.22- Salvation to the one who endures. To endure is a mark of the Christian.
v. 23- “Until the Son of Man comes.” What does this mean and when? I’d tend to think that within the context here, the Son of Man (Dan. 7) is coming in the day of judgement (v.15). Here the disciples will not finish going through the cities of Israel.
The disciple is the follower of the Father, and the disciple is valuable to the father. Jesus will confess the disciple in front of the father. Jesus quotes Micah 7:6, a prophecy against Israel wherein the prophet is accusing all Israel of wickedness. Jesus is coming in judgement of Israel. But to those who follow, who endure to the end, a reward will be given.
John the Baptizer hears of Jesus’ ministry and sends his disciples, asking if Jesus is the “Coming One.” Are they not related and did John not know- even after baptizing Him? Jesus responds in the affirmative. Perhaps John was perplexed- here he was in prison for teaching of the coming of the Messiah, and repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and Jesus was not yet openly revealing himself. Perhaps John was discouraged? Jesus answers, “The blind receive sight” (Isa. 35:5— in the context of God’s wrath coming and subsequent rejoicing, perhaps afterwards?); The “poor have the gospel preached to them” (Isa. 61:1). In both scriptures it seems to reference a time of great joy after judgement.
I believe Jesus cites Mal. 3 referencing a prophet sent beforehand. John the Baptizer is great, but Jesus says he who is last in the Kingdom is greater than John. The prophets and the Law prophesied up to the coming of John (which if this is the case, what prophecies would be left unfulfilled? Certainly all prophecy would be fulfilled with Jesus). I’m not sure what to make of the comparison between John and Jesus regarding eating, drinking, etc. “And yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds” — I like that phase.
Jesus then pronounces judgement on the unrepenting cities that he sent His disciples to. If He is correct that all of the prophets and Law prophesied up until John, then He is prophesying of their destruction. He does this all in the same discussion of “this wicked generation.”
Last is a prayer to God and an invitation. Jesus offers rest and peace for the weary. He offers this to those who come to Him. His yoke is easy and His burden light.
The Pharisees are arguing with Jesus’ disciples for pulling the grain heads off as they walked by on the Sabbath. Jesus sites two examples to refute them- when David and his companions eat the consecrated bread in the temple (1 Samuel 21), and when priests break the Sabbath and are innocent. Jesus then sites Hosea 6:6, “ I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice.” Is it better to do good when opportunity presents itself, or for us to sacrifice? The Pharisees were good at keeping the Law, they were not good at loving their neighbor or showing compassion. Legalistic groups can get out of skew by placing emphasis on obedience (which is not to say they are wrong) but neglecting compassion for the sinner and the one in need. Although the song has rough language and I do not support that kind of talk, the song “What its like” by Everlast comes to mind:
“We've all seen a man at the liquor store beggin' for your change, The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange, He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes, "Get a job you… slob," is all he replies, God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes, 'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues…
Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love, He said, "don't worry about a thing, baby doll I'm the man you've been dreaming of." But three months later he say he won't date her or return her calls…. And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walking through the door, They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner and they call her a…….., God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes, 'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose…”
We’d do well to show compassion to the sinner.
Jesus then states the “Son of Man” (Daniel 7) is Lord of the Sabbath. Wishing to trap Jesus, they question Him, “is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” They likely knew Jesus would heal the man. Jesus uses an example of a sheep falling in a pit and lifting it out of the pit to save if from death. How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? He concludes it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath— His answer broadly says “yes it is lawful to do good.” The Pharisees (who were devote religious men) then sought to destroy Him. Another good reminder of how devout men can become sons of the Devil. Matthew records Isaiah 42:1 as being fulfilled trough Jesus. Jesus is the steward who God has chosen.
A demon possessed man is brought out to Jesus and the man is healed. Seeing this, the crowds are astonished and ask if this is the “Son of David?” I am unsure exactly what reference this is, whether it is referring to simple a Jew (ie., the sons of David), or rather a specific Messianic prophecy. I suspect the latter. The Pharisees then accuse Jesus of casting out demons by “Beelzebub the ruler of Demons.”
Jesus explains that a house divided cannot stand. Satan cannot divide himself by casting out himself. I do not know what the reference to their sons is. This would require further research. Perhaps versus 28 reference to the rule of God coming is Jesus saying that His appearance and casting out demons is God’s rule coming and Messianic prophecy being fulfilled.
The “unpardonable sin” is difficult to understand as well. It is obvious you are either His or not, follower or not. But I do not know what it is to speak a word against the “Holy Spirit” and how this fits in the context herein with the Pharisees. Perhaps they were committing an unpardonable sin? “This age or the age to come” (lit., this ion or the ion to come). “This age” is different from the “age to come.” Age= epoch, a set, but undeterminable (to man) time frame, that is followed by another set time frame.
Our words reveal our hearts and our character. They reveal what goes on inside. Jesus continues His condemnation of the Pharisees and tells them they are evil- that poison comes from their mouth and are incapable of speaking good. Jesus tells them they will give an accounting of every word they speak. This versus is often uses to say we will give an account of every word, and if that is the case, will a sin no longer be remembered? (Heb. 8:12).
The Pharisees then ask for a sign. Jesus calls them an evil and adulterous generation (to the Pharisees who enjoyed high standing in Jewish society this would have been a grave insult). Jesus says the sign of Jonah will be given- that is, the Son of Man (Jesus) will be dead in the earth for three days and three nights as Jonah was in the belly of the fish, and will then be raised from the dead. I have read a fairly compelling argument in The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence of Christ, by Brant Pitre, that Jonah actually died in the belly of the fish and was raised from the dead. One important distinction that I do not think would be lost on the Jewish reader of Jesus’ statement referencing Jonah, Nineveh repented and was spared judgement, whereas Israel will not repent and will not be sparred judgement. Jesus says they (from Nineveh) will condemn this generation at the judgement. Likewise the Queen of the South (not sure on this reference).
The next portion is a little hard for me to fit into a succinct thought with the previous ones, but the unclean spirit leaves the man and passes through waterless places. “Waterless places” perhaps means places that cannot sustain life- desert, arid, no life giving waters, etc. Does an unclean spirit need life giving waters? By what manner does the spirit leave? Does the man force him out?
If the passage has the meaning I have understood and heard, the man puts the spirit out- in application: the sin, the lifestyle, etc. But then does not fill the void with Godly righteousness. So when the sin “comes back",” it is worse than the previous state of sin, much worse. In my own life this has been true when the void was not filled with Godly things or not cultivated properly. But how does this interpretation fit with the Pharisees, the age of Jonah, the Queen of the South, etc.? I do not have an answer for that at this time. Reference to “this evil generation” should be noted as Jesus frequently referred to the current generation he lived with as evil. Often, he spoke of judgment of that generation.
Lastly in this chapter, Jesus makes a point that those who do the will of His Father who is in heaven, will be His collective family. The family of Christ is all encompassing.
Jesus appears to leave to sit by the sea. As a large crowd gathers around Him, he launches a boat and begins to preach his first parable to the crowds. Jesus’ first parable is the Parable of the Sower.
The sower (Christ) goes out to sow seed (the word of the Kingdom, gospel). Some seed falls on the road and is eaten by birds. This is those who hear and do not listen and are immediately snatched up by the evil one. Other seed fell on rocky places and sprouted, but had no deep roots. These are the people who hears and are joyous, but never develop deep roots and wither spiritually when affliction comes, he turns away immediately. Other seed falls among thorns and as they grow they were chocked up by the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth. Finally, there are those who fall on the good soil. It is those who hear and understand, who produce lots of fruit and yield many crops.
I am bouncing between two parts of the chapter for the parable, but in between the parable and the explanation, Jesus is asked why he teaches in parables? He says, “it has been granted for them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God (the rule of God).” He tells them, “to him who has, more is given, to him who has not, what he has will be taken (I’ve heard this called the law of abundance).” I believe he is saying you are my disciples and the more you see and hear, the more you will understand and the less you see and hear, the less they will understand. The same is true, the more study the word, the scriptures, the parables, the more understanding we will gain. The less we do these things, the less we see and hear. Understanding is given to those who seek, not those who do not seek. If we seek first the kingdom of God, understanding and knowledge will be given to us. If we do not seek these things, what we have will be taken.
Jesus then makes references to several Old Testament prophecies as being fulfilled: Isaiah 42, Jeremiah 5:21, and Ezekiel 12:2.
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares is another parable relating to Messianic prophecy. The sower sows his seed into his field. One night his enemy comes and sows tares (weeds). As the seeds grow it is evident his enemy has sown tares and instead of tearing out the tares, which could possibly damage the wheat too, the owner of the field tells his workers to wait until harvest and they will reap the tares and burn them, and then the wheat into the barn.
Jesus explains the one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man (i.e., Jesus). We must be mindful of Messianic prophecy and context since Jesus references “Son of Man” which is a reference back to Daniel 7. The field is the world. The good seed are the sons of the Kingdom. The tares are the evil ones and the own who sowed the tares is the devil. The harvest is the “end of the age” (i.e., that word ion, a set block of time not to be confused with the world). In context with Daniel 7, the Parable of the Wheat and Tares is. parable relating to the judgement of Israel. I believe judgement on Israel is the “end of the age” which Jesus is speaking of. Furthermore, Jesus quotes Daniel 12:8, “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun.” This is a direct reference to end of the age and Messianic prophecy. Daniel prophesied to Israel, not the modern Christian, and Jesus is saying in this parable that He is here to fulfill Daniel’s prophecy.
My interpretation of Matthew 13 is limited to the context of Matthew 13 and Daniel 7/12, and any other passage which Jesus directly implicates Daniel, or other Messianic prophecy that deals directly with the judgement on Israel. Christians are very guilty of being closed minded and dogmatic on Biblical interpretation, especially when dealing with difficult concepts, such as eschatology (the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind). To understand this passage, I believe you have to follow the bread crumbs (or loafs…) that Jesus directly references (Daniel 7/12) to gather context, and you must resist the urge to bounce around the NT to justify your interpretation or the interpretation you have been taught. Deal directly with the passage and the direct references before chasing similar cross passages. And when you do jump to similar cross passages, use the ones that are directly applicable! This is easy in the Gospels for you have Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to cross examine. Only after you look to parallel accounts should you jump to other, nonlinear books.
Back to the book. Jesus goes on: The rule of God is like a mustard seed, which is tiny, small. But when it is planted it becomes a tree, larger than any other plant in the garden. I think Jesus is taking the reader back to the garden of Eden when God and man were in harmony. Where God provided rest, protection and food under the trees. Jesus is also quoting Ezekiel 31, a prophecy on Assyria. In Jesus’ day, the prophecies relating to Assyria would have been fulfilled. I think Jesus is using the harmony of the garden rather than the prophecy of Judgement on Assyria, but I will not take a strong opinion at this time.
The rule of God is like leaven hidden in flour which leavens the whole lump of dough. A little leaven goes a long way, although I’m undecided if that is what Jesus is getting at: The leaven of heaven hidden in a heart of a son of God will bring forth a much change.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field. If you knew it was there you would sell everything to buy the field and the treasure in it. It is that precious.
The rule of God is also like a pearl of great value. The merchant would sell everything in order to buy that one pearl.
The rule of God is like a dragnet that is cast in the sea. It scoops up indiscriminately and catches all with its net. At the end of the age (ion), the angels will sort out the wicked from the righteous. The wicked will be cast into the furnace. I think the idea of the dragnet is that all will be caught up at the end of the age and sorted out.
Jesus then asks if they understand these parable and they answer in the affirmative. The next sentence about the storefront is a little confusing and I am not sure about the meaning here.
Jesus returns to Nazareth and the people are astonished by His miracles at first, but then take offense because they knew Jesus, His mother and His siblings, as they grew up there. How could this man be the Messiah? Jesus’s father Joseph is not mentioned. Even though Jesus preforms miracles they turn against Him.
Herod hears of Jesus and believes that perhaps John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Herod had John executed on account of a promise to give Herodias’ daughter anything she wanted. If memory serves me correct, Herodias, Herod’s wife, was the step-sister of Herod and previously married to Phillip, who was Herod’s brother. The affair of Herod and Herodias began in scandal. The dance of Herodias’ daughter was likely highly sensual and she was likely well under age. All these things were not acceptable to Jews, much less gentile customs.
Upon hearing the news of John’s death by Herod’s hands, Jesus withdrew himself to a solitary place. A custom of Jesus that I think the modern Christian would do well to practice in times of distress. The crowds follow Jesus and Jesus has compassion on the crowds for they traveled great distances to hear Jesus without enough food or sustenance. Traveling to remote places without enough food would take a lot of faith. Jesus performs a miracle and feeds 5,000 men in addition to women and children.
Jesus has His disciples travel ahead of him to the other side of the sea towards the land of the Gennesaret. Jesus goes up to the mountain to be alone and pray. This is a practice that the Lord did often. He traveled to a remote place or mountain to be alone and pray. There is something special in being alone in God’s creation and meditating and praying.
Jesus looks out and sees that the boat that His disciples are in is being battered by the waves. I’m not sure if it was latter that he left, or immediately, but Jesus leaves and walks towards His disciples on the water. They of course are frightened by a man walking on the water until Jesus calls out to reassure them. Peter then says, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus replies, Come!” Peter gets into the water.
Peter gets a lot of flak from Christians today, but we have this perception that we would have done things differently. As Peter is walking on the water, he looks around and sees the wind, the waves, and becomes frightened and begins to sink into the water. Jesus stretches out His hand and saves him. A few points. Peter was hand selected by the Jesus to His disciple, and later Peter would be very instrumental in the early Church. I think we foolish if we presume that Peter was weak and we’d do something different (such as deny Christ)! Second, like Peter, do we not see the winds of life and grow discouraged and loose faith? We’re not immune. Lastly, Jesus reaches out and saves. We must be cognizant of our situation and must maintain our faith, even in times of storms.
When Jesus and the disciples reach Gennesaret, a crowd forms around them and they begin to heal all who were sick. They (the folks who came to Jesus) wish only to touch his cloak to be healed, and Matthew makes a point to say many of them touched Jesus’ cloak to be healed. We see Jesus and His disciples laboring in the Kingdom, taking care of the poor, and preaching the Gospel (or I assume He was preaching the Gospel here). Always laboring for the Glory of God. We too should heed this example.
