Matthew 1-7

Matthew 1

 Background:
The book of Matthew is believed to be penned in the last quarter of the first century by Matthew who was a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is one of 4 gospels that describe the life and times of Jesus Christ.

See that chapter in full below with *** by my study comments..... 

Matthew chapter 1
1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.


*** It would be a great error to skip over all these generational names as so many do. It must be noted that Matthew is writing with a purpose to show/document that Jesus was the One predicted to come from the Jewish blood line of David. These names and lineage are very critical to the identity of Jesus the Christ! They are more then just a bunch of funny sounding names but they are the path, steps and proof of who Jesus really was in the flesh! He was God stepping right into history! See 2 Sam 7:12-13 / Romans 1:3 as scriptures that mention the Christ coming from King David. 


2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;


*** Abraham is mentioned here and it needs to be noted that He was the Father of all of Israel. See Genesis 17 / Learned Jews who knew the Torah would understand him as their Father. The notion of a Messiah coming from Abraham's own blood line should have had great meaning to the Jews at the time, but for most it is was missed all together! Praise God we have the finished Word so we do not have to miss it but can rejoice in it.


3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;


*** A detailed reading of these names reveals an interesting truth. In this area of the lineage a woman is mentioned Rachab or Rahab. Who was this woman you ask? She was the inn keeper/prostitute that was made famous for helping some of Israel's spies escape. See Joshua 2 / So a prostitute is in the blood line of Jesus the Christ the sinless Savior. This just shows us as, with David and his sin, the Messiah has a blood line that runs right through a murderer (King David)  and a harlot (Rahab) and many other sinful people. It is though the power of God's grace and Christ's blood, redemption can be found and that is the HOPE of the gospel good news! See the gospel here: https://www.dontperish.com/the-gospel.html  


6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;


*** Here it is that the lineage takes us through David the King of Israel. This is very important as I stated that David holds a special place within Israel as King and he was a man after God's heart. See 1 Sam 13:14.  Notice how the Holy word of God covers up no man's sin? David's blood line is marked with the birth of Solomon and it notes, he was of the wife that had been of Urias, the man David had killed. See 2 Sam 11:14. Critics of the word of God have a hard time dealing with the facts that God hides NO man's sin but he in fact calls us to repent of it, forsake it and then through the Messiah He will cleanse us of it. Unlike man's habit to HIDE sin, God posts it in His eternal Word for all the world to see, then He triumphs over it, redeeming men for His own glory!

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;


*** The lineage takes us to a point and it shows how detailed and exact the Word of God really is. Here it mentions the fact that Israel was taken into captivity into Babylon. This happened about 600 BC and it is an interesting study for another time. See Jeremiah 29:4-14


13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.


***Here we get the the earthly parents of Jesus the Christ in Joseph and Mary. It should be noted here that Luke 3 also gives a generational lineage as well but it goes from the first man Adam all the way to Jesus, the last Adam. See 1 Cor 15:45-47  


17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.


*** Matthew lays out for us the number of generations from Abraham to Jesus. The Word 'generations' is used 75 times in the OT Word and only 5 times in the NT Word. This shows us that God, in the OT, was using the passing of time and men's lives as a foundation to reveal His will and plan in the holy Messiah to come. See Genesis 3:15. Today we do not understand that knowing our past generations is all that important. "Who cares" most would say! The truth, is few people even know their own history beyond their great grand parents. The idea of "who we came from" is far less important today then of whom do we believe! The reason these past generations matter was to reveal Jesus the Messiah and PROVE He was who he said He was so we could trust in His finished work to the saving of our soul! His past is so VERY relevant compared to yours or mine. 

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.


***Here we learn of the planned marriage of Mary to Joseph. Espoused "mnesteuo" in Greek means to be promised in marriage. It is similar to what we call an "engagement" today but they were considered married with the consummation to make it official and complete. This is an archetype of us as a bride and for Jesus to come get us as  the Bridegroom. See 2 Cor 11:2  We are promised, but it is yet to be completed. In a critical point in God's Messiah plan, Mary is made "with child by the Holy Spirit" and we see this was predicted in Isaiah 7:14. This assures us of the fact that Christ has a duel nature in that he was both fully man and fully God. He could now live as we must live in the flesh ( see John 1 as he is the Word made flesh ) being tempted yet he could be perfect and over come for us. See Luke 9:62.  You may ask how was Jesus really the son of Joseph if he was conceived by the Holy Spirit? (Joseph was NOT his real father) A very interesting point must be understood here. If at any time a child was adopted into a family, he would gain the standing as an heir of the man who adopted him as if he was really born of him. This matters as we ourselves get to be adopted into Christ by faith and His work so we get to share an inheritance of heaven/eternal life. Isn't that beautiful and so hopeful? 


19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.


***The soon to be husband, Joseph, learns of her pregnancy and wants to quietly leave her as he views it as a sin and unfaithfulness. Joseph shows a kind of archetype of Christ as he does not want to shame Mary but he seeks to protect Mary even as he thinks she was unfaithful to him. This is similar to what Jesus did for the woman caught in adultery. See John 8.  This is also a good example of people being destroyed without knowledge. See Hosea 4:6.  Joseph was a just man and had no idea of what God has done with Mary. 


20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.


*** Imagine Joseph and his situation. A just Jewish man about to take a young virgin bride and she is found pregnant! There was hardly a more severe sin in that culture, but he did NOT act quickly out of the flesh or anger but it says "while he thought on these things". He was pondering it all wasn't he? We could all learn form Joseph as we are called to act in wisdom never in the flesh. See Matt 10:16 and Roman 8:1.  An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and fills him in as to God's plan. Note: we do not have angels appearing nor is God speaking to us in this way today, as God is DONE revealing His Word and we have the finished Word in the bible. See Hebrews 1.  The angel goes on to reveal things to Joseph.   


21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.


***Here we learn the name God gave His Son, Jesus, and that name means Jehovah is Salvation. Jehovah is the name the Jews understood from the Torah law. His name foretells His very destiny to save men from their sins. It is in these words we see revealed one of the main goals of Jesus the Christ. He is coming to rescue a people for the Fathers glory. He will save us from our sins and be the Lamb of God fur us. See John 1:29.  Jesus said Himself; "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. in Luke 5:32


22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,


*** Notice the words 'that it might be fulfilled" from the prophets via the Lord. Jesus the Christ is the culmination of all the prophets proclaiming His coming and it must be noted that He ends His life with these words in John 19:30 “It is finished!”. In the Greek finished "teleo" means fulfilled. The scripture had to be fulfilled and he came to fulfill the plan of salvation for us. While many may find the in-depth word for word study ( called expository ) of God's Word to be boring or mundane, it is far from it. It is the only way to lay the eternal bricks in our foundation ( Eph 2:20-21 ) of a saving faith in Christ. It shows the proof of who He is and how He was always predicted to come. In fact, it is so exacting it tells us WHO He will come through, it shows HOW he came into the world and it tell us WHAT he is going to do. It also reveals exactly how He will RETURN one day. See Matt 24 & 2 Thess 1:8-9.  What a glorious God, Word and Savior we do have! 


23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 


*** In this verse we see the angel proclaiming what is coming to pass and again it is predicted in Isaiah 7:14 and in Michah 5:2. The Word of God is filled with so many deep meaningful words like Emmanuel. it literally means "God with us". While all the other world's faiths reach up to their god, He, the Creator, is the ONLY One who reached down to dwell among us. 


24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:


***After the angel reveals all that has come to pass to Joseph, notice how he wakes up and HE OBEYS God! What just happened to this man has upset his own world and plans for his marriage and family. But does it phase Joseph to grumble? No! This matters as Jesus the Christ is coming to save a people who actually OBEY Him. See Hebrews 5:9.  We see this obeying theology echoed all over God's Word yet people today try to undermine obedience (as fruit you have a saving faith) to say they can be saved while having a faith that does not move them to obey. What foolishness and God will not be mocked. See Gal 6.


25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.


*** In the final verse of Matthew 1, we see that Joseph is a great example of the kind of man we all should aim to be. This man gets his entire plans ripped out from under him, his world is shattered for a time in a instant and he is not saying "oh woe is me!" No, he is a man of faith and he acts that out in total obedience to the point he is fine with living a celibate life for over 9 months to honor God. Instead of a flesh fulfilling, exciting, sensual honeymoon, Joseph is waiting on God and in that, he finds his faith and great pleasure. Oh I want to be a Joseph!!! Background:
The book of Matthew is believed to be penned in the last quarter of the first century by Matthew who was a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is one of 4 gospels that describe the life and times of Jesus Christ.

See that chapter in full below with *** by my study comments..... 

Matthew chapter 1
1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.


*** It would be a great error to skip over all these generational names as so many do. It must be noted that Matthew is writing with a purpose to show/document that Jesus was the One predicted to come from the Jewish blood line of David. These names and lineage are very critical to the identity of Jesus the Christ! They are more then just a bunch of funny sounding names but they are the path, steps and proof of who Jesus really was in the flesh! He was God stepping right into history! See 2 Sam 7:12-13 / Romans 1:3 as scriptures that mention the Christ coming from King David. 


2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;


*** Abraham is mentioned here and it needs to be noted that He was the Father of all of Israel. See Genesis 17 / Learned Jews who knew the Torah would understand him as their Father. The notion of a Messiah coming from Abraham's own blood line should have had great meaning to the Jews at the time, but for most it is was missed all together! Praise God we have the finished Word so we do not have to miss it but can rejoice in it.


3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;


*** A detailed reading of these names reveals an interesting truth. In this area of the lineage a woman is mentioned Rachab or Rahab. Who was this woman you ask? She was the inn keeper/prostitute that was made famous for helping some of Israel's spies escape. See Joshua 2 / So a prostitute is in the blood line of Jesus the Christ the sinless Savior. This just shows us as, with David and his sin, the Messiah has a blood line that runs right through a murderer (King David)  and a harlot (Rahab) and many other sinful people. It is though the power of God's grace and Christ's blood, redemption can be found and that is the HOPE of the gospel good news! See the gospel here: https://www.dontperish.com/the-gospel.html  


6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;


*** Here it is that the lineage takes us through David the King of Israel. This is very important as I stated that David holds a special place within Israel as King and he was a man after God's heart. See 1 Sam 13:14.  Notice how the Holy word of God covers up no man's sin? David's blood line is marked with the birth of Solomon and it notes, he was of the wife that had been of Urias, the man David had killed. See 2 Sam 11:14. Critics of the word of God have a hard time dealing with the facts that God hides NO man's sin but he in fact calls us to repent of it, forsake it and then through the Messiah He will cleanse us of it. Unlike man's habit to HIDE sin, God posts it in His eternal Word for all the world to see, then He triumphs over it, redeeming men for His own glory!

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;


*** The lineage takes us to a point and it shows how detailed and exact the Word of God really is. Here it mentions the fact that Israel was taken into captivity into Babylon. This happened about 600 BC and it is an interesting study for another time. See Jeremiah 29:4-14


13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.


***Here we get the the earthly parents of Jesus the Christ in Joseph and Mary. It should be noted here that Luke 3 also gives a generational lineage as well but it goes from the first man Adam all the way to Jesus, the last Adam. See 1 Cor 15:45-47  


17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.


*** Matthew lays out for us the number of generations from Abraham to Jesus. The Word 'generations' is used 75 times in the OT Word and only 5 times in the NT Word. This shows us that God, in the OT, was using the passing of time and men's lives as a foundation to reveal His will and plan in the holy Messiah to come. See Genesis 3:15. Today we do not understand that knowing our past generations is all that important. "Who cares" most would say! The truth, is few people even know their own history beyond their great grand parents. The idea of "who we came from" is far less important today then of whom do we believe! The reason these past generations matter was to reveal Jesus the Messiah and PROVE He was who he said He was so we could trust in His finished work to the saving of our soul! His past is so VERY relevant compared to yours or mine. 

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.


***Here we learn of the planned marriage of Mary to Joseph. Espoused "mnesteuo" in Greek means to be promised in marriage. It is similar to what we call an "engagement" today but they were considered married with the consummation to make it official and complete. This is an archetype of us as a bride and for Jesus to come get us as  the Bridegroom. See 2 Cor 11:2  We are promised, but it is yet to be completed. In a critical point in God's Messiah plan, Mary is made "with child by the Holy Spirit" and we see this was predicted in Isaiah 7:14. This assures us of the fact that Christ has a duel nature in that he was both fully man and fully God. He could now live as we must live in the flesh ( see John 1 as he is the Word made flesh ) being tempted yet he could be perfect and over come for us. See Luke 9:62.  You may ask how was Jesus really the son of Joseph if he was conceived by the Holy Spirit? (Joseph was NOT his real father) A very interesting point must be understood here. If at any time a child was adopted into a family, he would gain the standing as an heir of the man who adopted him as if he was really born of him. This matters as we ourselves get to be adopted into Christ by faith and His work so we get to share an inheritance of heaven/eternal life. Isn't that beautiful and so hopeful? 


19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.


***The soon to be husband, Joseph, learns of her pregnancy and wants to quietly leave her as he views it as a sin and unfaithfulness. Joseph shows a kind of archetype of Christ as he does not want to shame Mary but he seeks to protect Mary even as he thinks she was unfaithful to him. This is similar to what Jesus did for the woman caught in adultery. See John 8.  This is also a good example of people being destroyed without knowledge. See Hosea 4:6.  Joseph was a just man and had no idea of what God has done with Mary. 


20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.


*** Imagine Joseph and his situation. A just Jewish man about to take a young virgin bride and she is found pregnant! There was hardly a more severe sin in that culture, but he did NOT act quickly out of the flesh or anger but it says "while he thought on these things". He was pondering it all wasn't he? We could all learn form Joseph as we are called to act in wisdom never in the flesh. See Matt 10:16 and Roman 8:1.  An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and fills him in as to God's plan. Note: we do not have angels appearing nor is God speaking to us in this way today, as God is DONE revealing His Word and we have the finished Word in the bible. See Hebrews 1.  The angel goes on to reveal things to Joseph.   


21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.


***Here we learn the name God gave His Son, Jesus, and that name means Jehovah is Salvation. Jehovah is the name the Jews understood from the Torah law. His name foretells His very destiny to save men from their sins. It is in these words we see revealed one of the main goals of Jesus the Christ. He is coming to rescue a people for the Fathers glory. He will save us from our sins and be the Lamb of God fur us. See John 1:29.  Jesus said Himself; "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. in Luke 5:32


22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,


*** Notice the words 'that it might be fulfilled" from the prophets via the Lord. Jesus the Christ is the culmination of all the prophets proclaiming His coming and it must be noted that He ends His life with these words in John 19:30 “It is finished!”. In the Greek finished "teleo" means fulfilled. The scripture had to be fulfilled and he came to fulfill the plan of salvation for us. While many may find the in-depth word for word study ( called expository ) of God's Word to be boring or mundane, it is far from it. It is the only way to lay the eternal bricks in our foundation ( Eph 2:20-21 ) of a saving faith in Christ. It shows the proof of who He is and how He was always predicted to come. In fact, it is so exacting it tells us WHO He will come through, it shows HOW he came into the world and it tell us WHAT he is going to do. It also reveals exactly how He will RETURN one day. See Matt 24 & 2 Thess 1:8-9.  What a glorious God, Word and Savior we do have! 


23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 


*** In this verse we see the angel proclaiming what is coming to pass and again it is predicted in Isaiah 7:14 and in Michah 5:2. The Word of God is filled with so many deep meaningful words like Emmanuel. it literally means "God with us". While all the other world's faiths reach up to their god, He, the Creator, is the ONLY One who reached down to dwell among us. 


24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:


***After the angel reveals all that has come to pass to Joseph, notice how he wakes up and HE OBEYS God! What just happened to this man has upset his own world and plans for his marriage and family. But does it phase Joseph to grumble? No! This matters as Jesus the Christ is coming to save a people who actually OBEY Him. See Hebrews 5:9.  We see this obeying theology echoed all over God's Word yet people today try to undermine obedience (as fruit you have a saving faith) to say they can be saved while having a faith that does not move them to obey. What foolishness and God will not be mocked. See Gal 6.


25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.


*** In the final verse of Matthew 1, we see that Joseph is a great example of the kind of man we all should aim to be. This man gets his entire plans ripped out from under him, his world is shattered for a time in a instant and he is not saying "oh woe is me!" No, he is a man of faith and he acts that out in total obedience to the point he is fine with living a celibate life for over 9 months to honor God. Instead of a flesh fulfilling, exciting, sensual honeymoon, Joseph is waiting on God and in that, he finds his faith and great pleasure. Oh I want to be a Joseph!!! 

Matthew 2

See the chapter in full below in blue with *** by my study comments. 

Watch and see how some key prophecies of Christ are fulfilled 
within this chapter clearly showing He was Who He claimed to be!

1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

***Chapter 2 starts out with a declaring of Jesus birth in the very place it was predicted He would come out of. See Mich 5:2  and Genesis 49:10. These are some of the MANY prophecies that Jesus' life fulfilled, proving He was the Messiah to come. We also see wise men appearing from the East, seeking after Christ. Since they came from the East, these men could have known about the scriptures from Daniel, perhaps from Persia. Daniel 9:24-27 talks of a time line for the Messiah and Numbers 24 also predicts a star. It should be noted here that worldly Christmas songs have proven how a lie restated enough times, becomes a truth. The song says 3 wise men appear but scripture says NO such thing as no number is given but there were three gifts brought.

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
*** These wise men had seen a star that guided them to the area of Christ's birth. They came to worship Him so they were God fearing men. We do not know much about that star as scripture does not tell us a great deal. But it was NOT fixed as a normal star as  "it moved before them". See verse 9 of Matthew 2. We don't know exactly but perhaps it was a pillar of fire as we saw in the Old Testament? Nehemiah 9:12 talks of a moving pillar that guided men. This is all very interesting and fitting as Christ is known as the bright and morning star.
Revelation 22:16
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
I think an interesting side note is that Christ is our light and just like the wise men, we must follow the light/our shepherd (John 10) to be of Him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

*** Herod was the ruler of the area of Israel and was known as a very evil man. (He even murdered his own sons.) He, himself, wanted to be considered the King of the Jews so hearing a 'so called' King of the Jews was born, surely must have enraged him. This shows us what pride and ego can do to a man. Scripture says it comes before the fall, Proverbs 16:18.
It says also that all of Jerusalem was troubled with Herod over Jesus birth. Perhaps they did not know another King or they were siding with such a evil ruler that had power over them. 

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

***Here Herod shows us that he did not know the scriptures himself (he was NOT a Jew by blood) and he relies on the religious leaders to counsel him to find Jesus. The priests and the scribes would have been students of the Word of God and Herod sought truth from those scriptures, even to do evil. 

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

***Here the religious leaders quote Genesis 49:10  showing they clearly knew where Christ was predicted to come out of. Note: they willingly handed that truth and info over to a evil King perhaps not knowing why Herod wanted this information. 

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

***Herod plays detective here as he questions the wise men about the star and the timing of it all. Privy means privately so Herod was being sneaky and we know he had evil motives at work. (Was he hiding this from the Jews??)  


8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

***So with the info that Bethlehem is the place and knowing a star points the why, Herod instructs them go find this King. Herod proves to be a liar (as evil men are) saying he wants to worship Christ. Remember; the wise men came to worship Christ so Herod is just playing up to them to find Christ. 


9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

*** Again we have the star showing the way, going before them and stopping right over Christ's location. This is NO normal star so it is a miraculous event. Notice it says where the 'young child' was. The word here in Greek is paidion and it can mean a infant or a small child. There is evidence that Jesus was perhaps as old as 2 years when the magi find him. ( read on )
   
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

*** Imagine this scene. These wise men of faith traveling far and long seeking out a new born King and at last... they find Him. I can relate as I rejoiced when I committed my life and found new life in Christ my King!!!!

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

*** Here is a clue to Christ's age. We know Jesus was born in a stable but by this time, he is in a house so time has passed. Falling down is not fainting or knocked out. Prostrate was and is a form of reverence for God, face down in humility towards Him. Here we see 3 gifts given to Jesus and that is where the 3 wise men may have been invented but we do not know the correct number of them and it does not matter.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

***Having found Christ, God alerts these men to NOT report to Herod (who had ill motives) and to get out of the area, another way. 

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

***God used dreams in these times to inform and guide people and we see two examples of it here. Today we have the finished Word to guide us. 

14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

*** Joseph being a wise man of faith does just as God instructs him to do. See how obedience pays off? Imagine if Joseph would have said, but I like it here so we are staying. When God speaks we are to OBEY! ( See Hebrews 5:9 ) 

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

*** Again an Old Testament scripture is fulfilled as Hosea 11:1 is referenced here that mentioned Christ coming out of Egypt. As an interesting foot note and archetype; see Exodus 12 where the Jews came out of Egypt after God frees them from it's centuries of slavery. 

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

*** Having an evil King is one thing but having a double crossed, mocked and angry, evil King is quite another! Notice here what Herod decrees; ALL children under 2 are to be put to death. Why he knew the King was a male? Perhaps Herod is taking some revenge on people he though may have helped the wise men? I do not know for sure but it is interesting he killed the females as well. 
In some ways this is liken to the persecution and death we will get for His name. See Matthew 10. Those small Jewish children were killed for nothing more than the cause of Jesus name and He was Jewish as they were. 

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

*** Here we see yet another prophecy fulfilled. It is Jeremiah 31:15 

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

*** This speaks of the great sorrow in the land over what had taken place.
The Messiah came into the world in great turmoil and involving death and He leaves it the same way but with VICTORY over it all!

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

*** As James 4 says this life is but a vapor. Even great ruling Kings live for a short time the they die off and for Herod his end came. Another dream and Joseph is told to move back. 

Notice: in these angelic appearance (angel means messenger) dreams, there is a reason and purpose to the fulfilling of prophecy. It is NOT what we see today when people claim to have a dream or vision. Those are most often vague and have no real meaning and thus NOT of God. The Lord's Word is now complete so he does not communicate in that way today but will again in the future in Israel in the last days. ( See Joel 2 )    

20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

***So back into the Holy Land they go now that is it safe. Jesus had a destiny to live out and so His life was spared and protected. Perhaps we need to trust in God that if He has a purpose and a time for our own death, we need not fear anything as He has it all under control! I also noticed that even for Jesus (God) His young life was full of trials, danger and trouble. Why do we think our lives will be any different (amen?) as we live for Him?

22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

***Perhaps that Herod's son Archelaus had remembered the past and Joseph feared him as well, we can't know for sure? But again it was all part of the plan and prophecies of old. Notice as I mentioned in Chapter 1 that Joseph is a protector and a faithful father to his family, diligent and unselfish! 
​
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

*** So Jesus and His family settle in Nazareth. Matthew says the Old Testament Prophets reference Jesus coming from this town. While Nazareth itself it is not mentioned directly in the OT Word, Isaiah 11:1 denotes a branch in Hebrew is netzer, "NZR" which letters are included in NaZaReth. Then Isaiah 53;3 and Psalm 22 show a lowly man from thus from a lowly area / town wold make sense. In John 1:46 it does back this all up as it mentions "can anything good come out of Nazareth"? History shows it was a small "bumpkin kind of town" 2000 years ago and a looked down upon area. It seems no one would expect a Messiah to come from there but glory to God; He did!

Matthew 3

The following are my study notes and teaching points on the book of 
Matthew / Chapter 3
See that chapter in blue below in with ***** by my study comments in black.

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,


***** In this chapter we see John the Baptist on the scene. In the wilderness of Judea a region of Israel. He is not often thought of a Prophet but he was one indeed and per Jesus; John was the Greatest man to ever live! Luke 7:28
Note: the man God would use to make way for Christ was NOT in a town or religious building at all. He was a man out in the wilderness and not from a bg city or from man's religious systems. We know very little about his life except about his parents and his birth was close to Jesus birth. Perhaps his entire adult life was lived out in the wilderness dedicated to God? John is a great example to me as he obviously lived most all of his life in holy service to the Lord out of the lime light and with no fame or prestige. We know John's heart and mindset as he said "he must decrease so Christ could increase". John 3:30


2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

*****John the Baptist (nothing to do with the modern baptist church by the way) comes saying 'repent'. Repent (metanoo in Greek ) means to turn your mind to God and then you turn your ways as well. It is NOT a popular word today as it is viewed as too harsh, but without it there is no salvation found.
He then says "the Kingdom of God is at hand". A kingdom has a ruler a land and subjects. What this means is he is making the way for Christ who is coming on the scene and Jesus will show us God's kingdom, how it operates and how we are to enter into it as His people. What a privilege for John to be the one making the way for Christ the King!    


3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

*****God's Word is very unique in that it often operates in future telling or prophecy. Here we see Isaiah had spoke of this event centuries before:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isa 40:3

Again, John's main role was to come out of the wilderness and proclaim Christ. A good side thought here, is how Israel had to come out of the wilderness from Egypt once and now John does that as well. (Later Jesus is in the wilderness too.) Each time they came out into something better.  It is a sign of how God can sustain, redeem and lift up what seems to be lost or perishing. Remember that as you go through a wilderness experience or trial in life. God may be getting ready to bring you out into something grand for His glory. He is a REDEEMING Lord and what a God we serve! (Job 19:25) For I know my redeemer lives. 
So how is John preparing the way for the Lord? Several things come to mind:

He is fulfilling prophecy for Jesus to come. A key for Him to be the true Messiah. He is dealing with the Pharisee rulers, something Jesus will take on as well in his ministry. (They want him dead.) He is proclaiming repentance (taking on a new thought) and that will be needed if Israel is to embrace their King. Also John is taking water baptism to the level it will need as it is a symbol of Christ who comes to wash us clean and baptize us in the Spirit of God. In the Old Testament Micveh's ( water holders) where known well by the Jews and used as ritual cleansers but this baptism of John (then to Jesus baptism) has a new, deeper meaning indeed. The comment about the path being straight has meaning too. Remember Jesus said to enter in on the straight gate to eternal life Luke 13:24 and in Prov 4:27 we are told to not look left or right so we know salvation is a straight ahead path in Christ. 


4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

****This rugged rough description of John is very interesting and telling. (Me being an old back woods country/hunting boy myself.) Notice how this description would never have John accused of being fancy or feminine. What a contrast from today's so called leaders and modern pastors who are often feminine as they get all polished and gussied up to please the culture and pew people. But God uses rugged John, who rolls out of the wilderness in camel hair with leather girdle (waist piece) on, and perhaps he had locust parts in his teeth? Imagine what the perfectly dressed city dwelling Pharisee thought of this John? We know God looks at the heart, not a man's less then perfect or fine garments. 1 Samuel 16:7

I have to think God was using something foolish in John to the Pharisee to confound them and their pride and arrogance.

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1 Cor 1:27

Another point to make about John. He lived in a wilderness, he ate bugs and wild honey but yet John was favored by God highly. Think about that the next time you think your circumstances are hard or tough and you complain. The bible says we should be content with food and clothing. 1 Timothy 6:8
 John was content in that very hard life, I think we should be that in our lives today as Christ is enough amen?


5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

*******John was causing a stir as he preaching away form the temple as he was making the way for the Messiah to come. People were coming to see and hear him and his message. 



6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

****** John is tying preaching, repentance and water baptism with confessing sins. It is as an archetype of Christ with the Spirit to come in Acts 2? Baptism means immersion and it is a symbol of being washed clean or cleansed. Jesus will come and do that for those who repent and follow Him via His sacrifice. 1 John 1:9


7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

****** The Pharisee/Sadducees hear of what John is doing and come to investigate it. They are used to people coming to them for teaching but now people are going out to see and hear John. These leaders had to be curious indeed. We do not have to wonder about how John felt about these teachers of the day. John was already aware of their hypocrisy and false ways and instantly rebukes them. If John is making the way for Christ, he does well because much of Jesus ministry was combating the wicked leaders of His day. Jesus says a similar thing in Matthew 12 to perhaps these same men (calls them vipers). 


8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

**** John goes right to the point and reminds these corrupt men that just being baptized is meaningless unless a man's heart is right for God. This includes repenting; turning your mind to God and from your sins as I said. What is the result of that happening in a life? Godly fruit that shows in how we live and act and obey the scriptures. Your fruit is lacking if you keep or walk in any sin as it shows you are NOT fully submitted to God in all ways. Jesus went on to talk a lot about fruit in the book of John. The bible message is that a saving faith makes fruit. And good fruit trees make lots of fruit or they have no good purpose and are cut down and burned. 

9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

**** Knowing these Pharisee leaders would say "we are Jews with a long blood line of God's people" and rely on that for their status. (from Abraham THE Father) John reminds them that God is NO respecter of persons. 
(See 1 Timothy 5)  These false, corrupt, prideful leaders would continue and go on to trust in their own religious pedigree, righteousness and lineage vs the Messiah Himself and they end up wanting Jesus dead. John is correct is his rebuke and warning them they are in a spiritually dangerous place. John basically says, do not think you are doing God a favor by your religious ways as the rocks will cry out to God if we do not. Talk about humbling them and us as well. God is over and above all proving He does NOT need us as humans! Read John 8 where Jesus deals with who He is in regards to Abraham.


10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

******Again John uses the common bible fruit analogy with faith in God. Those who follow Christ are liken to fruit trees and His spirit grows that good fruit. If you lack it, it is your fault via a false conversion or a stiff neck and rebellious life. The Pharisees had rotten fruit and most of churchianity today does as well. This is a direct and solid tie to James who says faith and works go together. See James 2 / The fire is a warning of damnation/hell and Jesus himself often mentioned hell as He preached. John is indeed making the way for the Lords ministry to come.  See Matthew 7:19 as well


11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:


****** John did not have the Spirit of God indwelling men in his ministry. That was to come in Jesus. Then John, in his godly humble way, lowers himself and lifts up Christ. See John 3:30 where he does it again via "I must decrease so Christ can Increase". This should be our charge as well when we live daily and minister truth to others. Johns reference to holy ghost fire is speaking of Acts 2 when the Spirit fell and the NT body was born. See Isaiah 4:4 as a prophecy of this event. 


12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

*****This verse does not make much sense to us today unless we understand a process of harvesting wheat back then. A fan, floor, gathering, chaff and with fire? This is the process that the Israelite's used to harvest their wheat. The stalks/bundles with grain are gathered, they are beat to separate them and the wheat falls to the floor. Then the fans make air to blow off the stalks/chaff to reveal the valuable wheat on the floor. John is tying an agriculture method they all knew well to God harvesting His souls and doing away with His enemies. The wheat (souls of true believers) is gathered and the chaff ( unbelievers) is worth nothing then burned. The unquenchable fire is hell, and nothing is going to stop its burning and torment. .This verse is a simple warning to say make sure you are wheat and not a tare or you will be cast off and burned. See Mathew 13 for more on wheat and tares.  


13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

****** In keeping with the plan of God, Jesus the Messiah would have to be water baptized to be the example for us in the New Testament body of Christ. Who else to do this job but the one making a way of the Lord, John the Baptist.  



14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

**** John again humbles himself before Christ in an act of reverence and worship. Imagine a mere man baptizing the God of the universe. Was John even capable of grasping the magnitude of this moment? 


15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

*****Jesus tells John it must be and John of course concedes. Christ is coming in the flesh to fulfill the OT law, fully. He will become our righteousness for salvation and the ONLY path to the Father / eternal life. See 2 Cor 5:21
Righteousness is a right standing before God, something we can't have without Christ's work. His baptism is symbolic as the 3 (Father Son and Spirit will be shown as One.) 


16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

******* John baptizes Jesus and we see an event that has much meaning for His people. Jesus is proving He is the chosen Messiah. We see the Spirit of God and the Father speaks and approves. This is a great area of scripture to refute those who say the 3 in 1 Godhead is NOT true and that God is just One, not 3 in 1. We see it clearly shown here and it proves the concept fully as do other scriptures. Jesus now has the Spirit in and upon Him and He is ready for His ministry to begin on earth.  Isaiah 11:2 is a verse that prophecies about this event when the spirit rests on Him. We get the same promise for God when we place our faith in Christ and repent. We will get a new heart as the spirit comes to convict, teach, guide and comfort. John chapters 14-17 ​

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Matthew 4

The following are my study notes and teaching points on the book of Matthew / Chapter 4

See that chapter below in blue with ***** by my study comments on each verse  
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

******In this chapter we see Jesus (fully man / fully God) being led by the spirit. Jesus came in the flesh/spirit to show us the way and be a example to us. In Romans 8 tell us we all are to be led or we are condemned. As our example, even Jesus (who is God made flesh) was led by the spirit in His life/ministry. Here we see him led into the wilderness by the spirit. Genesis 3:17 says Jesus would engage the devil and its his very ministry work right here. Also, I often think of the wilderness as perhaps times of trials, loneliness or even it could be rest and we all go through them don't we? Wilderness in the Greek "eremos" meaning desolate or alone.. can be both good and bad depending on our situation. Jesus often went there to rest but this event is not for that as we will see. We can see how our Lord handles His wilderness time of trial.  We see the word tempted. "pierazo" in Greek. Also see James 1:13 that God cannot be tempted by evil. The better word here is tested as Jesus was indeed tested by satan. We also see it is satan that is behind this testing of Jesus. Need I remind you that satan is again practicing his sin of pride. (God hates it as a abomination Prov 6)  The first sin recorded in history is the devil falling as he wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14) and here he is again trying to be as a god by testing Christ. Devil means false accuser and slanderer and we know him as a murder and father of lies per Jesus in John 8:44    

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

******* So Jesus was led into a wilderness and it seems to be ready for this testing, he fasted. Moses and Elijah too fasted 40 days as a archetype of Christ. Fasting in scripture is a denying of ones self of food to bring your focus/flesh to God and the spiritual aspect of our life. You might say wouldn't He be so physically weak after a long fast and that is true. But it is NOT flesh / blood we wrestle with but Apostle Paul says we wrestle against powers and principalities (Eph 6;12) While weak in the flesh Jesus was made strong in the spirit to withstand this testing. We also see this testing came as Jesus afterwards hungered again, He being our example of great strength relying on the Father, and self denial.  


3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

***** satan the devil is a master tempter/tester. Remember how he tempted/tested Job? Also notice he wants to discredit Jesus, a clear sign of a anti-christ spirit/way. He also comes just like he did with Eve probing / seeking where he can influence and affect us in his evil motives. As Peter said (1 Peter 5:8) he is a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. Note: Lions when hunting often look for the weak or a certain place they can attack for their best advantage. (make sure you are strong in the word/spirit to not fall prey) The devil comes with a instant test / challenging the very authority of Christ. He demands "proof" but remember we cannot please God without faith (Heb 11:6) Hold to that saints when others say "do a miracle for me" as they are mockers just like satan was here to Christ. 


4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

****A key here is notice Jesus uses the Word of God (bible) on the enemy. We need to do the same when we go through testing or face enemies. Also he used the term "it is written". This is powerful as we have the written Word of God meaning it has authority and it cannot be changed or moved! (that is used about 95 times in the bible so do a word search on "it is written") Jesus is quoting Deut 8:3 here about living by not just bread but the Word. This is a good example of also living in the spirit (Word) and not the flesh. (bread) Also notice Jesus being God, is in the form of a man (Phil 2:7) and takes on that form by saying man does not live by bread alone. What an amazing thing that God became a man to reach us lost sinful humans!   

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

******* Here we see the devil being "allowed" to try to have his way influencing Christ. This reminds me of Job and how satan had his way there too for a season. See God allowed it all just to test His servant and for His glory. While God is over it all, He allows it to happen for His glory, in the end. Remember that as you go though trials of your own saints. The pinnacle is the TOP of the temple God's high holy place in Jerusalem. The enemy goes right to that "Holy place" to mock and tempt Christ just like he goes before God to accuse. (Rev 12:10) 

6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

******* Once again satan goes after "who Christ is" and tempts Him to prove with a miracle who Christ is even saying it is written as a mocking. Christ chooses to NOT do a miracle as to NOT play into the enemies hand but to totally undermine satan.  Please see this: satan uses a direct quote from Psalm 91:11 but he also twists it. This shows you how well the enemy knows the Word of God and He will corrupt it yet quote it for his own wicked cause. Keep in mind his workers and false teachers do the very same thing in their pulpits and sinful ministries deceiving the masses so we must test and not be swept away. 


7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

******But in similar manner Christ uses the Word again to refute the old dragon. Jesus quotes Deut 6:16 about "not tempting God". Do you see how we (imitating Christ 1 Cor 11.1) can use the written Word to refute either the devil or others who come against us? We do not need to react but to stand on the truth of scripture to over come! We are to live in a manner that is within the Word and not to tempt God in anyway. (doctrine, desires, conduct or actions) 

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

******* Refuted with scripture; satan now uses a different tactic. He could not get Christ to serve him by showing His power so he now uses physical things to tempt our Lord. Notice the devil shows him all the worlds kingdoms either in that region or globally. This proves several things. 1) the kingdoms of this earth are rooted in evil and not of God. Jesus said His kingdom was NOT of this world (John 18:36) 
2) satan indeed has control of the world kingdoms as he can give them away as he the god of this world (2 Cor 4;4) This is why we saints are not to dabble in those places but live separate for our Lords Kingdom that for now is IN us. (Luke 17:21)   

9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

******* in this verse we see satan (who controls all the kingdoms of the earth) offers them to Christ in a trade off. Notice how the devils original sin is exposed so clear, his pride! He wants to be worshiped and to be as God himself. Look at the systems/entertainment of this culture and how satan designs them all to steal peoples time, focus and desire and in so doing they clearly worship him in that way. The word worship is proskuneo in Greek and it means literally to lay face down in reverence. This is how people worship God and satan makes that specific request showing how arrogant, detailed, rebellious and crafty he really is. The enemy has to use all of the world to tempt God Himself but; he often just uses a career, nice car, fleshly titillation, false doctrines or a person to tempt us in every day life. Let us be on guard lest we fall for it and in a way we then worship him, not the One Truth Living God.  

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

*********Jesus in saying "get thee hence" is making the order of things well known. In over coming the devils temptation; this declaration says God is in control not you devil. Jesus again uses the Fathers Word to rebuke him and He is essentially quoting Exodus 20; the first of the 10 commands to not worship others. Also see Deut 6:13 / Recapping the above verses; we saw the devil trying to get Jesus to:
distrust God, tempt God, seek worldly pursuits and to commit idolatry. Is that not the very same things satan is doing in the world today all through the cultures globally? We over come with the sword of the spirit, the Word. Eph 6;17
Lets also note that no man is ever above temptation and it is not sin to be in temptation but; in yielding to it, then it is sin. 

11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

******After this confrontation, satan leaves Christ and it reminds me of the words of James 4:7 "resist the devil and he will flee from you". The angels ministered (diakoneo in Greek to serve or attend to) to Him as he was no doubt weak in the flesh. A nice thought that after we overcome our trials perhaps God would send ministering angels to us as well. And just maybe at times that happens, we do not see them? 

12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

******* John the Baptist who proclaim the way of Christ was cast in prison over saying that the King could not have his brothers wife. (Matt 14:3) 

13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

******** Jesus was not welcome in Nazareth so we can expect the same treatment in our own home towns. This area of Matthew 4 is quoting from Isaiah 9 which is a prophecy about Jesus to come and Christ is that great light. That area spoken of was on the sea coast of Galilee not far from Jesus home town of Nazareth. 

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

*****Jesus came to complete and verify all of the Old Testament that pointed to Him. It is no surprise that he starts His ministry with the call to repent just as all the Prophets before Him as did. Then add in all the disciples and saints after Him who preached repent (a changing your mind and ways to God) The word appears almost 100 times in the Holy scriptures and it is a key to the path of eternal life. Jesus was making it known that the Kingdom of God was being shown on earth in Him.   

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

**** Here we see Jesus gathering the first of His 12 closest disciples. Notice how Jesus called these men who were not high and lifted up by just lowly hard working fisherman. We are to come to God as lowly men as well (no matter our place is society) and what a model we see here of that very thing playing out. 

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

******* As Jesus reaches out to these men notice His exact words; FOLLOW me. He does not say just believe on me but FOLLOW. In the Greek it is deute and it means "come now". 
This is all over the scriptures as a echo to us. The call to be in or of Christ is to respond now and follow, obey, walk with and serve Him. Those men had a choice to leave old lives now and FOLLOW Jesus. Today we have the same choice as we must leave our old lives and FOLLOW Him. Far too many put it off and never do FOLLOW Him. I love the next line, "I will make you fishers of men". (preachers to win souls) Christ always has a way of turning mans ways, totally upside down. (example: we eat plain old bread to just get by here but Jesus is the bread of eternal life for us) These men were laboring for a physical harvest of mere fish and Jesus promises an eternal harvest of much greater value. While the offer is of untold value/measure; they still had to decide and receive that offer. We all have that choice to make today as these men were about to decide to lose their old lives for Christ.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

*******Here we see what they decided to do regarding the Lord. They did not get much time to make up their minds and it says they straightway ( in the Greek it is eutheos and it means immediately!) did what? They "dropped their nets" and followed Him. To be clear; those nets were their livelihood and today it would be the same if Jesus called a plumber or a mechanic and they dropped their tools and went to follow Him. They left their way to make money and eat to GO follow Jesus. What faith and action put on display here? May we strive to model this still today.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

******Here we see Jesus adding to His disciples, again some lowly fisherman. But this time there is a added twist as these men not only leave the nets but; they leave a ship and their father! More faith in action at a great cost. Eternal life may be free; here we see the cost in our lives to seek after it. This is a forerunner to what Jesus would teach on later in Matthew chapter 10 as He tell us there how he came to divide out people; not bring peace. Many people today are NOT willing to leave blood family to their demise but Christ makes it clear it is a MUST to follow Him.  

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

******* In this verse, Jesus is now going about doing that which will verify who He is to the masses. Synagogues mean "gathering places" and they were scattered all over the region often by water for their ritual cleansing purposes. Just as God showed the Israelites His control over the elements by parting the Red Sea in Exodus 14, Jesus is showing He is in control of all things including health and sickness. He is preaching the gospel of the kingdom (used 5 times in the gospels) as it is the good news that the kingdom of God was shown in Him. Later after His crucifixion; the gospel good news shifts to be revealed  mainly about His death burial and resurrection per the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor 15.  

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

****** Christ began to draw "great crowds" indeed but keep in mind later we learn it was not just for His truth but for the miracles and food. Sadly MOST all the people will have left Him in short order. He had total control over illnesses such as torments ( in Greek basanos meaning acute pains) those with devils, lunatics (in Greek it is seleniazomia and it means epileptic or crazy) and Palsy (in Greek it is paralutikos and it refers to nerve damage/paralytic. Interesting is the fact that Jesus shows His true power here and in the last days per Matthew 24, satan will do false signs and wonders to draw false disciples to himself. Be on guard and thus not deceived all you saints of God.  

25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

****** Again we see the reference to many who came from all over to Christ to see and hear Him. Some say this is a direct prophecy from Amos 8:11 where it was noted a "famine was in the land for the word of God". But now the Word (Jesus... God in the flesh / John 1) was there before them speaking life and doing miracles. (Decapolis was an area that was made up of 10 different cities in Syria) Christ the Messiah was doing a mighty work as the stage was being set for His ministry and ultimate sacrifice once for all.

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Matthew 5

​ The following are my study notes and teaching points on the book of Matthew / Chapter 5

See that chapter below in blue with ***** by my study comments on each verse
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
******** Jesus as we learned in chapter 4 was healing and doing powerful miracles and this drew the attention to him of these multitudes. This began the famous section of teachings called the sermon on the mount. As we go through these remember how these traits will ready us for God's kingdom vs the vanity and mans high ways on this fallen earth. Sitting was a position known among the Jews for teaching.
2 And he opened his mouth, 
****** This reminds me of Matt 4;4 as we live by every word out if God's mouth. We need to pay heed to the words out of God's mouth and look at the trail of devastation when we do not! 
and taught them, saying,
******Jesus is teaching here. As disciples we must learn of His word so we can walk in His spirit and truth / John 4:24. Many seem to like to "read the word" but they lack being taught which is to hear, then apply rightly. To teach really means to impart instruction and doctrine. We know how the religious world lacks sound doctrine. 
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
*****Jesus begins his teaching focused on the poor in spirit. poor in the Greek is ptokos ....it means lowly helpless needy. I think the key here that Jesus is striving for that we need to be lowly and needy for the spirit, truth and kingdom of God. How many people, even religious folks, do we know who think they are high/lofty and they miss the truth of the Lord by a mile in pride that God hates. See Prov 6 / Humble and low is a pattern we will see though out his teaching here.....  
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
******* Again Jesus goes for a low position. When you mourn you are not high or lifted up but in a position of need and sorrow. Mourn in the Greek is pentheo and it is grieving, to wail or lament, its a low of spirit. What situations do we ever do this in? When in sickness, emotional pain, traila or stress in relationships. Christ is teaching us that those who are willing to be made low and have these base emotions, it is them who will be comforted. And Who is our comforter? The holy spirit. John 14:26   
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
******Jesus continues in the same line of lowly qualities to meekness. In Greek it is praus and it is humble and gentle of spirit. It eludes to a trusting in God's word/ways not your own. Moses was the meekest man alive (Numbers 12:3) as He was all in for God, not his own ways. Christ too was know for meekness (Matt 11:29) as He was all about the Fathers will. Both men showed a toughness and a harsh strong way when needed but; they were always under the Fathers ways not their own. This is meek and humble ....  like John 3:30 /
Christ says they will inherit the earth which is a promise of a great reward for those who seek after and have these godly traits. Judges 18:9 talks of the land of Canaan like this as well that had good and plenty
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
******Here we learn what it is that godly people will hunger and thirst for in their life. The body needs food but the spirit needs God. It is not physical riches or fame or vanity we seek.... It is in the spirit we seek and it is righteousness. What is right with God. We need Christs perfect righteousness for salvation and then we act to live in a right manner before Him as fruit we know Him via the Spirit in us. May we be a tree of righteousness and seek after the bread of life, His cleansing blood and rivers of living water.  
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
****** To be blessed (makarios in Greek/ to be happy) it is also to be on God's side. Here Jesus tells us it is by mercy (eleeo in Greek / to have compassion, a help, to give aid) that we will be blessed/happy. This fits nicely with Jesus reminder that we must forgive to be forgiven in Matt 6;14 / What a promise we have to be able to obtain mercy before a Holy God. These sermon o the mount qualities are what the Spirit will do in us of we yield to Him fully. This is no way means we over look sin in others. It means we have compassion for all people, even those (our enemies) who fall in to sin and then damnation. It is loving your enemy/neighbor as yourself as God's light Christ is in you.   
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
*******In this verse we are promised blessing if we are pure in heart (pure in Greek is katharos / it is to be clean) Notice it says pure in heart. Many will say; see God only judges the heart but; we know out of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6;45) so when a heart is pure your life will reflect it on the outside in talk, actions, dress and associations etc. How do we, who have defiled our hearts with sin get to be pure? By the washing of the Word and cleansing in Christ's work for us. Eph 5:26 / As the Psalm 51:10-19 says; create in me a clean heart oh God.  
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
******** To make peace is simply to live within God's standard to fully love Him and our neighbor. The goal is always to be at peace with all men (Hebrews 12;14) but that is not always possible is it? We can be an influence for good and try our best to be perfect and in peace. Then God knows our heart in it all even if it is NOT attained. To be a child of God, what a awesome thought! It is to be born of (John 3;3) and take on the attributes of our Father in heaven.  
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
******* The bible tells us those who live godly in Christ will be persecuted (2 Tim 3.12) and here we are reminded that will come if we seek right ways, as that goes against the world. Jesus makes another great promise to us and this entire teaching is full of promises we can stand on as saints of the Most High God. Keep in mind it is the persecution for righteousness sake, NOT just any persecution. That is key as many are persecuted for sin, wrong ways and ill doctrines.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
******* In this verse we see a pattern woven through out the gospels. In Matthew 10 Jesus says we will be hated, Mark 13 echoes it and the book of John chapter 15 speaks of it as well. To be of Christ and to live holy means you WILL be hated and persecuted as He was and we are no greater then our Master. Again it is a promise to those of receive such treatment in His name which is over His truth. Notice the lying taking place as it was so with Jesus and the Pharisee's. Prov 6 God hates liars so he blessed those who get lied about.    
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
******* We are instructed to not be sad but to rejoice and be glad when we get persecuted for Christs truth. Jesus mentions a reward for our faithfulness to Him. This is also shared in the account of Acts 5 were the disciples are BEATEN but the left rejoicing. Let it be so of us dear saints today. The prophets are referenced here as they were often persecuted for God's truth and while we are not prophets today we will endure similar trials in Christ name. 
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
******** Here Jesus makes a reference to salt. Today is it mostly for flavor but back then salt was seen as both for flavoring and very valuable as a preserving agent in foods. Our Lord is telling us that His people can stand fast, be like spiritual salt in the world, preserving truth and being a sweet holy savor to God. In this we can serve a valuable purpose to God and mankind. But if we lose our savor ( moriano in Greek ... foolish or to lose flavor and strength) like weak salt, we have no good use and it is cast out and trampled on. Remember the fruit tree in John 15, cut down/burnt as it lacked fruit? This is a similar warning to us saints.  
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
******* I love this verse because Jesus who is our Light, says we can shine it to the world. How can this be done? In John 14 He tells us He must leave but manifest Himself to us via the Holy Spirit. We get His light inside of us to go preach the gospel and shine to the world. If we are living in truth and following Him obediently, we are like a city on a hill shining Him. How wonderful and what a glorious task we have! 
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
******** This is a very practical example Jesus gives. In their day they used candles and lamps for light. In our day, imagine turning on a flash light to see only to cover the lens and no light comes out. Pointless right? This is how pointless our lives would be not telling if His truth. 
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
********If we claim the light and truth of Jesus, we MUST shine it. But if we do not shine it to all that we can, we are most hopeless! Common sense yes right, light points the way,  but so few are doing it biblically today. The simple things of Christ are lost for mans complicated church traditions. Christ tells us to preach the gospel and live holy doing good works openly so God is glorified. Note: we are not to pray in public or brag about our giving of money (see Matthew 6) but a open proclaiming of Him and His good news, we are to do it so all can see.   
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
********Jesus goes on to tell us about His mission. He walked and lived as a Jew under Torah law but He did not come to destroy it. No, He came to bring it to its completion and He uses the Word fufil. This word is pleroo in Greek and it means to execute, finish, complete and make full. No man ever could keep all of God's Torah law (Romans 3:23) but Jesus did. He completes it being the perfect lamb of God being the ONLY one who can take away the sins of the world. (See John 1:29) We know that Torah law was made complete in Christ as example He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is our rest. (Hebrews 4) Also the Gentiles are never instructed to keep it (see Acts 15) Paul reminds us it was a shadow all pointing to Jesus as our High Priest. (see Hebrews)
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
******** Jots and tittles were small pen strokes and part of the Hebrew language. (like our period as a example) Jesus is telling us that God's Word is true and it all will come to pass. At the time He spoke this, He was living out Torah law perfectly for us and He was about to fulfil it all and bring in the NEW. (see verse 17)
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
******** Jesus is referring to the Pharisees as they had a habit of making some commands big and some small. Christ is saying they all matter as all of Gods Word matters. This verse back ups that we live by all of God's Word as it all matters. (see Matthew 4;4)
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
********Christ is making a type of prediction about what He is about to do. See the Pharisees were the most moral people on earth as they knew and kept Torah. But they were still flawed in many ways and for us to enter into heaven we need to be even more righteous then them! How can this be done? Remember the two men in Luke 18:10 and who would be found righteous?  It is in Christ, of course as He is our righteousness (see 2 Cor 5:21)
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
******** Jesus is quoting the Torah law/10 commandments here (see Exodus 20) and he does so to raise the bar on life actions and righteousness. 
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
********* Jesus turned things way up by saying not only if you kill but if you just think of it you are guilty. He was a master at taking things from the physical letter to the spiritual. (Raca means vain empty and worthless fellow) we see that thought life matters not just our physical actions and that is moving into the spirit of things amen? We are not to just do outside dead religious acts but we need to be walking in the spirit (see Romans 8) and in love through it all. 
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
*******Jesus gives us a great human example. God cares about if we have issues/sin between us and He instructs us do not come to Him if you have issues with a brother. This helps us to walk blameless (1 Peter 5:3) and to care for brethren/the body of Christ as best we can to not ever take it lightly. 
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
*******In Matthew 10 Jesus tells us to be wise as serpents. This verse is just backing up good solid wisdom. In our current day terms it means, settle out of court and put the matter away lest it goes into a bigger situation.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
****** Jesus is referring to if you are cast into jail over a debt, you must carry out the law/payment in order to be set free. A farthing was a low worth roman coin.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
***** Again Jesus quotes the Torah law/Prophets that brought death over the sin adultery (having actual sexual relations outside of marriage)
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
******Notice the godliness bar is raised once again. Now Christ says if you just look and lust, you have committed adultery with her. The point Jesus is making is purity and holiness. See the Holy Spirit is about to be released on His people and it will put His word in us. (see Acts 2) It will also expect much more from us as in taking every thought captive (see 2 Cor 10:5) and being perfect Matthew 5:48 
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
*******No one described hell or warned of the danger of it as much as Jesus did. Much can be said about His use of words here warning us to take big steps to STOP SINNING or we will suffer a eternal fate. (So much for His blood just covering all of our sin we keep doing, no it is not true!) The real point of this verse is not to argue over... should I really cut my eye out. What this verse should get you to do/see is to move or act to pluck out all sin from your life asap and take drastic measures to do so! Remember the man who got healed and Jesus said stop sinning of something worse will happen? (see John 5:14) Sin is serious saints and we need to repent and get it out of our lives for God's glory! (Hebrews 10:26 warns no wilful sin is covered by Jesus blood and that is a wake up call!)
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
****** Jesus goes on with the same dire fierce warning of get rid of all sin or what causes it or suffer damnation. (see above note on verse 29)
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
******* Jesus is quoting the Torah law where Moses was allowed by God to give out divorces under the law. (see Deut 24)
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
******* Christ is making clear that the biblical reason for a divorce is sexual failure and now; walking in the spirit of the NEW, it would bring a higher level of marital bomd/unity vs what was accepted in the OLD under the letter of the law with no spirit. 
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
****** Jesus is putting into the play the idea of letting your words be your words and in such there is NO need for oath swearing. (see verse 37) Jesus also teaches us our idle words will be judged (see Matthew 12:36) Also see the book of James and how the tongue must be harnessed if; you are to be holy and of God. 
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
*******How simple and clear. Say what you mean and mean what you say and then do it. The evil would be in that if we say a lot and we are wrong or; we do not live up to the words we say, in the sight of God it is evil. The moral here; guard your words and mean to do all that you say!
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
********* Again Jesus quotes the Torah law (see Exodus 21) and he puts a new turn on it. Much has been made of this verse as some turn it into a total NON resistance stance no matter the situation like protecting innocent or any self defense of anyone. That is not what Jesus is speaking of here in context. Remember Jesus turned over tables, He used a whip on men (see John 2) and He told men to buy swords. (see Luke 22) In context, you will see this is more about a personal offense against you (a face slap was a real offense in that day) and He was saying to not return it back (take the higher ground) when done against you. It is a huge topic for another time but that is the gest of it. 
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
******** Jesus also raises the bar here and teaches not to cling to earthly material things. Imagine today if someone sued you for say $5000 and if you lost you say here, take $10,000. It is again a higher ground/we are not of this world/we live not for this life but the next... approach. Hard to swallow perhaps but it is a great eternal perspective to have none the less! 
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
*******This is the same higher ground approach as verses 38-40. We are just lowly servants so act like it. There was a Roman law back then that allowed any soldier to have any Israelite carry his gear up to 1 mile for them. Jesus is saying instead of complaining, heap loving coals on them and carry it 2 miles. What a witness that would be for the kingdom of God.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
******With the idea it is better to give then to receive (See Acts 20:35) Jesus teaches us here to be generous to those in need and not turn them away. We should always be ready to give to those who ask. Give food, the gospel, needed items and money if it is a true need etc etc. In context it is helping the truly needy not today's street scammers who lie and beg for a living too lazy to work. We must use wisdom and not waste the Lords money. 
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
****** Here Jesus uses Exodus 23  about "loving a neighbor" and he says it has been said to; hate they enemy. That hate verse is not in the Torah law but it was "said by others". We know surely it was practiced through out mankind's violent history of wars. We have to make sure we see when Jesus is quoting scripture and when he may be referencing mans ways. Remember Jesus had spoke of the Pharisees earlier in this chapter and they had many wrong twisted ideas of the law. 
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
*******Jesus is teaching us about the great commands. To love God and our neighbor who could be a enemy. (see Matthew 22) As Paul says there is nothing higher then love so it makes perfect sense we love God, others and even those who may use or abuse us. In verse 46, Jesus explains how we can be better and rise above those who are NOT of God, by our love.
 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
******* Our faith is for and to reflect the Father. It is not by our feelings or how we want things to be or what the culture sees as normal. To be a child of God is to hold to His ways and to live as one is not easy to do but; it is so very simple in the Spirit and Word. The verse on the rain is from  
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
*******Christ again raising the bar, is telling us we need to do better then those around us (without God) as His spirit and Word is our source of truth, power and ultimately, our love. If we only love as they do, how are we better and glorifying God the Father?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
****** In the final verse of Chapter 5 again He raises the bar for us all with the call to be perfect. This flies on the face of most all of modern Christianity that says, you do not have to do anything as Jesus did it all. Yet this same Savior who will shed His blood, He is commanding us to be perfect. In the Greek the word perfect is teleios and it means complete, to full age or mature. We know we will all falter and fail at times in sin but we do not live in it! No, as we grow, we mature, we strive to pluck out all wilful sin. Then by the power of His might, we walk into His ways maturing and growing in holiness as we go. This is seeking His kingdom and living for the One who bought us with a price! 

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Matthew 6

The following are my study notes and teaching points on the book of Matthew / Chapter 6
See that chapter below in blue with ***** by my study comments on each verse

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1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

****** Here Jesus is instructing us on the practice if our giving. In his day alms (elleemosune in Greek was the mercy/charity and giving to the needy) God always had a heart for the needy as when he had Israelites leave corners of harvest fields open for the needy. (see Lev 19) This is not to be confused with the OT practice of tithing that helped support the Levitical priest and temple. That was food given to the temple (and needy also) but it is NOT in place for us today. We are told by Paul to give as we see fit in 2 Cor 9. Keep in mind this is the truly needy here and not the lazy scammers we see in most modern societies today. Keep that in mind when giving as God wants you to use your money he gave you with wisdom; NOT to pay for men's drugs or alcohol habits they will not quit. Notice he makes it very clear we are NOT to give in a way that we are showing it to others lest we lose our reward for it. This is a matter of the heart (a thread in all of God's word) as if we give to just give, then we do not need to broadcast it like man made religion does in great pride and arrogance.   

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

******** We know this idea if giving in secret is important as Christ again mentions it. He is teaching us that if we give to be seen of men, we have no true heart for giving and God will not reward us. It would be giving out of pride and show; that we know God hates (see Proverbs 6) as we are to have right motives in all we do. There is no evidence anyone actually blew a trumpet when giving but; it is the act of making your giving known and in public that Jesus is referring to. Due to the hypocrite comment, we can say he was pointing to the Pharisees as he called them that openly. (see Matt 23) Again; we can look to man made religion today and how they make a record/show and report of their giving and it is in direct violation of Christ's clear command! 

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

******** Here Jesus makes a statement to prove a point, not to be literal. Obviously, your hands know what they are each doing but; He is saying do it so no one sees what you do. This is what is called a hyperbole; that is a statement that is exaggerated to prove a point. Knowing when Jesus is using this method and when he is not is important to getting at God's truth. Example: Jesus saying "pluck out your eye" is a type of hyperbole used. Learn to see this action used by Christ and it will help your understanding of scripture and how he taught us in the Word.   

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 

****** We see the pattern of doing works in secret (giving/prayer) has deep purpose for us per Christ. We know that it removes the motivation of why we do what we do. If we do it when ONLY God sees, it assures us our motives are at least not for others to see. A pure heart is a key to serving God as these chapters of the sermon on the mount are teaching us. (see Mattt 5:8) We need to live and act in ways that honor God and not cater to man or our flesh, as most do today. Again look at how man made denominational religion has left these simple basics to the point of having televised national prayer days and huge give-athons! It is shameful and proves how fleshly/money motivated they all are vs being biblical and God honoring.  

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

******** Jesus now turns to another key aspect of the faith life, prayer. He is calling out the Pharisees again as they had a reputation for wanting to be seen by men. (like modern pastors today) He gives us the same perimeters for praying as he did for giving. It is to be done in secret. Fact: Jesus never prayed with anyone we see in scripture. (it's true look it up) We know the other NT saints prayed in the body (not sure exactly how) but it was ONLY with known true saints. In the book of John 9, we even see God does NOT even hear the prayers of sinners. Today modern prayer is far too public, open and offered to just any one and that is sinful and foolish. Jesus is teaching us that prayer is VERY private and we need to hold it as such. 

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

******** Christ makes it clear we are to go get alone with the Father and pray. He does not even say pray in your gatherings, He says get alone! This proves it is NOT a show or even a big group practice at all per Him. It can be done with others of the true NT faith but; alone is what Jesus is clearly teaching here and he modeled that as well. We see again what the Father sees in secret is rewarded as this has a clarifying the intentions of the heart action. We see the religious people today who love to make BIG events/deals/ritual shows out of their faith acts. But; do they walk down the street and reach out to the homeless when no one sees them? God knows and sees all doesn't He?   
 
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

********* Now Jesus moves on to HOW to pray. He warns against the practice of vain (means useless) "memorized repetition prayer" that really is dead and meaningless. Imagine reading your wife the same love letter daily over and over, it would NOT seem from the heart would it? We are to be led by the spirit in life (see Romans 8) and that would include prayer as well. Always make sure your prayers are meaningful and from the heart not a practiced repetition. Imagine a husband has a memorized saying he says to his wife each morning but no heart or feeling. Is it of any value to her really? Isn't she seeking a real heartfelt emotion from him daily not vain words? The heathens (gentiles) believed they could reach God with these many words (like man made religion today) but Jesus is pointing us to be from the heart and then God will hear. This teaches us it is NOT "how much" you say but the quality of what you say from the heart unto to God. Prayer is really for us, our connection to God most of all as He already knows it all, as Jesus covers in the next verse. 

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

******* When we pray, we cry out to God and petition Him in Christs name for needs and areas of importance to us or others. We do NOT need to take this time to "fill God in" as if he does not know already. Jesus is assuring us that He knows what we need already and how very comforting is that to consider dear saints?

 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

******* Christ goes on to give us a FORM of a prayer. Sadly many man made faiths (like Lutheran and Roman Catholic) have turned this into the very thing Jesus said to NOT do. They do it as a dead repetitious prayer that is not from the heart or spirit but memorized in the head. It is more proof that these places not only ignore God's truth for their traditions but they twist it to their own demise. It is not so  among Gods people.    

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

******** Jesus reminds us to yearn for the Kingdom of God that will one day come to earth at His return but for now it is within us. (Luke 17:21) It is not yet here, it is in heaven but it is coming. Note: it would do us well to keep in mind that a kingdom has a King, subjects, a place to rule and laws. This also reminds us the other kingdom on earth is satan's, as he is the god of this world per Paul. (2 cor 4:4) In Romans 12;2 we are told by being transformed and not conformed to this world, we will live out the perfect will of God. Sadly most today who claim faith in Christ have mingled the kingdom of God with the kingdom of the world (satan) and this is NOT pleasing to God but it is sinful.  

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

*******So much could be said here about the "bread of life" who is Jesus the Christ. (John 6:25-59) God gives us our daily needs (bread/food/raiment) and it is both spiritual and physical. Jesus reminds us to live in the day and not worry about tomorrow (Matt 6:24) and this will help our peace and our relying on the Father for all things. Remember how the Israelite's relied on God in the desert for water, manna (bread) and deliverance so we should rely on Him daily, if we are claiming to be of Christ.  

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

******** This sample prayer moves on to cover forgiving of our debts. Jesus will soon remind us in this chapter that if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven. (Matt 6:15) So much for once saved always saved. This verse also seems to echo to me the parable of the wicked man who got forgiven but; then he did NOT forgive. (Matt 18:21-35) Let that not be so of God's true saints. The word forgiven in Greek is aphiemi and it is a verb/action meaning to let go, to lay side! We lay aside any bitterness or un-forgiveness and we are set free. 
 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

******* As Jesus closes His prayer, we see this term "lead us not" phrase. We must see that this verse shows we are to be FOLLOWING the Lord, not just believing. To be lead, naturally means we are following/obeying Him. It is a active faith not a static one. Then he says "not into temptation". We know the Father is good and just not leading His children into a situation to cause sin. If we keep the Lord's Word and ways, we can be assured we will not be lead into temptation. That word temptation (peirosmos in Greek) can also mean putting to proof and a trial. (like Job was put to a test) Christ continues with deliver us from evil, a contrast from going into temptation. Evil here meaning sin, wickedness, lewd or malicious. We must rely on God, His spirit, the Messiah / His Word to deliver us from evil. Note: this does not mean we will not go thru evil as most saints did often to their deaths. The promise is to delivery us from it. Like going through a nasty rain/wind storm; we can be in it, touched by it, affected by it but then; we are delivered from it amen? He is our deliverer! Jesus finishes the prayer with a reminder of the kingdom of God. This is a greatly over looked concept today mainly due to false man made denominational religion of easy believe salvation. That word is used 154 times in the NT word alone. We are to be a people of His kingdom (to come) and to not be of the enemies kingdom, this fallen culture. Then He says power and glory which is the substance/realm of God's kingdom. We are partakers of this, if we are born of Him and walking in His ways. We are also reminded it is a forever kingdom like our souls. But as mortals, all we know here is the earth and the flesh which are so temporal.  But this promised kingdom of God is spiritual and forever, making it a most valuable and worthy to be striving for, in Christ.      

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

******* Christ then reminds us of the reason He himself came. To seek and save the lost (to redeem/forgive via His death burial and resurrection) Luke 10:19 / In order for us to partake of His forgiving/cleansing blood, we must be LIKE Him and forgive other ourselves as fruit we are of Him. To harbor unforgiveness against others, means we feel we are better then them before God. This exposes a heart issue and salvation/redemption is all a heart issue is it not? Jesus says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) To not forgive means your heart is NOT changed or right before a Holy God. The Lord is always about conditional salvation never ever unconditional salvation as many teachers say today! Part of the condition here per Jesus is to forgive, as you are forgiven, to be forgiven. Trespass here (parapatoma) is a sin or fault. Note: forgiving others (even those who do not deserve it) serves 3 main purposes for us: it glorifies God, it blesses our enemies and it sets you free. Again since Jesus came to set us fully free (John 8:32) forgiveness must rule in His holy people, lest bondage over take us. 
  
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

********** This is a great warning to us about un-forgiveness and it is a heart issue, about new life we get in Christ. This warning undoes all the false gospel teaching that sayd Jesus did it all and you do not have to do anything. That is a lie. Jesus did His part ( it is finsihed) and we have a part to do as part of our covenant walk with God. To not do it (forgive) is sin and NO willful sinner will enter into His kingdom. ( see Heb 10;26) This verse is a great reminder of faith and works as part of our salvation path. (see James 2:14-26) If your heart is transformed by God's spirit and it is pure before Him, it WILL forgive others. If it is bitter/hardened, it will lead to the deceitfulness of sin (see Heb 3;13) that will destroy you. If you struggle with unforgiveness, just ask the Father for the strength/grace to over come that sin. He will surely give it to you as a good and loving Father.

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

******** Fasting is brought to attention here which is the denying of the flesh (food mostly) to focus on service or attention to God/spiritual matters. The bible teaches fasting as biblical but not a lot of details are commanded on it. We have liberty how we carry it out as long as we do within God's ordained ways. It is to be all about God and to God. But notice how men, were doing it to appear something they were not (holy) before other men but not unto God. Jesus (in His usual cutting form) goes after the hypocrisy showing how much God hates this sin. (see Matt 23) Hypocrisy is saying and telling others one thing (really not being true to it) then doing something opposite yourself, often hidden. The word countenance denotes; sad and gloomy. Lets picture this scene; religious men get to do something good and pure unto God (fasting) but they fake looking sad and gloomy to get attention/pity of men. This shows a wicked wrong heart and the Lord is really all about our hearts before Him is He not? This is common among Sunday religious folks who do lots of praying/fasting and giving in front of men to be seen. We should do our service to Him (like fasting) with a joy of heart and not looking to get mans notice at all. Christ says "they have their reward" meaning on judgement day, fake works like this fleshly fasting, will be burned up as false and not worthy of reward. 
  
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 

******** Jesus is teaching us that when we do this service onto God like fasting, we should not show suffering to others around us. This makes our motive pure of heart and right in the Fathers eyes.  

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

******** Here is a key to the biblical life as what we do, we do unto to God, NOT men!  Like prayer or giving that is to be done in secret (see Matt 6:4-6) the Father sees our fasting in secret and a reward will be upon us from above. When you fast, no one needs to know but you and perhaps a spouse who lives with you. Lets make sure that our acts to God are not done for favor of man. Preaching the Word is to be done in public but prayer, giving and fasting are to be private matters if God is to be honored fully in it. 

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

******** Christ is telling us that we are not to live for the treasures and riches of this temporal life. They are vain, fading and can be lost or stolen by wicked men. Sadly most people (even claimed believers) spend much more of their time on the things of the world, NOT on the eternal things of God. This does not mean we cannot have any money but that money and things should not be our focus, distraction or a main goal. The command is to lay up treasure in heaven and that is done by obeying God, keeping His ordained ways, working for His kingdom to come and then we will reap a reward in eternity.   

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

******** This is a very basic concept but it has so much depth to it. Men who invest all they have in the stock market watch it 24-7. People that invest their whole lives in a business venture often are obsessed with it gaining results. Men who are bankers, actors or athletes put all that they are into that pursuit and it becomes "who they are". Their heart (the focus of their life) is over taken by what they put their main effort into daily. As Col 3;2 says we are to set our minds on things above, God and heaven not earthly things that will fade. Jesus is coming to destroy all that is on earth ( 2 Thess 1:8-10) do not live for those things as you suffer great loss.  

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

********* This saying of Jesus is wrestled over by many and hard to understand. He just commanded we NOT store up earthly treasure and we know to do that, we need to make enlightened decisions amen? Those decisions on how we live this life, spend our time and resources for God or for ourselves/flesh. The eye is mentioned here and if we probe its purpose we will get the truth. Often scripture speaks of light vs dark. (See Proverbs 4:18-19) We know it gathers light for us to see and help us make daily decisions. The word that causes difficulty is "single". It is haplous in the Greek and it means to be good, whole and fulfilling its office. Jesus is really saying if the eye is good and sound, it will aid our body / life to see and function properly. The eye has a physical purpose but; as we life for Christ, walking in this world, is can have a spiritual affect as well. What we see, how we discern it does affect our spiritual life amen?

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

********* This verse further highlights the issue at hand with the eye. It says, "If our eye be evil" and that can have various meanings. Clearly it refers to how we view things, decide things and act upon things from what we see and know in this life. It can be about the eye vision and also about our thoughts / life /spiritual choices as well. If we see things then we covet, hate, slander, gossip or lust; the light is not guiding us and we act out on that darkness/sin. Again, this is a heart issue matter as the eye only shows you what is physically really there. It is the heart of a man that discerns both good and evil. Jesus is saying see/walk in the light, not in darkness. (see 1 John 1:7) The further point is to make good decisions on what you live for being of God's light and not darkness of sin/the world and our flesh.

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

******* Christ switches us back to life choices and the reminder to have only one master in this life. Who died for us anyway and who should we serve first and only? We cannot be of God and the world (see 1 John 2:15/ James 4:4) and we cannot have two masters. In this case he speaks of mammon that is money and it links back to His verses on not storing up treasures here on earth so we do NOT end up serving them vs God. To serve anything above God, it is a idol and NO idolater will gain heaven. (see 1 Cor 6:9-10)   

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

******* Jesus had a way of saying hard things that cut to a humans soul and flesh. The idea of taking no thought on these matters (life,food,drink, your body or clothing) is very foreign to our nature as fallen fleshly humans. I have some men telling me because of this verse, I should not plan ahead or even think about our needs. They say that we just expect God to drop them down for us but that is NOT the meaning here. Jesus had a treasure who carried money and he told men to get swords for a trip showing even He planned ahead) This is another good example why we look deep at the root words for better understanding. In the Greek that word "thought" is merimnao and it means to not be anxious. Jesus is simply saying to not worry about such matters as life is much bigger then that. We will see we are to trust in the Father for all things. By the way that word raiment (enduma) means a robe in the Greek. They wore robes / tunics to cover their forms and it is why I teach it today as well. 

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

********* Christ next takes us to God's creation and reminds us how He cares for the animals. (Christ is the Creator per John 1) We are told that we are more valuable to God then animals to comfort us. (we are made in His image/ see Genesis 1:27) This in no way means we should not labor, grow or store food/items up for winter. If we keep reading we see it is a call to NOT worry but trust! 

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

******* This verse take us back to that root word thought (merimnao) and it is to NOT worry or be anxious. Paul tells us to not be anxious for nothing in Phil 4:6-7 and it is the same Greek word. 

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

******** This verse again uses the word raiment (enduma) and it is robes. Jesus says do not worry about such things but it does not mean we do not act to cloth ourselves as some claim. Do it without worry is the echoing meaning here. Again He reminds us of the awesome creation and that we need to trust and be lead by the Father/Spirit as even the plants are taken care of. I may be able to offer a good example of this point Jesus is aiming for. We travel all over the nation to street preach. I do plan for our needs on the road, I setup our van to live in, I bring tools, some food and other needed items but; I do NOT worry about it. No I trust the Father most in the end. This is using wisdom and trust in combination and it is what we are commanded to do as we serve Him. 

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

******** I like how here Jesus elevates the awesome creation of God far above what ever any person could create. Have you ever heard people say, well that sunset painting is nice but; it is nothing like the real thing? The Fathers handy work (Christ's) is far superior to any mans effort is the point!

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

********* Christ gives us a great assurance here as even grass is taken care of by the Father, why should we His children worry? Grass and animals are temporal but man is eternal and of much greater value. 

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

******** Here Jesus echoes verse 25 and we need to take extra notice. When things are said once in scripture, it is important. When things are echoed two or three times; a point of great importance is being made. Same word is used thought ... and means worry. Jesus is getting us to see clear to not worry but to lean and trust on the Father, not in the physical. This is apparently His driving point He wants His disciples to understand and grasp. 

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

******** In this verse we are reminded that Jesus main mission was to the house of Israel. (see Matthew 15:24) He makes a comment about how the Gentiles are the ones who worry and seek such material things. (alluding to the Hebrew believers should know better and trust in God) The Greek word for gentile is ethnos and it means non hebrew, pagan or heathen. Realize that at this time, the faith/people Jesus dealt with were mostly all Hebrew's. After Christ resurrected, the gospel was then taken by Paul and others to the gentile areas as thankfully God allowed us to enter in/grafted in by Christ' blood to the covenant with Him.    

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

******** This raises one of my original early points about the kingdom of God as a main theme of Christ. (that most miss out on) The entire creation rests on the Kingdom of God as even the garden of Eden was a "type" of heaven (perfect) Here Jesus is telling us to seek that kingdom. He rounds out this chapter that has told us to not be hypocrites, to have a pure heart, how to pray, not to worry, not store up earthly wealth, to not have two masters and that we are to seek the kingdom of God. Great foundational points but a area that most all miss is this term; and His righteousness! Many claim to be about the kingdom of God but they are lying/void of righteousness. That word (dikaiosume in Greek) means to be pure, have virtue and to be in right doctrine/standing with God. You cannot be of the kingdom of God and get His righteousness unless you are seeking and walking in His ways NOT your own or man made religious traditions. (see Heb 5:9) You cannot keep pagan holidays that lie like Christmas or easter, you cannot preach a false easy believe gospel, you cannot be of the world and you cannot keep false traditions then still claim to be of Him as truth! This will anger God and void your worship of Him per Jesus (See Mark 7:6-9)  Seeking the Kingdom of God is KEEPING His commands and walking in all of His ways to be His friend. (see John 14:15 and John 15;14) The kingdom of God is to be our MAIN goal and it comes by the gospel, new life in Christ and then obeying Him as we follow as disciples. Anything less will cause us to sin, miss the kingdom and fall under condemnation. (see Matthew 25:46) 

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
​
******** As we close out this chapter 6, Jesus takes us back to that word on not worrying. (thought) We are again told to not worry (trust in God) and we are also reminded to not worry about tomorrow. We need to be humble enough to admit, we are not keepers of tomorrow. God our heavenly Father is the keeper so we will do well to trust in Him for it all as we seek the kingdom. Keeping all of these teachings in mind as we seek after God/His kingdom will round us out, build our faith foundation well and we will NOT be moved in tribulation then receive a reward of eternal life to come!

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Matthew 7

The following are study notes from me and a brother on the book of Matthew / Chapter 7
See that chapter below in blue with our study comments in black on each verse
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t judge at all.
John 7:24 confirms this statement by telling us to judge righteous judgment. How can we judge righteous judgment, if we aren’t judging at all? Saints will even judge the angels (1 Corinthians 6:2). Are we then unworthy of judging the smallest matters? We are to judge our fellow brothers and sisters in faith and put them away if need be (Matthew 18:15-17). Paul put out a sexually immoral man from the body and scolded the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 5 for failing to remove him from the body because of his iniquity. Now we know that Paul (like Jesus and the other apostles) set an example for us to follow...so let us do as Paul did and judge the brethren. Now as for the world...we are to preach the Gospel to them and expose their evil deeds using our light but we are not to judge them. We are to let God judge the outsiders (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
****This is such a common twisted scripture perhaps the world most twisted. It is a great example of NOT proof texting. Taking one verse out and making doctrine from it. We are to use Gods Word to understand Gods Word. If we keep reading in Matt 7, we will find we are to judge but NOT do it in hypocrisy is Jesus main point here. Without judging we cannot even do the simplest and basic things of life yet alone have or function in the NT body.  


2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
We and our deeds will be judged and measured in the same way we judge and measure other people and their deeds. This is a warning for the hypocrites.
*****This verse backs up the point of this entire section of scripture on hypocrisy. To say one thing and do another is a gross sin in Gods eyes and the religious leaders/church people of the day and even today are guilty of it for sure. This also backs up the scripture treating others and you want to be treated. Matt 6:12  God is about fair and non partial ways and we then should act accordingly to honor Him.


3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Why do you point out other people’s sin while you yourself are full of it, maybe even of the exact same sin that you’re pointing out. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weights the hearts (Proverbs 21:2). Because the Lord weights the hearts, and because His Word is pure and tried and true, let us test ourselves to it and let Him reveal unto us our hypocrisies like in Psalm 26:2.
****** Here Jesus goes for the heart of the matter. Hypocrisy! It is easy for us all to see sin in others but have we rooted out the sin in us first? This reminds me of the verse where Jesus says do as the Pharisees tell you but do not do as they do as they tell you this but they do not do it themselves. Matt 23:3 
Let us ask ourselves why we would see sin in others as see ignore our own? Sounds like a serious heart condition that needs repentance amen?


4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Apparently, a mote (κάρφος) is a speck of dust and a beam (δοκὸν) is some larger wooden object. I’m not sure about this.
*******A mote is a small particle of matter while a beam is whole timber. This is comparing a sliver to a large board. Jesus is making the case that we cannot see clearly, if we have our own large sin, to then help others with smaller matters. We will not judge rightly and they will see we are hypocrites then what good can we do them? God is all about fair and righteous judgement not corrupt judgments. see Deut 16:18-20 on just judging  


5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
The point is to examine yourself first before pointing out other’s sins.
The main sin of the Pharisees was hypocrisy (“for they say, and do not”, Matthew 23:3). Hypocrisy is when you say one thing and do another. You might preach a thing that you do not do or speak against a thing that you do.
***** Here Jesus gives us the cure after telling us the issue and He is not timid about it. He is also always about redeeming not just condemnation. We are to REPENT Luke 13:3 of our sin issues and be above reproach so then we can make good judgments. Matt 5:48 says be ye perfect / mature. Notice in this verse it PROVES we are indeed to judge, once we have the right and authority to by NOT keeping sin of our own. Paul tells us to examine ourselves in 1 Cor 11:28 and in 2 Cor 13:5 / If we do this and act on it, we will never be hypocritical and not condemned for it by others or God.  




6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Proverbs 9:8, do not even rebuke mockers/scorners, they will only hate you. The truth that you spoke unto them might end up even forgotten, and all they are going to do is come back to attack you. Proverbs 18:2, If you meet a mocker/scoffer or a fool, that only delights in discovering his own heart, speaking the truth unto them would be not only pointless but shameful as well. They might make fun of the truth or put it down somehow, and then of you.
******In this verse we are given a command and it is regarding Gods truth as a pearl. Dogs in Jesus day were the lowest of animals right next to swine. ( today dogs are pagan idols as pets) Matt 13:46 talks of Gods kingdom/truth as a pearl of great price. If we have a great rare pearl, why would you ever offer it to someone who will throw it away then attack you? This is a sin against God and foolishness, not using. Jesus said be wise as a serpent in Matt 10 and in doing that we will avoid sharing the truth with those who will trample it. We must use discernment in who we share the gospel with (one on one) and who will not receive it but attack you and waste it. Guard the Word and do not cast it about as if it was worthless. See Titus 1:3  


7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Asking, seeking and knocking may refer to praying, good deeds and/or good fruits (anything done or thought for God, in accordance with His word).
However, it isn’t enough to simply ask once. Take a look at the parable of the unjust judge in Luke 18. We are told to always pray, and not to faint. The widow in the parable wasn’t avenged of her adversary immediately...but after a while of bothering the unjust judge. God is just, and the saints are said to cry unto Him both day and night. Be one of the saints and cry unto him with trust and patience. Wait upon his perfect timing and rely not on your own understanding.
Romans 12:12 be patient in tribulation and keep on praying.
*******This admonition for asking/seeking things is teaching us some basic lessons echoed in other areas. First, we always as for what is Gods will per the Lords prayer. Then we know God gives according to His grace and His working good for us. And we know our seeking is a key and James says this: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8 / Knocking reminds me of this Rev 3:20 verse: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. / Here Jesus is knocking to call to us and the pont is we are to seek God and His kingdom and not stop. See Matt 6:33 


8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
However...you may not receive whatever you are asking the Lord for if you ask amiss, to consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3. How can we make sure that we aren’t asking amiss? Read the word...read the psalms...see how and what they cried and prayed for. Imitate them. It was all written down for our learning. And crucify the flesh with it’s desires...die to sin and to the world. Ask for the spiritual things for His glory and always be content with food and clothes. Psalm 50:15, Do call upon the Lord in the day of trouble so that He delivers you, and you will glorify Him then. Crying out to God in your affliction is a good thing that you should do.
***** We know God does not grant just ANY request unless it fits His will for us. Think of asking a question. Often you get a answer but it is NOT the one you wanted but you still got a answer right? On seeking, the assumption here is that you are seeking things of Him / His Kingdom of God and in that case you WILL find it. Warning: if you seek selfish things or out of Gods will things, you may be left empty amen? As it says in Rev 3:20 ... He knocks to us. If we answer Him with a pure heart, He will open it. Acts 17 says God calls ALL men to repent. He is wanting us all to come to Him for salvation as He wants none to perish. 2 Peter 3:9 and God gives good things not a snake when we need bread. Matt 7:9-12


9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Have faith. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights in whom there is no variableness or a shadow of turning. James 1:17
**** God is a good loving Father and we do not have to fear His not caring for us if we seek His will and obey His ways. (He will chastise sin) He rained bread from heaven in the desert ( Exodus 16 ) and God is better then a human father and by faith we can trust in Him.
See 2 Cor :7 


10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
God is not unjust to deceive us and/or mock us when we ask Him for something. Neither is He the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
**** God is a good loving Father and we do not have to fear His not caring for us if we seek His will and obey His ways. (He will chastise sin) Remember the fish Jesus provided to the masses ( Matt 14) God is better then a human father and by faith we can trust in Him.
See 2 Cor :7  / The point here is to trust the Father without doubting!


11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
There is a parallel verse...Luke 11:13 says the exact same thing but replaces the “good things” with the “Holy Spirit”. Holy Spirit is our Comforter and the one that will remind us of all things and convict us...teach us, etc (John 14:26). We are to desire and diligently seek Him and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). We may always ask for these. We must also have faith and not doubt whenever we ask the Lord for something. If we request something for His glory we can be sure it will be granted unto us, but ask as you feel led. (James 1:6).
**** Jesus makes the comparison. We as fallen humans usually do the needed good things for children, how much MORE will a PERFECT Father in Heaven do good. We need to see God as FAR superior then us so we can have a SUPERIOR trust in Him. Notice He says get good things. This does not mean you get what you want but God will give.... good things.  See Numbers 23:19 .... God is not a man to lie.   


12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
The two great commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your soul, mind, strength and resources. And love your neighbor as yourself.
****** Here we see the fairness/justice that God requires all over the Word and the OT law being upheld under the prophets that taught it. If we love God and others.... we will live by this rule. Who could ever be said to love their boss as they steal from him? Also, can we say we love God as we wilfuly SIN against Him on and on? Not not at all. Jesus said if we love him we keep His commands. John 14:15 / The simplicity in Christ is clear and we do not need to make it so complex that it is confusing. Love God and love neighbors.....and love is keeping God's commands. See 1 John 5:3 


13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
The gate is straight. Deuteronomy 5:32 commands us to obey the Lord’s commandments, not turning to the right hand nor to the left...meaning that we are to do exactly as He commands and not twist His word nor follow our own ways. There is a way that seems right to a man which actually leads to death...read Proverbs 14:12. And we have a warning to those who add to or remove from God’s Word: Revelation 22:18-19. Some people also twist the Word to their own destruction: 2 Peter 3:16.
***** This verse reminds me of Jesus as our gate. John 10:9 ...we must enter through Him alone not churchianity, our own ways or man made traditions. The world offers a broad road with all of its traps and false ways made by satan the god of it 2 Cor 4;4/ The narrow way means it has conditions/rules/doctrines/commands to the NEW blood covenant of God ( see Matt 26) but the world says come follow anything you want, this road is broad and easy to travel. Jesus says to STRIVE in Luke 13 so we best get to striving through the narrow gate. So many get to the gate but MOST never go through and strive! The flesh, the world, false religion, fame money whatever keeps them from the journey to their demise!    


14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The last days will be like unto Noah’s and Lot’s days (Matthew 24, Luke 17). Everything will seem normal to the lost world, and none will be aware of the impending destruction. In Noah’s day, only 8 souls were saved from the flood in the entire world. In Lot’s day, only 3 souls were saved from Sodom and it’s daughters. From 600 000 souls in the wilderness, only 2, namely, Joshua and Caleb, stepped into the Promised Land. The rest of the men perished in the wilderness during the 40 years of wandering the desert because of their unbelief and their stiff-neck (Hebrews 3:7:11). And besides that, Jesus told us that there will be almost no faith on earth in Luke 18:8.
***** Nothing to add here, my brother said it well! FEW will find it.... how about you?


15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
False prophets/false teachers. People do not prophecy today as they did before, so today we will have to beware of false teachers and not have to worry about false prophets...although the premise is the same. In 2 Peter 2:1 he says that there were false prophets before and that there will come false teachers now. The Word is complete so there is no need for new revelation. Although these things will return just before Christ returns...but that is not yet. Certain things have to pass first. The prophets claimed to receive word from the Lord saying something and the false teachers claim that His written Word is teaching a certain thing which is false...because they twist the Word for their own gain and desires and delusions. Modern so called pastors are a good example of successful false teachers who prey upon the deceived ones for their money (the blind leading the blind Matthew 15:14).
***** False teachers do abound today. Paul warned wolves will come in after he leaves and they did. 
Acts 20:29 / Jesus warned in Matt 24 about the last days and many false teachers with false miracles and such that deceive. Notice they are in sheep clothing meaning... they look like believers and maybe they even act like believers. What do wolves do? They sneak up to kill and devour. What does Satan do? He kills and devours. See 1 Peter 5:8 and John 10;10 


16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
You will know whether they are true or false teachers by their fruit. Test their words and actions to the word. Read 1 Titus 3 for a description of what a true shepherd of the Lord’s sheep should be like.
********How do we know then? Jesus said judge a tree by its fruit John 15 and false teaches cant produce godly fruit for long they will be exposed if we test. It is doctrine, works and their testimony over time that will expose them. Testing all things 1 Thess 5 and being Bereans Acts 17 ...we will not be deceived. Trust in the Lord and His word not modern pastors or false teachers all over the land. Know the Word (2 Tim 2:15) and you will easily know false teachers!   


17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Reminds me of 1 John 3. Does that mean we cannot sin? No, we will doubtless make mistakes now and then but we wont live in them but repent and turn from them right away instead. Matthew 12:34, evil men can do and speak good things now and then but usually the motives are ill so that good thing is actually a corrupt fruit. Just like the righteous men refuse to live in wickedness even so evil men refuse to live in righteousness although they may be good here and there...as Jesus said, they are vipers. Then you have some relatively good men that do good deeds, who are not washed clean by the Christ’s shed blood. Our own works cannot save us otherwise Christ wouldn’t have had to die, however they matter once we are actually born again in the new covenant as they are fruit we are His.
*****See my notes on verse 16 / Be a fruit inspector of your own fruit first, then others and you will know good fruit vs rotten fruit to walk in pure doctrine/truth. John 14 says the Spirit will teach us ALL truth. If you know all truth you tree will be full of good fruit and it is easy to see false trees not of God. 


19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Like the parable of the wheat and the tares and sheep and goats. The wicked are worthless in the Lord’s sight and will be destroyed and disappear like a mere vapor. Psalm 37:38.
******In the bible trees play a big part. Remember the tree in the garden they should not have touched? Gen 2:17 / We are liken to a tree and if we claim God we are to bring fourth MUCH fruit not a tiny bit. The fruit God requires is OBEDIENCE to Him. See Hebrews 5:9 / When we obey God we cannot help but have MUCH fruit. When we sin, we cancel the process by which we can bear much fruit. Our lives are to glorify the Father as trees full of fruit not idle, dying, rotted or barren. And like it or not that reference to cast in the fire is HELL/judgment. Read John 15 and strive to bear much fruit or be cut off. See Romans 11    


20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Apple tree brings apples, fig tree brings figs, a good man brings righteousness in holiness, an evil man brings wickedness. For an evil mans fruit to be truly good, and not corrupt, his heart would have to be changed and humbled. He cannot last doing good for a longer period and he will eventually compromise. Intentions matter. Even the works of those who are saved shall be tried with fire, to test their integrity (1 Corinthians 3:13).
******This verse is telling us that over time we will know ourselves/others by the fruit ( sin or holiness) they/wee exhibit. The idea that God saves you and you do nothing or that sin will not cut you off or idleness and worldliness wont damn you is NOT found in scripture. Have you not read: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin.  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Heb 10:26-27 / We have no excuse. We have the Spirit and the Word. That is fertile ground, great watering and massive SON shine. If we do not bear much fruit we are guilty before a Holy God who died to redeem us and purchase our freedom by becoming sin for us. 2 Cor 5;21 




21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
We are in a blood covenant with God. I say blood covenant because Christ’s shed blood washes us clean and gives us access to the Father. A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties. Both parties have their share to adhere to. We must do whatever it is we agreed to do, and God must do whatever it is He agreed to do. In this covenant, God promises us eternal life with Him and to forget all of our sins if we turn from our evil ways and obey Him in all that He commands us to do...No exceptions. Hebrews 5:9 and the rest of the scriptures of course, confirm it. He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. And Jeremiah 31:31 confirms that we are in a new covenant (read Hebrews 8 too). It is made with Israel but the gentiles are grafted in as well.
****** I think of this verse to highlite/echo this scripture: For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matt 12 / We must by faith repent and be made new. Then in holiness/obedience  we endure to gain eternal life. If you do not do Gods will ...you are not obeying thus you live in sin and will be cast away. Read Matt 25 as well for righteous servants rewards. it is faith and works that prove each other. See James 2 




22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Read Matthew 25 as well. See the contrast between the good and between the evil? The wicked ones are proud and boasting of whatever good it is they think they did while the righteous are being lowly and not esteeming their own works in their own eyes. Whosoever exalts himself shall be abased and whosoever abases himself shall be exalted. James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6, humble yourselves before the Lord and allow Him to exalt you, for He is worthy. Boast, however in the Lord and magnify Him (2 Corinthians 10:17).
****** This warns of false religious people/false converts more interested in signs and wonders then truth and doctrine. See Matt 24 on false signs to come. Also if we just rely on good works but NOT walking in His word and ways we are NOT eligible for the grace of God to come in the last day. Can you expect mercy from a righteous human judge if he knows you have not tried hard to keep the law? How much harsher a punishment on those who trample Jesus blood to NOT obey in holiness? See Heb 10:29
Churchianity has lied and told eople Jesus blood covers it all but that is a lie. We must be in covenant and obeying/forsaking sin or we will be cast off as reprobates.  Paul warned of this in 2 Cor 13:5


23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Psalm 6:8, Psalm 101, Psalm 119:115
Pride is often mentioned in these psalms. Pride and a haughty spirit come before the fall as it is written in Pro 16:18. Work on having a childlike faith and being humble and lowly, for whosoever will not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, shall in no-wise enter therein (Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17). Children are usually not proud and haughty but their ears are open and they listen and obey even if they do not understand.
********I think the key words here are "worker of iniquity". In the Greek that is simply SIN. If we live in sin on going, no matter the other good works we do, it is evidence of either a false conversion or rebellion and both damn you. God has always wanted obedience most and we know that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. See 1 Sam 15  / 1 John 3:9 says no one practices sin who is born of God. What a grave warning to us all!


24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Psalm 18:2 the Lord is my rock. Build your house upon the Lord and His Word. Isaiah 40:8 the Word of our God shall stand for ever even though everything else will fade away and disappear. He is an eternal rock and whatever is built on Him will last and be unmovable. Jesus said that we cannot do anything without Him in John 15:5. Because of that, remain in His love and keep on praying without fainting because you are powerless by yourself.
*******James  1:22 tell us that we are to be does not hears of the Word. That is just clear as day and needs no further explanation does it? Do what Jesus told us to do ...if we are born of Him!


25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
You have to put on the whole armor of God that you may be ready to endure the day of calamity, and do everything that is in your power to stand, and not fall.
Ephesians 6:13. The rain, the floods and the winds represent the calamities and the tribulations of this life...the spiritual storms. They come but they always pass as well. And everyone who will follow Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
****** This is a clear & great promise to us that if we are founded and built on the Word / Christ, we will NOT fail. Jesus made a promise in Matt 16  ....And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. / That is a promise as we are His body. We build on the Rock by knowing Him via the gospel and by keeping His ways as fruit we are His house!


26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Don’t be like a man that saw his face in the mirror and turned away and at once forgot what he looks like (James 1:22-24).
***** If you want to see the opposite of being built firm on the rock, go read Genesis 6 and the Noah flood account. Noah was a man of faith and obedience .... he built on the rock as fruit he was of God. The world around him was partying on the sand and God washed them all away. We build on the rock by faith in Christ and the gospel of repentance and new life holiness/obeying to endure to life eternal. Only a fool builds on sand when a firm rock is right before him. 


27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
This is about the so-called Christians that do not love the Lord (because they are not obeying Him). Once the day of trouble comes, they will have nobody to lean upon. Great was the fall of it...reminds me of Matthew 12:38–39, when the latter end of a man is worse then at the first after the unclean spirit comes out of a man and then returns. Jesus warned several people to stop sinning after healing them and forgiving their sins or that something worse will befall them. The unclean spirit found it’s house empty and garnished...and swept clean. Jesus told us that a spoiler first has to bind the strong man of the house, before spoiling it. If the Holy Ghost resides within us, nothing can ever spoil us spiritually (lest we choose sin) as the one that is in us (God) is stronger then the one that is in the world (Satan and his minions) 1 John 4:4.
*****see  my notes on verse 26


28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
They have never heard a man speak like this (John 7:46). So they were astonished and amazed at His doctrine...but just how many actually followed Him and applied whatever it is He preached? Few (John 6:66-69). To listen is pleasant but to do is uncomfortable...and people love comfort.
****** They were amazed as He brought the truth of the Kingdom of God to earth and they could not even comprehend His ways. The truth is most all left him by the end of His short ministry. Truth divides and it separates out the true sheep form the goats. See Matt 10 on division? By the way...doctrine means instructions. See you cannot even follow Jesus biblically to eternal life UNLESS you have correct doctrine/instructions on how to please and obey Him. It is why we study and keep His Word. it leads to life ... doctrine/truth alone leads to life not false ways of teachings of men. 


29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Psalm 34:11 “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”. The scribes were learning the Word without the help of the Holy Spirit and Jesus was the Word Himself! Even from His young age, they were astonished at His knowledge (Luke 2:46-47).
*******Jesus taught with authority why? Well He was God and He knew truth best and the Word was Him. This tells us we too can have authority IF we know and live on the Word boldly via the Spirit. Like the disciples after the spirit came in Acts 2; they had boldness and authority to preach and live and die for the faith. See Acts 4:31 / The Scribes were just religious men with pride, dead hearts and lack of love issue towards God himself ( they did not even see Jesus as God) and in that; we cannot be pleasing to God or of His Word. ​