Matthew 13: Are we just dust in the wind?
1. INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND
Matthew was the son of Alphaeus, and was a tax collector in Capernaum for the Roman government. Just as the IRS is not our favorite agency to deal with, so others probably despised Matthew. He gave a large reception for Christ in his house so that his associates could meet Jesus. Matthew became one of the apostles, the “sent-out” ones. This book was written somewhere in between about 50 and 100 A.D. It is the first book in the New Testament, since it is a natural bridge between the Old and the New. To show that Christ is the Messiah, Matthew used 130 Old Testament quotations and allusions, more than any other book. He is the only evangelist to use the term “church”. The book is like a manual for new converts and one for church leaders as well. The book shows Christ as the lion, the King. It sounds like a good title for a movie to me. :)
To get the context of our passage, before it are the controversies of Christ working and healing on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees planning to destroy Christ because of this. After our passage, there are many other parables and stories. You may wonder about the title of the message. It comes from a classic rock song of the same name, by Kansas. I believe we are more than Dust in the Wind. We are soil to be seeded by The Sower. We, too, can sow seed in others’ lives. We can spread the Word worldwide.
2. CHRIST TEACHES WITH PARABLES / STORIES.
The people followed Christ because of all the miracles He did. The reason He spoke on a boat on the sea, facing the crowds on the shore, was to get better acoustics. We remember stories better than abstract concepts. That’s why Christ used them.
A. THE ROAD; THE BIRDS ATE THE SEEDS.
Unless we are saved and discipled, we can become like these seeds. We need to be grounded in the Word of God in a Christian church, as we are here.
B. THE ROCKY PLACES DO NOT ALLOW ROOTS TO GROW.
The seeds sprang up quickly since they did not have roots, and burned up and died because they could not get to water. Some Christians burn out since they do not understand the basics of Christianity. We need the milk and the meat of the Word, and we need the Holy Spirit in our lives to rejuvenate us. But “the meat is on the street” (John Wimber), when we’re “doin’ the stuff” outside of the church. The kingdom of God is not just on Sundays; it’s every day of the week. We need to be fed, grow & multiply daily.
C. THE THORNS CHOKED THE SEEDS.
Just as the crown of thorns that Christ wore at His crucifixion hurt Him, so can the thorns of life hurt us. We can be prevented from growing. There are distractions in life that get us focused on the physical, not the spiritual aspects of life. I’ll talk more about this later.
D. THE GOOD SOIL PRODUCED 30, 60, AND 100 TIMES THE CROP.
We sometimes need fertilizer to get a better crop. I just moved into a townhome on post, and the backyard wasn’t watered much, so I was offered fertilizer to help the lawn grow. It may stink and literally be dirty, but it will help the grass look better. So, too, do the circumstances in life sometimes stink and get us dirty and beat up, but in the long run, it produces endurance and character in us, so God can use us more, show us off.
3. THE EXPLANATION OF THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM
Isaiah’s prophecy touches on the message I did several weeks ago, on predestination. God chooses to let some people know the secrets of the kingdom through parables, stories, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discerning of spirits, which we find in 1 Corinthians 12. God’s ways are higher than man’s ways. (Isaiah 55:9) We need to be still and know that He is God. Sometimes God allows our hearts to be hardened, like Pharaoh’s heart in the Old Testament. Sometimes we harden it ourselves. But to harden sometimes means to encourage. I spent last week in Grand Junction at a church conference. I saw a potter make a pot, as he explained how it is similar to God making us. We are clay in God’s hands, and if we don’t have the Holy Spirit in our lives, the refreshing water, we may break as God molds us. But we can turn into a masterpiece as God forms us.
4. THE STORY EXPLAINED
A. WHEN SOMEONE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE, THE EVIL ONE STEALS IT AWAY.
To be mature Christians, we need salvation, to worship, and to study the Bible daily. We need the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit, which give us character and allow us to minister to others. If we don’t multiply, the body of Christ will wither.
To learn, we need life experience, and to hunger for knowledge. We need the education process, with concrete and abstract thought. We need to be able to experiment with what we are learning. We need to reflect on what we’ve done. This is a debriefing, or an After Action Review. We need to keep practicing, and then what we learn will become a habit. This is the model they use in medical school: learn it, do it, teach it.
We can be discipled directly by God and by someone else, one-on-one. We can be discipled corporately, which is happening now. We can also be discipled in small groups. I had several of the officers and several enlisted soldiers I work with express an interest in Bible studies, so that is something I’m organizing. Please keep this in your prayers. Please keep my battalion in your prayers, as we just had another death of a soldier. I’m glad CH Fox, the Provider chapel manager, is here now to help, as he led the Memorial Ceremony. I also spent last week in Grand Junction visiting the survivor, her mom, and her friends. Thank God she is moving and talking, and she should be healed in about a month. We need to pray for safety and protection for our soldiers.
B. WHEN PERSECUTION COMES BECAUSE OF THE WORD, WE CAN FALL AWAY.
The conference I went to was called “Building A Community of Love”. The main speaker said that Christianity has three legs of a stool. One is that we need to proclaim that Christ rose from the dead and is our Savior and Lord. Another is that we need to demonstrate the love of the kingdom of God, with the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The final leg is one that we forget, or don’t like to think about – suffering. The Christian life is not promised to be an easy one, but it is the best life that we can live. Another speaker, not knowing what the main speaker’s topic was (therefore showing the Spirit was orchestrating things), showed a video of a pastor who was beaten up by a homeless man. The pastor still loves God and is doing homeless ministry, in spite of his attack, which shows Christ working through him. We jokingly said the conference should have been named “Building a Community of Suffering.” As mission work and military work are done around the world, things will not be easy, but it is important in order for our objectives to be met. To be honest, I’m not looking forward to living two months in the desert of Southern California at the National Training Center in September, October, and next July. But I know that as we suffer, God will draw others to Christ, and I will have the privilege of helping with that, to encourage the soldiers.
C. THE WORRIES OF THE WORLD ($) CONSUME US.
Some people live just to make the most money they can, but as we know, there is more to life than riches. Our relationship with God, our family, and friends are more important. They can be eternal if we all go to heaven. We live seventy+ years if we are blessed, but it is infinite eternity that we have to be concerned about for others and ourselves. Perhaps we need to, as a bumper sticker I read said, “Live simply so others can simple live.” I purposely don’t have the newest things, so I can give to ministries.
D. THE GOOD SOIL RESULTS IN DISCIPLES WHO SOW SEED.
Once again, since we are here on this beautiful Sunday morning, I believe that we are good soil that Christ is sowing into. As we continue to meet, to get to know each other better, and perhaps as we grow in small groups throughout the week, we will impact the kingdom of God. We can’t do it by ourselves; we need each other. A forest is more beautiful than an individual tree. We are powerful as a community of God.
5. REVIEW / APPLICATION / CONCLUSION
A. CHRIST TAUGHT WITH STORIES.
B. THE EXPLANATION OF MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM
C. THE STORY EXPLAINED
D. WE, TOO, AS WE ’ RE DISCIPLED, CAN SOW SEED IN OTHERS.
“SEED TO SOW”, C 1990 Reunion Records BY WAYNE KIRKPATRICK / MICHAEL W. SMITH
https://genius.com/Michael-w-smith-seed-to-sow-lyrics
SOME PEOPLE QUIETLY REVEAL IN THE MANNER OF THE MEEK
SOME PEOPLE SHOUT THE WAY THEY FEEL TO A RADICAL DEGREE
SOME PEOPLE SING IT TO EXPRESS, WHILE OTHERS HEAR ANOTHER CALL
SOME PEOPLE SPEAK WITH SUBTLENESS
SOME DON’T RELY ON WORDS AT ALL
BUT LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT
(CHORUS)
ONE THING I KNOW
EVERYBODY’S GOT A SEED TO SOW
LET YOUR HEART OF HEARTS TAKE YOU DOWN THE ROAD
EVERYBODY’S GOT A SEED TO SOW
WE ALL ARE PIECES OF THE WHOLE
WITH DIFFERENT FEELINGS TO EVOKE
GIVING DISTINCTION TO THE ROLE
DIFFERENT PLAYERS – DIFFERENT STROKES
BUT LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT
(CHORUS)
SOME PEOPLE WALK, SOME PEOPLE RACE
SOME PEOPLE VARY IN THEIR PACE
BUT GOD CAN USE WHAT YOU CAN GIVE
WITHIN THE MYSTERY OF HIS WAYS
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE
(CHORUS)
May we have the Word sown into our lives, our roots go deep, and have the Holy Spirit water us, to nourish us. May we have fruit that multiplies 100%, and may we be more than Dust in the Wind.
Jesus Teaches in Parables
13 That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And [a]large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to sow; 4 and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 Others fell [b]among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out. 8 And others fell on the good soil and *yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears, [c]let him hear.”
An Explanation
10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 [d]Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12 For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 [e]In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,
‘[f]You will keep on hearing, [g]but will not understand;
[h]You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
15 For the heart of this people has become dull,
With their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes,
Otherwise they would see with their eyes,
Hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.’
16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
The Sower Explained
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the [i]word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20 The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the [j]word, immediately he [k]falls away. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the [l]world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”
Tares among Wheat
24 Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven [m]may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed [n]tares among the wheat, and went away. 26 But when the [o]wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. 27 The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? [p]How then does it have tares?’ 28 And he said to them, ‘An [q]enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he *said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
The Mustard Seed
31 He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the [r]air come and nest in its branches.”
The Leaven
33 He spoke another parable to them, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three [s]pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
The Tares Explained
36 Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the [t]tares of the field.” 37 And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the [u]end of the age; and the reapers are angels. 40 So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the [v]end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom [w]all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, [x]let him hear.
Hidden Treasure
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
A Costly Pearl
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
A Dragnet
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; 48 and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. 49 So it will be at the [y]end of the age; the angels will come forth and [z]take out the wicked from among the righteous, 50 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51 “Have you understood all these things?” They *said to Him, “Yes.” 52 And [aa]Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
Jesus Revisits Nazareth
53 When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from there. 54 He came to [ab]His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these [ac]miraculous powers? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his [ad]hometown and in his own household.” 58 And He did not do many [ae]miracles there because of their unbelief.
Footnotes
Matthew 13:2 Lit Many
Matthew 13:7 Lit upon
Matthew 13:9 Or hear! Or listen!
Matthew 13:11 Lit He
Matthew 13:14 Lit For them
Matthew 13:14 Lit With a hearing you will hear
Matthew 13:14 Lit and
Matthew 13:14 Lit Seeing you will see
Matthew 13:19 I.e. message
Matthew 13:21 I.e. message
Matthew 13:21 Lit is caused to stumble
Matthew 13:22 Or age
Matthew 13:24 Lit was compared to
Matthew 13:25 Or darnel, a weed resembling wheat
Matthew 13:26 Lit grass
Matthew 13:27 Lit From where
Matthew 13:28 Lit enemy man
Matthew 13:32 Or sky
Matthew 13:33 Gr sata
Matthew 13:36 Or darnel, a weed resembling wheat
Matthew 13:39 Or consummation
Matthew 13:40 Or consummation
Matthew 13:41 Or everything that is offensive
Matthew 13:43 Or hear! Or listen!
Matthew 13:49 Or consummation
Matthew 13:49 Or separate
Matthew 13:52 Lit He
Matthew 13:54 Or His own part of the country
Matthew 13:54 Or miracles
Matthew 13:57 Or own part of the country
Matthew 13:58 Or works of power
Matthew 14: John the Baptist Beheaded
14 At that [a]time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; [b]he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” THEY BELIEVED IN RESURRECTION, BUT THE WRONG PERSON HERE. 3 For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. 4 For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded [c]John as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced [d]before them and pleased Herod, 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Having been prompted by her mother, she *said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of [e]his dinner guests. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 His disciples came and took away the body and buried [f]it; and they went and reported to Jesus.
Five Thousand Fed (SEE NOTES BELOW)
13 Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the [g]people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. THEY HEARD THE MIRACLES, ETC HE WAS DOING AND WERE INTERESTED. 14 When He went [h]ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion GUT WRENCHING for them and healed their sick. CHRIST WANTS TO HEAL US. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already [i]late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” 17 They *said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Ordering the [j]people to [k]sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, 20 and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. 21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children. SO IT WAS CLOSER TO 15,000?
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately He [l]made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already [m]a long distance from the land, (many stadia from; a stadion was about 600 feet ) [n]battered by the waves; for the wind was [o]contrary. 25 And in the [p]fourth watch (3-6 AM) of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out [q]in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” CHRIST DOESN'T WANT US TO FEAR. 28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” WE NEED TO HAVE FAITH. 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” HE RECEIVED WORSHIP, IMPLYING HE IS GOD'S SON. 34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place [r]recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; 36 and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.
Footnotes
Matthew 14:1 Or occasion
Matthew 14:2 Or he, himself
Matthew 14:5 Lit him
Matthew 14:6 Lit in the midst
Matthew 14:9 Lit those who reclined at the table with him
Matthew 14:12 Lit him
Matthew 14:13 Lit the crowds
Matthew 14:14 Lit out
Matthew 14:15 Lit past
Matthew 14:19 Lit crowds
Matthew 14:19 Lit recline
Matthew 14:22 Lit compelled
Matthew 14:24 Lit many stadia from; a stadion was about 600 feet or about 182 meters
Matthew 14:24 Lit tormented
Matthew 14:24 Or adverse
Matthew 14:25 I.e., 3-6 a.m.
Matthew 14:26 Lit from
Matthew 14:35 Or knew
The two mass feeding events are definitely different events, as shown below:
Event 1: Matt 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-43, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15
5000 men, plus women and children
5 loaves of bread and 2 fish
12 baskets full of leftovers
Jesus wanted to be alone, but the crowds came by surprise, so He taught them
the opposite side of Lake Galilee from Gennesaret
Event 2: Matt 15:29-39, Mark 8:1-10
4000 men plus women and children
7 loaves of bread and a few fish
7 baskets full of leftovers
Jesus was healing the lame, blind, mute, and crippled while He sat on the mountainside
The region of Decapolis, near a mountainside, ie, not in Israel
https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/83582/why-are-there-2-variants-of-feeding-of-the-multitude-in-mark-and-matthew
Matthew 15:1-2O
Tradition and Commandment
15 Then some Pharisees and scribes *came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3 And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress BREAK the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother is to [a]be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been [b]given to God,” 6 he is not to honor his father or his mother[c].’ And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 8 ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 9 ‘But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’” WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF WORKS VS. GRACE. 10 After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, “Hear and understand. 11 It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” 12 Then the disciples *came and *said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were [d]offended when they heard this statement?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides [e]of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHO WE FOLLOW.
The Heart of Man
15 Peter [f]said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 [g]Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? 17 Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is [h]eliminated? 18 But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, [i]fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHAT WE SAY AND DO.
Matthew 15:21-28
Summary: Doggie Bag, Anyone?
1. Intro/background (v 21-22)
A. Tyre (SOUTH OF BEIRUT) & Sidon (NORTH OF TYRE), Syria (THE US BOMBED THEM DEC 2025) & Phoenicia (NORTH OF GALILEE); TYRE and SIDON were port cities, and PHOENICIA and SYRIA were
countries, the latter of which is 90% Muslim today.
B. The woman from the region of Canaan (ABOUT 50 MILES FROM TYRE/SIDON)
2. Christ did not answer her a word. Sometimes God answers our prayers with a yes, no, wait, or silence (v 23). God sometimes speaks in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19); 1 Corinthians 12, etc.
3. The disciples tried to calm down the situation.
They didn’t always like conflict. Christ tended to cause conflict everywhere He went. Doing miracles tends to stir up people. That is why we still need the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit today, to stir people up enough to seek God, as they realize God does exist.
4. "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
A. Israel first, then the Gentiles (v 24)
This was not a prejudicial comment. This was Christ’s mission/vision statement. I encourage us all to develop a mission/vision statement. My leadership one is “I’m a confident communicator who relates well as I lead others without stress; I encourage and take appropriate risks.” For chaplaincy, mine is “to listen, encourage and support Soldiers and their families, by performing and providing for religious services. I will nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the dead.” Mine for being a Christian is “to know God and make Christ known in the power of the Holy Spirit, by winning, building an sending out worshipping disciples.” These statements help me keep the right focus.
B. The homogeneity principle of world evangelism (Dr. C. Peter Wagner, Spreading The Fire, Regal Books, Ventura, CA 1994). Churches may grow if they have a similar kind of people.
Homogeneity can relate to milk. It is kept separate from the cream. This is a somewhat controversial idea, but it is one to keep in mind. According to Dr. Donald McGavran from the U.S. Center for World Missions in CA, “People like to become Christians without crossing racial, linguistic, or class barriers . . . the great obstacles to conversion are social, not theological.” (p. 37, 38, Wagner) The examples we have of Christ reaching out to the Gentiles are few. He soon continued His ministry to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Healing the woman’s daughter was an exception, not the rule. His main focus was on the salvation of the Jews, who would reach the Gentiles.
Last week, I attended the end of the Gospel service on post, since a chaplain wanted me to play a song his keyboardist didn’t know. It is mainly an African-American service, with a different kind of music than I normally do. I enjoy the music, but to be honest, the service is a little long for my tastes. The homogeneity principle can easily be seen there, since there are similar racial, classes, and language there.
In a similar way, our service has a makeup of people from primarily the same race, language, and classes. Because of this, growth is possible. Yes, this is a little controversial. I do not intend this to be a divisive point, or to encourage segregation, but to deal with reality. People like being with people like them.
5. She bowed down and worshiped. When we worship, Christ may change His mind. She shouted - she wanted it! (v25)
We see throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms, that believers worshiped God in many ways, by raising their hands, clapping, kneeling, or bowing down to worship, and even sometimes shouting at God. A Greek word for worship, proskuneo, means to fall down before the Master and kiss Him, which shows intimacy. God desires this kind of relationship with us. The church is the bride of Christ; Christ is the groom. It is important for us to get our anger, sadness, fear, and joy out in appropriate ways. God can handle it. Christ did this, too, and He is our perfect example.
6. "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." Christ wasn't always nice. (v 26)
This is how I came up with the title for my message. To quote Dr. Douglas A. Hare, from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where I went, “Jesus’ behavior is not so harsh as modern readers think. The saying may have been a proverb . . . The Greek word for “dogs” found here (is the diminutive, which) was used with reference to household pets and therefore not to be seen as abusive. (Jesus’ Aramaic, however, contained no such diminutive.) It is further suggested that Jesus’ statement is not to be seen as His final word to the woman but as a test of her faith; if she passes the test, he will accede to her request.” (Matthew, John Knox Press, Louisville, KY, 1993, p. 176- 177)
“Jesus was capable of speaking firmly (“harshly” from our modern perspective) when He felt the situation demanded it (see Matthew 8:22, “follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead”). Jesus was so convinced of the urgency of His work that we can readily believe He may have told His messengers not to indulge in casual conversations with Jewish men they met along the road (Luke 10:4). In view of such restrictions, it is also credible that He himself avoided contacts with Gentiles for whom He felt no responsibility.” P. 177
“There is no contradiction between such a self-understanding and the statement of Matthew 8:11 concerning the place of Gentiles in the kingdom of God.” (which I’ll talk about at the end in the story of the great faith of the Centurion) “Like other faithful Jews of His day, Jesus undoubtedly accepted as true the scriptural prophecies that in the last days Gentiles would stream to (glorified) Zion (Jerusalem) to worship the God of Israel (Isaiah 60: 1 – 14). The conversion of such Gentiles would be effected by divine miracle. Prior to that time, however, repentance had to be preached to Israel while the opportunity for repentance remained. There was great urgency, and the energy of the messengers must not be dissipated.” (p. 177)
“Why, then, did Jesus “withdraw” into the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon? It is often argued that this was a strategic withdrawal to escape His enemies. If Jesus had really wanted to evade pursuers, He would have avoided populated areas and hidden Himself in the hills. No, if Jesus truly made such a journey, it was undoubtedly to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. A large Jewish population was to be found north of the Galilean border in the political territories of Tyre and Sidon.” (p. 178)
“Verse 24 reflects historical fact. This story, and the account of the Capernaum centurion and possibly that concerning the Gadarene demoniac, are the only stories in which Jesus ministered to Gentiles. Each is clearly exceptional. Since all the Gospels were written for churches that were predominantly Gentile in membership, we must assume that the Evangelists would have wished to include as much as possible about Jesus’ concern for the Gentiles. People like Paul who championed the Gentile mission could find little support in the ministry of the earthly Jesus. Paul was able to make theological sense of this limitation: “For I tell you that Christ became a servant of the circumcised to show God’s faithfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs” (Romans 15:8). Christ’s single-minded devotion to His own people was a manifestation of God’s faithfulness to His promises.” (p. 178)
“What does Matthew make of the story? Like Mark, he places it immediately after the dispute about food and purity laws. This suggests that, just as Jesus’ subordination of ritual to ethics anticipates the law-free mission to the Gentiles, so the Gentile woman represents the vast numbers of non-Jews who were to become members of the church. Whereas Mark refers to her as “a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth,” Matthew suggests that she belongs culturally not to the Hellenized (Greek) population of the cities of Tyre and Sidon but to the rural people. She is a Canaanitess, a representative of the despised indigenous population with which Israel was not supposed to fraternize (Ezra 9: 1-12, Mixed marriages, prayer of confession). The confession with which she addresses Jesus, “Lord, Son of David,” marks her as the vanguard of Gentile believers.”
“It is this emphasis on faith that most distinguishes Matthew’s version of the story from Mark’s In the Nazareth narrative it was stressed that Jesus refused to do many mighty works there because of their lack of faith (Matthew 13: 58). Jesus was no ordinary physician dispensing wonder drugs to any who could pay Him; a relationship of faith was essential. Whereas this may well have been implicit (implied) in Mark’s narrative, Matthew makes it explicit (obvious). It is only because of the woman’s faith that Jesus heals her daughter.” (p. 178)
“In this respect, the believing Gentile poses a sharp contrast to the unbelieving Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem of the preceding passage. Whereas Jesus is rejected by fellow Jews, Gentiles are able to recognize Him as their Lord, who has mercy on them and exorcises the demon of paganism so that they can join the children at God’s table. There are very possibly eucharistic (communion) overtones in the reference to sharing bread, but of course this cannot be pressed, since Matthew himself does nothing to develop the allusion.” (p. 179)
“What comfort and guidance can modern Christians draw from the story? It reminds us, first, that we are, as Krister Stendahl has suggested, merely “honorary Jews.” To us the woman’s response sound servile (menial); she seems to accept the role of “dogs” for Gentile believers. Matthew probably saw her humility as a necessary ingredient of her faith; it was appropriate that she acknowledge the historical (and therefore theological) priority of God’s election of Israel. Paul reminds us in Romans 11 that is by grace alone that we have been admitted to the ranks of God’s salvation-historical people. We have no right to demand the help of Israel’s Messiah. Like the woman of the story, we humbly beg His mercy.” (p. 179)
“Second, the story reminds us that members of despised or oppressed groups must be bold in seeking relief of their misery. The woman is not content to be ignored, because she is convinced that her daughter deserves to be given a chance at living a normal, productive life. Her persistence, based on her faith in a God who can change things for the better, is rewarded.” (p. 179).
There is a racial clash between the Jews and the Gentiles. Just watch the news any day, and Israel is probably mentioned. Remember when Christ turned over the merchants’ tables in the sanctuary? Christ was not afraid to take a stand when it dealt with an important issue. He was so determined in His mission to the Jews, who would reach the Gentiles, that He was not vague with her. He was very specific about what His mission and vision were.
7. She was desperate for God - are we? (v27)
8. Christ rewarded her faith by healing her demon-possessed (diamonizomai) daughter (v 28)
As I have said before, I believe demon-possession can be a mental or spiritual ailment. Some people prefer to call it demon-oppression. Sometimes, psychiatric and psychological disorders could have been present in the Bible times and be misunderstood as demon-possession. But we have to remember the source of all evil and sickness, the devil. As I worked with psychiatric patients for more than fifteen months as a hospital chaplain, including a psychiatric ward for a summer, there were some of them that I thought might be demon-oppressed, and I prayed for them when I could. If you want to hear some stories, see me later. We are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual beings, so we have to keep that in mind when we are ministering. We are multi-dimensional. God wants to use us to heal others. We have the privilege of working with God.
9. Matthew 8: 10 is the other instance of great faith in this book: The Centurion, a military leader.
Dr. Hare writes regarding this story, “This is one of ten illustrations of Jesus’ miraculous powers. In comparison with the other healing stories, it attributes to Jesus a more spectacular power; He is able to heal someone at a distance, where He normally heals by touch (8:3, 15) or with an authoritative word addressed directly to the patient (9:6). It must be observed however, that Matthew makes little of this feature of the healing; the miracle is reported matter-of –factly, without special note.” (p. 90) It was no big deal for God.
“The decision to place the story here rather than at some other point in the Gospel seems to be related to the fact that the centurion and his servant are Gentiles and therefore are excluded, like the leper and Peter’s mother-in-law, from full participation in Israel’s religion. Jesus is the Messiah by whose power and authority the excluded are included. This story must have been especially dear to Gentile members of Matthew’s church. It is important to note, however, that the historical constraints of Jesus’ ministry are not ignored by the story. In response to the request of the Canaanite woman for an exorcism Jesus declares, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (15;24). A in the later story involving a Gentile, so here the healing of a Gentile is truly exceptional, anticipating the post-resurrection mission to the pagan world (28:18 – 20, the Great Commission) but not inaugurating it prematurely. As suggested by John 12:20-24 (Greeks seek Jesus), Jesus can minister properly to Gentiles only by dying for them.”
“For this reason, verse 7 should be taken as a question: “And he said to him, ‘Am I to come and heal him? (the emphatic ego (“I”) is ignored by most translations. Jesus shows the same reluctance here as in Matthew 15: 23, 24. He feels no call from God to minister to those beyond the bounds of God’s people. As in 15: 28, Jesus is here persuaded to make an exception to His rule because of the remarkable faith exhibited by the Gentile. The officer responds to Jesus’ reluctance by stating that it will not be necessary to contract ritual uncleanness by entering the home of a non-Jew; he is confident that Jesus possesses God-given authority to heal at a distance.” (p. 91)
“It is sometimes proposed that the expression “under authority’ in verse 9 is the mistranslation of an Aramaic phrase meaning “having authority,” since the officer speaks only of his subordinates, not of his superiors. The phrase makes perfect sense in the context if we remember that the point of the analogy is that the officer receives his authority to issue commands from his superior. In the same way, he implies, Jesus has received authority from God, an authority that allows him to command unseen spirits (angels) to do His bidding.” (p.91)
“For Matthew, the story has a third function as well. This is indicated by his inserting into the story verses 11-12, a saying found in a very different context in Luke 13:28-29. instead of simply praising the faith of the Gentile, as in 15:28 and in the Lukan parallel to this story (Luke 7:9), Matthew makes this the occasion for a stern warning to Jews, whose birth as Abraham’s posterity makes them ”sons and daughters of the kingdom” (v.12) but who nonetheless forfeit their birthright by refusing to accept Jesus as the Lord’s Anointed. One suspects that this third use of the miracle story was prompted in part at least by the continuing failure of the Jewish-Christian mission to Israel (see comments on 10:16-25) (p. 91)
“Why is the centurion’s faith praised so highly? His is not simply a bold confidence in Jesus’ ability as a healer. The Gentile attributes to Him a special authority, the authority to issue commands on God’s behalf. This implicit (implied) confession thus foreshadows Peter’s declaration, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16, NRSV). (p. 91)
“Jesus’ word of praise of the centurion’s faith is spoken “to those who followed him (v.10). Since “follow” is used technically in many passages as a way of referring to discipleship (9:9), it seems probable that Matthew wishes the readers of the Gospel to take to heart both the praise and the warning. Christians must not simply address Jesus as “Lord” but humbly acknowledge His right to rule their lives day by day. As sons and daughters of the kingdom, they must not take their birthright for granted. Many will come from east and west, yes, from Africa and Asia, and sit in judgment on the nominal Christians of America and Europe, who too glibly call Jesus, “ Lord, Lord,” and do not do what He says (7:21-27).” (p.91)
We see from this story that because of this man’s humility and faith, Christ did not even have to go to the servant. Christ told him to go on, that the servant was healed. In the midst of his response, Christ warned about hell, which He did frequently. Again, it was Christ’s mission to share the good news of heaven if they believed in Him and asked God for forgiveness. Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” 1 John 1: 9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If we ask Christ into our lives, we may not have the easiest life, but we will have the best life to look forward to.
10. Application/review/conclusion - We need to have great faith, evangelize the world, worship, be desperate for God, and pray for leaders of great faith in the military.
Matthew 16: 1-20 Pharisees Test Jesus
16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a [a]sign from heaven.
"the Pharisees and the Sadducees came from two polar opposite perspectives regarding the Torah; the Sadducees held to a very literal perspective of the Torah while the Pharisees equated oral tradition with the Torah, which allowed for much wider interpretation. Since resurrection and the afterlife are never mentioned in the Torah, the Sadducees believed that there was no resurrection, whereas, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection." https://jewelsofjudaism.com/pharisees-sadducees-resurrection-emor/#:~:text=As%20mentioned%20earlier%2C%20the%20Pharisees,turning%20them%20against%20one%20another:
2 But He replied to them, “[b]When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the [c]appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? (Early manuscripts do not contain the rest of v 2 and v 3)
"Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky in morning, sailor's warning." Libraryofcongress.gov
4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a [d]sign; and a [e]sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. 5 And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the [f]leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” CHRIST WAS USING WORD PLAY HERE. 7 They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? 10 Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the [g]leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Peter’s Confession of Christ
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi (EAST OF TYRE), He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, [h]Elijah; but still others, [i]Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are [j]the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (NOT SON OF MAN) "it refers back to the Old Testament vision that was written down by the prophet Daniel . . . And to the Ancient of Days comes “one like unto a son of man,” who then is given the authority to judge the world." https://www.ligonier.org/posts/difference-between-son-god-and-son-man
17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon [k]Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are [l]Peter, and upon this [m]rock I will build My church; HIS FAITH, NOT PETER, CONTRARY TO WHAT THE CATHOLICS BELIEVE.
and the gates of Hades "or Pluto, the god of the lower regions Orcus, the nether world, the realm of the dead,
later use of this word: the grave, death, hell" https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g86/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/
will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth [n]shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth [o]shall have been loosed in heaven.” (future, perfect passive in Greek) 20 Then He [p]warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was [q]the Christ. OUR PRAYERS MAY HAVE AN EFFECT IN HEAVEN. CHRIST WASN'T READY TO BE CRUCIFIED YET.
Footnotes
Matthew 16:1 Or attesting miracle
Matthew 16:2 Early mss do not contain the rest of v 2 and v 3
Matthew 16:3 Lit face
Matthew 16:4 Or attesting miracle
Matthew 16:4 Or attesting miracle
Matthew 16:6 Or yeast
Matthew 16:11 Or yeast
Matthew 16:14 Gr Elias
Matthew 16:14 Gr Jeremias
Matthew 16:16 I.e. the Messiah
Matthew 16:17 I.e. son of Jonah
Matthew 16:18 Gr Petros, a stone
Matthew 16:18 Gr petra, large rock; bed-rock
Matthew 16:19 Gr estai dedemenon, fut. pft. pass.
Matthew 16:19 Gr estai lelumenon, fut. pft. pass.
Matthew 16:20 Or strictly admonished
Matthew 16:20 I.e., the Messiah
Matthew 16:21-28 The Paradox of the Cross
1. INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND
Matthew wrote his Gospel perhaps fifteen years or so after the destruction of Solomon's temple. Before this passage, the Pharisees (the religious party, the Jewish leaders of the Temple) tested Christ, and Simon Peter, one of the disciples/apostles (follower / sent out one), confessed Christ as the Son of the living God. After the passage is the Transfiguration: the changing/glowing of Christ with Moses and Elijah.
2. CHRIST HAD TO SUFFER IN JERUSALEM (VERSE 21)
In Judea, Christ foretold the fulfillment of the prophecies of Zechariah, etc., which I spoke on previously. Christ had to suffer at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, the religious leaders of the day, so He could rise from the dead victoriously.
3. PETER REBUKED CHRIST (VERSE 22)
According to Dr. Douglas R. A. Hare, from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where I went, "Peter's vigorously negative reaction to the Passion announcement is historically comprehensible. (This is the passionate death and resurrection of Christ.) Contemporary Jewish though found no reference to a suffering Messiah in the Hebrew Scriptures, and the idea is absent from the vast literature of Jewish apocrypha and pseudepigrapha (the non-biblical or historically accurate writings of the time), including the Dead Sea Scrolls (which has fragments of almost every book of the Bible in them). Nothing in their background prepared Jesus' disciples for the notion that Israel's eschatological (end times) champion should suffer a shameful death. The Messiah was expected to inflict suffering and death on Israel's enemies and on the wicked within Israel, not to experience it Himself. (They wanted a conquering King. This will happen at Christ's second coming. See the book of Revelation for more on this.) The Christian message about a crucified Messiah, while merely foolishness to Greeks, was a real stumbling block to Jews, as Paul testifies in 1 Corinthians 1: 23 - 24" "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong." MATTHEW, John Knox Press, Louisville, KY, 1993, p. 194.
This scripture gives me hope, since I did not go to Princeton, I don't wear a PT badge, etc. This week at the HUMMWV class, I had to borrow some coveralls to do a PMCS, and they were from a LT who is Airborne and Air Assault. A soldier said, "Chaplain, you sure are high-speed!" I explained I was borrowing them, and it was my class leader from CHOBC, who is high speed, who is in Afghanistan handling casualties. As I mentioned last week, if I start complaining, and I remember what he's going through, it keeps me in the right perspective. John Wimber, the main founder of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, who I'm ordained by, liked saying, "I'm a fool for Christ. Whose fool are you?" God uses anyone, giving them supernatural gifts for the kingdom. We need to be "naturally supernatural", doin' the stuff, having the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12, 1 Cor.12, Eph. 4) in our life.
"Matthew seems to be telling us that the disciples were incapable of hearing anything beyond the negative part of the announcement. This too is fully understandable. (It reminds me of selective listening that some parents, children, etc. do.) Jewish writings had much to say about the final resurrection of the dead but nothing about the resurrection of a single martyr . . . It had to be experienced to be believed." (P.194)
They were expecting many to resurrect from the dead, not just one martyr. Peter may have originated a cliché when he said, "God forbid!" in this verse. We need to be careful who we rebuke. I learned this lesson with Floyd McClung, who was the international director of Youth With A Mission, one of the world's largest missions agencies. Now he is the pastor of Metro Christian Fellowship, an influential church in Kansas City. I had him speak at 1st Presbyterian Church (USA) in Pueblo. He made a comment that was misinterpreted by the congregation, which I wrote him about. He wrote back a stern letter regarding this, and I sent him an apology note regarding this. 1 Timothy 5:17 states, "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor." We need to honor those with experience who deserve respect. I learned!
4. "GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!" (VERSE 23)
"In the Greek, Jesus' harsh response to Peter echoes the climax of the temptation narrative: "Go, Satan!" (4:10). Just as Satan tried to persuade Jesus to disobey God as Israel had disobeyed in the wilderness, so now Peter, serving as Satan's spokesman, attempts to convince Jesus that the divine "must" of suffering can be ignored. READ MATTHEW 4: 1 - 11. The response to Peter, however, differs in one important particular from the word to Satan. To His disciple, Jesus says, "Go behind me, Satan!" At one level this seems to mean: "Resume your proper role as a disciple; learn from me, don't try to teach me." Figuratively, however, it may refer to the direction of Jesus' forthcoming journey: "Don't stand in my way; follow me to the cross!' (p. 194)
Simon Peter showed a leadership skill by critiquing in private and praising in public. He was going to protect Christ, just as when he cut off the ear of Malchus, a slave of the high priest. (John 18: 10) Peter used another leadership skill by giving a challenge. Satan comes from the Greek "satanus, 4567", which means "the accuser, the devil." This comes from the story of the devil accusing Job in the book of Job in the Old Testament. Peter was in the flesh, following Satan's desires. Peter was not listening to his internal spirit or the Holy Spirit. We need to listen for the Spirit as well.
"This latter understanding is supported by the addition that Matthew makes to the saying (see Mark 8:33); "You are a skandalon to me." In secular Greek, the word normally meant "trap," but among Greek-speaking Jews whose primary literature consisted of the Scriptures the word meant "stumbling block," that is, a rock along the path that one stumbles against.
(see Lev. 19:14: "You shall not . . . put a stumbling block before the blind"). Used figuratively, it referred to causes or occasions of sin (see Matthew 13:41, 18:7) or hindrances to faith (1 Corinthians 1:23 and Galatians 5:11 refer to the cross as a skandalon). In this context, the word has a particularly ironic significance: Simon the Stone has placed himself in front of Jesus and become a rock to stumble over. Peter's mind is ruled by human thoughts, not God's thoughts. To human thinking, the cross must ever remain a scandal, but it plays an indispensable role in God's salvation history." (195)
This can also refer to our actions being a stumbling block for others. Romans 14: 13 states, "not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in (another's) way." This is something we all need to work on. Christ and the cross are scandalous; it is controversial. I am thankful I can wear a cross on my collar, my beret, my HUMMWV, my guideon, etc. This shows I am not a generic chaplain who worships a generic God. I pray the phrase "under God" stays in the Pledge of Allegiance, as 70% of Americans agree.
5. "TAKE UP (YOUR) CROSS AND FOLLOW ME." (VERSE 24)
"Since the expression "deny oneself" is not native to Hebrew and Aramaic (the spoken language of the day), it is proposed that this Markan idiom (expression) (Mark 8:34) is a free rendering of the Semitic (Hebrew, Aramaic, Assyrian or Arabic) expression found in Luke 14:26 in association with the cross saying, "hate one's own life. As can be seen in Matthew 10:37, he correctly interprets this idiom (expression) as meaning "love less," that is, give a lower priority to. "Deny oneself" thus means to subordinate (suppress) one's appetites and desires to God's will for us as made known in Jesus. Self-denial does not mean asceticism (living very simply) and self-flagellation (hurting oneself), as was often inferred in medieval monasticism. (This is what the monks of yesteryear used to do. Some people still do these things today, such as having themselves crucified, hitting themselves with a cat-of-nine tails, like Christ was, etc.) Such self-denial runs the risk of being centered on the self, as is true in many instances of the secular asceticism of anorexia. Self-denial for the sake of self-denial is an expression of the self's need for control, not of submission to God's thinking. (Verse 23)" (p. 195)
As a preview of the application of today's message, "We must be prepared to be rejected as our Master was rejected. Note the parallel between "take up one's cross" and "Take my yoke upon you" (11:29). Bearing one's cross and taking up Jesus' yoke are complementary: we learn from Him how to remain obedient to God in a disobedient world." (p. 196)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was imprisoned and hanged for helping Jews escape Nazi Germany, and for trying to assassinate Hitler. He wrote about The Cost of Discipleship. Arthur Blessit literally took a wooden cross as big as himself around the world, as a physical reminder of what Christ did for us. This shows the spiritual gift of a prophet working through them, as they did extravagant things to get Christ's message out. I have been asked to lead a Spiritual Fitness run for one of my companies, where, as we take breaks, I will talk about spiritual morals and ethics, as found in the 10 commandments, the Proverbs, etc. I may carry my guideon, which would be my version of "taking up the cross." What would your version be?
If we try to save ourselves, we die. Remember the video I played of Take 6 singing Matthew 11: 28, 29? "Come unto Me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
Christ's call is difficult, but "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it; He who started the work will be faithful to compete it in you." This is one of the hymns in our book that we will sing sometime.
6. THE PARADOX (VERSE 25):
"FOR WHOEVER WISHES TO SAVE HIS LIFE SHALL LOSE IT; BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE SHALL FIND IT."
"Whereas the author of Revelation (John) prefers to use first-person language ("I", he never employs "the Son of man"), Matthew's version has Jesus refer to His glorious future destiny in this modest way, using third-person language ("he/she/it" and the mysterious self-designation "the Son of man." It is perhaps significant that in this judgment saying Matthew employs not "deeds" (plural) but "practice" (singular).
In view of the fact that the context emphasizes suffering, praxis may here refer not simply to active deeds but also to one's passive suffering, that is, to one's stance, one's bearing to the world. Taken in this way, the saying functions less as a warning than as a consolation (comfort): If you affirm the crucified Christ in your lifestyle, you will be affirmed!" (p. 196, 197) Again, this is an application we get from this message.
A paradox is "a seemingly absurd statement, something self-contradictory; opposed to common sense. To live, we must die to the flesh (commit suicide daily?). If we die for Christ, in other words, if we kill our flesh, we will have eternal life. This should not be taken to the extreme, that we MUST die to have eternal life. As I have said before, Romans 10: 9 states, "if (we) confess with (our) mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in (our) heart that God raised Him from the dead, (we will) be saved." We need to make a public confession that Christ is the Lord of our lives, to our family, friends, neighbors, etc., so we can be an example to them of how they, too, can get to know Christ & heaven.
This verse refers to theory and practice, thinking and doing something. This is where the words orthodoxy and orthopraxy come from. The quote mentions being active and passive. I have heard of active duty, but never passive duty. Some people might think that's what the Reserves and Guard do, but I know, after serving nine months in the Reserves, that it is not easy, working a full-time job, then giving up one weekend a month and two weeks a year to serve our country. I salute those in the Reserve and Guard.
7. THE ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE: MONEY OR HEAVEN? (VERSE 26)
If we have a lot of money, but give up our souls, we lose. I am pleased that a financial planner I am considering working with tithes 10% of his income to God, THEN saves 5%, puts 5% into life insurance, and 7% into investments. We need to put God first in our lives, our finances, our relationships, and so on. Then God will keep blessing us.
8. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST (VERSE 27)
This verse quotes Psalm 62:12 and Proverbs 24: 12. Regarding "rewarding everyone according to their deed", 2 Corinthians 9: 6 states, "Now this I say, (one) who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and (one) who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully." We reap what we sow. This is why I used it for our offering. Some people jokingly say when they volunteer for the Kingdom that they are earning jewels in their crown in heaven.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16 refers to the second coming of Christ, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel (Michael?), and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." This refers to the rapture, Christians going into heaven.
Maybe I will preach more on this later. It is pretty complicated, using prophetic books from the Old Testament, New Testament books such as Revelation, etc. There are many theories about the rapture, in conjunction with the thousand-year (the millennium) reign with Christ. This is mentioned six times in Revelation. There are different concepts of when the tribulation / trials will occur. Some believe the rapture will be before, or pre-tribulation, some believe it will be in the middle, or mid-tribulation, and others believe it will be after, or post-tribulation. I jokingly believe in pan-tribulation. It will all pan out in the end. I will wait and see, and live the best I can daily for Christ.
9. "THE SON OF MAN COMING IN HIS KINGDOM" (VERSE 28)
"The last verse of the chapter is an edited version of Mark 9:1. Where Mark has "the kingdom of God having come in power," Matthew substitutes "the Son of man coming in His kingdom." Here "kingdom" means not a place but royal rule. Verse 28 thus reiterates the idea of verse 27 that Jesus the Messiah will return in glory, fully empowered to exercise His royal authority on God's behalf." p. 197.
The phrase "Son of Man" is used twenty-nine times in Matthew. The phrase "Son of God" is used only nine times in Matthew. This is because Matthew wanted to show Christ's humanity. Another paradox is that Christ was 100% divine and 100% human. Christ was prophesying that some would not die before seeing Him die and rise again
Kingdom = basileia (932) = "royalty, rule, realm, reign." This evokes word pictures of kings, castles, etc. The phrase "kingdom of God" is used four times in Matthew, and about forty-six times elsewhere in the Gospels: Mark, Luke, and John. This shows the importance of this concept to the Gospel writers. George Eldon Ladd was a New Testament Exegesis and Theology professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in CA. In 1994, he published A Theology of the New Testament. He wrote regarding the Kingdom of God:
"The Age to Come and the Kingdom of God are sometimes interchangeable terms." (p. 44). "The exorcism of demons was no mere peripheral activity in Jesus' ministry but was a manifestation of the essential purpose of the coming of the Kingdom of God into the evil age." (p. 50) "Both 'the kingdom of God' and 'the kingdom of the heavens' are seldom used in Jewish literature before the days of Jesus." (p. 61). "God's will is done in heaven; His Kingdom brings it to earth . . . God's Kingdom was active in the Old Testament as well . . . God's Kingdom came into history in the person and mission of Jesus." (p. 67) "Although theirs (the disciples) was a delegated power, the same power of the Kingdom worked through them that worked through Jesus." (p. 114).
Ladd has some subtitles of sections: The Church is Not the Kingdom (p.109); The Kingdom Creates the Church (p. 111); The Church Witness to the Kingdom (p.111); The Church is the Instrument of the Kingdom (p. 114); The Church: The Custodian of the Kingdom (p. 114). This gives us some concepts of what the Kingdom of God is about.
Let The Kingdom Come! (https://genius.com/White-heart-let-the-kingdom-come-lyrics)
10. APPLICATION / REVIEW / CONCLUSION
A. SINCE CHRIST SUFFERED, WE MAY HAVE TO AS WELL. (NTC, a deployment for us)
B. BE CAREFUL WHO WE REBUKE! (As I learned from Floyd McClung, he didn't appreciate me being candid with him. Our relationship was new, so trust wasn't built.
C. WHO IS GUIDING US, SATAN OR GOD?
I wanted to quote two Vineyard songs about this, which I will play at the end of the service. The first is "Lead Me To The Father": My heart waits with expectation. A longing for love, insatiable desire. Jesus lead me to the Father's arms. His comforting words build hope to carry on. (Chorus) How can I live without Your gentle soothing voice? Where can I go to know the fruits of love and joy? Lead me to the Father. Bring my heart to the point of least resistance. A place of simple trust and one of simple faith. Only You can take me to His home. We will be united, His promises fulfilled."
The second song is "Oh, Lead Me": "Oh, lead me to the place where I can find you. Oh lead me to the place where You'll be. Lead me to the cross where we first met. Draw me to my knees, so we can talk. Let me feel Your breath, let me know You're here with me." These songs show how God wants to be intimate with us, so God can lead us.
D. TAKE UP OUR CROSS & DAILY "DIE TO OUR FLESH."
E. HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. (not money, but heaven)
F. ARE WE PREPARED FOR CHRIST'S RETURNING?
I'll end with our communion song, "At The Cross": "I know a place, a wonderful place, where accused and condemned find mercy and grace. Where the wrongs we have done, and the wrongs done to us were nailed there with Him, there on the cross. (Chorus) At the cross He died for our sins. At the cross He gave us life again."
https://genius.com/Dc-talk-i-wish-wed-all-been-ready-lyrics
Matthew 17 The Transfiguration
1 Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and [a]James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 And He was transfigured "to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure;
"Christ's appearance was changed and was resplendent with divine brightness on the mount of transfiguration" (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3339/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/) before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. 3 And behold, Moses SEE EXODUS and Elijah SEE 1 KINGS appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three [b]tabernacles SACRED TENTS here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell [c]face down to the ground and were terrified. WE CAN'T STAND IN GOD'S PRESENCE 7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” 10 And His disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 And He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; 12 but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did [d]to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer [e]at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.
The Demoniac
14 When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, 15 “[f]Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a [g]lunatic MOONSTRUCK (SEE https://genius.com/White-heart-raging-of-the-moon-lyrics) and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” 17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured [h]at once. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith [i]the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 [[j]But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”] This verse is not in all manuscripts. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A LONG TIME 22 And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be [k]delivered into the hands of men; 23 and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved.
The Tribute Money
24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the [l]two-drachma DAY WAGE tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the [m]two-drachma tax?” 25 He *said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are [n]exempt. 27 However, so that we do not [o]offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find [p]a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.” This s a word of knowledge, like in 1 Corinthians. 12. Christ knew what was going to happen.
Footnotes
Matthew 17:1 Or Jacob
Matthew 17:4 Or sacred tents
Matthew 17:6 Lit on their faces
Matthew 17:12 Lit in him; or in his case
Matthew 17:12 Lit by them
Matthew 17:15 Or Sir
Matthew 17:15 Or moonstruck; Gr seleniazo
Matthew 17:18 Lit from that hour
Matthew 17:20 Lit as
Matthew 17:21 Early mss do not contain this verse
Matthew 17:22 Or betrayed
Matthew 17:24 Equivalent to two denarii or two days’ wages, paid as a temple tax
Matthew 17:24 Equivalent to two denarii or two days’ wages, paid as a temple tax
Matthew 17:26 Or free
Matthew 17:27 Lit cause them to stumble
Matthew 17:27 Lit standard coin, which was a shekel
