NKJV Apply The Word Sample - Book of Matthew
NKJV Apply The Word Sample - Book of Matthew
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FIRST PROOFS
Mat the w
For centuries, Jews had anxiously waited for the Messiah, basing their dreams
and expectations on a multitude of Old Testament promises. To Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel, God promised that through him all the families of the
earth [would] be blessed (Gen.12:3). To David, Israels most beloved ruler, God
likewise promised an enduring kingdom (2Sam.7:16). Through the prophets, God
renewed this promise by providing details about the One who would fulfill it (for
example, Is.7:14; 9:6, 7; Dan.2:44; 7:13, 14).
Over the years, various figures came and went. Some claimed to be the Messiah; some were
regarded as likely candidates. But none proved convincing or fulfilled the expectations either
of scholars who carefully studied the Scriptures, or of everyday people who developed their
own ideas about what the Chosen One would accomplish.
Then along came Jesus. He claimed to be Gods Son. He performed extraordinary miracles
that seemed to indicate divine power. This rabbi, or teacher, spoke with unprecedented authority and attracted followers from unexpected walks of life. Yet He was largely rejected by
the nations spiritual leaders. He died a criminals death. How could He be the fulfillment of
Gods promises? Was He really Israels Messiah?
Matthews Gospel answers with a resounding yes! Matthews account is filled with Old Testament prophecies that point to Jesus as Gods Chosen One (Matt.1:23; 2:6, 15, 18, 23, to mention just a few). The disciple wanted his fellow Jews to study the Scriptures and see that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, and the Son of God.
However, while this book speaks to Old Testament prophecies, it is more than merely a
Jewish Gospel. It is a global Gospel. In Jesus, all peoples of the world may find hope regardless
of their ethnic or religious background. All are eligible for Gods blessing. All can participate in
His salvation. Every human being is welcome to the unparalleled joy of Gods ways, love, and
values through His Son, Jesus the Messiah.
As a tax collector, Matthew was a member of a group detested by other Jews. Tax collectors
were perceived not only as cheats but as mercenaries serving the Romans. Condemned by religious leaders as unrighteous and ostracized by the general public as frauds and traitors, they
found friends only among prostitutes, criminals, and other outcasts.
Yet Jesus selected Matthew to follow Him (9:9). Scripture gives no indication why Jesus
chose Matthew, but it does record the Lords comment, Go and learn what this means: I
desire mercy and not sacrifice [Hos.6:6]. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners,
to repentance (Matt.9:13). Apparently the call of Matthew was an act of mercya decision
that outraged smug religionists like the Pharisees. Jesus never condoned nor glorified sinful
choices, but He reached out to people who knew that they were sick and lost. The Book of Matthew shows that Jesus can save anyonethat is, anyone who admits he needs saving.
Early church tradition identifies Matthew as the author of this book. But the Gospel itself
does not name its writer, and it is curious that a man who followed Jesus as closely as Matthew
did would rely so heavily on the work of Mark, who was not among the Twelve. (The Gospel of
Matthew repeats 601 of the 678 verses in the Gospel of Mark, which is believed to have been
the first Gospel written.) One possibility is that Matthew collected Jesus teachings, especially
the five discourses that form the structure of the account, but left it to someone else to combine these sayings with much of Marks Gospel in order to produce what we know as the Gospel
of Matthew. However the book came to be written, it was probably completed well before the
end of the first century a.d.
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FIRST PROOFS
Matthew Introduction
LEBANON
THE LAND OF
THE GOSPELS
Tyre
ni
ICI
Lita
Capernaum
GALILEE
DE
Gaza
PEREA
Amman
Jerusalem
Bethlehem
JUDE
IS
SAMARIA
Sea
ranean
C
OL
Tel Aviv
West
Bank
AP
Caesarea
Jordan R i ver
Nazareth
SYRIA
Golan
Heights
Area of
Detail
Medite
Damascus
PHO
EN
Sidon
Riv
er
Beirut
Dead
Sea
IDUMEA
ISRAEL
JORDAN
EGYPT
denotes modern day
denotes New Testament
Sinai
25
50
MILES
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Matthew 1:23
M atthew
TheGenealogy ofJesus Christ
Matthew
Matt.1:1
Name Means Gift of the Lord.
Also known as: Levi.
Home: Capernaum, the headquarters of Jesus
ministry; later, Damascus.
Family: Son of Alphaeus.
Occupation: Tax collector; later, a writer and
pastor in Damascus.
Special interests: Collecting Jesus sermons
and stories. He preserved them in a book
regarded by some as a new Torah because it
shows Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecy
and reshaping Mosaic law.
Best known as: The author of the Book of
Matthew.
Think About It: What obstacles do you suppose
Matthew faced by switching occupations from
disreputable tax collector to more honorable
work? How might he have managed these?
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Matthew 1:24
God-With-U s
Matt.1:23
Jesus is Immanuel, God-With-Us (Is.7:14).
Rather than demand that we attempt the
impossible task of reaching Him, God came
to us as a human being and took up residence in our world (John 1:14). He showed
us how to live. He brought a salvation that
invites us not to escape the world but to engage our surroundings. Because God is with
us, we can undertake the tasks He has for
us right where we live and work. Since He
is with us, we have the power to face the
world (see You Shall Receive Power at Acts
1:8). And rather than taking us out of the
turmoil of life in this world, Jesus walks with
us through it.
Rahab (Matt.1:5;
Josh.2:124; 6:2225)
A Canaanite prostitute in Jericho.
Sheltered two Hebrew spies in exchange for
protection from Israelites surrounding the
city.
Married a Hebrew and gave birth to Boaz,
Davids great-grandfather.
Praised for her trust (Heb.11:31) and for
putting faith into action (James 2:25).
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Matthew 2:9
Day 1
Matt.1:182:23
Jesus is born,
then becomes a
refugee as an evil
king seeks to kill
Him. Finally, His
family returns
home.
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Matt.4:111
Matt.13:5458
Matt.23:139
Matt.25:3146
Mark 4:141
Jesus speaks
out against
deceit, pride, and
hypocrisy.
Jesus judges
mankind according to mercy
and compassion
rather than
outward displays
of spirituality.
Jesus begins
to explain the
kingdom of God,
using stories and
images from the
workplace.
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Luke 2:152
Luke 4:1437
Luke 6:1749
Luke 9:1836
Luke 22:124:53
Luke describes
events connected
with Jesus birth
and tells of an
incident during a
boyhood trip to
Jerusalem.
Jesus is betrayed,
judged, executed, buried,
resurrected, and
reconnected with
His followers.
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
John 1:118
John 5:1947
John 6:3551
John 8:1230
John 10:118
John, one of
Jesus followers,
describes how
God became a
man through
Christ, who is
full of grace and
truth.
Jesus announces
that He is the
Light of the
World.
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Matthew 2:10
2:15aHosea 11:1
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21
John 11:112:8
John 14:115:8
John 21:1525
Acts 2:2242
Rom.5:121
Jesus describes
His relationship
with some of His
friends and their
profound love
and care for each
other.
Jesus explains
that He is the
Way, the Truth,
and the Life.
Peter explains
Jesus to a
massive crowd
in Jerusalem and
welcomes 3,000
people into the
faith.
Paul explains
how Jesus sets
people free from
sin and makes
them acceptable
to God.
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Day 26
1Cor.15:128
Eph.1:314
Phil.2:516
Col.1:1522
Paul teaches
about Jesus
resurrection and
the destruction
of our enemy,
death.
Paul describes
Jesus work for
us from three
vantage points:
before creation,
in the present,
and in eternity.
Paul explains
the choices Jesus
made in order
to become a
man, as well as
the choices we
should make in
following Him.
1Thess.4:13
5:11
Day 27
Day 28
Day 29
Day 30
Day 31
Heb.1:12:18
Heb.4:145:10
Heb.9:2310:18
1Pet.1:112
The author
of Hebrews
describes Jesus
complete and
wonderful work
on our behalf.
The author of
Hebrews asserts
that Jesus has
experienced
every kind of test
or trial we will
ever face.
Peter explains
that our salvation
in Jesus is a
reality that even
the angels and
Old Testament
prophets did not
understand.
Rev.5:114;
22:121
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Paul testifies
that Jesus will
return and bring
history to its
culmination.
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Matthew 3:3
Massacre oftheInnocents
TheHome in Nazareth
19Now
Nazareth
Mediterranean Sea
Sea of
Galilee
RIA
GA
LILE
SAM
Bethlehem
JUDEA
Gaza
Alexandria
Dead
Sea
Sinai
EGYPT
30
MILES
60
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Matthew 3:4
10
at
John tried to prevent Him, saying, I need
to be baptized by You, and are You coming
to me?
15But Jesus answered and said to him,
Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting
for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he
allowed Him.
16W hen He had been baptized, Jesus
came up immediately from the water; and
behold, the heavens were opened to Him,
and Hea saw the Spirit of God descending
like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17And
suddenly a voice came from heaven, say
ing, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased.
Real Temptation
Matt.4:3
The account of Jesus temptation in Matthew
4:111 demonstrates that Jesus understands
exactly what we endure, because He faced
the same enticements to sin that we encounter in our lives. And because He was
able to resist, He can help us do the same
(Heb.2:18). He completely understands our
feelings, and He can train us in practical
steps toward doing right despite the appeal
of doing wrong.
More: Temptation is not sin, but giving in is. See
Persistent Prayer at Luke 11:513. Few Bible
teachings have more practical implications than
the truth that people are fallen and continually
battle urges to do wrong. See Escaping Temptation at 1Cor.10:12, 13.
Money Temptations
Matt.4:810
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Matthew 4:16
been put in prison, He departed to Gali
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a
lee. 13And leaving Nazareth, He came and
stone.a
dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in
14
7Jesus said to him, It is written again, the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that
You shall not tempt the Lord your God.a it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
8Again, the devil took Him up on an ex Isaiah the prophet, saying:
ceedingly high mountain, and showed Him 15 The land of Zebulun and the land of
all the kingdoms of the world and their glo
Naphtali,
ry. 9And he said to Him, All these things
By the way of the sea, beyond the
I will give You if You will fall down and
Jordan,
worship me.
Galilee of the Gentiles:
10T hen J
esus said to him, Away with 16 The people who sat in darkness have
you,a Satan! For it is written, You shall
seen a great light,
worship the Lord your God, and Him only
And upon those who sat in the region
you shall serve.b
and shadow of death
11T hen the devil left Him, and behold,
Light has dawned.a
angels came and ministered to Him.
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Matthew 4:17
12
17From
18And J
esus, walking by the Sea of Gal
ilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter,
and Andrew his brother, casting a net into
the sea; for they were fishermen. 19T hen He
said to them, Follow Me, and I will make
you fishers of men. 20T hey immediately
left their nets and followed Him.
21Going on from there, He saw two oth
er brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and
John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee
their father, mending their nets. He called
them, 22and immediately they left the boat
and their father, and followed Him.
23 And J
esus went about all Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, preaching
the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all
kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease
among the people. 24T hen His fame went
throughout all Syria; and they brought to
Him all sick people who were afflicted with
various diseases and torments, and those
who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and
paralytics; and He healed them. 25Great
multitudes followed Himf rom Galilee,
and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and
beyond the Jordan.
TheBeatitudes
11Blessed
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soned? It is then good for nothing but to be
thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14You are the light of the world. A city
that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor
do they light a lamp and put it under a bas
ket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light
to all who are in the house. 16Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father
in heaven.
Matthew 5:24
20For
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Matthew 5:25
14
Adultery in theHeart
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Matthew 5:42
Sea of Galilee
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Matthew 5:43
16
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Matthew 6:9
TheModel Prayer
5 And
Matt.6:1 4
Fundraisers know that people are often motivated to donate large sums of money because of the prestige they receive in return.
But Jesus denounced that motivation for
giving. He much preferred the poor widow
who gave the small amount she could give
to the wealthy people who gave the large
amounts they would give (Mark 12:4144).
These wealthy men and women may have
appeared pious, but Jesus knew that behind
the scenes they often neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and
faith (Matt.23:23).
Here, Jesus suggests that a good way to
ensure that we are giving from the right
motives is to give anonymously. When the
source of our gifts is known only to ourselves
and God, Jesus promises that your Father
who sees in secret will Himself reward you
openly (6:4).
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Matthew 6:10
10
18
TheLamp oftheBody
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Matthew 8:3
7 Ask,
Build on theRock
Judge Not
Matt.7:15
People tend to read their own meaning into
Jesus command to judge not. They may
assume it means tolerating anything and
everything. Or never calling out untruth. Or
considering one belief or behavior as valid
as the next.
Those each misapply the Lords teaching.
Jesus was not commanding acceptance of all
behavior. He was commanding grace toward
others. We should not blame, condemn, or
put down others while excusing or exalting
ourselves. We need to quit picking at the failings of others and start attending to our own
failings.
The very next verses command evaluating others. But we are to approach others as
Jesus didwith empathy (Matt.7:12).
More: Scripture gives clear guidelines for restoring those who have become entangled in
sin. Read Matt. 18:1517; 1 Cor. 6:18; and
Gal.6:15.
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Jesus Authority
Matt.7:29
Scribes were members of an educated class
in Israel who studied Scripture and tradition
and who served as copyists, editors, and
teachers (see Scribes at Luke 20:39). But
while they held positions of authority, Jesus
was the ultimate Person of authority. His expertise, credibility, and power were features
of who He was, not what He learned. The
scribes had the privilege of learning about
Jesus and any authority they had was based
in Jesus.
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FIRST PROOFS
Matthew 8:4
Effective Leaders
Matt.8:513
Like Jesus, the centurion was a man under
authority. The encounter between the two
offers essential lessons on authority and
leadership:
Effective leaders admit when they need
help. The centurion faced a problem
beyond his own power. He recruited Jesus
to intervene.
Effective leaders respond with heart.
The centurion felt compassion for his
suffering servant and perceived that Jesus
possessed power beyond any physicians
skill.
Effective leaders show humility. A Roman
officer could have ordered Jesus to act or
offered Him money. He instead came in
faith, humbly asking for help.
Effective leaders recognize the nature of
authority. The centurion understood
submission. When he issued a command,
his soldiers obeyed. He saw that Jesus had
the same authority over illness.
Effective leaders notice when someone is
worthy of trust. The centurions faith was
impressive because it was invested in the
right person. Leadership based on blind
faith is foolhardy, but discernment is a
mark of a true leader.
20
4 And Jesus said to him, See that you
tell no one; but go your way, show yourself
to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses
commanded, as a testimony to them.
5Now when J
esus had entered Caper
naum, a centurion came to Him, pleading
with Him, 6 saying, Lord, my servant is
lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tor
mented.
7And J
esus said to him, I will come and
heal him.
8T he centurion answered and said,
Lord, I am not worthy that You should
come under my roof. But only speak a
word, and my servant will be healed. 9For
I also am a man under authority, having
soldiers under me. And I say to this one,
Go, and he goes; and to another, Come,
and he comes; and to my servant, Do this,
and he does it.
10W hen J
esus heard it, He marveled,
and said to those who followed, Assured
ly, I say to you, I have not found such great
faith, not even in Israel! 11And I say to you
that many will come from east and west,
and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the
sons of the kingdom will be cast out into
outer darkness. There will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth. 13T hen Jesus said to the
centurion, Go your way; and as you have
believed, so let it be done for you. And his
servant was healed that same hour.
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Matthew 8:31
Person or Group
Jesus Response
More: The roots of hostility between Jews and Gentiles stretched deep into Israels history. See No
Racial Divisions at Matt.15:24.
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Matthew 8:32
22
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Why does your Teacher eat with tax col
lectors and sinners?
12W hen Jesus heard that, He said to
them, Those who are well have no need of
a physician, but those who are sick. 13But
go and learn what this means: I desire mer
cy and not sacrifice.a For I did not come
to call the righteous, but sinners, to repen
tance.b
Tax Collectors
Matt.9:10
Tax collectors in ancient times were agents
who collected government levies. Some
translations incorrectly call them publicans,
who were usually wealthy non-Jewish men
who contracted with the occupying Romans
to take responsibility for a districts taxes.
They were often backed by military force.
Tax collectors were hired by publicans to
actually collect monies. They were Jews and
usually not wealthy.
Tax collectors gathered several different
taxes. Depending on the type of rule in a
given Jewish province, Rome levied a land
tax, a poll tax, even a tax for the operation
of the temple (Matt. 17:2427). Taxes from
provinces such as Galilee, which was not under an imperial governor, remained in the
province rather than going to the imperial
treasury at Rome. Perhaps it was these inequities that prompted the Pharisees in the
imperial province of Judea to ask Jesus, Is it
lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? (22:17).
Tax collectors often demanded more
than the government required and pocketed
the excessa practice that John the Baptist
specifically condemned (Luke 3:12, 13). Tax
collectors were also hated because fellow citizens saw them as mercenaries working for
their Roman oppressors. They were altogether despised by their fellow Jews and were
often lumped together with other sinners
(Matt.9:10, 11; Mark 2:15).
More: The Jews of Jesus day were probably paying no less than 30 or 40 percent of their income
on taxes and religious dues. See Taxes at Mark
12:14. Zacchaeus was called the chief tax collector of Jericho, meaning he may have been a
publican. Nevertheless, he responded to Jesus
call. See Startling Change at Luke 19:110.
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Matthew 9:25
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Matthew 9:26
24
when the crowd was put outside, He went saying, It was never seen like this in Is
in and took her by the hand, and the girl rael!
34 But the Pharisees said, He casts out
arose. 26And the report of this went out into
demons by the ruler of the demons.
all that land.
TheCompassion ofJesus
TheTwelve Apostles
10
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Sea of
Galilee
Capernaum
J o r d an R i v e r
Dead Sea
Sea
Gaza
Scythopolis
Jericho
Tiberias
Nazareth Sychar Ephraim
Bethany
Tyre Cana
Bethel
Bethlehem
Ptolemais
Samaria Jerusalem
Caesarea
Beersheba
Joppa
Medi
15
terra
30
nean
MILES
10:1, 8
16). The early church later spread
throughout the Roman empire by establishing Christian communities in no fewer than
forty cities by the close of the first century
(see Churches Unlock Communities at Acts
11:22).
Jesus cares about urban communities, and
His strategy should prompt all of His followers
to ask how we are bringing His message to an
increasingly urban, multicultural, and pluralistic world. His ministry should be a model for
our engagement with the world.
More: Even in ancient times, Canaan was experiencing urbanization. See Following God in the
City at Deut.6:10. For more on the explosive start
of the early church, see The Ephesus Approach:
How the Gospel Transformed a Community at
Acts 19:841.
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25
of disease. 2Now the names of the twelve
apostles are these: first, Simon, who is
called Peter, and Andrew his brother;
James the son of Zebedee, and John his
brother; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thom
as and Matthew the tax collector; James
the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose
surname was a Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the
Cananite,a and Judas Iscariot, who also
betrayed Him.
Matthew 11:1
11
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Matthew 11:2
2 And
26
Evidence of God
Matt.11:2 6
When John the Baptist wanted reassurance
that Jesus was all that He claimed to be, Jesus
replied with a list of things He had done that
revealed Gods presence, power, and love.
The most forceful evidence was His work
among the poor and broken.
People all around us watch to see whether Jesus is still alive among His people. Like
John, they ask whether those of us who claim
to follow Christ truly have insight into who
God isor whether they should look somewhere else. They especially pay attention to
our approach to the worlds suffering people,
whether nearby or far away. Onlookers want
to know if we care about our neighbors material needs as well as their spiritual needs.
They want to see unmistakable evidence of
Christ working within us to spread His love in
every way possible.
More: Scripture has much to say about our responsibilities to the poor and needy. See I Have
Not Coveted at Acts 20:3338; and Christ Became Poor at 2Cor.8:8, 9. Mother Teresas and
Francis of Assisis work for the poor has made
them some of the most venerated Christians in
history.
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12
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3But
Matthew 12:37
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not
quench,
Till He sends forth justice to victory;
21 And in His name Gentiles will
trust.a
20
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Matthew 12:38
28
TheParable oftheSower
13
ThePurpose ofParables
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Matthew 13:23
Hearing you will hear and shall not
sower: 19W hen anyone hears the word of
understand,
the kingdom, and does not understand it,
And seeing you will see and not
then the wicked one comes and snatches
perceive;
away what was sown in his heart. This is
15 For the hearts of this people have
he who received seed by the wayside. 20But
grown dull.
he who received the seed on stony places,
Their ears are hard of hearing,
this is he who hears the word and imme
And their eyes they have closed,
diately receives it with joy; 21yet he has
Lest they should see with their eyes
no root in himself, but endures only for a
and hear with their ears,
while. For when tribulation or persecution
Lest they should understand with their arises because of the word, immediately
hearts and turn,
he stumbles. 22Now he who received seed
So that I shoulda heal them.b
among the thorns is he who hears the word,
16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and the cares of this world and the deceit
the word, and he
and your ears for they hear; 17for assuredly, fulness of riches choke
23
I say to you that many prophets and righ becomes unfruitful. But he who received
teous men desired to see what you see, and seed on the good ground is he who hears
did not see it, and to hear what you hear, the word and understands it, who indeed
bears fruit and produces: some a hundred
and did not hearit.
fold, some sixty, some thirty.
Workplace Analogies
Matt.13:1
Jesus captivated listeners by putting spiritual truths into everyday terms they could understand.
He probably spent most of His life working in His familys carpentry business. Although we know
little about His youth from adolescence until the start of His public ministry around age thirty,
the Bible tells us that His father was a carpenter (Matt.13:55) and that Jesus also practiced the
trade (Mark 6:3). Carpenters worked not only with wood but also with metal and stone to produce household furnishings and farm implements.
Jesus may have continued His occupation
even after He began to travel and teach.
Rabbis of the day provided for themselves by
third to one-
spending anywhere from one-
half of their time working, usually with their
hands. Many of Jesus opponents were also
religious teachers, and while they attacked
Jesus on several fronts, they never accused
Him of laziness. He was known to them as a
carpenter.
That reputation passed on to the early
church. One writer described Jesus as working as a carpenter when among men, making
ploughs and yokes, by which He taught the
symbols of righteousness and an active life.
Jesus hands-on background stands out in His
parables (brief scenes or stories that illustrated
moral principles and explained the realities of
His kingdom). Matthew 13 collects eight of His
workplace analogies that explain His kingdom:
1. The parable of the sower (13:123)
evaluates the openness of people who
hear about the kingdom.
2. The parable of the wheat and the tares
(weeds) (13:2430) warns that people who
pretend to be part of the kingdom cannot
fool God.
3. The parable of the mustard seed (13:31,
32) promises that the kingdom will
become a force to be reckoned with.
4. The parable of the leaven (13:33) describes
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Matthew 13:24
30
TheParable oftheLeaven
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31
Matthew 14:15
14
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Hateful Herodias
Matt.14:3
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Matthew 14:16
32
Public Faith
Matt.14:13, 14
Knowing that God seeks a relationship with
every individual on earth, many Christians
enthusiastically pursue the private side of
spirituality, building habits of prayer, private
Bible reading, self-examination and confession, personal holiness, acts of charity, and
more. But what about the public side of
faith? For example:
How do we live out our faith in public
arenas such as work, school, and politics?
How strategic and energetic is our
collective witness as Gods people to a
watching world?
How do we influence our society as a
wholeits ideologies, needs, and values?
These far-
reaching questions have no
quick answers. But the public side of Jesus
ministry shows that we cannot ignore them.
Many in His day withdrew from society to
perfect a private spirituality (such as the
Essenes; see Political Parties of Jesus Day
at Matt. 16:1). But Jesus actively engaged
His culture. He participated in its rituals.
He focused on its cities (see Jesus Urban
Ministry at Matt. 9:35). He interacted with
its leaders. He welcomed its crowds. He particularly reached out to its poor, both the
financially poor and the poor in spirit (5:3).
Jesus rules not only our private lives but
also our public lives. As His followers we
are more than private individuals. We have
been made part of a royal priesthood and
a holy nation. We were once not a people, but now we are the people of God
(1 Pet. 2:9, 10). We must visibly act on our
faith as a united community in order to powerfully impact our world.
More: Jesus used two metaphors to describe a
believers public life, particularly in terms of
work and participation in the community. See
Salt and Light at Matt.5:1316.
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15
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33
Matthew 15:24
Thus you have made the commandmentb of without understanding? 17Do you not yet
God of no effect by your tradition. 7Hypo understand that whatever enters the mouth
crites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, goes into the stomach and is eliminated?
18But those things which proceed out of the
saying:
mouth come from the heart, and they defile
8 These people draw near to Me with
a man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil
their mouth,
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
a
And honor Me with their lips,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20T hese
But their heart is far fromMe.
are the things which defile a man, but to
9 And in vain they worship Me,
eat with unwashed hands does not defile
Teaching as doctrines the
a man.
a
commandments of men.
10W hen He had called the multitude to
Himself, He said to them, Hear and under
stand: 11Not what goes into the mouth
defiles a man; but what comes out of the
mouth, this defiles a man.
12T hen His disciples came and said to
Him, Do You know that the Pharisees
were offended when they heard this say
ing?
13But He answered and said, Every
plant which My heavenly Father has not
planted will be uprooted. 14Let them alone.
They are blind leaders of the blind. And if
the blind leads the blind, both will fall into
a ditch.
15T hen Peter answered and said to Him,
Explain this parable to us.
16 So
Jesus said, Are you also still
Evaluating Tradition
Matt.15:13
Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for allowing their traditions to supersede Gods clear
commands. He specifically called out the stringent rabbinical rules regarding ritual washings
for preparing and serving food.
Today we do not follow the rigid pronounce- Why does this tradition exist? Why is it
ments of a priestly class. Yet there are countless
maintained? Are there solid reasons to
traditions and expectationsmany unspoken
continue itor to end it?
that govern our behavior, and sometimes cause Who benefits and who suffers from
us to squabble. As Christians, we are called at
maintaining this tradition? Who might be
times to uphold tradition and at other times to
helped or hurt by a change?
create new patterns of life. There are no simple
formulas to guide our decisions, but we can More: Tradition can preserve values and beliefs
start by reflecting on questions like these:
for future generations. See Remembering Gods
Action at Ex.12:26, 27.
What values and principles does a
particular tradition seek to embody? How
do those align with what Christ wants?
No Racial Division
Matt.15:24
The roots of social division stretched far back into Israels history, when a remnant of Jews had
come home from captivity in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem around 458 b.c. Ezra, their leader,
commanded them to purify themselves from all pagan influences, particularly marriages to
foreign-born wives (Ezra 10:24). Later, after centuries of Greek and Roman domination, Jews
had developed a hatred for Gentiles so strong that it led them to avoid any and all contact with
foreigners if at all possible. According to Tacitus, a Roman historian, they regard the rest of
mankind with all the hatred of enemies (Histories, 5.5).
continued on next page
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Matthew 15:25
34
25T hen
16
29
Jesus departed from there, skirt
ed the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the
mountain and sat down there. 30T hen great
multitudes came to Him, having with them
the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many
others; and they laid them down at Jesus
feet, and He healed them. 31So the multi
tude marveled when they saw the mute
speaking, the maimed made whole, the
lame walking, and the blind seeing; and
they glorified the God of Israel.
TheLeaven ofthePharisees and
Sadducees
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35
Matthew 16:9
The Herodians:
Defenders of the Status Quo
Took their name from Herod the Great (37
4 b.c.) and his supporters (Acts 12:1, 2).
Encouraged the spread of Greco-Roman
culture and policies in Palestine.
Favored political autonomy. Fearing
military intervention from Rome, they
stridently resisted challengers to the
status quo, including the Zealots, John the
Baptist, Jesus, and the early Christians.
Joined forces with other parties to eliminate
Jesus (Matt.22:16; Mark 3:6; 12:13).
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Matthew 16:10
36
you took up? 10Nor the seven loaves of the
four thousand and how many large baskets
you took up? 11How is it you do not under
stand that I did not speak to you concern
ing bread?but to beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 12T hen
they understood that He did not tell them
to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the
doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
24T hen J
esus said to His disciples, If
anyone desires to come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow Me. 25For whoever desires to save his
life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for
My sake will find it. 26For what profit is it
to a man if he gains the whole world, and
loses his own soul? Or what will a man give
in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of
Man will come in the glory of His Father
with His angels, and then He will reward
each according to his works. 28Assuredly,
I say to you, there are some standing here
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37
Matthew 17:24
who shall not taste death till they see the pleased. Hear Him! 6And when the disci
Son of Man coming in His kingdom.
ples heard it, they fell on their faces and
were greatly afraid. 7But Jesus came and
Jesus Transfigured on theMount
touched them and said, Arise, and do not
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, be afraid. 8W hen they had lifted up their
James, and John his brother, led them eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 Now as they came down from the
up on a high mountain by themselves; 2and
He was transfigured before them. His face mountain, J esus commanded them, saying,
shone like the sun, and His clothes became Tell the vision to no one until the Son of
as white as the light. 3And behold, Moses Man is risen from the dead.
10And His disciples asked Him, saying,
and Elijah appeared to them, talking with
Him. 4T hen Peter answered and said to Why then do the scribes say that Elijah
Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here; if must come first?
11
You wish, let usa make here three taberna
Jesus answered and said to them,
cles: one for You, one for Moses, and one Indeed, Elijah is coming firsta and will
for Elijah.
restore all things. 12But I say to you that
5W hile he was still speaking, behold, a Elijah has come already, and they did not
bright cloud overshadowed them; and sud know him but did to him whatever they
denly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also
This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well about to suffer at their hands. 13T hen the
disciples understood that He spoke to them
of John the Baptist.
17
Grow On Up
Matt.16:22, 23
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A Boy Is Healed
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38
Description
Adam (1Cor.15:45)
The first Adams sin brought death to humankind. Jesus, the last
Adam, brought life to humankind.
Jesus is eternal, The Beginning and the End. Alpha is the first
letter of the Greek alphabet, and omega is the last.
Apostle (Heb.3:1)
I AM (John 8:58)
Immanuel (Matt.1:23)
God-With-Us (Is.7:14).
The name that God instructed Joseph and Mary to call their Son.
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39
Peter and said, Does your Teacher not pay
the temple tax?
25He said, Yes.
And when he had come into the house,
Jesus anticipated him, saying, What do
you think, Simon? From whom do the kings
of the earth take customs or taxes, from
their sons or from strangers?
26Peter said to Him, From strangers.
Jesus said to him, Then the sons are
free. 27Nevertheless, lest we offend them,
go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the
fish that comes up first. And when you have
opened its mouth, you will find a piece of
money;a take that and give it to them for
Me and you.
Who Is theGreatest?
18
Matthew 18:12
Description
Jesus is one of three Persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit).
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Matthew 18:13
40
19
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41
Matthew 20:7
14 But
Jesus said, Let the little children 19Honor your father and your mother, a
come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of and, You shall love your neighbor as your
such is the kingdom of heaven. 15And He self.b
20T he young man said to Him, All these
laid His hands on them and departed from
there.
things I have kept from my youth.a What
do I still lack?
21Jesus said to him, If you want to be
Jesus Counsels theRich Young Ruler
16 Now behold, one came and said to perfect, go, sell what you have and give
Him, Good a Teacher, what good thing to the poor, and you will have treasure in
heaven; and come, follow Me.
shall I do that I may have eternal life?
22But when the young man heard that
17So He said to him, Why do you call
a
Me good? No one is good but One, that is, saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had
God.b But if you want to enter into life, keep great possessions.
the commandments.
18He said to Him, Which ones?
With God All Things Are Possible
Jesus said, You shall not murder, You
23T hen J
esus said to His disciples, As
shall not commit adultery, You shall not
sured
ly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich
steal, You shall not bear false witness,
man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And
again I say to you, it is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle than for
Jesus Valued Children
a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
25W hen His disciples heard it, they
Matt.19:14
were greatly astonished, saying, Who then
can be saved?
The warm welcome that Jesus extended to lit26But J
esus looked at them and said to
tle children spoke loudly about their worth.
them, With men this is impossible, but
The disciples who rebuked the mothers for
with God all things are possible.
bringing their babies to Jesus (Matt. 19:13)
27T hen Peter answered and said to Him,
may have reflected the dominant Greco-
See, we have left all and followed You.
Roman view of childhood as an insignificant
Therefore what shall we have?
stage of life. Children were necessary for a
28 So J
esus said to them, Assuredly I
familys survival but were not valued for
say to you, that in the regeneration, when
their own sake.
the Son of Man sits on the throne of His
Unwanted infants in pagan cultures were
glory, you who have followed Me will also
routinely abandoned on roadsides and at
sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve
garbage dumps. Gender and economics oftribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has
ten determined an infants fate: girls were
left houses or brothers or sisters or father
left more often than boys because girls
or mother or wifea or children or lands, for
represented a financial burden while boys
My names sake, shall receive a hundred
would eventually contribute to a familys infold, and inherit eternal life. 30But many
come. Most abandoned infants died. A few
who are first will be last, and the last first.
were found by others and raised to become
slaves, gladiators, or prostitutes. Children
TheParable oftheWorkers
were considered so unimportant that prointheVineyard
fessional beggars sometimes mutilated these
For the kingdom of heaven is like a
abandoned children and used their misery
landowner who went out early in the
to garner sympathy from passersby.
morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Among the Jews, however, children had
2Now when he had agreed with the laborers
traditionally been considered a blessing from
for a denarius a day, he sent them into his
God. The Law instructed both fathers and
vineyard. 3And he went out about the third
mothers to nurture and care for children, but
hour and saw others standing idle in the
Jewish fathers had ultimate authority over
marketplace, 4and said to them, You also
all aspects of their childrens lives. They were
go into the vineyard, and whatever is right
obligated to teach their children Gods comI will give you. So they went. 5Again he
mands and raise them as active members of
went out about the sixth and the ninth hour,
Gods chosen people (Deut.6:68). Children
and did likewise. 6And about the eleventh
in return were to honor their parents (5:16).
hour he went out and found others standing
In Jewish culture, mothers usually took
idle,a and said to them, Why have you been
care of infants, who typically nursed until
standing here idle all day? 7T hey said to
the age of two or three. Wealthy Greeks and
him, Because no one hired us. He said to
Romans employed wet nurses, and as the
19:16aNUText omits Good. 19:17aNU
children grew, their care was turned over
Text reads Why do you ask Me about what is
to slaves. Poor women worked with babies
good? bNUText reads There is One who is
slung on their backs, and children were
good. 19:19aExodus 20:1216; Deuteronomy
taught to help in their parents work as soon
5:1620 bLeviticus 19:18 19:20a NUText
omits from my youth. 19:29aNUText omits
as they were able.
20
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Matthew 20:8
42
17Now
Jesus, going up to Jerusalem,
took the twelve disciples aside on the road
and said to them, 18 Behold, we are going
up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will
be betrayed to the chief priests and to the
scribes; and they will condemn Him to
death, 19and deliver Him to the Gentiles to
Greatness Is Serving
Leaders Serve
Matt.20:2528
Anyone who feels underpaid and undervalued can appreciate the reaction of the
workers in the parable about wages. Jesus
described an employer who hired some
workers for a full day, others for two-thirds
of a day, others for half a day, and others
for even less. Yet he paid them all the same
amount. Those who had worked long and
hard in the heat of the day felt abused.
The first thing to notice as we struggle
to understand this parable is that none of
the workers had a job before the landowner hired them (Matt.20:3, 6, 7). They found
work because of the employers goodwill
and initiative, not because of anything they
brought to the situation. Moreover, the landowner promised the first group fair wages for
a days work, which he delivered (20:2; see
also Seventy Times Seven at Matt. 18:21
35), and he offered the rest of the workers an
undetermined amount (whatever is right,
20:4, 7). As it turned out, he paid everyone
for a full day. In the kingdom of God, we
receive grace because of the nature of the
Giver, not because of our own worthiness.
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43
exercise authority over them. 26Yet it shall
not be so among you; but whoever desires
to become great among you, let him be your
servant. 27And whoever desires to be first
among you, let him be your slave28just as
the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life a ransom
for many.
TheTriumphal Entry
21
Matthew 21:10
A Humble Parade
Matt.21:111
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Sheep Gate
Mt
Ki
ro
Jerusalem
. o
f
Ol
iv
Va
Temple
Mount
es
lley
Possible route of
Jesus entry into
temple area
Ro d f
a
ro
250
YARDS
500
mB
ethp
hag
e
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FIRST PROOFS
Matthew 21:11
44
11So
and said, We
18Now in the morning, as He returned do not know.
19
to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a
And He said to them, Neither will I tell
fig tree by the road, He came to it and found you by what authority I do these things.
nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, Let
no fruit grow on you ever again. Immedi TheParable oftheTwo Sons
28 But what do you think? A man had
ately the fig tree withered away.
two sons, and he came to the first and said,
TheLesson oftheWithered Fig Tree
Son, go, work today in my vineyard. 29He
20And when the disciples saw it, they answered and said, I will not, but after
ward he regretted it and went. 30T hen he
came to the second and said likewise. And
A Challenge to Authority
he answered and said, I go, sir, but he did
Matt.21:2327
not go. 31W hich of the two did the will of
his father?
They said to Him, The first.
When Israels top leaders attacked Jesus with
Jesus said to them, Assuredly, I say to
threatening questions, He answered with
you that tax collectors and harlots enter
questions of His own. His interaction with the
the kingdom of God before you. 32For John
chief priests and elders reveals two important
came to you in the way of righteousness,
considerations:
and you did not believe him; but tax col
lectors and harlots believed him; and when
1. The motives of the challengers. The
you saw it, you did not afterward relent and
scribes and Pharisees were not looking
believe him.
to understand the reach or source of
Jesus authority. They wanted solely to
TheParable oftheWicked Vinedressers
protect their own interests and power.
33 Hear another parable: There was a
Their behavior prompts us to examine
certain landowner who planted a vineyard
how often we question or resist people
and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress
in authority simply because we are
in it and built a tower. And he leased it to
afraid or jealous of them.
vinedressers and went into a far country.
2. The confidence of Jesus. The Lords
34 Now when vintage-t ime drew near, he
attackers were unable to force the
sent his servants to the vinedressers, that
reaction they wanted from Him because
they might receive its fruit. 35And the vine
Jesus knew with absolute certainty who
dressers took his servants, beat one, killed
He was and whose authority He wielded
one, and stoned another. 36Again he sent
(Matt.28:18). His response encourages
other servants, more than the first, and
us to remember that no one can
21:12aNUText omits of God. 21:13aIsaiah
intimidate us without our permission.
56:7
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bJeremiah
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45
they did likewise to them. 37T hen last of all
he sent his son to them, saying, They will
respect my son. 38But when the vinedress
ers saw the son, they said among them
selves, This is the heir. Come, let us kill
him and seize his inheritance. 39So they
took him and cast him out of the vineyard
and killed him.
40 Therefore, when the owner of the
vineyard comes, what will he do to those
vinedressers?
41T hey said to Him, He will destroy
those wicked men miserably, and lease his
vineyard to other vinedressers who will
render to him the fruits in their seasons.
42 Jesus said to them, Have you never
read in the Scriptures:
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lords doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes?a
43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom
of God will be taken from you and given
to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And
whoever falls on this stone will be broken;
but on whomever it falls, it will grind him
to powder.
45Now when the chief priests and Phar
isees heard His parables, they perceived
that He was speaking of them. 46But when
they sought to lay hands on Him, they
feared the multitudes, because they took
Him for a prophet.
Matthew 22:22
22
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Matthew 22:23
46
Trick Questions
Matt.22:2333
The Sadducees tried to trap Jesus in front of a crowd with a question on serial marriage relationships. They attempted to corner Him regarding His teaching on the resurrection, a belief
they rejected.
Jesus exposed their thinly veiled plot and
at the same time affirmed the resurrection. He
used the very Scriptures they loved to quote
(Matt.22:32 is from Ex.3:6) and refused to let
them twist things to their advantage. He cut to
the heart of the matter.
There is nothing wrong with being discreet
or stating things subtly and diplomatically.
Sometimes we need to plant seeds in another
persons thinking and allow time for an idea
to take root. But here Jesus challenged selfish
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47
23
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Matthew 23:34
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Matthew 23:35
48
24
Tithing
Matt.23:23, 24
The word tithe means a tenth part. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to
give tithesa tenth of their produce or incomefor three reasons:
1. To support the Levites, who were
responsible for the tabernacle and
worship (see Sharing the Wealth at
Num.18:2024).
2. To support feasts and sacrifices
(see Celebrating Abundance at
Deut.14:2226).
3. To set aside resources to assist the poor,
orphans, widows, and foreigners (see The
Third-Year Tithe and Government Aid at
Deut.14:28, 29).
In the New Testament, neither Christ nor
the apostles give explicit instructions about
tithing. Jesus clearly endorsed the practice,
however, as He did all the dictates of the
20; 23:23). He denounced
Law (Matt. 5:17
the Pharisees for hypocritically ignoring the
weightier matters of the Law, such as justice,
mercy, and faith, but those important issues
did not negate other matters such as tithing.
As Christians evaluate the practice of tithing
today, several principles emerge:
1. Our giving should spring from a
love of Christ rather than a sense of
obligation. Abraham gave the first tithe
(Gen.14:1720) as an expression of
gratitude when God rescued him in battle.
Scripture always puts worship at the heart
of tithing.
2. Everything we have ultimately comes
from and belongs to God, not only what
we give away but also what we keep. God
claims 100 percent of our income, not 10
percent.
3. Ten percent is a good starting point for
giving.
4. The New Testament is clear that
vocational Christian workers have a right
to financial support from those to whom
they minister (1Cor.9:13, 14; Gal.6:6).
5. Many churches and other ministries
assist the needy, and it seems legitimate
to encourage members of a Christian
community to donate money to those
priorities.
6. No matter how much we give or to whom,
Jesus indicates that our first priority
should be to ensure that justice is carried
out around us. We are to show mercy to
our neighbors. Rather than just talk about
our faith, we are to put it into action.
Whitewashed Tombs
Matt.23:27, 28
Jesus drew on a grim image as He denounced
the self-righteous Pharisees. At the end of a
Jewish funeral processiona slow march that
onlookers were obliged to jointhe body was
placed in a tomb on a rock shelf. Once the
flesh had decomposed, bones were collected
and removed, allowing the shelf to be reused.
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49
Jerusalem
Matt.23:37
Palestines leading city throughout much of
the biblical era.
Well-situated for defense on two triangular
ridges that converged to the south, bordered by the Kidron Valley on the east and
the Valley of Hinnom on the west.
Appears in the Bible as early as Abraham
(Gen.14:18), and the site had likely been
inhabited for centuries before then.
Captured by David and made Israels
capital.
Site of Solomons temple during the monarchy
and Herods temple during the first century.
Population in Jesus day was probably
60,000 to 70,000, though estimates range
all the way from 40,000 to 12 million.
Besieged and destroyed by Rome in A.D. 70.
Relatively small but densely populated with
numerous suburbs.
Long before and after Christ, Jerusalem
has been esteemed as far more than an ordinary city. And as the center of Israels government, culture, and religion, it bore the brunt
of Jesus anguished cry over the Jews rejection
of Him (Matt.23:37, 38).
Even though Jesus visited Jerusalem several times, most of its population never responded to the Son of God. Nor did the city
welcome His followers when they brought the
message of His resurrection. The place known
as the holy city (4:5) rejected the Holy One of
Israel, the Son of God.
JERUSALEM
MA
Jordan R iver
Samaria
SA
ane
err
Jericho
Me
dit
Bethlehem
JUDEA
0
15
MILES
30
Sea of
Galilee
Nazareth
RIA
an S
ea
Center of Jewish
worship
the Holy City.
Beersheba
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Matthew 24:29
4 And
TheGreat Tribulation
Dead
Sea
N
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Matthew 24:30
50
TheParable oftheTalents
25
Then the kingdom of heaven shall Text omits his coming. 25:6aNUText omits
be likened to ten virgins who took is coming. 25:13aNUText omits the rest of
their lamps and went out to meet the bride this verse.
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51
Matthew 26:3
26
the scribes.
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Matthew 26:4
52
took
11For you have the poor with you always,
bread, blesseda and broke it, and gave it
12
but Me you do not have always. For in to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is
pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she My body.
did it for My burial. 13Assuredly, I say to
27T hen He took the cup, and gave
you, wherever this gospel is preached in
thanks,
and gave it to them, saying, Drink
the whole world, what this woman has done
from it, all of you. 28For this is My blood of
will also be told as a memorial to her.
the newa covenant, which is shed for many
palace of the high priest, who was called
Caiaphas, 4 and plotted to take Jesus by
trickery and kill Him. 5But they said, Not
during the feast, lest there be an uproar
among the people.
Waste or Worship?
Matt.26:613
The woman who anointed Jesus was Mary,
Lazaruss sister (see Funeral Preparations at
John 12:18). As she poured oil on His head,
what the disciples saw as waste, the Lord saw
as worship. The tension between the two still
exists. Christians argue over whether it is
right to spend millions on new church facilities when so many poor and homeless sleep
in the streets. See also Sparing No Expense
at 1Kings 5:5.
More: Spikenard was a fragrant, costly oil imported from Asia. See The Fragrance of Love
at Song 1:1214. Marys act was the first step in
preparing Jesus body for the grave.
nation. When Jesus drew vast crowds and performed astounding miracles
especially His
raising of Lazarus from the deadCaiaphas
decided that He would have to be done away
with (John 11:4550).
This led to a well-conceived plot in which
Jesus was arrested, brought to an illegal
trial, and confronted with false evidence
(Matt. 26:3, 4, 5768). By playing Pilate (the
Roman governor) and Herod (the Jewish king)
against each other, and by encouraging a mob
mentality from the people (Luke 22:66
23:25), Caiaphas successfully orchestrated
Jesus conviction and execution.
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53
for the remission of sins. 29But I say to you,
I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from
now on until that day when I drink it new
with you in My Fathers kingdom.
30And when they had sung a hymn, they
went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:56
ThePrayer in theGarden
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Matthew 26:57
54
Unlikely Leaders
Matt.26:3574
Jesus was close to the end of His earthly ministry. His life was about to suffer an agonizing
finish at the hands of His enemies. Those He
had trained to succeed Him would assume
leadership of His new movement, a transition that would prove near catastrophic.
During those final days and hours, His followers began to fall apart:
Bravado caused them to overstate their
commitment (Matt.26:35). When the
moment of decision came, they deserted
their Lord (26:56).
When Jesus asked them to keep watch
with Him during His final hours of
freedom, they twice fell asleep (26:40,
43).
As Jesus endured mockery and beatings,
Peter, who had led the others in vowing
their loyalty (26:35), denied even knowing
his Master (26:6975).
The disciples hardly seem to have had
what was needed to continue the work that
Jesus began. But even after an experience of
excruciating suffering and glorious resurrection, Jesus returned to these same followers
and announced that they were still His chosen leaders to continue His work. He even
affirmed His commitment to stick with them
to the end (28:19, 20).
Jesus treatment of the disciples shows
that failure is not an unforgivable act. In fact,
it seems to be necessary to create character.
It is not meant to eliminate but to transform
the weak and wavering. Christ does not look
for perfect people but for faithful followers
who will experience His forgiveness, and
move on to learn and grow.
More: The Twelve were all men, but women
also played an important role in Jesus life and
ministry. See The Women Who Followed Jesus
at Luke 8:13. God has always valued devotion over perfection. See The Hall of Faith at
Heb.11:1 40.
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27
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55
11Now J
esus stood before the governor.
And the governor asked Him, saying, Are
You the King of the Jews?
Jesus said to him, It is as you say.
12 And while He was being accused by the
chief priests and elders, He answered noth
ing.
13T hen Pilate said to Him, Do You not
hear how many things they testify against
You? 14But He answered him not one word,
so that the governor marveled g reatly.
Matthew 27:42
TheKing on a Cross
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Matthew 27:43
56
An unnamed homeowner in
Jerusalem
Opened his home to Jesus and the Twelve for their last meal
together (Matt.26:18).
Judas
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Lessons to Learn
Joseph of Arimathea
(Matt.27:5761; Mark 15:42
46; Luke 23:5053)
Philemon (Philem.1*)
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Matthew 27:49
58
49T he
He Is Risen
28
Traveled to Jerusalem to
nurture his belief in God.
Invited Philip to explain
more about the faith.
More: Wealth is a major topic in the New Testament. Jesus warned about its dangers. Read Matt.6:24;
Mark 10:1731; and Luke 12:1321. Likewise, Paul challenged believers to use their resources in a
Christlike way. See Christians and Money at 1Tim.6:619.
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not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come,
see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go
quickly and tell His disciples that He is ris
en from the dead, and indeed He is going
before you into Galilee; there you will see
Him. Behold, I have told you.
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb
with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His
disciples word.
Matthew 28:12
Surprised by God
Matt.28:6
The women who went to the tomb on the first Easter Sunday were exceedingly frightened by
what they foundor rather, by what they did not find. The tomb was empty!
God understands how it feels when He sends
startling spiritual events. He helps us overcome our fears and sort out whatever comes
our way. He sent an angel to comfort and enlighten Mary and Mary Magdalene about the
truth of Christs resurrection. He sent an angel
to Joseph when he was troubled by Marys inexplicable pregnancy (Matt.1:1825).
Many other people in Scripture were no
less troubled by the occurrence of spiritual
events and realities. The help they received
from God included messages from angels. But
He also sent other people, dramatic and even
miraculous demonstrations of His power, stirring promises, and the enormous comfort of
His Word. God appreciates the impact of spiritual light suddenly shining in a dark world.
He helps us overcome the shock not only of
what He has spoken but also the fact that He
has spoken.
Will we respond to His message? No matter
how uncomfortable we may feel about new
adventures in faith, we dare not avoid them.
God opens up these uneasy places in our lives
to draw us to Him.
To Every Nation
Matt.28:19
Jesus sent His followers to make disciples of all the nations (ethne, peoples; Matt.28:19). That
mandate may seem obvious to us who know that two thousand years of Christian outreach have
been based on this and similar passages. Christianity has spread from its Middle Eastern roots to
become a global religion followed by roughly one-third of the worlds population.
Modern technology would seem to make
expanding that outreach even further a relatively simple task. In many ways, however,
we still resemble Jesus original disciples.
They wanted a local hero, a Messiah just for
Israel, one who would keep their customs and
confirm their prejudices. They were no doubt
stunned by the scope and implications of the
cross-cultural vision that Jesus presented. He
was more than the King of the Jews. He was
the global Christ, the Savior of the entire
world.
Jesus had tried to open their eyes to this
fact since the start of His ministry. Matthew
recorded again and again His work among
Gentiles (for example, Matt. 8:10; 15:24). He
even cited Isaiah 42:1
4, highlighting that
Jesus would declare justice to the Gentiles
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Matthew 28:13
60
TheGreat Commission
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Its the same difficulty that the original disciples faced at the inauguration of the Christian
movement: not merely to acknowledge but to
act on, and enjoy, the fact that Jesus truly is
Lord of all the nations.
More: Gods plan to make disciples of people
throughout the world was part of His overall,
long-term objective of making His name great
among the nations. See Great Among the Nations at Mal.1:11. The spread of the gospel to the
rest of the world began just a few days after Jesus
spoke the words recorded in Matt.28:19.
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