Jesus is Tempted.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
Matthew 4:1-11
The temptations of Jesus were very real not just symbolic. And we must remember that while Jesus was God. While on earth he functioned as nothing less than man. Thus he went through the temptations as a man and he triumphed over them.
His first temptation was to use his supernatural power for himself. Jesus was not willing to do so. Nor would he use his power to win the masses over as if by a type of witch craft.
When Jesus used his power it was to help the individual. It proved he was from God but it left the decision about who he was still in the hands of those who seen what he did.
The second temptation is about showing how God would protect Jesus if he threw himself off a heigh point. Satan tell him that God would send his angels to catch him. Thus very publicly showing people his supernatural link with God.
Jesus refused quoting scripture “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus was not going to win people by showing the people this supernatural connection with God.
Those who come to Christ. Those who come to God must come in faith. The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The third temptation was to bow down and worship Satan. Jesus had no inclination to compromise with Satan. He rebukes him again by quoting scripture,
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’”
Jesus refused to Sin no matter what the circumstance. Thus after the third temptation Satan left him and Jesus would begin his ministry.
Monday, 10 February 2014
Sunday, 9 February 2014
The Baptism of Jesus
The Baptism of Jesus
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
This is a seminal moment in the life of Jesus. It is the start of his Messianic ministry.
The baptism showed that he was consecrated to God something that was underscored by the decent of the Holy Spirit and a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Through baptism Jesus identifies with mankind and although Jesus did not have any need of repentance. He identifies with mankind’s sin and failure and becomes the substitute for our sins.
Dear reader have you let Jesus into your life? Have you confessed your sins to him and let him forgive your sins?
Think about it.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
This is a seminal moment in the life of Jesus. It is the start of his Messianic ministry.
The baptism showed that he was consecrated to God something that was underscored by the decent of the Holy Spirit and a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Through baptism Jesus identifies with mankind and although Jesus did not have any need of repentance. He identifies with mankind’s sin and failure and becomes the substitute for our sins.
Dear reader have you let Jesus into your life? Have you confessed your sins to him and let him forgive your sins?
Think about it.
Saturday, 8 February 2014
John the Baptist preaches Repentance
John the Baptist preaches Repentance
"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:1-12
Here we have John the Baptist the for runner of Jesus.
He must have looked quite the eccentric if you think about it to quote Matthew “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
Here was this man boldly calling people to repentance. To truly turn their lives around.
John minces no words no matter who was there calling to the scribes and Pharisees to repent. Matthew noting,
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
John was what we would call a fundamentalist. He saw the corruption in the teachers of the law and he called them out on it. He called them to turn away from wrong teaching and turn back to God in true repentance and produce good fruit.
John also tells of the coming of Christ. Matthew quoting John as saying,
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John’s call is as relevant today as it was back then.
The call of Jesus is to bring all to repentance to turn from sin and to Christ. Who will forgive our sin and allow us to enter heaven.
The apostle John writing,
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 1:8,9.
We like the people in the time of John the Baptist have a choice. To confess our sins and as John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Think about it.
"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:1-12
Here we have John the Baptist the for runner of Jesus.
He must have looked quite the eccentric if you think about it to quote Matthew “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
Here was this man boldly calling people to repentance. To truly turn their lives around.
John minces no words no matter who was there calling to the scribes and Pharisees to repent. Matthew noting,
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
John was what we would call a fundamentalist. He saw the corruption in the teachers of the law and he called them out on it. He called them to turn away from wrong teaching and turn back to God in true repentance and produce good fruit.
John also tells of the coming of Christ. Matthew quoting John as saying,
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John’s call is as relevant today as it was back then.
The call of Jesus is to bring all to repentance to turn from sin and to Christ. Who will forgive our sin and allow us to enter heaven.
The apostle John writing,
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 1:8,9.
We like the people in the time of John the Baptist have a choice. To confess our sins and as John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Think about it.
Friday, 7 February 2014
The family returns to Nazareth
The family returns to Nazareth
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Matthew 2:19-23
Joseph in his wisdom chose to move back to Israel but away from any potential trouble.
Archelaus the son of Herod was in power and was exceptionally tyrannical so much so he was deposed after only ten years (4BC-6AD) and Judea became a Roman province ruled by governors appointed by the emperor.
Thus the family settled in Nazareth a small nondescript town where Jesus could grow in peace.
I believe Jesus needed that time of peace in his life to mature. To study the scriptures which I’m sure he did as Mary and Joseph were devout people.
Additionally in other gospels we know that Jesus as a teenager was found in the temple talking to the teaches of his day and they were amazed at his knowledge Luke 2:44-47.
In Luke there is an interesting note. When his parents found Jesus he said,
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
Luke 2:49-52.
After all his parents had gone through they still didn’t fully understand who he was. It would me much later that they would fully understand.
Also of note is that while Jesus understood his calling he chose to be obedient to his earthly parents.
And Luke tells us “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”.
Nazareth this tiny village was where Jesus grew into the great man he would become. Going forth to quite literally change the world.
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Matthew 2:19-23
Joseph in his wisdom chose to move back to Israel but away from any potential trouble.
Archelaus the son of Herod was in power and was exceptionally tyrannical so much so he was deposed after only ten years (4BC-6AD) and Judea became a Roman province ruled by governors appointed by the emperor.
Thus the family settled in Nazareth a small nondescript town where Jesus could grow in peace.
I believe Jesus needed that time of peace in his life to mature. To study the scriptures which I’m sure he did as Mary and Joseph were devout people.
Additionally in other gospels we know that Jesus as a teenager was found in the temple talking to the teaches of his day and they were amazed at his knowledge Luke 2:44-47.
In Luke there is an interesting note. When his parents found Jesus he said,
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
Luke 2:49-52.
After all his parents had gone through they still didn’t fully understand who he was. It would me much later that they would fully understand.
Also of note is that while Jesus understood his calling he chose to be obedient to his earthly parents.
And Luke tells us “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”.
Nazareth this tiny village was where Jesus grew into the great man he would become. Going forth to quite literally change the world.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
The visit of the Magi
The visit of the Magi
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Matthew 2:1-12
Who exactly the Magi were is unsure. Most experts say they were astrologers not kings.
While tradition says there were three. The exact number is unknown. We only know that they brought three gifts of gold incense and myrrh.
Gifts when you think of it in a practical sense may have helped Mary and Joseph when they had to run to Egypt.
The Magi came to visit Jesus and said to Herod, ““Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Not “who is to become king of the Jews”.
The Magi were very clear, Jesus was born king of the Jews.
Herod the great to distinguish him from other Herod’s at the time, was a ruthless dictator appointed by the Roman senate.
He killed his wife, his three sons his mother in law his uncle and many others. He killed anyone whom he thought might depose him.
Hearing of the birth of Jesus as a king of the Jews would most definitely have twisted him the wrong way. He would have wanted to take the life of Jesus.
Thus he was nice to the Magi asking them that when they found Jesus to return and tell him.
But again God intervenes warning them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Thus they returned another way.
Herod immediately ordered the deaths of all children under two in the Bethlehem area.
Now while this was horrendous because of the small population of the area not all that many children would have been killed.
Still Herod I’m certain would stand before God like any despot and pay for what he did.
As for Mary, Joseph and Jesus they were warned about what was to happen Matthew recording,
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:13-18
Without knowing it Herod had helped fulfil on of the prophesies from the old Testament.
“This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15.
Matthew also quotes another Prophet, Hosea when he says,
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1.
The quote originally about the calling of Israel out of Egypt is used here to show Jesus as an infant went into Egypt like the infant nation Israel only to be called out of Egypt to become great in the eyes of God.
How long exactly Jesus and his family were in Egypt is unknown all is known was that he was there until the death of Herod the great.
And here’s an interesting side note. Someone once pointed out to me that with being forced to flee to Egypt Jesus and his family became political refugees.
On earth Jesus experienced what it was like to be a man. Becoming a political refugee was one of them.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Matthew 2:1-12
Who exactly the Magi were is unsure. Most experts say they were astrologers not kings.
While tradition says there were three. The exact number is unknown. We only know that they brought three gifts of gold incense and myrrh.
Gifts when you think of it in a practical sense may have helped Mary and Joseph when they had to run to Egypt.
The Magi came to visit Jesus and said to Herod, ““Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Not “who is to become king of the Jews”.
The Magi were very clear, Jesus was born king of the Jews.
Herod the great to distinguish him from other Herod’s at the time, was a ruthless dictator appointed by the Roman senate.
He killed his wife, his three sons his mother in law his uncle and many others. He killed anyone whom he thought might depose him.
Hearing of the birth of Jesus as a king of the Jews would most definitely have twisted him the wrong way. He would have wanted to take the life of Jesus.
Thus he was nice to the Magi asking them that when they found Jesus to return and tell him.
But again God intervenes warning them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Thus they returned another way.
Herod immediately ordered the deaths of all children under two in the Bethlehem area.
Now while this was horrendous because of the small population of the area not all that many children would have been killed.
Still Herod I’m certain would stand before God like any despot and pay for what he did.
As for Mary, Joseph and Jesus they were warned about what was to happen Matthew recording,
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:13-18
Without knowing it Herod had helped fulfil on of the prophesies from the old Testament.
“This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15.
Matthew also quotes another Prophet, Hosea when he says,
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1.
The quote originally about the calling of Israel out of Egypt is used here to show Jesus as an infant went into Egypt like the infant nation Israel only to be called out of Egypt to become great in the eyes of God.
How long exactly Jesus and his family were in Egypt is unknown all is known was that he was there until the death of Herod the great.
And here’s an interesting side note. Someone once pointed out to me that with being forced to flee to Egypt Jesus and his family became political refugees.
On earth Jesus experienced what it was like to be a man. Becoming a political refugee was one of them.
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
The Lineage of Jesus
The Lineage of Jesus
Read Matthew 1-17
“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.”
Matthew 1:1-17
Matthew’s gospel is written in Greek. But it uses for the most part Jewish terminology which he doesn’t explain. This indicates that it is written to Jews.
He uses terms like “Son of David” to describe Jesus. He traces the linage of Jesus back to Abraham.
This however does not restrict the readership to the Jews. He mentions the arrival of the Magi and that the great commission is to the whole world not just to the Jews.
Matthews purpose in writing seems to be to prove to the Jewish reader that Jesus is their Messiah.
He uses nine proof texts (1:22–23; 2:15; 2:17–18; 2:23; 4:14–16; 8:17; 12:17–21; 13:35; 27:9–10) to prove this basic theme.
Matthew notes that Jesus is the fulfilment of Old Testament Prophesy. Additionally he points to the linage of Jesus going back to King David.
The book of Matthew was written it is believe by Matthew the disciple of Jesus around 50AD.
Thus Matthew would have had first hand accounts of all that was happening including access to Mary the mother of Christ.
The scripture quoted above gives the linage of Jesus all the way back to Abraham. Pointing out to the reader that Jesus was of the right linage to be the Messiah.
Although he was born to parents of low birth Mary and Joseph. Both were honourable people.
Matthew recording,
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
Matthew 1:18-25
This is the first proof that Jesus is the Messiah. God actually told Joseph in a dream that the child Mary was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
For such a thing not to be true when it was written would have been counter productive to those who were declaring that Jesus was in deed the Son of God the Saviour of mankind.
Thus such a thing had to be true or it could have derailed the new movement.
Think about it.
Read Matthew 1-17
“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.”
Matthew 1:1-17
Matthew’s gospel is written in Greek. But it uses for the most part Jewish terminology which he doesn’t explain. This indicates that it is written to Jews.
He uses terms like “Son of David” to describe Jesus. He traces the linage of Jesus back to Abraham.
This however does not restrict the readership to the Jews. He mentions the arrival of the Magi and that the great commission is to the whole world not just to the Jews.
Matthews purpose in writing seems to be to prove to the Jewish reader that Jesus is their Messiah.
He uses nine proof texts (1:22–23; 2:15; 2:17–18; 2:23; 4:14–16; 8:17; 12:17–21; 13:35; 27:9–10) to prove this basic theme.
Matthew notes that Jesus is the fulfilment of Old Testament Prophesy. Additionally he points to the linage of Jesus going back to King David.
The book of Matthew was written it is believe by Matthew the disciple of Jesus around 50AD.
Thus Matthew would have had first hand accounts of all that was happening including access to Mary the mother of Christ.
The scripture quoted above gives the linage of Jesus all the way back to Abraham. Pointing out to the reader that Jesus was of the right linage to be the Messiah.
Although he was born to parents of low birth Mary and Joseph. Both were honourable people.
Matthew recording,
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
Matthew 1:18-25
This is the first proof that Jesus is the Messiah. God actually told Joseph in a dream that the child Mary was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
For such a thing not to be true when it was written would have been counter productive to those who were declaring that Jesus was in deed the Son of God the Saviour of mankind.
Thus such a thing had to be true or it could have derailed the new movement.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Understanding Jesus
"He (Jesus) said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
Mark 4:21-25
Jesus is the lamp. A lamp is there to illuminate. He brings to light what is meant to be disclosed.
Jesus brings into the open what is meant to be learned.
The purpose in Jesus coming to earth was to illuminate the minds of men. To show them the ways of God and the way to heaven.
The scripture here states, “consider carefully what you hear. With the measure you use, (to hear the truths of God) it will be measured to you and even more.”
All to often we read or hear scripture and choose only to understand what fits our way of thinking. We fail to listen with an open mind.
I find this is particularly so with some non-Christians.
They have a preconceived idea. Usually that God does not exist or at the very least Jesus is not who he says he is.
From their own presuppositions they then conclude that they are right irrespective of what the bible states.
If they even read the bible, they do so with a closed mind and no amount of reading the bible will ever convince them otherwise.
Thus the warning from Jesus. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.”
If we fail to recognize Jesus for who he is then why should he, when we stand before him recognize us?
He is simply saying you acknowledge that I am the Son of God the Saviour of the mankind or I will not recognize you as one of my own and thus will cast you away.
Jesus says,
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18.
Where do you stand?
Think about it?
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
Mark 4:21-25
Jesus is the lamp. A lamp is there to illuminate. He brings to light what is meant to be disclosed.
Jesus brings into the open what is meant to be learned.
The purpose in Jesus coming to earth was to illuminate the minds of men. To show them the ways of God and the way to heaven.
The scripture here states, “consider carefully what you hear. With the measure you use, (to hear the truths of God) it will be measured to you and even more.”
All to often we read or hear scripture and choose only to understand what fits our way of thinking. We fail to listen with an open mind.
I find this is particularly so with some non-Christians.
They have a preconceived idea. Usually that God does not exist or at the very least Jesus is not who he says he is.
From their own presuppositions they then conclude that they are right irrespective of what the bible states.
If they even read the bible, they do so with a closed mind and no amount of reading the bible will ever convince them otherwise.
Thus the warning from Jesus. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.”
If we fail to recognize Jesus for who he is then why should he, when we stand before him recognize us?
He is simply saying you acknowledge that I am the Son of God the Saviour of the mankind or I will not recognize you as one of my own and thus will cast you away.
Jesus says,
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18.
Where do you stand?
Think about it?
Monday, 3 February 2014
Kinds of Christians
The Parable of the Sower
“Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?
The farmer sows the word.
Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.
But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.”
Mark 4:13-20.
This parable is talking about evangelization. But it’s also about different kinds of Christians.
On the surface to other people all Christians are alike. They go to church sing a few hymns, fellowship with other Christians, some even reach out to the world around them.
But not all Christians are alike. Only God knows the heart of anyman.
Jesus points out that the seeds of the Word falls basically on four kinds of people.
The first are those who hear it but it dismiss it. They are turned away either by Satan or their own preconceived ideas that God is not real.
The second are those who receive the Word but they are very shallow people with no real roots. They are joyful upon hearing it. They are caught up in perhaps the emotion of the moment, be it in a church, at a large rally or even in someone’s living room. but don’t take it to heart and eventually turn away from God.
The third are those who hear but the word is choked off by the cares of this world. By the focus on earthly things such as the building up of wealth, possessions and other things. None of which are bad things. Still they can if not kept in perspective, keep a person from finding true riches in God.
The fourth is the person who takes the word of God to heart and allows it to grow in their heart and life.
They cultivate it and grow in power and strength in Christ. They go on to produce a crop of believers themselves and produce in abundance.
Thus not all Christians are alike although they may call themselves Christians many are not truly living the life. Which if you think about it explains the differences in the lifestyles of some Christians.
Now having heard all of that tell me what kind of ground are you?
Are you committed to Christ? Have you dismissed Christianity and God as not being real or are you somewhere in the middle? Think about it.
“Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?
The farmer sows the word.
Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.
But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.”
Mark 4:13-20.
This parable is talking about evangelization. But it’s also about different kinds of Christians.
On the surface to other people all Christians are alike. They go to church sing a few hymns, fellowship with other Christians, some even reach out to the world around them.
But not all Christians are alike. Only God knows the heart of anyman.
Jesus points out that the seeds of the Word falls basically on four kinds of people.
The first are those who hear it but it dismiss it. They are turned away either by Satan or their own preconceived ideas that God is not real.
The second are those who receive the Word but they are very shallow people with no real roots. They are joyful upon hearing it. They are caught up in perhaps the emotion of the moment, be it in a church, at a large rally or even in someone’s living room. but don’t take it to heart and eventually turn away from God.
The third are those who hear but the word is choked off by the cares of this world. By the focus on earthly things such as the building up of wealth, possessions and other things. None of which are bad things. Still they can if not kept in perspective, keep a person from finding true riches in God.
The fourth is the person who takes the word of God to heart and allows it to grow in their heart and life.
They cultivate it and grow in power and strength in Christ. They go on to produce a crop of believers themselves and produce in abundance.
Thus not all Christians are alike although they may call themselves Christians many are not truly living the life. Which if you think about it explains the differences in the lifestyles of some Christians.
Now having heard all of that tell me what kind of ground are you?
Are you committed to Christ? Have you dismissed Christianity and God as not being real or are you somewhere in the middle? Think about it.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
There is a God
Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150Scripture tells us,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Psalm 53:1a
Many today would say there is no God. It’s not a new thing such beliefs have been around forever.
Sadly many people say there is no God and proceed to assemble facts that point to there being no God, subconsciously or deliberately excluding anything that even hints that He does exist.
I for one firmly believe there is an afterlife and a God who will be there waiting for us, either as our Saviour or our Judge.
I cannot believe that the spark inside our bodies that make us sentient, that makes us the person we are just dissolves into nothingness.
I believe the words of Jesus who said,
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Matthew 13:43
I look at the world around me and can see the magnificent hand of God in the flower on my desk. Something so beautiful yet so sophisticated in it’s make up, that man has never been able to make one from scratch.
There has to be a divine creator.
But each individual must decide for themselves whether God Exists or not. After which they must weigh the words of Jesus.
Who said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned,
but whoever does not believe stands condemned already
because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
The choice is always up to the individual. What do you believe?
Saturday, 1 February 2014
The Reason for Jesus
The Reason for Jesus
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Mark 1:35-38
Jesus said,
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:9-11
Jesus made it clear that he had only one purpose in life. To show people the way to heaven.
He has come to preach the gospel to all who would listen no matter where they are.
He likens himself to a gate that whoever enters through that gate will go to heaven. They will find rest for their soul no matter what the situation in life.
People all over the world are looking for that perfect thing that will give them rest for their soul. Most don’t realize it.
They try to find rest and fulfilment in life by collecting things, by doing good deeds. By dedicating their lives to worthy causes. None of which are bad things to do.
People follow philosophies, meditate and try their best to be good people. Yet they somehow never find complete rest.
Such complete rest can only come from Jesus.
A few years ago I had a cancer operation I’d found a cancerous tumour on my leg and the cancer it turned out spread to the lymph nodes in my groin.
I’m convinced the Lord put me with the right doctors at the right time. The doctor got the cancer all of it and I didn’t have to undergo radiation or Chemotherapy.
A few weeks later however I could hardly breath and they rushed me by ambulance to hospital.
They found that I had three large blood clots, one in each lung and one in my groin the side effect of the cancer surgery.
I ended up with an eight day hospital stay. With at one point my life in the balance.
I remember praying and simply asking God that His will be done. I can’t remembering ever having any fear. I knew inside of me that as a Christian I win either way.
Should I live I could give glory to God for what he did for me.
Should I die. I would pass into peace of the arms of my Lord and Saviour.
This is what it is like to know Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour. To have peace in all situations.
Do you?
Do you know that if you were to die today you would go to heaven? Do you have that certainty that when you finally pass from this body you will have be spending an Eternity in Heaven?
Think about it.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Mark 1:35-38
Jesus said,
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:9-11
Jesus made it clear that he had only one purpose in life. To show people the way to heaven.
He has come to preach the gospel to all who would listen no matter where they are.
He likens himself to a gate that whoever enters through that gate will go to heaven. They will find rest for their soul no matter what the situation in life.
People all over the world are looking for that perfect thing that will give them rest for their soul. Most don’t realize it.
They try to find rest and fulfilment in life by collecting things, by doing good deeds. By dedicating their lives to worthy causes. None of which are bad things to do.
People follow philosophies, meditate and try their best to be good people. Yet they somehow never find complete rest.
Such complete rest can only come from Jesus.
A few years ago I had a cancer operation I’d found a cancerous tumour on my leg and the cancer it turned out spread to the lymph nodes in my groin.
I’m convinced the Lord put me with the right doctors at the right time. The doctor got the cancer all of it and I didn’t have to undergo radiation or Chemotherapy.
A few weeks later however I could hardly breath and they rushed me by ambulance to hospital.
They found that I had three large blood clots, one in each lung and one in my groin the side effect of the cancer surgery.
I ended up with an eight day hospital stay. With at one point my life in the balance.
I remember praying and simply asking God that His will be done. I can’t remembering ever having any fear. I knew inside of me that as a Christian I win either way.
Should I live I could give glory to God for what he did for me.
Should I die. I would pass into peace of the arms of my Lord and Saviour.
This is what it is like to know Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour. To have peace in all situations.
Do you?
Do you know that if you were to die today you would go to heaven? Do you have that certainty that when you finally pass from this body you will have be spending an Eternity in Heaven?
Think about it.
Friday, 31 January 2014
Summing up the Bible
A summing up of the Bible
“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:35-40.
How can anyone argue with love being the most important thing in the law. Jesus is not alone in saying this.
A thirteenth century Jewish sage, Hillel, was asked to sum up the entire Torah (the Law) while standing on one leg. He responded with av’ahavta l’reacha komacha (you shall love you neighbour as yourself.
I believe however that the love spoken of has to be that from God.
Sadly we have to many ‘poor’ definitions of love. Definitions that put limits on love.
Paul writing to the Corinthians said this about love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
This is the love Jesus and Hillel meant when they were speaking. It is an unconditional love. One that sets no boundaries.
This is true love.
A love that if put into practice really could change the world.
Think about it.
“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:35-40.
How can anyone argue with love being the most important thing in the law. Jesus is not alone in saying this.
A thirteenth century Jewish sage, Hillel, was asked to sum up the entire Torah (the Law) while standing on one leg. He responded with av’ahavta l’reacha komacha (you shall love you neighbour as yourself.
I believe however that the love spoken of has to be that from God.
Sadly we have to many ‘poor’ definitions of love. Definitions that put limits on love.
Paul writing to the Corinthians said this about love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
This is the love Jesus and Hillel meant when they were speaking. It is an unconditional love. One that sets no boundaries.
This is true love.
A love that if put into practice really could change the world.
Think about it.
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Do not bear a grudge
Do not bear a grudge
“ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:18.
For years I use to watch the conflict in Northern Ireland and the killing done in the name of religion.
My mothers family emigrated to England from Ireland in the mid eighteen hundreds. There reason was to get a better life which they eventually did get but apparently not without some people disliking the fact they were catholic.
The Northern Ireland conflict is very typical of men doing things supposedly in the name of God. When really they are doing it simply with a religious name.
Jesus was a man of peace he never preached insurrection against the dominating Romans. In fact he a Jew helped a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13).
The disciples were the same way they showed the love of God to all men irrespective of who they were.
Those who were fighting in northern Ireland were not Christians they only happened to have the labels of Christian groups.
Over the years much has been done in the name of Christianity when really it was driven by prejudges. The classic example are the crusaders who went to war killing everyone who was supposedly not a Christian.
They and particularly their leaders lost track of the key thing in Christianity. Love your neighbour as yourself.
They missed the fact that Jesus said
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19,20
Jesus never said convert people at the edge of a sword or by torture as happened at other times in history.
Christians are today according to what some watch groups are saying the most persecuted people in the world yet the words of the Bible are still there for Christians to obey when Leviticus states,
“ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:18.
Violence done in the name of Christ or a religious Christian group is not the “Christian” thing to do.
It was Jesus who told us to turn the other cheek.
True Christianity is reaching out to people in Love not bearing grudges or waging any kind of violence against ones fellow man.
Think about it.
“ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:18.
For years I use to watch the conflict in Northern Ireland and the killing done in the name of religion.
My mothers family emigrated to England from Ireland in the mid eighteen hundreds. There reason was to get a better life which they eventually did get but apparently not without some people disliking the fact they were catholic.
The Northern Ireland conflict is very typical of men doing things supposedly in the name of God. When really they are doing it simply with a religious name.
Jesus was a man of peace he never preached insurrection against the dominating Romans. In fact he a Jew helped a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13).
The disciples were the same way they showed the love of God to all men irrespective of who they were.
Those who were fighting in northern Ireland were not Christians they only happened to have the labels of Christian groups.
Over the years much has been done in the name of Christianity when really it was driven by prejudges. The classic example are the crusaders who went to war killing everyone who was supposedly not a Christian.
They and particularly their leaders lost track of the key thing in Christianity. Love your neighbour as yourself.
They missed the fact that Jesus said
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19,20
Jesus never said convert people at the edge of a sword or by torture as happened at other times in history.
Christians are today according to what some watch groups are saying the most persecuted people in the world yet the words of the Bible are still there for Christians to obey when Leviticus states,
“ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:18.
Violence done in the name of Christ or a religious Christian group is not the “Christian” thing to do.
It was Jesus who told us to turn the other cheek.
True Christianity is reaching out to people in Love not bearing grudges or waging any kind of violence against ones fellow man.
Think about it.
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