MATTHEW

Matthew: means “gift of Jehovah or God": It is commonly called the Gospel of the Knigdom and its material is grouped by subject, written 50 A.D. Believed to be written especially for the Jews to prove that Jesus is the predicted Messiah or Christ the Anointed One because the author made no attempt to translate or explain the Jewish's Words that he used. Whoever the author is; he quoted from the Old Testament more times than any of the other gospel's writers.

Matthew to the Jews, Mark to the Romans; Luke to the Greeks, John made it clear and unmistakable that Jesus was GOD in Human form to all man kind.

There are a few that believes someone else is the author of the Gospel of Matthew not Matthew because it doesn't name its author anywhere. Matthew was a Publican: "KJV word for tax collector" { 1 } tax collect who became one of twelve of Jesus’ Apostles. What we know about Matthew is he was also called Leui. He is listed in the four list of Twelve, (Matthew 10:3 Mark 3:18 Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13) and where it is called to follow Jesus. (Matthew 9:9-13 Mark 2:14-17 Luke 5:27-32 ) Matthews appears seventh in Mark 3:18. Luke 6:15 and eighth in Matt 10:3 and Acts 1:13. Some say that the reason why Matthew's name has been linked with the Gospel of Matthew is because of the sayings of Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis, quoted in Eusebius: The trouble is, that Matthew would of wrote the Gospel of Matthew in Aramaic not Greek. No Aramaic original of the Gospel of Matthew has ever been found. Also the Greek Gospel of Mathew that we have can not be translated back into Aramaic. It is generally agreed upon that Mark is the earliest of the four gospels and that whoever the author is of the Gospel of Matthew substantially used the Gospel of Mark. Six hundred and one of Mark’s six hundred and seventy eight verses appear in Matthew. We are sure that the author was a compiler of the Gospel, evidently a Jew who lived outside Palestine. The author would be well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures, and was impressed by the incidents in the life of Christ and the O.T. From the Early Church Fathers beginning with Papias it has been accepted as Matthew being the Editor.

DIFFERENT IN THE FOUR GOSPELS MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE TELLS ABOUT BOTH SUPPERS. LUKE MENTIONS TWO CUPS 22:17-20 JOHN MENTIONS ONLY PASSOVER.

FOURTEEN CENTURES THE PASSOVER PONTED TO THE COMING OF THE PASCHAL LAMB. JESUS ATE HIS PASSOVER SUPPER AND THEN BECAME THE PASCHAL LAMB. JESUS WAS SLAINED ON THE CROSS THE SAME DAY THAT PASCHAL LAMBS WERE SLAIN IN THE TEMPLE.

THE PASSOVER HAD SERVED ITS PURPOSE BUT IT WAS NOW TIME FOR THE NEW MEMORIAL SUPPER WHICH IS TO BE KEPT UNTIL JESUS COMES AGIAN. 1st CORINTHIANS 11:26

PASSOVER= DELIVERANCE OUT OF EGYPT AND TOWARD HIS COMING

NEW MEMORIAL SUPPER POINTS BACK TO HIS DEATH AND FORWARD TO HIS COMING IN GLORY

THE ORDER OF THE LORD'S SUPPER IS SOME WHAT CONFUSING: MATTHEW AND MARK PLACE THE LORD'S SUPPER AFTER JUDAS WENT OUT. LUKE SEEMS TO SAY HIS WAS THERE. JOHN GIVES THE CONTANION FIRST WITH LUKE AFTER THE SUPPER.

MOST PLACE THE SUPPER IN THIS ORER.

( 1.) THEIR CONTENTION JESUS WASHES THEIR FEET.

( 2. ) THE BETRAYAL IS ANNOUNCED BY JESUS THYE ALL REPLY "IS IT I ? "

( 3. ) JUDAS IS GIVEN SOP AND SAYS "IS IT I ? "

( 4. ) JESUS GIVES THE LORK'S SUPPER INSTRUTITIONS

( 5. ) THE "NEW COMMANDMENT" IS GIVEN AND THE TENDER WORDS OF JOHN 14.

MATTHEW: A OUTLINE FOR TEACHING.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE KING 1:1—4:11

I. The Advent of the King 1:1-2:23
II. The Announcer of the King  3:1-12
III. The Approval of the King 3:13- 4:11

THE PROCIAMATION OF THE KING 4:12—7:29

I. The Background for the Sermon 4:12-25
II. The Sermon on the Mount 5:1- 7:29

THE POWER OF THE KING 8:1-11:1

I. The Demonstration of the King's Power 98:1 - 9:34
II. The Delegation of the King's Power 9:35 - 11:1

THE PROGRESSIVE REJECTION OF THE KING 11:2-16:12

I. The Beginning of Rejection 11:2-30
II. The Rejection of Christ by the Pharisees 12:1- 50
III. The Consequences of the Rejection 13: 1 - 53
IV. The Continuing Rejection of the King 13:54 - 16:12

THE PREPARATION OF THE KING'S DISCIPIES 16:13 - 20:28

I. Revelation of Great Truths 16:13 - 17:13
II The Instruction in View of Rejection 17:14 - 20:28

THE PRESENTATION AND REJECTION OF THE KING 20:29 - 27:66

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Matthew being the first in a list called the “Gospels” All four covers the life and death of Jesus and formed a unique kind of written document, but different thought threw the eyes of each human writer. There have been about 400 years of prophetic silence since Malachi, but during this time Greece became the third world power prophesied by Daniel. One of their leaders, Antiochus Epiphanies desecrated the temple and provoked the revolt of the Maccabees which gave some freedom to the Jews for a few years. Finally the land was taken by Rome, the fourth world power, which was cruel and killed many Jews. External religion and many traditions developed in this time, and obedience was transferred from the law to the traditions. The majority of the religious leaders were Sadducees, but the Pharisees were popular with the people and wielded influence out of proportion to their number. More information on “Pharisees, Essences, Sadducees, and Zealot” go to www.christisalive.net/Zealot This was the situation when Christ was born. The Human Author of this book is Matthew, called Levi, the publican tax collector Jesus chose as an apostle. He presents Jesus from the standpoint of a King and the word kingdom appears fifty times. The kingdom of heaven appears thirty times, the only place it appears in the NT. Matthew tends to bring together miracles and parables into groups without reference to their place in history, while Mark is more chronological. OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: Mt 1:22-23"That He would be born of a Virgin Isa 7:14"

Matthew 1

Verses 1-17 The Genealogy of Jesus, Also given in Like 3:23-38

v 1-17. This genealogy establishes the kingly line that Jesus is a descendant of David. In each case a father begat a son until v 16 when Joseph was simply husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born. A curse was pronounced upon Jeconiah, or Coniah in Jer. 22:30, “write this man childless”. Not that he was childless, but no son of his could sit on the throne, so Christ came through David’s son, Nathan. Matthew includes four women, Tamar and Rahab, prostitutes, Ruth a Moabite, and Bathsheba, an adulterous. Matthew omitted some names and simply listed 14 generations in each time period, which was sufficient to satisfy Jewish genealogy of Christ. The death of Herod occurred in the spring of 4 B.C. our Present Calendar is off in its calculation by about six years.

Verses 18-25 The Fatherless Birth of Jesus

v 18-25. This is further explanation of how Jesus was born of Mary. A betrothal time period of up to a year was observed to make sure the bride was not pregnant by another, a Jewish custom and it was in this period that she became with child of the Holy Ghost. The Tolmud made claims that Jesus was the illegitimate child born of Mary and a Roman Soldier named Ben-Panther. The love of Joseph is seen in that he chose to divorce Mary quietly rather than make her a public example and have her stoned for adultery. He stopped thinking about a divorce once the angel spoke to him. IN DOZENS OF STUDY BIBLE AND COMMANTARIES THIS IS HOW THE STORY OF JESUS BIRTH IS TOLD. "Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (King James Bible, Matthew)

FIRST LET US LOOK AT JOSEPH WHO WAS A VERY FAITHFUL PERSON CHOSEN BY GOD. JOSEPH'S FAITH DID NOT COME INTO QUESTION BECAUSE GOD WOULDN'T OF CHOICE HIM IF HE HAD BEEN UNFAITHFUL IN ANY WAY. IN THIS TIME PERIOD THE COVENANT THAT GOD HAD ESTABLISHED WITH HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE WAS CHARACTERIZED BY THE OBSERVANCE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENST. LET US LOOK AT THE 6TH AND 9TH COMMENDNEMT WHICH MADE JOSEPH CONVINCED THAT HE WAS UNWORTHY TO BE SO CLOSE TO THE WORK OF GOD.

MANY OF THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS AGREE THAT JOSEPH DID NOT DECIDE TO DIVORCE MARY QUIETLY BECAUSE OF ADULTERY. THEY BELIEVE THAT JOSEPH HAD A GREAT FEAR THAT WAS SO GROUNDED IN REVERENCE FOR GOD THAT JOSEPH DIDN'T WANT TO INTERFERE IN GOD'S PLAN FOR MARY. THE ANGLE STATED "DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TAKE MARY YOUR WIFE INTO YOUR HOME." JOEPH OBEYED THE ANGLE'S COMMAND AND TOOK MARY INTO HIS HOUSE WHILE RESPECTIN THE FACT THAT SHE BELONGED TO GOD. IT IS BELIEVED THAT JOSEPH HAD BEEN TOLD BY MARY ABOUT THE CHILD AND SHE HAD MADE AN ACT OF FAITH TO GOD.

Immanuel is not actually a title, but a characterization, "God with us". Ancient Roman and Jewish world make mention of Jesus' life and death. . The Pharisees were a group that arose during the time of the Maccabees under the reign of John Hyrcanus 135-104 B.C. The most bitter and hateful enemies of Christ. Luke, the physician, tells how the birth of John the Baptist came about and gives more details about the birth of Christ in Luke 2. If the fiancé died before a betrothed girl was married she was called a widow. An informal canceling of betrothed was impossible, it would take the process of almost that of a divorce. Matthew 2:1-12

Luke passes over this entire portion of Jesus’ life. 

Matthew 02

Verses 1 – 12 The Wise Men Or Magi

MT 2:1-12 THE FOURTH STEP FROM NAZARETH TO BETHLEHEM

MT 2:13-18 THE FIFTH STEP FROM BETHEHEM TO EGYPT

MT 2:19-23 LK 2:40 THE SIXTH STEP FROM EGYPT TO NAZARETH

The word repent is translated into the Greek Word “change of Mind”
v 1,2. The wise men, or magi, (Magoi, a technical term for a Persian priest versed in magic and astrology) studied the stars and were probably from the area of Babylon. They may have been influenced by Jewish scholars descended from the captivities. At one time Daniel was head of all, and they were apparently familiar with Balaam’s prophecy that a star would come out of Jacob. These things are in technical agreement with arrangement of constellations their counsel was considered when choosing eastern kings, so they were considered “king makers”. In this capacity they were anxious to see this new King that was born. Important things of John’s { A.} In v2 his message is exactly the same of Jesus’ in Mk 1:14, 15 * sorrow for sins, failures, as moral conversion. { B } John is a pathfinder (Isa 40:3 ) for Jesus, { C } He challenges Pharisees and Sadducees. { D } He proclaims an imminent judgment (V10) { E } He employs apocaly, licimagery. As we look at things and think they are important but God might thing it’s not important at all. What we thing is important may be just “chaff for the burning.”

v 3-8. King Herod was an Edomite, not a Jew, yet this Gentile considered this baby to be the Messiah of the Jews,

v 4. He wanted no challenge to his or his descendant’s throne, and demanded of the Jews where the child would be born, which they were easily able to give from Micah 5:2. They were not interested in pursuing it farther, but Herod wanted to know the exact time the star appeared, already thinking about killing the child. He wanted the wise men to return with easy directions for finding Him.

MT 2:11 COMPARED TO PS 72:10 AND ISA 60:3, 6, 9 THE SENENTH PROPHECY THAT HE WOULD BE WORSHIPED BY WISE MEN AND PRESENTED WITH GIFTS

v 9-12. The unusual travel pattern of the star, not just the normal east to west, but north to south, and the fact it stood over the house, makes it seems that it was none other than the Shekinah glory of the Lord. A period of a year, more or less, may have transpired while they investigated the star, got a caravan together and made the long journey to Bethlehem. There might be only three wise men but they would of had any where from three to ten slaves to take care of the animals and many person things for the wise men. These men were able to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh would have come in a caravan of at least the minimum of ten camels and servants. Those gifts were valuable for the sustenance of the family during their exile in Egypt. Myrrh is an extrat from a stiff branched tree with white flowers and plum like fruit. Ingredient used in anointing oil Ex 30:23 Perfume Ps 45:8 Prov 7: 17, Purification rites for woman Esth. 2:12 gifts for the infant Jesus Matt 2:11 Ombalming John 19:39, and myrrh spoke of his “future suffering.” Gold: used for Jewelry, furnishing for the temple, many objects made from Gold. Gold also spoke of his “deity.” Frankincense: An aromatic gum resin obtained from the Boswellia tree. Part of the sacred anointing oil Ex 30:34 used in sacrificial offering Lev 2:1 Used as a fumigant during animal sacrifices Ex 30:7 and as perfume Song 3:6 Frankincense also spoke of his “humanity.” It is noteworthy that the king makers worshiped this king before being warned to return a different way. 
In 66 A. D. we know that a deputation from Parthia came to pay homage to Nero.

Verses 13 – 15 The Flight To Egypt

v 13-15. Joseph was also warned in a dream, and escaped to Egypt at night with his family until told to return. This fulfilled Hosea 11:1, Out of Egypt have I called my Son. This relates Christ to the entire nation of Israel as they came out in Exodus. 

v 16-18. Rachel’s tomb was near Bethlehem, and Jer. 31:15 refers first to the Babylonian murders and next to the slaughter of Jewish baby boys at this time. King Herod killed one of his own wives and some of his sons etc., so the murder of babies in this small community did not attract the interest of Josephus and other Jewish writers. 

v 19-23. An angel appeared in a dream and commanded him to return to his land as Herod was dead. They had probably got to Beersheba on the way to Bethlehem, when Joseph was contacted in a dream for the fourth time and told to go a different way because Herod’s cruel or insane son Archelaus reigned. After getting the angel message, they could well have followed the road down the Bezor River valley to near Gaza. From there they would have followed the coastal highway about as far north as Joppa, where it would branch off a little farther inward. This would continue on north, and about 20 miles northwest of Shechem, it would head northeast toward Nain. About 4 miles before they got to Nain, another road would take them directly north into Nazareth. The Bible doesn’t tell us, but this trade route was most likely for them to take. This was said to fulfill another prophecy, perhaps Isa. 11:1 or a composite of prophecy. Keep in mind that Jesus was a Nazarene, from that town, not a Nazarite, though He lived more holy than any Nazarite could. Nazarenes were looked down upon as if they consorted with the Roman garrison stationed there, causing Nathaniel to question if any good could come out of Nazareth, Jn. 1:46. Also why skeptics speculated Mary was pregnant from a Roman soldier.

Matthew 3

Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-18, Luke 1:80 3:1-18, John 1:6-28 The Message and Ministry of John the Baptist

Matthew 3:13-17 NAZARETH TO BETHABARA ON THE JORDAN RIVER

Verses 1 – 12 The Forerunner of Jesus

John is the forerunner or a pathfinder (Isa 40:3)
v 1,2. Matthew skips nearly 30 years of Jesus life and goes right to his forerunner, John the Baptist. Since he was of the priesthood of Aaron, he probably began his ministry at 30 years of age, about six months before Jesus began His. John’s message was first, repent to be saved. The second part was the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Not immediate, but imminent. It could have been in that day if the Jews would have accepted their Messiah, which God knew they would not. 

v 3-6. Matt. 3:3; Mk. 1:2,3: 3:4-6 and Jn. 1:23 all refer to Isa. 40:3. Workers cleared the roads for the Jews to return from Babylon and they cleared the roads for those who came to Jerusalem to the feasts, but here John is preparing the way for Christ. He was clad like Elijah and ate the diet of the poor, locusts and wild honey. Many repented. 

v 7-10. John gave special warning for the Sadducees and Pharisees to repent, because they expected to enter the kingdom simply by being sons of Abraham. 

v 11,12. John only baptized the repentant in water, but he was not worthy to untie the sandals of Christ, who (after an interval over 2000 years) would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. Pentecost was just a preview of this prophecy of Joel 2:28,29.

MT 3:16 WITH HEB 1:9 JESUS ANOINTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

MT 3:17 17:5 2nd PETER 1:17 ISA 42:1 GOD IS DELIGHTED IN HIS SON

MT 3:13-17 THE NINTH STEP FROM NAZARETH TO BETHABARA ON THE JORDAN RIVER

Verses 13 – 17 The Baptism of Jesus

v 13-17. Jesus began His ministry by coming to John to be baptized. He objected, but Jesus chose this to show He was identifying Himself with sinners. This is a picture of death and resurrection, and Christ called His death a baptism, Mt. 20:22. John recognizing Jesus as Messiah, Mt. 3:14 is not in conflict with him not knowing Him, Jn 1:31. John was filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb, Lk. 1:15, grew up in the wilderness and may not have attended Feasts. Jesus attended them, but was secluded in Galilee. so they may never have met. John just knew he was to prepare the way for Messiah. So the Holy Spirit revealed this to him just as He revealed to Samuel who was to be king. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. to confirm to John and the other people that Jesus was Messiah. . In Jn. 1:31, John is emphasizing the fact that the two were not acquainted with each other, so people would know there was no collusion between them in presenting Jesus as Messiah. Jesus’ ministry was authenticated from heaven by the coming of the Holy Spirit like a dove, and by the voice of the Father. The Father used those same words on the Mount of Transfiguration. The entire Trinity was present.

Matthew 4

Matthw 4:1-11 Mark 1:12-13 Luke 4:1-13 BETHABARA TO THE TEMPTATION WILDERNESS

Matthew 4:23 8:2-4 Mark 1:39-45 Luke 4:43-5:16 CAPERNAUM TO HIS FIRST PREACHING TOUR OF GALILEE

Matthew 4:12 Luke 3:19.20 John 4:1-42JORDAN RIVER TO SYAHAN IN SAMARIA

Matthew 4:13-22 5:14-17 Mark 1:14-38 Luke 4:31-42 NAZARETH TO CAPERNAUM

FIRST TEMPTATION MT. 4:4 WITH DEUT 8:3

SECOND TEMPTATION MT 4:7 COMPARE WITH DEUT 6:16

MT 4:1 JESUS LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

MT 4:1-11 MK 1:12-13 LK 4:1-13 THE TENTH STEP FROM BETHABARA TO THE TEMPTATION IN THE WILDERNESS.

Verses 1 – 11 The Temptation of Jesus

v 1,2. Jesus was actually driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, Mk. 1:12, where He fasted 40 day and nights. This may have been on a mountain overlooking Jericho. Satan tempted Him at least at the end, when His resistance was weak from hunger.

MT 4:12 LK 3:19, 20 JN 4:1-42 THE SEVENTEENTH STEP THE JORDAN RIVER TO SYCHAN IN SAMARIA

MT 4: 13-22 5:14-17 MK 1:14-38 LK 4:31-42 THE TWENTH STEP FROM NAZARETH TO CAPERNAUM

v 3,4. The first test regarded son ship. Jesus had power to turn stones to bread, but God’s will had been for Christ to fast, so He answered with Deut. 8:3, not to live by bread alone but by the Word of God. (This also authenticated Deuteronomy)

v 5-7. Actually, or by vision, Satan took Jesus to a pinnacle of the temple, inferring from Mal. 3:1 that Jesus could appear spectacularly to the people. Besides, angels would protect Him, Ps. 91:11,12, although Satan did not quote that accurately. This would not have been God’s will either, so Jesus quoted Deut. 6:16, not to tempt God.

v 8-11. Satan is the prince of this world, Jn. 12:31, and offered Christ the kingdom without the cross, if He would worship him. Jesus would have worshiped an inferior and would have thwarted the plan of salvation, so He again answered from Deut. 6:13 and 10:20 that only God should be worshiped. In these temptations Satan used the same method he used on Eve in the garden and what is described in 1 Jn. 2:16, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Satan only left for a time, Lk. 4:13, but as soon as he left, God sent angels to minister to Jesus.
12 – 17 Jesus Begins His Ministry at Capernaum

v 12-17. When Jesus heard John was in prison He left Nazareth and went to Capernaum, fulfilling Isa. 9:1,2, that the light would be brought to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Other gospels tell of the call of disciples, but Matthew points out that Jesus did not actually begin His preaching ministry until John the Baptist was put in prison. The reason for John’s imprisonment is stated in 14:3. As in Mt. 3:2, the kingdom was imminent, but not immediate, because the Jews did not accept their Messiah.
Nahum means compassionate or comfort. Capernaum means city of nahum, or city of comfort (Not his home). It is interesting that Jesus, Son of the God of all comfort, 2 Cor. 1:3, used this city as His headquarters.

Verses 18 - 22 The Call of the Four Discipies

v 18-22. This is not Jesus’ first contact with these disciples. His call to them as converts, not service is in John 1:35-42. The order of events was first His baptism, then His temptation in the wilderness. The first call of disciples followed that, then the return to Nazareth and to Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine as His first miracle. On this second call, here and Mk. 1:16-20, these fishermen are being called to leave their nets permanently and become fishers of men. James and John left their father and the entire fishing business. Mark records this was before Jesus cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue, then went to heal Peter’s mother-in-law. Some time later, it appears they were still fishermen, and in Luke 5:1-11 Jesus gave them the third call, and this time they did not return to fish except the time after the resurrection, John 21:9. 

MT 4:23 8:24 MK 1:39-45 LK 4:43-5:16 FROM CAPERNAUM TO HIS FIRST PREACHING TOUR OF GALILEE

MT 4:24-25 MK 3:7-12 HEALS MANY ALONG THE ROUTE

Verses 23 - 25 Early Ministry of Jesus

v 23-25. This summarizes Jesus ministry: Teaching and preaching in synagogues throughout Galilee, He had a prophetic ministry, Deut. 18:15-19; He proclaimed the good news of the kingdom; He healed all sicknesses and diseases. People flocked in from Syria, north of Galilee; from all over Galilee; from Decapolis, the ten city area south and southeast of the Sea of Galilee; from Jerusalem, Judea; and beyond the Jordan, meaning the Perea area east of the Jordan. Some who came for healing were saved spiritual

Matthew 5

Mt 5-7 LK 6:20 12:22-31 57-59 16:17 SECOND SERMON ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KINGDOM

Chapter V to VII The Sermon on the Mount

Verses 1 - 12 The Beatitudes

v 1,2. Lk. 6:20-49 are a shorter version of the Sermon on the Mount found here. The difference in location is no problem. In Luke Jesus prayed on the mountain and selected the twelve Apostles, v 12, came to the plain to talk and heal, 17-19, then climbed the mountain to get away from the crowd and teach the disciples, Mt. 5:1, but the crowd followed to hear His sermon. He has offered the Kingdom, so He gives the type of conduct which should be present in it. A proper standard for followers yet today.

v 3-12. Blessed is happy or fortunate (a close relationship with God)T. V 3. Poor in spirit must rely on God; v 4. The mourners present their need for comfort; v 5. Truly humble can appreciate their place; v 6. Spiritual appetites will be satisfied; v 7. Merciful demonstrate God’s mercy to them; v 8. The inwardly clean are assured of God’s presence; v 9. Peacemakers show others how to have inward peace with God; v 10. God’s righteousness may bring persecution; v 11,12. Speaking now directly to the disciples, there is a change from “they” to “you”. Servants of the Lord will suffer persecution, but can rejoice, knowing the distant future.

v 13-16. Jesus changes from beatitudes, happiness to similitudes, comparisons. Salt is desirable and a preservative, and we should maintain those qualities in life. In a similar parable, Lk. 14:34,35, the context is discipleship. If we don’t have the qualities of a disciple, mentioned in Luke, we are as worthless as salt which has no flavor. Light gives direction, and our deeds should be such that we will direct others to God. 17 - 20 The Relation of Jesus to the Law

v 17-20. What Jesus opposed was the additions to the law made up by man in the Mishnah, which makes up the major part of the Talmud. There were 365 negative commands (Thou shalt not), one for each day of the year, and 248 positive. (1/2 or 3/5 mile could be walked on Sabbath, but lay coat down and walk another etc. Ceremonially wash hands before eating grain in the field, and only in water consecrated by the priests. Ceremonial dish washing.
Jesus did not compete against the Law, but fulfilled it. “Verily” is used by Matthew 31 times, meaning Surely, or I tell you the truth. In original Hebrew it is Amen, the most universally used word in the world. A jot compares to the dot of an i, and title to the difference between a P and R. Truly, the tiniest parts of the law and the prophets would be obeyed and fulfilled by Christ. The people needed that kind of faith and inner righteousness to enter the kingdom, not the external rules of the Pharisees. A teacher will be honored to the extent he honors the law.
21 - 26 Concerning Murder

v 21-26. Six times Jesus said, “Ye have heard, but I tell you”. Unjust anger and hatred qualify one for eternal punishment if not confessed and forgiven. Reconciliation must be made whether the innocent or offender takes the first step, or a gift at the altar is of no value. Even on the way to court, seek reconciliation or face consequences.
27 - 30 Adultery

v 27-30. Lust in the heart leads to adultery. Removing an eye would not erase lust, so this refers to removal of the inward cause of offense, a change of the heart.

v 31,32. Jesus is clear that God’s plan is for couples to remain married, exception being fornication. (I would consider abuse an exception due to “hardness of hearts”) For more comments on divorce and remarriage see notes on 19:3-9 and 1 Cor. 7.
33-37 Truthfulness In Speech v 33-37. Pharisees were proliferate in oaths, but with unjust mental reservations. According to Jesus, our word should be sufficient. However He responded to an oath, 26:23, 24, as did Paul, 2 Cor.

v 43-48. Pharisees thought hating enemies was a means of God’s judgment on them, but Jesus placed their attitude along with that of tax collectors and pagans. This was a revolutionary teaching that is foreign to many people still today. If we follow His teaching we will be developing on the way to spiritual maturity in the Lord. Old Testament People and Events mentioned by Jesus Matt: 12:42 David and the Showbread 1 Samuel 21:6 Matt: 12:42 Solomon and the Queen of Sheba 1 King 10:1 Matt 24:15 Daniel and the abomination of Desulation. Daniel 9:27 11:31 12:11 Matt: 12:40 16:4 Jonah and the fish Jonah 1:17 Matt: 12:41 Lk 11:30 The Repentance of Nineveh Jonah 3:4-10

Matthew 6

True Righteousness Illustrated

Verses 1-4 Almsgiving

v 1-4. Alms are good deeds, but if done for praise of man, God will not reward us. We only receive praise once, so if man praise you then God will not reward you. Prediction of the Savior concerning His resurrection Mt. 6:4
2-3 The giving of alms wasn't required by law, So special merit was attached to it.

v 5-8. Do not pray for show as the Pharisees using long repetitive phrases to gain praise of men. God already knows our needs, but it pleases Him to have us ask, that we may receive, 7:1. The Pharisees were hypocrites with 1 Public offerings 2 Public prayers 3 Fastings.
14-15 Matthew adds to the prayer a further statement: Inportance of Forgiving One another as a pre-Condition for receiving divine forgiveness.

v 9-15. What we call the Lord’s prayer was really taught to the disciples to pray.
Worship-Our Father which [who] art in heaven; OUR: Emphasizes the intimate loving relationship between father and son; IN HEAVEN: serves to bring out the greatness, majesty and power of God; THY NAME: is a periphrasis for God; TO HALLOW: is to give or regard a person or with reverence and honor; Reverence-hallowed by thy name; Desire for the kingdom-Thy kingdom come; Prayer for here-Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Personal needs-Give us this day our daily bread; Spiritual needs-forgive us our debts; (Assumes we have already forgiven others moral, not financial obligations)-as we forgive our debtors; Recognize spiritual weakness-lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; Acknowledgment-for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever, Amen. The doxology part is not in the earliest manuscripts but may have been added from David’s prayer, 1 Chron. 29:11, for public worship. Thes “lead us not into temptation” is just a recognition of our weakness and need in testing. 
16-18 Fasting

v 16-18. Fasting denies the flesh but fasting for show glorifies the flesh, not God.
19-34 Piety as it Expresses Itself in a Life of Completre Trust and Freedom from Care.

v 19-24. Our attitude toward wealth is an indication of our righteousness. The Pharisees eyes were not healthy because the were centered on wealth. There hearts were full of greed. Despise is to think little of either greed (not simply money) or God.

v 25-34 Those focused on money have not learned to live by faith. We should live prudently but not worry. If we have faith and have done what we should, God will care for us. God created flowers, birds and all creation with design. He designed a perfect salvation and designed us to serve Him and for what we are to do tomorrow.

Matthew 7

v 1-6. Jesus condemns unjust criticism, particularly the Pharisee’s judgment of Him. Christian leaders sometimes hide behind “judge not”, perhaps adding to it “touch not the Lord’s anointed”. We all can profit by what others have discerned in us. The point is to be sure our lives are such that we can be prudent in admonishing others. We must judge, 7:6, 16; 1 Cor. 5:3-5, 12 ,13; 2 Tim. 4:2; Rom. 15:14; 2 Thess. 3:15. We must judge carefully whether to continue to witness to those who treat God with scorn. We can continue to pray that God softened their heart and use you to show them the light of God. 9-15 The Lord's Prayer

v 7-11. God does not want repetitious prayer, 6:7, but the tense here is keep on asking, seeking and knocking. It makes sense that God cares more for us than our earthly fathers, and He will award our persistence. “Effectual fervent,” James 5:16.

v 12. Only a righteous person can effectively follow the “Golden Rule”. This does not bring him salvation, but demonstrates his righteousness toward others.

v 13,14. Jesus called the outward righteousness of the Pharisees the broad way while His teaching was the narrow way. Then and now, few find that gate.

v 15-23. Having presented the true way, Jesus warned of false prophets who would lead people away from that way. False teachers could be known by the fruit they produce. Pharisees and others today who produce bad fruit will be destroyed. Even if they have cast out demons and done miracles, claiming to do it in His name, He will not know them because they do not have a personal relationship with Him.

v 24-27. He gave the people the choice of building on a good foundation, His rock solid truths, or the unstable sands of the Pharisees’ righteousness, which would be foolish. He has given the people the choice of two kinds of roads and gates, two kinds of trees and fruit, and two kinds of foundations and builders.

v 28,29. The people were overwhelmed by His teaching. He had spoken with the authority of God. The scribes and Pharisees could only reflect the instruction of the Law weighed down with their own traditions. Predictions of the Savior concerning the Great White Throne Judgment. Mt. 7:21-23

Matthew 8

Mt 8:3 Mk 1:41 Six miracle Healing a Leper

v 1-4. When Jesus came down from His sermon on the Mount a leper begged him for healing and Jesus told him not to tell others. Mark 1:40-45 Adds that the man publicized it so that Jesus had to secretly go to desert places to avoid the crowds. Lk. 5:12-14 doesn’t mention the mount, but jumps directly from the call of the disciples.

v 5-13. A centurion was captain over 100 men. Original word pais
indicates this slave was a child or youth. Lk. 7:2 adds, near death. The centurion gave orders which were carried out at a distance, and saying he was unworthy, he suggested Jesus do the same. Jesus said this was the kind of faith by which to enter the kingdom, but He hadn’t found it in Israel. He healed the lad instantly though not with him. The multitude feared, glorified God and spread the news. The people saw the centurion’s respect and generosity toward them and love for his slave. Christ saw his humility and faith.

Mt. 8:16-17 Compare Isaiah 53:4 Prophecey that He would Heal Many

v 14-17. Jesus not only healed Peter’s mother-in-law, but renewed her strength to work. Remaining at that house, Jesus cast out demons and healed all the sick brought to Him. Fulfillment of this ministry in Isa. 53:4 was completed at the cross.

v 18-20. The Scribe, or teacher of the Law, impulsively wanted to follow a famous teacher, until Jesus told him the hardship of no permanent dwelling.

v 21,22. This man didn’t take discipleship seriously, his father wasn’t even dead. It may be he wanted to wait until inheritance was settled etc. A third man, Lk 9:61.62, could have spent a lengthy goodbye, but Jesus wanted him to know, like the other two, that he must put the ministry above all other things.

v 23-27. Jesus’ disciples were caught in one of the violent storms. The terrain allows sudden storms to sweep across the Sea of Galilee, and they were caught in one. In danger of their (standard 30’) boat sinking, they awakened Jesus. When Jesus rebuked the wind and waves both became immediately calm. “Peace be still”, Mk. 8:39 means “be muzzled and stay that way”.

v 28-34. Gaderenes are from Gadara, capitol of an area 8 miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. Mark and Luke call this the area of the Gerasenes, from Gersa, a town a little north of Gadara. Mark and Luke mention only one of these two men. One of them was totally uncontrollable, breaking chains with which he was bound. They were not sick, but demon possessed, and apparently not allowed in the city, so lived in the cave tombs. In answer to Jesus, the demons were so many they were called Legion. Demons desire to live in a body, so expecting to be cast out, they asked to enter swine. When they did, the hogs ran off a steep place into the sea and drowned. Instead of being thankful that the men were released, (One was sent to tell others.) the people looked at the economic loss of the hogs and asked Jesus to leave.

In verses 1-15 Jesus showed His power over disease.
In verses 16,17 and 32-34 He showed His power over demons.
In verses 18-22 and 9:9 He showed His power over men.
In verses 23-27 He showed His power over nature.
In 9: 1-8 will be His power to forgive.
In 9:10-17 will be His power over traditions
In 9:18-26 will be His power over death.
In 9:27-31 will be His power over darkness.
in 9:32-34 will be His power over dumbness.
in 9:35-11:1 will be His power to delegate authority.

Matthew 09

Matthew 9:2-9 Mark 2:1-14 Luke 5:17-28 THE TWENTY SECOND STEP THE FIRST GALILEAN PREACHING TOUR TO CAPERNAUM

v 1-8. Sometime after healing the man of leprosy the crowds became so large they could not get a man with palsy to Jesus, so they lowered him through the tiling of a roof to be healed of paralysis. For the benefit of the religious leaders present, Jesus first forgave his sins. Then as proof of His power to forgive sins, He healed him and ordered him to pick up his couch and go home. He did, and the crowd was amazed.

Mt 9:9 MK 2:13, 14 Lk 5:27-28 Jesus Calls Matthew (Levi) Disciple

v 9-13. Jesus called Matthew (Levi) from his unpopular tax collector seat to follow him. He not only followed, but soon invited Jesus to a feast. He likely had cheated as well as collected for Romans, so he and his friends were hated as sinners. Jesus rebuked the self righteous who criticized His eating with them by saying that it was the sick who needed a physician, and He came to call sinners to repentance. Pharisees were self righteous and sick but didn’t know it.

Matthew a Tax Collector who worked under the authority of Herod Antipas around Capernaum. In Jesus' Day taxes on transported goods were contracted out to local collectors, Roman officials collected the Land and poll taxes themselfs. Tax Collectors were not like, they were most of the time very dishonest.

v 14-17. When He was questioned for not fasting like the disciples of John or the Pharisees, He gave three examples. (1.) A bridegroom’s guests don’t fast while he is with them. (2). A new patch of cloth, not yet shrunk, would make an old garment tear. (3.) New wine is not put in old wine skins or it will break during fermentation. His way and the Pharisee’s way did not mix. He compared their ways to old wine which they thought was better than Jesus’ new way.
18,19. Luke adds that the man’s name was Jairus. His only daughter was 12 years old, and he could scarcely get to Jesus for help because of the crowd. Other Gospels say she was dying, Matthew omits the part about others reporting that to him.

v 20-22. On the way, Jesus was interrupted when a woman with female bleeding 12 years sneaked up to touch His garment (probably just the tassel) and was healed. She probably lived in isolation and was forbidden to touch Him or Jesus and anyone else in the crowd she jostled against, would be ceremonially unclean, Lev. 15:25-30. Jesus knew healing power had gone out, and of course He knew who it was, but asked for confession. (The disciples belittled His request due to the large crowd.) She was no doubt in great fear, because she could be stoned for making the others unclean. Realizing she was caught, she told her story publicly. Jesus told her that her faith had saved her, so to go in peace. (She would still be unclean seven days and would need to bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons for ceremonial cleansing.)

v 23-26. By now word arrived that the girl was dead, but Jesus told Jairus in the other Gospels to believe and she would be well.
Jairus was probably encouraged by the other incident. Musicians were already playing for the mourners, so He was laughed to scorn, but taking only Peter, James and John, He went into the house and healed her and ordered food to be brought to her, proving her health was restored. He had become so popular He asked them not to tell this to others. He didn’t want to be proclaimed as Messiah until the proper time at Jerusalem. 

v 27-31. Not recorded in other Gospels, these two blind men recognized Him as Messiah and persistently followed into the house and were healed. In spite of Jesus’ order not to tell others, they couldn’t keep it quiet.

v 32-34. Healing this mute (probably deaf, Lk 1:52) demon possessed man is similar but not recorded in other Gospels. The Pharisees reaction, saying Jesus healed by the prince of demons, is similar to their charges, Matt. 10:25 and 12:22-37.

v 35-38. Verse 35 is similar to 4:23, and brings out the threefold ministry of Christ. His ministry was among the Jews, His preaching showed Him the Prophet of Deut. 18:15-19 and His healing authenticated Him as Messiah. Jesus had strong emotions for both the bodily needs and being led astray by Pharisees. Disciples were to pray and go to reap the harvest of people for the Lord.

Matthew 10

MT 10:2-4 MK 3:13-19 LUKE 6:13-16 LIST OF DISCIPLES

v 1-15. , After the command to pray for laborers, 9:36 the disciples are named by two’s and that is probably the order in which they were sent out, Mk. 6:7. Bartholomew is also called Nathaniel. Thaddaeus is also called Judas not Iscariot, Judas son of James, Jude or Lebbaeus. Simon is also called Canaanite, Mk. 3:17 (or “Kananian”), meaning Zealotes or the Zealot, a group that favored revolt from Rome. Simon Peter is also called Cephas or Simon Barjona (son of Jonah). James the son of Alphaeus is also called James the less. Matthew is called Levi.
The twelve were sent forth as heralds of the legitimate offer of coming kingdom with the identical message of John and Jesus and it was authenticated by miracles. This message was to Israel only, later to all the world because the eternal kingdom is coming. They were to travel extremely light, Lk. 9:3,4. Shaking dust off their feet symbolized rejection of those people by God at the great day of judgment. They told Jesus all they had cast out demons and healed the sick, Mk. 6:13, Lk. 9:10. Herod knew John was dead, but hearing what was done through Jesus wanted to see Him.

v 16-23. Jesus warned them they would have great difficulty, but this was just an example of what would happen in the early days of the church, and particularly as others were Preaching in the Tribulation. Verses 16-19 are pertinent to us also, and the lack of family loyalty is prominent now in dictatorial countries.

v 24-33. Pharisees had said Jesus healed by Beelzebub (Satan, similar to god of the flies or god of the high place at Philistine Ekron, 2 Ki. 1:2.) The disciples could expect similar treatment, but not to fear, as only their bodies could be destroyed. Only the Lord could destroy both soul and body. What Jesus told them privately they were to proclaim openly in public. If God cared for 2 sparrows that sold for a farthing, or Roman penny, or only one sixteenth of a days wages and knew when every hair of their head fell, He would certainly care for them. Judas was the only one of the Apostles denied before God. Lk. 12:1-9 begins by mentioning a crowd so large they were trampling one another, and that the disciples should beware of the yeast, that is hypocrisy. of the Pharisees.

v 34-39. Instead of bringing peace, there would be divisions in families between those who believed on Christ and those who did not. Many religions disown as dead, any who follow Christ. A criminal carrying a cross to execution admitted Roman power over him, and a believer figuratively carrying a cross admitted Christ’s authority over him. Bearing a cross is allegiance to the point of death. Even if he gave up his life for Christ, he gained a higher spiritual life, culminating in heaven.

v 40-42. Those who received these faithful servants, the Apostles, who are here called prophets, because of their message, and little ones, in the sense of their lack of prestige to an undiscerning world, would be rewarded according to their deed, no matter how insignificant. It can be assumed that the instructions given in 11:1 very soon follow this.

Matthew 11

Matthew 11:11 Gabriel tells Zacharias that his son would be great in the sight of the Lord

Matthew 11:14 Gabriel tells Zacharias that his son would preach in the style and spirit of Elijah.

v 1. This naturally follows up the instruction to disciples in chapter 10.

v 2- 6. Similar to Lk. 19-23. After his year of terrific preaching, John the Baptist thought Jesus would set up the kingdom immediately. Instead, he found himself in prison and wondering if in spite of the miracles, Jesus was truly the Messiah after all. Jesus performed many miracles in front of John’s disciples so he could be assured this was the Messiah. He knew John would be reminded of Isa. 35:5,6 and 61:1.

v 7-15. Similar to Lk. 24-28. After John’s disciples left, Jesus commended him for being a stalwart believer who was the greatest of the prophets, because he was the prophesied forerunner of the Messiah, Mal. 3:1, thus calling Himself Messiah. Though John was the greatest among men in his responsibility and perhaps morally, even the least person saved under the New Covenant would be greater positionally.

v 16-19. In Lk. 7:29-35, he inserted that humble people who had repented and were baptized by John accepted Jesus’ teaching, but the Pharisees and those who should have had the best understanding of the Law, rejected both John the Baptist and Christ. Jesus said the Pharisees were like children playing music and upset that people didn’t dance to their tune. They thought John was too strict, Jesus too liberal.

v 20-24. The Gentile cities would receive terrible punishment, but since the three Jewish cities at the northwest edge of the Sea of Galilee had seen all Jesus miracles and still rejected Him, they would suffer even greater. Lk. 12: 48. “much required”. Luke adds that those who despised the disciples would despise Him, and if they despised Him, they would despise the One who sent him, the Father. 

1 OF 19 JESUS' PRAYERS: BEFORE HIS INVITATION "COME UNTO ME"

v 25-30. In contrast to the judgments pronounced upon those cities, Jesus gently calls all who would to turn to Him. Learned Pharisees had rejected Him, but little children had come to Him. The only people in heaven will be little children and people who have come to Him with the faith of little children. He urges all who are burdened down and weary with sin to come to Him and He will lighten their load and put them spiritually at rest. 

Matthew 12

MT 12:1-8 MK 2:23-28 Luke 6:1-5 THE TWENTY THIRD STEP FROM CAPERNAUM TO A GALILEAN GRAIN FIELD

v 1-8. The Law allowed any to eat grain as they passed through a field, but the Pharisees strictly interpreted that as work done on the Sabbath. Jesus illustrated that David and his companions ate bread designated only for priests because of present need. (David alone, 1 Sam. 21:1 meant no official entourage, others indicated v 4,5). Jesus and disciples had a present need, and He declared Himself as Lord of Sabbath.
v 9-13. With Lk. 6:6-11. The man with the shriveled hand on the Sabbath was a definite set up by the Pharisees to accuse Jesus. He tested their motive by asking if it was right to do good on the Sabbath. Then turning to the man, He healed him to show that He was Lord also of the Sabbath. He did no ”work”, but simply spoke and the man was healed. This humiliated and infuriated the Pharisees and, Mk. 3:6, they counseled with the Herodians how they could destroy Jesus.

Mt. 12:13; Mk 3:5 Lk 6:10 Miracle healing of a withered hand

MT 12:17-21 FILL THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH

MT 12:9-14 MK 3:1-6 LK 6:6-41 THE TWENTY FOURTH SET GALILEAN GRAIN FIELD TO A GALILEN SYNAGOGUS

v 14-21. Comparing Mk. 3:6-12. This humiliated and infuriated the Pharisees, and they counseled with the Herodians how they could destroy Jesus. He left for the Sea of Galilee and preached from a boat because of the crowd. He healed everyone and cast out demons. Unclean spirits fell before Him proclaiming Him the Son of God, but he told them to be quiet, men were to proclaim Him. He told men to not tell of Him because he was too popular. This portion adds the quote from Isa. 42:1-4, saying that Messiah would avoid popularity,be gentle and compassionate, even save Gentiles.

MT 12:9-14 MK 3:1-6 LK 5:6-41 THE TWENTY FOURTH SET FROM GALILEAN GRAIN FIELD TO A GALILEN SYNAGOGUE

v 22,23, This man was not only demonic, but blind and dumb. It is not said but he was probably deaf also, which is common. Compare Zacharias being struck dumb and not able to speak, Lk. 1:20. Yet he could not hear either, because the people had to make signs to him, Lk. 1:62, to ask what the baby should be called. The common people literally asked, “Could this be the Messiah?”

MT 12:28 ACTS 10:38 JESUS WORKED HIS MIRACLES THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

v 24-30. Unwilling to accept Jesus as Messiah, the Pharisees (and scribes, Mk. 3) concluded Jesus’ power came from Beelzebub, prince of demons, or Satan. Jesus’ defense was:
1. Satan wouldn’t work against himself and bring his kingdom to destruction.
2. Other Jews were casting out demons by the power of God, so they could judge.
3. Jesus entered the “strong man’s house” showing His power more than Satan’s.

v 31,32. He warned them not to blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, because that sin could not be forgiven. Which if you think about it, it is The Holy Ghost that comes to us and is with us. This is why I believe those that " state that taking ones own life" is the unforgiven sin is wrong. It is not accept the Holy Ghost

v 33-37. In comparing trees, Jesus called the Pharisees vipers, because their evil things came from their hearts. Their words would condemn them on judgment day.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: There is different churches that believe that the taking of your own life or suicide is a sin that the Holy Spirit will not forgive you for. “The unforgiveable sin.”
I disagree with this, The reason is I believe that if you are sorry for taking your life and ask God forgiven before doing it, and you are truly sorry that comes from your heart. God will forgive you. Also if you take your life because of a mental disorder, I believe he will forgive you.
The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit or the “unforgiveable sin” is Not accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. How can you ask forgiveness for any thing if you don’t believe in God.

v38-42. Unwilling to accept those miracles as a sign that Jesus was Messiah, the evil leaders asked for further sign. Jesus said they would not have any other sign but that of Jonah, Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, but by then it would be too late to accept Him and His kingdom. Ninevah repented before Jonah, but they would not before Messiah Himself. Even pagan Queen of Sheba who traveled far to see King Solomon would condemn these people, because Christ was better than Solomon. v 43-45. The Pharisees, like the man from whom the demon left, were attempting self reformation without the power of God. That man’s latter end was worse, and so it would be with these leaders. v 46-50. Mark 3:20,21 reported Jesus and disciples were so thronged they couldn’t even eat, and friends (literal family) tried to bring him home, thinking he had gone religious fanatic, insane. Mk. 3:31-35 is parallel with this. In ignoring the pleas of His family, Jesus showed the new relationship of all believers being His family.
Prediction of the Savior concerning His resurrection Mt 12:38-40 

v. 40 “so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” Why would the son of man go to the heart or center of the earth? At the center or heart of the earth was two separated section that was divided by a great fixed gulf and one section was called Abraham’s bosom or Paradise and this section was for the saved. The other section was call hell or Sheol in the Hebrew Old Testament and Hades in the Greek new Testament. This section was for the lost or unsaved. The “Son of Man” or Jesus had two reasons for going to the heart of the earth. The first reason was to preach spirits unto the lost imprison that they be judged. 1st Peter 3:18-20 The second reason or purpose was to depopulate Abraham’s bosom of the saved Spirits. After this the Hell side still exists and the entire lost or unsaved still goes there. What has changed is that the section that was called Paradise or Abraham’s bosom is no longer there. When the spirit of a saved person is separated from his earthly body, the spirit now goes to be with Jesus Christ. Luke 23:43” "For those who believe in Purgatory and for those who don't know God can not look upon or be next to sin: Purgatory: A State of final purufucatuin after death and befire entrance into heaven for those who died in God's friendship, but were only imperfectly puified: A final cleaning of human imperfection before one is able to enter the joy of heaven." { 2 }

Matthew 13

When Christ rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was making a legitimate offer for the Jews to accept Him and to set up His Kingdom. John the Baptist preached that “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”. When Jesus sent out the 12 disciples He sent them exclusively to Jews with the message, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”. Of course the Lord knew they would reject Christ, so He was not taken by surprise, but had another plan ready. Mark and Luke speak of the kingdom of God, while Matthew uses also, kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of God is all those subject to Him in earth or heaven, and does not include unsaved, but the kingdom of heaven does. Christ didn’t use parables until after the Jews rejected Him. Then he began to use parables to show the kingdom in mystery form. Matthew is the gospel of the king, so all twelve kingdom parables are found in that book. These are not a Millennial Kingdom of Heaven, Mt. 5:19-20 or Acts 1:6, but they describe the kingdom on earth in the absence of the King (until 2nd coming). All of them except the parable of the sower begin with the words, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto”.

v 1-23. The parable of the Sower was given to show various responses to the Word of God. In verses 10-17 Jesus explains He did not teach parables to make things easier to understand, but it was given for the disciples to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, v 11. The quote about unseeing eyes and unhearing ears is from Isa. 6:9,10. The prophets, v 17, saw only a mingling of the cross and crucifixion with the glory of the Son of David. Kingdom of heaven parables cover interval between them.

v 24-30. The Wheat and the Tares. Christ was the sower of wheat, Satan the sower of tares, showing there will be good and evil in Christendom to the end of this age. The wheat and the tares would be gathered together on the day of hearst.

v 31,32. The Mustard Seed. At that present time the mustard seed was properly the smallest idiom Jesus could use for his illusions. Stating that you didn’t need large amounts, you must have the faith.

v 33-35. The Leaven. Leaven is not the gospel as some believe, but is evil “hidden” inside the Church, which is manifested by false doctrines in the professing church. Jesus spoke in parables in fulfillment of Ps. 78:1-4.

v 36-43. This is explanation of the wheat and tares parable already mentioned.

v 44. The Hid Treasure. The treasure is not Christ, He is the owner of the field which has been usurped by Satan. Israel is the hid, peculiar treasure of the Lord, and will remain a hidden mystery until “Fullness of the Gentiles be come in”, Rom. 11:25.

v 45,46. The Pearl. In the previous parable the field was purchased. In this one the pearl is purchased. It is the Church, and is purchased by Christ, to be His forever. The price was His blood. Some of Israel, (hid treasure) will become part of the Church.

v 47-50. The Drag Net. This is the Gospel Net used by fishers of men to bring in some individually and others in quantity. As a result, there will be good and bad fish, the good gathered into vessels (heaven) before the bad fish are cast away. The actual casting away may be considered at the judgment of nations (Gentiles), Mt. 25:31-46.

v 51,52. The disciples thought they understood, but Jesus presented things new and old. They had not known that good and evil would coexist in the kingdom of heaven, or that offered kingdom would be rejected until Christ came again.

v 53-58. After these teaching lessons Jesus returned to home town, Nazareth, for the last time and preached in the synagogue. On His first visit they rejected His teaching and tried to throw Him over a cliff, Lk. 4:16-29. This time they were impressed by His power and teaching, but Him they rejected as a home town boy. They took offense at Him and He didn’t do many miracles there because of their unbelief. The three half brothers mentioned are not the twelve disciples by the same names.

Matthew 14

v 1,2. Herod Antipas was son of Herod the Great, ruler or tetrarch of Galilee and Perea (a fourth of Palestine) and was the one who judged Jesus at His trial. He heard of the works of Jesus and assumed He was John the Baptist raised from death.

v 3-12. John had publicly rebuked Herod for marrying, Mk. 6:17, his sister-in-law, Herodias. He put John in prison for her sake and would have killed him, but he liked to hear John, Mk. 6:20, and the people thought John was a prophet. Herodias’ daughter, Salome, gained Herod’s favor by dancing at his birthday celebration and he foolishly offered her up to half the kingdom. Her mother had told her, v 28, to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herod didn’t want to do that, but rather than find a way to deliver, he kept his oath. The disciples of John gave him proper burial and then told Jesus.

2 OF 19 JESUS' PRAYERS: JESUS PRAYS BEFORE THE FEEDING OF THE 5000 MATTHEW 14:23

v 13-23. Jn. 6:4, This was about Passover time. Jesus withdrew east privately with his disciples, which Lk. 9:10,11 says is near Bethsaida, and He was speaking of the kingdom of God. Mk. 6 adds that this was not only after John was beheaded, but after the disciples first tour of preaching. Mk. adds they sneaked away by boat, but people anticipated their move, even outrunning them. There was such an incessant crowd, they kept too busy to eat, and Jesus’ compassion was not just for the sicknesses He healed, but because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Evening caught them in this deserted place and Jn. 6:5-7 add that Jesus tested Philip by asking where they could buy food for the people. Philip was a native and protested that 200 denarius, or two hundred days wages would not buy enough food. Also, there was no place to get supplies, so the disciples wanted Jesus to send the crowd away. Jn. 6 says it was Andrew who located the lad with 5 barley loaves and two small fish. It was a large grassy area so Jesus told the disciples to have them sit down. Mark says by hundreds and fifties and that Jesus looked to heaven when he blessed the food. There were 5000 men, so with women and children there were probably 10-20,000 total. Jesus commanded them to pick up the fragments that remained after everyone was filled, and there were 12 (bushel size) baskets full. This is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels, and it showed the disciples that in the future Jesus would provide spiritual food, but it was the disciples who would have to do the feeding. Jn. 6:14. Many people did not realize “that prophet” = Messiah. This was the high point of Jesus’ popularity as the people, after seeing the miracle by “that prophet”, wanted to make Him king by force. People wanted a king who would give them (1.) Medicare-free healing; (2.) Welfare-free food; (3.) Military- defeat Rome. From this point on, Jesus said little to convince people He was Messiah, and spent more time instructing His disciples. Jesus had the disciples get in a boat and cross over to the other side, about seven miles, while He sent the people away, then He went up into the mountain to pray alone. One of the sudden storms of Galilee came upon the disciples and the boat was tossed by the waves. This is an example of being in trouble yet being in God’s will, cp 1 Cor. 16:9. Between 3 and 6 in the morning they had only gone three and one half miles against the west wind, and (facing to back) saw Jesus walking past on the water. They thought He was a ghost, but he told them not to fear, it was He. Peter wanted assurance, so he asked if it was Jesus to ask him to come on the water to him. When Jesus said “Come”, he started walking on the water, but taking his eyes off Jesus and looking at the fearful waves, he began to sink. At his call for help, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him, but rebuked him for the lack of faith that caused him to sink. When they got into the boat, the wind stopped, and (Jn. 6:31, they were at land immediately). Mk. 6:51,52 adds their amazement at this miracle because they hadn’t considered the miracle of feeding 5000. This was because their hearts were hardened, but Mt. 14:33 adds that they then worshiped Him as the Son of God, or Messiah. When they got west to Gennesaret people recognized Him and brought their sick, and if they only touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, they were healed.

There is confusion because of a Bethsaida on the west and one northeast. The miracle of feeding 5000 was near the east Bethsaia

Matthew 15

v 1-9. Jewish leaders were disturbed by the glowing reports about Jesus and sent a delegation to Galilee, which attacked his disciples for not following Rabbinic (not Mosaic) tradition of hand washing and other extensive cleansing, Mk 7:4. Jesus rebuked them for obeying the commands of men and not obeying the fifth command to honor father and mother. They set aside “gifts” devoted to God, which should have gone to parental support. Then they kept them for their own use. This was hypocritical and Jesus compared it to Isa. 29:13. They honored with lips, not heart.
Exodus 23:2 illustrates how the Pharisees abused the Torah in the Talmud (If not stated otherwise it is the Babylonian Talmud) by taking words out of context. By saying not to decline after many, verses 1-3 clearly indicate that you are to give honest testimony regardless of what the majority may say. However, the rabbis isolated three words, “decline after many”. This gives them the authority to change and add to the Torah if the majority decides to do it. For instance, saying a specified prayer while pouring water from one hand to another before a meal. Jesus upheld the Torah, but rebuked their tradition of men in doing this, Mk. 5:5-7.

v 10-20. Jesus called the multitude and told them not what went into the mouth defiled, but what came out. The disciples were concerned because the Pharisees were offended, but the Pharisees had not been “planted” by God, so Jesus just called them blind leaders of the blind and they would fall (be judged). Peter asked the meaning of the parable. Rebuking them for lack of understanding Jesus explained that what was put in the mouth passed on through, but out of the mouth, from the heart, came evil deeds. We have the potential of bad things from our hearts. God’s thoughts are greater than our thoughts. A similar portion in Mk. 7:14-23.

v 21-28. Jesus immediately left the hostile Pharisees and went into Canaan near Tyre and Sidon for rest in a private house. Even so a Greek Syrophenician woman found out and came asking Him to cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus had earlier sent the disciples to Jews, not Gentiles, so He refused, saying it wasn’t right to give the bread of the children (Jews) to dogs (Gentiles). Persistently she begged for just some crumbs from the table, so He commended her faith and told her that the demon was gone out of her daughter. She returned home to find it true and the girl resting. Some of these details are in Mk. 7:24-30.

v 29-31. The healing of this deaf mute is only in Mark 7:31-37. Matt.15:29-31 just reports many people being healed. Jesus left Tyre and went 20 miles north through Sidon, and avoiding Galilee, He came to the 10 city area on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus took the man aside and used sign language, touching the man’s ears and tongue, Jesus showed him how he would be healed. The man could read His lips on “Ephphatha”, revealing that his ears would “be opened”. This fulfills Isa. 35:5,6.

v 32-39. After this massive three days of preaching and healing, people were fasting, weak and food supplies were down to seven loaves and a few small fish. Like in the feeding of 5000, Jesus had compassion on them, had them sit down, blessed the food and had the disciples distribute it to them. This time there were 4000 men plus women and children and 7 baskets full of fragments were left over. In the first feeding, the baskets were wicker and of the size to carry some personal belongings. In this one, the original word is such that they were rope or mat baskets, sometimes large enough to carry a man, so there was more left over this time. Since this was east of the sea, there may have been many Gentiles among them. After the multitude was sent away they got in a boat and went to the west side near Magadan near Tiberias, or as in Mk. 8:10, Dalmanutha.

Matthew 16

v 1-4. When Jesus got into Galilee the Pharisees were waiting for Him. They demanded a sign from heaven, though they had been surrounded by signs of Christ. They were rejecting all His miracles and wanted something more spectacular. Jesus condemned their being good readers of weather signs but not of the signs relating to Him. He had given them the sign of Jonah, Matt. 12:38-42. They would get no more.

v 5-12. When Jesus told the disciples to beware of the leaven etc., they thought it was because they had neglected to bring bread. (The seven baskets full had probably been given away.) He reminded them of the feeding miracles and in Mark asked them in each case how many baskets full were left over. So they were not to be concerned about bread, but the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood.

v 13-16. As they approached Caesarea Philippi Jesus asked his disciples who men thought He was. Some thought John the Baptist (resurrected), Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. When He asked their opinion, Peter quickly called Him the Christ, the Son of the living God, that is Messiah. In Mk 8:30 and Lk. 19:21 He told them not to tell anyone that. Comment in verse 20 below.
Prediction of the Savior concerning the Church Mt 16:18-19

v 17-20. Jesus commended Peter, telling him that the Father had revealed it to him. This is the first mention of the Church, and it would be built on Christ the Rock, Jews would have understood that “gates of hades would not prevail against it” to mean death wouldn’t stop it. Christ’s death would not prevent, but prepare the way for it. Christian profession, is seen in the authority given him. He opened the door of Christian opportunity to Israel on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:38-42, (he and John) to Samaritans, Acts 8:14-17, and to Gentiles at Cornelius’s home, Acts 10: 34-38. The power of binding and loosing was shared by the Apostles, Mt. 18:18; and others, Jn. 20:22-23. Peter merely got this first because he proclaimed Christ first. The disciples had been proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, but now they were to not preach it, v 20. Jewish leaders and many others had rejected Christ, so till He gave them the Great Commission, there was no point in pushing it.
Prediction of the Savior concerning His resurrection Mt 16:21

v 21-23. This is Jesus’ first mention of His death and resurrection in Matthew, but Peter rebuked Him, thinking that couldn’t happen to Messiah. Jesus turned to Peter and rebuked Satan directly for using Peter as an instrument to have Him avoid the cross. Peter was led by his own emotion and had not been able to see God’s plan. 

v 24-28. The cost of discipleship is giving up all one’s own ambitions, even losing his life, because he will gain a better life. All the possessions of the world would be meaningless if it meant we lost our soul.
Jesus spoke prophetically of His second coming in the glory given by the Father and with angels. Those ashamed to unite with Christ will have judgment at that time. Actually the rewards will be at the first stage of His coming when He catches Church Age believers up to be with Him. Three would not see death before seeing Christ in glory. That is explained by the Transfiguration in chapter 17. 
Pediction of the Savior concerning His second coming Mt 16:27
Pediction of the Savior concerning His tranxfiguration Mt 16:28

Matthew 17

v 1-3. This is six days after Jesus said in 16:28 that some of those standing there would see Him coming in His Kingdom before He died. (Luke’s 8 days figures in the day before and after.) They were north of the Sea of Galilee near Caesarea Philippi, so this was probably Mount Hermon. Transfigured means Jesus was “changed in form” into His glory, and He appeared in glistening white. Moses and Elijah appeared from heaven, proving there is life after death. Lk. 9:31 says they talked with Jesus about His coming death. This should have alerted the disciples about Jesus’ coming death, but they were heavy with sleep, Lk. 9:32. (Probably got sleepy while Jesus was praying, Lk. 9:29.) The same three later slept while Jesus prayed in the garden, Mt. 26:40-45. It is suggested that the disciples represent those living on earth when Jesus comes; (1.) Moses those who have died and gone to heaven; (2.) Elijah those believers who are raptured, caught up live to heaven.

v 4-8. Peter perhaps sensed this as fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, which looked back to the wilderness wanderings and forward to the kingdom, so he offered to have tabernacles (shelters) built for each of the three glorified. While he was yet speaking a cloud came over them and the voice of God from it told them to listen to Jesus, His Son. This caused the disciples to fall on their faces in fear. Jesus touched and spoke to them to quiet their fears, and they saw no one but Him.
Pediction of the Savior concerning His resurrection Mt 17:9 Prediction of the Savior concerning His suffering. Mt 17:12

v 9-13. Jesus told them not to tell anyone until He was risen from the dead, as He had told them not to tell anyone He was the Christ, 16:20, but again they did not understand rising from dead, Mk. 9:10. They questioned why some were saying Elijah must come first, Mal. 4:5. Jesus said Elijah had already come (Zacharias had been told John would go before Christ in the spirit and power of Elijah, Lk. 1:17.) They had killed him, and Jesus would also suffer death. The disciples understood Jesus meant John the Baptist, but still didn’t comprehend His death. John the Baptist did not fulfill all of Mal. 4:5, since it was after John’s death that Jesus made the statement Elijah will come and restore all things. This part can refer only to Elijah or one like him in Rev. 11. 
v 14-18. Returned from the mountain, they found a multitude, Scribes questioning the disciples, and a man upset because the other nine disciples had not been able to cure his only son. He knelt before Jesus explaining that the son had a dumb spirit and gnashed his teeth, foaming at the mouth, Mk. 9:17,18. He was epileptic, falling into fire or water, also bruising him, and causing him to cry out, Lk. 9:39. The “if thou canst do anything” was probably he lost faith when the disciples could not help. When Jesus told him all things were possible if he believed, he did believe but recognized his weakness and asked Jesus to help his unbelief. Mark and Luke add that Jesus told the man to bring his son, and while he came, he had another violent seizure. People came running so Jesus commanded the deaf and dumb spirit to come out and never to return. When the evil spirit left, people thought the boy was dead. Jesus picked him up and he arose. 

v 19-21. Privately the disciples asked why they couldn’t cast out the demon, and Jesus told them that kind could not be driven out without prayer and fasting. On the mountain Jesus prayed while the disciples slept, Lk. 9:28-32, and these surely did no better. Matthew only records Jesus words that if they had faith as small as a grain of mustard seed, they could move a mountain, and all things would be possible for them. Keep in mind we are not told to pray that a mountain be removed, but there are large obstacles to service, and we can confidently ask for their removal if it is in God’s will. Jesus is instructing them in the need of prayer and fasting after He leaves them.
Predication of the Savior concerning His betrayal Mt. 17:22
Prediction of the Savior concerning His resurrection Mt 17:23

v 22,23. Jesus is more specific than ever before, that he will be betrayed before He is killed, and rise on the third day. They were sorry, but they didn’t understand and were afraid to ask, Mk. 9:32; Lk. 9:45. (Read the Mark and Luke portions with all this.)

v 24-27. This incident is not reported in the other gospels. On the last trip to Capernaum, Jesus and Peter were met by tax collectors because they had not yet paid their annual one half shekel temple tax, Ex. 30:13-15. Jewish leaders were constantly looking for something to criticize Jesus, so they thought it might be on the tax. King’s families are exempt from tax, and since Jesus is King, he or Peter should not have to pay tax, but it was a minor issue, so he had Peter get the money miraculously from the fish mouth to pay it. He later urged payment of the Roman tax, Mk. 12:13-17. Some issues are not worth debating; Some are worth dying for. Be selective.

Matthew 18

v 1-6. From Mk. 9:32-34 and Lk. 9:46-48 we learn that the disciples were disputing on the way to Capernaum about who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, or what great positions they would have. When Jesus questioned them, at first they were reluctant to tell Him. For illustration, he called a little child and took him in His arms in their midst. Then he taught them that they must be converted, and those who were humble as a little child would be the greatest. Instead of thinking about positions, they should have been thinking about serving others. Children were overlooked in that day, so Jesus stressed them as an important need. He even warned the dire consequence of causing one of the little ones to be offended, to stumble. Mark adds that those who receive a child in my name receives me. This led to further comment, or perhaps they tried to change the subject to one casting out demons in Jesus’ name, see Mk. 38-41. He told them even one giving a cup of water in His name is worthy of reward. Narrow denominationalism is to be avoided. See Mk. 9:42-50 for related comments regarding giving up all for Christ (but not self mutillization) and salt in believers.

v 7-11. Jesus continues that those who cause offenses (to stumble) will suffer judgment if they do not repent of their sins. Jesus was not promoting self mutilation, but showing the seriousness of removing the things in our lives that offend. Children are so important that God has entrusted angels with their care. Perhaps a special group of angels, and we wonder if the millions of aborted babies are under a special group of angels. Also this raises speculation that each of us has a guardian angel.

v 12-14. Demonstrating the importance of children further, Jesus compares care for each of them to how a shepherd would leave the ninety nine to search for a lost sheep.. Care should also be shown in reaching adult “sheep” for the Lord.

v 15-17. The first step in reconciliation is to go to the one at fault privately first, v 15. The second step is to take along two or three witnesses for clear understanding, v 16. The third step, if he still won’t recognize his error, it is to be taken before the whole church, v 17. If he still refuses to recognize his sin, he is to be expelled as a pagan. If a brother has something against us, we are to seek reconciliation quickly, Matt. 5:23-26.

v 18-20 As in Mt. 16:19, Some think this means that those who accept the gospel are loosed from their sins, those who reject are bound. In addition to this responsibility of all the Apostles was prayer. It is important to God when two or three agree in prayer or are gathered together. C. Zech. 4:10, don’t despise the day of small things. It is best to consider v 18 as a follow up of the 15-17 discipline. If the Apostles and church have been in God’s will in restoring or expelling an offender, God will honor that in heaven. This adds importance to the 2 or 3 gathered in prayer to decide these issues. An incestuous person was rebuked, 1 Cor. 5:1-13, to be restored, 2 Cor. 2:6-8.

v 21,22. Lk. 17:3,4 presents the thought of forgiveness, seven times a day if necessary. Jesus told Peter to forgive, not just 7 times, but 70 x 7.

v 23-35. In this parable a man owed the king what may have been several million dollars in our money, but at his begging, the king forgave the debt. The same man threw a fellow man in jail for not paying what amounted to 3 or 4 months wages. When servants informed the king, he called the man back and put him in prison for not being equally forgiving. As in v 22, believers should forgive, no matter how many times.

Matthew 19

v 1-9. We see from Lk. 16:14-18 that Jesus was using divorce to show the Pharisees that they were not keeping all the law. They viewed divorce loosely, but Jesus gave only one exception for this, unfaithfulness in marriage, Matt. 5:32; 19:1-12 . (Views on this may be a one time affair; repeated offenses; pregnancy discovered in the betrothal stage; a situation in which the couple discover they are related) Jesus did not take part in the divisions, but emphasized God’s plan was for marriage between a man and woman to be permanent. Jesus called marriage among divorcees adultery. Matthew and Mark 10:1-12 imply that Jesus considered even those who did not want divorce but had it filed against them and remarried to be living in adultery, unless there had been unfaithful. Moses permitted the divorces to prevent greater sin. In our class we will not become involved with any of those views, but stress marriage as a permanent bond requiring faithfulness from this point on , regardless of the past.) See note in Mark 10:6 regarding creation. 

v 10-12. The disciples thought this was too strict and said that if a man couldn’t get a divorce for any reason it would be better not to marry. That was not Jesus’ point. Marriage should deter lust and unfaithfulness, but to some that would not apply.

3 OF 19 JESUS' PRAYERS: JESUS PRAYS FOR THE LITTLE CHILDREN MATTHEW 19: 13

v 13-15. Luke places this incident in his record, 19:15-17, to follow up on the teaching of humility. The disciples were trying to shield Jesus from having to take time to mess with little children, but He not only cared for and blessed them, he pointed out that those who come to God must come in the humility and dependence of a child.

v 16-22. This rich young man wanting eternal life recognized Jesus as good, but not God, so Jesus made another claim to Deity. Jesus told him to keep five of the six commandments of relationship to man, and he claimed he had kept them. Then Jesus followed up with the instruction to sell all he had and give to the poor, which would apply to the 10th commandment of coveting. It would also show whether, v 19, he loved his neighbor as himself. This proved he could not keep all the commandments to be saved, but had to humble himself and follow Jesus. Mt. 19:25 and Mk. 10:24, 26 stress the amazement of the disciples at that teaching, because like the other Jews, they thought temporal prosperity was a sign of divine favor.
Predication of the Savior concerning our future rewards. Mt. 19: 27-30

v 23-26. Unlike Zacchaeus who volunteered to give to poor, Lk. 19:8, this young man went away sadly, more interested in possessions than eternal life. So Jesus used the hyperbole of the impossibility of a camel going through a needle’s eye. (This was a true needle, not the small gate which might be gone through with difficulty.) This was impossible for man but possible with God for men to be saved.

v 27-30. The incident prompted Peter to comment that the disciples had left all to follow Jesus. He responded that though they lost family, they would gain an hundred fold larger family of believers through their ministry, plus eternal life. (Mark 10:30,31 adds receive an hundred fold and includes houses and lands, but with persecution. Mt. 19:28 says in the kingdom the disciples will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel . (Judas will be replaced.) Perhaps these are some of those mentioned Rev. 4:4.

Matthew 20

v 1-16. This follows up the last four verses which indicate the apostles will have a special place in the kingdom. The parable is of a landowner who hired workers at the going daily wage. Others he hired, the last working only one hour, he told only that he would pay what is right. He started paying the last first and gave a full day’s wages. The ones he hired first thus expected more, but he reminded them they had agreed to that amount, and he could do as he wanted with his money. The lesson was that God is in sole control of rewards, and some people will be promoted, others demoted. Predication of the Savior concerning his resurrection Mt 20: 17-19

v 17-19. Jesus tells the twelve how he will be betrayed into the hands of the priests and scribes and the treatment he will receive. He will be condemned, crucified and raised the third day. Gentiles will also be involved. Luke 18:31-34 adds that all things written by the prophets about the Son of man will come to pass. Also that he will be spit upon, but the disciples understood none of these things that were hidden from them or the things spoken. They expected the kingdom. Similar in Mark 10:32-34.

v 20-23. Motivated by mention of the renewal in 19:28, the mother of James and John asked special favor for her sons in the kingdom. Even though they had just been told of Jesus’ suffering and death, they apparently urged her to do this and were with her, because Mk. 10:35 states that they came to Him. So he spoke to them, not her, asking if they could share His coming trials. They said they could, and history proves they died martyrs, but Jesus told them favors was in the hands of the Father.

v 24-28. The other 10 were indignant, no doubt jealous, but Jesus gave them all a lesson in humility. Greatness comes not from ruling, but from service. Then He gave Himself as an example, coming to give His life a ransom for sins. 

v 29-34. Jericho, city of palms, in the desert 1,000’ below sea level. Jerusalem about 15 mi. west, several thousand feet above sea level. It was King Herod’s winter home, similar to Palm Springs, CA. Matthew mentions two blind men, but Mark and Luke only the one that is most important to the story. Mark identifies him Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. (“Bar”- son of -Timaeus) We don’t have record whether or not Bartimaeus was blind from birth. Timaeus in Strong’s is “highly prized” but some say “one who honors God”. If the latter, that is where Bartimaeus, his son, got his spiritual training so that when Christ came along, he recognized Him as Messiah, “Jesus, Son of David”. Both were healed and followed Christ, but he cast aside the garment on which coins were tossed to come to Jesus, Mk. 10:50. He not only received his sight, but Jesus said his faith had saved him. He followed Jesus and all the people praised God, but if the Jews as a nation had honored God, they could have been saved as a nation and the kingdom come.

Matthew 21

v 1-5. Coming from Jericho in the east, (Jesus Probably spent the Sabbath at the home of Mary Martha and Lazarus.) Jesus arrived at Bethphage approaching Jerusalem Sunday, and sent two disciples to procure a donkey and her colt. (Mark and Luke only mention the colt.) This was not pre arranged, but He knew the owner would allow it for the Messiah. Several versions on Mk. 11:3 indicate that Jesus will soon send the colt back. Messiah would not come on a war horse, but a donkey as a sign of peace, as some other kings had done. This fulfilled the prophecy of Zech. 9.9, but the disciples did not remember about this until after Jesus was gloified, Jn 12:16. 

v 6-8. The disciples put coats on the colt and set Jesus on it, and the crowd made a carpet of coats and branches. They were probably mostly pilgrims from Galilee who were coming to the Passover and knew of Jesus and His miracles, but also some who had witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus bore witness, Jn. 12:17. 

v 9-11. Among the songs they sang or shouted as they escorted Jesus was Ps. 118:25,26. See Mr 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: At the time Jesus was entering, the priest was entering from an opposite gate with a sacrificial lamb, and that is what the people were supposed to be singing there.
There was confusion. People of Jerusalem did not know Him, but the pilgrims kept answering that this was Jesus, the prophet of Galilee. Their praise became so loud, Lk. 19:39,40, that the Pharisees among them asked Jesus to rebuke them. They wanted the people to be shouting at the entrance of the lamb. But the real Lamb of God said if He did, even the stones would cry out. The Pharisees could do nothing because of the crowds, but though the world had gone after Him, Jn. 12:19, many did not believe.
This would have completed Sunday, and Jesus returned to Bethany.

In Chapter 21 : verses 12-17 Also told in Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-47 JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE: Monday He had done the same thing three years before at his opening of his public ministry (John 2:13-22) The profits from the market booths went to the families of the high priest. Jesus burned with indignation at such a preversion of the uses of God's House. (John 2:13-22)

v 12-14. (Monday morning Jesus cursed the fig tree, v 18 and proceeded to cleanse the temple.)This was the second cleansing of the temple, cp. Jn. 2:14-16, as Jesus drove out the merchants from the court of the Gentiles, denouncing them as thieves in what should be the house of prayer. As soon as He had done this, the blind and lame came to the temple and He healed them.

v 15-17. Chief priests and scribes were angry over what Jesus had done and the shouted praise of the children, Son of David being a title of the Messiah. Again they tried to rebuke Jesus, but He quoted from Ps. 8:2 that praise would come from babes. Jesus then left them and walked the two miles over the Mt of Olives to Bethany where He probably spent the night with Mary, Martha and Lazarus.

Chapter 21: 18-22 JESUS WITHERS THE FIG TREE Mark 11:12-14, 20-24 The disciples noticed it the next morning as they entered into the city. Jesus would of went Monday morning from Bethamy into Jerusalem and it was along the road over the Mount of Olives. The disciples could of used a different route Monday evening going around the south foot of the Mount.

v 18-19a. Early Monday morning, v 12-14, Jesus was hungry and went to a fig tree which had leaves and should have had fruit but did not, so He cursed it. It began to wither immediately, but not recognized by the disciples until next morning.

v 19b-22. Coming by on Tuesday morning, the disciples were amazed that the tree had withered, Mk. 11:13,14,20. Jesus used this to teach that greater things than this could be done, even to moving mountains, if they truly had faith to believe. Mark 11:25,26 adds that we must ask forgiveness if we have anything against someone or the Lord will not forgive us. This implies that He will not answer our prayers.
Jesus may have also had another lesson in mind. The fig tree is a figure of Israel, and He was showing that they were rejecting Him, so they would bear no fruit but come under judgment. This began with Rome’s attack in AD 70.

Chapter 21: 23-27 BY WHAT AUTHORITY? also in Mark 11:27-33 Luke 20:1-8 The rulers were very bitter toward Jesus and they would do anything to trap Jesus. Jesus was a mast dialectician and parried every question that the rulers would ask to his own discomfure.

v 23. Jesus as confronted by the religious leaders as to where He got authority to do what He had done the last two days, He had not received it from them.

v 24-27. Jesus answered that He would answer only if they answered a question from Him, was the baptism of John from heaven or from men. They dare not say of men because the people believed John, or of heaven or Jesus would say why didn’t you believe him. They refused to answer so He refused to answer them.

Chapter 21: 28-32 PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS: This parable from Jesus was aimed directly at the religious leaders, chief priests, elders, scribes and Pharisees which rejected Jesus, and having the common people accepting Him.

v 28-32. Instead He gave a parable of two sons, one agreeing to do his father’s will, the other not. But they switched positions so the leaders stated the first obeyed. This showed the religious leaders that repentant sinners and prostitutes would enter the kingdom, but the religious leaders would be shut out.

Chapter 21: 33-46 PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD: Mark 12:1-12 Luke 20:9-19 This parable was aimed at the Nation

v 33-39. Jesus gave another parable of a landowner who made a vineyard at great expense and leased it to tenants, but when he sent servants to collect the income, the tenants beat and killed the servants. Last he sent his son, thinking they would revere him, but they killed the son so they could get the inheritance.

v 40,41. They answered that those tenants should be killed and the vineyard leased to worthy tenants. Predication of the Savior concerning setting aside of Israel Mt 21: 43, 44

v 42-46. This illustrated how Israel had beaten and killed prophets and were now about to kill the Son, so the kingdom would be taken from them at that time, but will be given back to future generations when they truly repent and turn to God. These leaders had rejected Christ, the Stone, but, quoting from Ps. 118:22, He would become head of the corner (more correctly the capstone). This made them want more to kill Him, but they dared not for the people believed Him a prophet. Lk. 20:18 adds that those who fell on that stone, often pyramid shaped, stumbled over and rejected in building, would be broken, but the one it fell on would be crushed to powder. The leaders knew He spoke of them.

Matthew 22

Chapter 22: 1-14 PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST; This parable was to show that God's Messengers from His elect nation was shameful treated, and a warning to newcomers less that they meet the same fate.

v 1-7. Jesus continues from chapter 21 with a third parable. This has similarity to the one earlier in Lk. 14:16-24, but there are many obvious differences. The invitation to this wedding feast constitutes God’s invitation to come to Him and participate in the kingdom. Like the people in the parable, the Jews made light of the message and mistreated God’s messengers. Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome in AD 70 as a part of their judgment.

v 8-14. Invitation was then extended to all nations and many responded. All were supplied with wedding garments as was sometimes the custom. A false professor did not have a wedding garment, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, so was cast into eternal punishment. By election God calls many, but they must personally respond.

Chapter 22: 15-22 TRIBUTE TO CAESAR Mark 12:13-17

v 15-17. The Pharisees hated Rome while the Herodians supported it, but they were called upon for support in trapping Jesus. They used flattering hypocrisy before asking him if it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar. However He knew their hypocrisy, and however He answered, one of the two groups would condemn Him.
v 18-22. Jesus asked for a coin which would have Caesar’s image on it. Showing that they were under Rome, they were obligated to pay, but they also had spiritual responsibility to God. The answer amazed and silenced both groups.

Chapter 22: 23-33 THE RESURRECTION Mark 12:18-27

v 23-28. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, angels or spirit, and thought they had the perfect question to make Jesus and resurrection look ridiculous. Jewish law required the next son in line to raise up an heir for the one who died childless, so which of the seven brothers would she be wife to in heaven?

v 29-33. Jesus bluntly told them they erred. Mk. 12:25 adds that in heaven they will neither marry or be given in marriage, but are like the angels (whom Sadducees deny, Acts 23:8). He did not say they were sexless, but being immortal they have no need to perpetuate their race. Then he showed from Scripture that God was still God of Abraham and others. Even though they had died they yet lived. The Sadducees were silenced, but the crowds enjoyed it.

v 34-40. The Pharisees returned to the attack with one who had the most skill in the Law, and he asked what was the greatest commandment. Jesus summed up the law with the command to give total love to God, Deut. 6:5, and to love man, who was created in God’s image, as himself, Lev. 19:18. All else hinges on or amplifies them. Mk. 12:31-34 adds that the lawyer, or scribe, acknowledged Jesus had given a correct answer, and Jesus replied that in knowledge, he was close to the kingdom of God. Fearful that some might be persuaded by Jesus, they stopped asking questions.

v 41-46. Jesus used this to take the initiative and asked the Pharisees a doctrinal question, “Whose son is Christ?” They quickly replied Messiah would be Son of David. Jesus then asked how Messiah could be just an earthy son of David, because David called Him Lord. They were stumped, and unwilling to acknowledge the deity of Jesus by admitting He was David’s Lord. So they would not ask Him any more questions.

Matthew 23

CHAPTER 23 WOE TO THE SCIBES AND PHARISEES.

Essences/Pharisees/Zealot/Sadducees

v 1-12. Jesus described the actions of the scribes and Pharisees and gave the multitude gathered warning about them. They taught the law of Moses hypocritically, not following it correctly themselves. They made the rules a burden and made their phylacteries larger than normal and put long tassels on their prayer shawls to attract attention (See comments on borders, v 5 in Mal. 4:2., where they are expressed as wings.). They sought prominent seats in the synagogues, titles and positions. Jesus warned against calling religious leaders Father and Rabbi, because only Christ was their master. One who humiliates himself to serve is the greatest. Mk. 12:38-40 and Lk. 20:45-47 add that they exploit generous, but poor, widows and make long prayers.

v 13. Jesus pronounced eight woes upon the scribes and Pharisees: Woe 1 by rejecting Christ themselves they prevented others from entering the kingdom.

v 14. Woe 2 Exploiting widows and making long prayers by pretense.

v 15. Woe 3 They vigorously made proselytes who trusted in pharisaic acts.

v 16-22. Woe 4 Making vows by the temple or gold but not intending to keep it unless they vowed by the offering on it. But God is over the temple so vow was to Him.

v 23,24. Woe 5 Tithing meticulously but failing to show justice, faithfulness and mercy. They should have done both instead of majoring on minors.

v 25,26. Woe 6 Extreme ceremonial cleansing of vessels but corrupt at heart.

v 27,28. Woe 7 Any contact with the dead in the open, even a bone or a grave makes one unclean seven days. This is why all graves near the road were marked with white paint in the week before the passover. Hence Jesus term, whited sepulchers. As whitewashed tombs held dead men’s bones, so the Pharisees appeared good outside but inside held hypocrisy and wickedness.

v 29-32. Woe 8 They decorated tombs and claimed they would never have killed the prophets as their fathers did, but they were already plotting to kill Christ.

33-36 A Solemn Warning

v 33-36. Jesus called them snakes and vipers whose destiny was hell. Apostles and other believers would be killed by them, so they shared in the bloodshed of Abel to this Zechariah, grandson of the priest, Jehoiada, 2 Chron. 24:20. This was the last book in the Hebrew Bible, so Jesus accepted the Old Testament as being authentic. The judgments were fulfilled by Rome, AD 70, but compare 24:36 and see note there. This Zacharias is much disputed and some think the father of John the Baptist. However, since Abel was the first martyr of the Jewish Old Testament and Zacharias was the last, it would seem Jesus had him in mind. About this point, after rebuking Pharisees for their treatment of widows, Lk. 21:1-4 and Mk. 12:41-44 insert the account of the widow casting in her two mites. a greater percentage of her means than the others.

V. 37-39 The Lament Over Jerusalem: ` In His final lament over Jerusalem, Jesus grieved that it’s people killed prophets, and his compassion is expressed as a hen gathering chicks under her wing. Since they are rejecting Christ, their city is desolate, and when He soon departs, they will not see Him until He comes in glory, before He sets up His millennial kingdom. Then they will be repentant and call Him Blessed.

Matthew 24

Differences between Matthew and Mak can be seen in Mt 24:7-14 and Mark 13:9-13 Matthew writes from the standing point of actual experince, and Mark is modified to a pass. In Matthew v 22 it is a future tense and in Mark 20 it is past tense. In Matthew 26-28 are an elaboration, "Elaboration is important for its emphatic denial of the supposition, still held by some, that Christ is to appear at some definitely located spot on the earth. Rather is his coming like the lightning appearing everywhere at once." [ 3 ] Predictions of the Savior concering the Tribulation Mt 24: 1-42

v 1,2. Jesus abandoned the temple to destruction, but the disciples could not see how this could be or fit in with the coming kingdom, so they call His attention to the magnificence of the temple. Some of the foundation was blocks of white marble 67.5’ long, 9’ wide and 7.5’ high and ornamented with gold, both inside and out. As Jesus foretold, they were all torn apart in AD 70 when the temple was burned and the Roman soldiers pried blocks apart to get to the melted gold.

v 3. When they got to the Mount of Olives, His statement of desolation, 23:38, prompted four disciples, Peter, James, John and Andrew, to ask Him privately: (1.) When shall these things be? (2.) What shall be the sign of thy coming and the end of the age? ( Mk. 13:4 And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?) The discussion that followed is called the “Olivet Discourse”. There is nothing to do with the Church in Mt. 24 and 25. The disciples questions relate to Jerusalem, Israel, and the Lord’s second coming in glory to establish His kingdom. Matthew did not record the answer to the first question, but Lk. 21:20 does. Jerusalem will be compassed with armies. The disciples thought from Zech. 14:1-3 that the destruction of Jerusalem would usher in the kingdom. This would not be AD 70 but yet future. (The Church has been raptured before these things take place, but we will see preliminaries.) Some point out that coming can be translated here, “Thy full presence”, as they expect Him to usher in the Kingdom on earth.

v 4-8. Tim LaHaye makes a good point that war and rumors of war have long existed, but v 6. “the end is not yet”. Some of this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, AD 70 and the events that followed. However it has a longer term meaning. A conflict, v 7, just between two nations, and then becoming world wide fits World War 1 and no other conflict in history. Then v 8 these are just the beginning of birth pains listed below. They all took place immediately after that war and continue in the present. These were signs of the latter days, not the last days. “The Beginning Of The End”. However, these verses can also refer to events of the first half of the Tribulation, which is the Seventieth Week of Daniel. There is Silas comparison to the seven seals of Rev. 5 and 7. v 4,5 compare with Rev. 6:3,4, Antichrist False Christs v 6-8 compare Rev. 6:3,4, Warfare Wars and rumors of wars Rev. 6:5,6 Famine Stresses including famine Rev. 6:7-11 Death and martyrdom General problems Rev. 6:12-14 Earthquakes Earthquakes Mark 13: 10-12 adds that before then the gospel will be preached before all nations, the Holy Spirit will teach them what to speak, and family members will betray one another to death. Similar in Lk. 21:12-19. Many of these things were suffered by the Apostles and continue to be by believers before the start of Daniel’s 70th week.

v 9-14. Verses 1-14 seem to be a general overview of the Tribulation, the troubles in 9-14 refer to the second half of the Tribulation, and indicate the end is near.

v 15-20. Verse 15 is definitely the mid point of the Tribulation. The Antichrist will break the treaty of peace with Israel at that time and he will establish his own center of worship in the temple. This is the abomination of desolation spoken of in Dan. 7 and 8. Those in Judea are warned to flee without thinking about taking belongings, even to return for a coat. It will be especially difficult for those pregnant, with babies or in cold.

v 21-27.. This describes some of the Great Tribulation, the last half of the 7 years. In mercy for the sake of the elect, God will shorten the days so people can survive. Many will be deceived by false Christs, false prophets and miracles performed. So they are not to be deceived into going to look for Christ, because when He comes it will be with great splendor and suddenly.

v 28. After the Tribulation birds will flock to the carcasses, so this verse can be simply explained that wherever moral corruption exists, divine judgment will fall.
Predication of the Savior concerning His second coming Mt 24: 29-41

v 29-31. Immediately after the distressful days of the Tribulation there will be unusual phenomenon in the heavens. Lk. 21:25,26 adds perplexity in the seas and men’s hearts failing them for fear. We don’t know what the sign is, but Christ will come with power and great glory. It may be that the brightness of His coming will be such that the light of the sun becomes as insignificant as a match when the light is turned on. The unsaved mourn because they know judgment is coming, (The final victory of ArMageddon immediately takes place) but a trumpet will sound to gather the elect from wherever in the world they have been scattered by persecution. It is not stated to where the angels will gather them. It may also involve resurrection of O T. Saints to join in the kingdom. The content of preceding verses applies primarily to the generation that will be living in that day. As many believe the Church is not involved in this at all, it is a reminder that we too should be watchful, prepared and waiting for the Rapture.

v 32-35. As leafing out of a fig tree is a sign summer is near, all the things in v 4-28 are a sure sign to the generation living then (not in Christ’s day) that the coming of Christ is near. Some believe that the word generation as used here means that the nation of Israel, though scattered by Rome, will, as a race, still be rejecting Christ, and will not pass away till all these things are fulfilled. Of course they do not pass away even then. Christ’s word is sure, and shall not pass away. Jesus linked the time of His coming again to the days of Noal. Jesus regarded the flood as an Historical fact.

v 36-41. No one knows the exact time of Christ’s return, not even Christ in His humanity, but only the Father knows, so Christ would know in His divinity. Some put a bad connotation on the people of Noah’s day eating, drinking and marrying, but there is nothing wrong with that. They were wicked, but this does not refer to wickedness, but to their going about the normal pursuits of life with no thought of God. When the flood came suddenly, they were unprepared. The people of that future day are also sinners, but the point is, they will also be going about the normal things of life and unprepared and unrepentant.

v 42-44. The limits of the Tribulation in time are known to God. Men of the period will know in generalities, but they will not know the exact time, so the admonition is to be ready. If we know in generalities when a thief will come we can make preparations fit for that general time, even though the exact time is not known.

v 45-51. The coming of the Lord is a test of servants. The faithful servant cares for the household, while the evil servant does not anticipate the Lord’s return and treats his charges in a mean manner. He well be caught unexpectedly when the Lord returns and will be dealt with for his hypocritical behavior. He will be separated from God eternally and suffer the torments of the lake of fire. Insight on the life of Christ is added in Lk. 21:37,38 as people came to the temple early to hear Him teach much of the day, but nights He spent at the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 25

Chapter 1-13 Parable of the Ten Virgins

v 1- 13. This portion is very appropriate for the Church in regard to the Rapture. The custom was for the groom to pay for the bride at the espousal ceremony, so she was not her own, she was bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6:19,20. Children dashed forward for sweet treats as he pulled the veil over her face, symbolizing she was kept sweet for him and he was her shield, Ps. 28:7. When he left he told her he was going away to prepare a place for her, and would come again, Jn. 14:2,3. His father had to approve it, so only the father knew when he would be coming, Mt. 24:36. There were indications, signs, of his coming so the bride needed to be ready, Mt. 25:13. He often came around midnight with a trumpet call and the shout of his best man. Then like a thief, Mt. 24”43, perhaps under mock protest of the family, he would catch his bride away to be with him forever, 1 Thess. 4:16,17. Ten was the customary number of bridesmaids, (Boaz had 10 witnesses and 10 men were required for a synagogue to be in a town.), and if some were unprepared they had to find a place to buy at that time of night, and when they arrived, the door would be shut and they could not enter, 25:10. The groom took the bride into the prepared room and removed her veil etc. Nothing was hidden and he saw her in her beauty and with any blemishes, just as she was,1 Cor. 3:13 & 4:5. The best man stood just outside the door and the groom came and told him when the marriage was consummated. He in turn told the waiting crowd and they said in unison,“The Lord make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and Leah, which two did build the house of Israel, and may your house be enlarged by the seed which the Lord will give thee of this young woman, ” (Ruth 4:11,12) Only then did they begin feasting. The groom and bride remained inside for seven days even if a war went on outside. (Could that compare to tribulation on earth seven years?) For such extended feasts, sometimes they ran out of wine, hence the inclusion of Jn. 2:1-10 in scripture. When they came out, the bride was called the wife of the groom, Rev. 21:9. After feasting he was then given a business or kingdom by his father, (Could this compare to the kingdom of the Millennium?)Having said all this, the principal lesson here is not for the Church but for Israel. It is stated in v 1 that this is a kingdom parable, so it fits the context of chapter 24 and is aimed at the Jewish remnant in the Tribulation. Some versions actually say to meet the groom and bride. That would confirm that the Church is already with Christ. Proportion of wise and foolish is not the issue, but to show many professed to believe, but only those who have oil, or the Holy Spirit , who has been given to Israel by this time, Zech. 12:10, will enter the kingdom. The foolish, unprepared are rejected by the Lord. 14-30 Parable of the Talents.

v 14-30 Compare with Luke 19:11-27 The theme is the same but the facts differ. In Matthew there are three servants with one given five talents, one two and one one. The first two invested and doubled the money, but the third hid his, thinking the ruler would not return, so he didn’t want it invested in the ruler’s name. This compared to Christ going away expecting his subjects to serve Him, but the unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire. Luke 19:11-27 is similar in that Jesus wants His disciples to realize He is going away and will not be setting up the kingdom immediately, but they need to serve Him in His absence. In this parable, ten servants are given one pound or mina a piece to invest. the citizens in v 14 who didn’t want Christ to rule over them were the Pharisees and the nation in general. The first servant’s investment gained ten pounds and the second one five. The third was like the third in Matthew, who hid the money instead of investing. The pound he had was taken from him and given to the one with ten, and he was considered as one of the group of enemies. When Christ returns, those who have served faithfully will be rewarded, but the unfaithful, unbelieving will be judged.

31-46 The Judgment of the Son of Man

v 31-33 The word nations should be translated Gentiles, who will be judged individually at the end of the Tribulation. This is not to be confused with any of the other judgments. They are separated individually, not nationally as sheep or goats.

v 34-40. The sheep are invited into the kingdom because they provided food, drink and other needs for the King in proxy by providing for the Jews in their terrible time of persecution. The act did not save the Gentiles, but proved their faith.

v 41-46. Then the “goats” on the left hand will be told to depart into eternal fire which was prepared, not for men, but for angels. There failure to show mercy to the Jewish remnant in the persecution will show they have cast their support to the world ruler, the Antichrist. With all the wicked people removed from the earth, these Gentiles will enter the kingdom along with the Jews. Old Testament saints and believers of the Church age will also be there in some manner. This completed Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ questions in 24:3, and He moves to His present. Keep in mind that chapters 24 and 25 are not written about the Church, but there are applications for the Church. 

Matthew 26

The Beginning of the End

Matthew and Mark are closly the same in many places, Matthew 1-5 with Mark 1-2; Matthew 24-25 with Mark 21; Matthew 42 with Mark 39; Matthew 51-54 with Mark 47; Matthew 9 with Mark 5; Matthew 17-19 with Mark 12-16 ; and Matthew 60-61 with Mark 57-59. Matthew didn't cover the story of "a certain young man: Mark covered it in 51-52 Many believe the young man was Mark himself.

Predication of the Savior concerning His death Mt 26: 2

MATTHEW 26: 1-5 PLOT TO KILL JESUS MARK 14:1-2;

v 1-5. This marks a turning point in Matthew with Jesus removing Himself from public appearances. He told the others that the Passover was two days away and the Son of Man would be handed over to be crucified. (This was Tue. eve-Wed so the passover is Thurs. eve-Fri.) Meanwhile all the religious leaders plot to kill Jesus, but wait until after the feast so most worshipers and His supporters would be gone. 

MATTHEW 26: 6-13 ANNOINTING AT BETHANY MARK 14:3-9

v 6-13. It appears from Jn. 12:1-8 that six days before the Passover in the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, (Saturday evening after the end of the Sabbath) Mary put some of the ointment on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. However, combining. the Gospels, it is better understood that they arrived that evening, but there was just one feast later, Tuesday evening (Wed), in the home of Simon the leper, and she puts some ointment on Jesus feet first, then the rest on his head that same evening. In that case, Martha had insisted on going to Simon’s house to help serve.
If Mary did not have insight, the Spirit may have moved her to this act of love without her realizing it was for Christ’s burial. She “broke” the alabaster box of ointment, Mk 14:3, and poured the remaining content over his head. It would be very difficult, even foolish, to break a rare alabaster box. Even more difficult to handle the contents, sometimes liquid. “Break”, as used here reverts to a root word, to break a seal or to rub or scrape. What Mary did was break the wax seal which held in the aroma, then used her fingers to scrape out every bit of the ointment that remained in the box and wiped it on Jesus hair. This went beyond ordinary courtesy as she was apparently led to anoint His body for burial. Judas got the other disciples upset about waste, exclaiming, “This was worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” Mr. 14:5. Jesus came to her defense and told them to let her alone, because she had done a wonderful thing for him. He added, “You have the poor with you always and you can help them any time you want, but you won’t always have me. She has done what she could beforehand, to anoint my body for burying.” This has been told in memory of her everywhere the gospel is preached. (Again He indicates His death.) v 14-16.

MATTHEW 26:14-16 BARGAIN OF JUSAS MARK 14:10-11

v 14,15 Judas was a thief, and he was angry, not just over losing the money he hoped to gain, but for the rebuke Jesus had given him. Satan entered him to a degree, Lk. 22:3 (He took final control of Judas in Jn. 13:27), and he went directly to the priests to make a deal to turn Jesus over to them. They were glad, and told him they would give thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave, Zech. 11:12, providing he could find a time to turn Jesus over to them when there was no crowd. Though this was a standard price for a slave Judas probably expected more. The inference is that he received the money then, to hold him to the bargain.

MATTHEW 26: 17-29 THE LAST SUPPER NIGHT BEFORE HIS DEATH ALSO IN MARK 14:12-25 LUKE 22:7-38 JOHN 13 AND 14 PASSOVER AND LORD'S SUPPER, THE LORD'S SUPPER STARTED AT THE END OF THE PASSOVER SUPPER.

v 17-19. Other than the things of Tuesday evening, activities of Jew’s Wednesday are not mentioned. The time was probably spent on the Mount of Olives with Jesus teaching and trying to prepare the disciples for His death. It is Thursday when Peter and John, Lk. 22:8, ask, and Jesus instructs them to prepare for the Passover. Lk. 22:7-13 tells how they were to identify the place by following a man carrying a pitcher of water. He would stand out because this was usually woman’s work, and men carried it on their head, women on their shoulder. This was not prearranged, but the owner no doubt at least knew of Jesus, maybe even a disciple. There is absolutely no proof for some speculation that this was the home of John Mark’s parents. Preparation included purchasing a lamb which would be slain before a priest. He would catch the blood, sprinkle some toward the base of the altar and burn the entrails on it with incense. It could have been slain between 1:30 and 6:00, but more likely between 2:30 and 3:30 on the first Day of Unleavened Bread, and the Passover meal would have been that evening, start of Jewish Friday.
Predication of the Savior concerning the Tribalation Mt 26: 21-25

v 20-25. From Lk. 22:14-18 we see that Jesus great desire to partake of this Passover was because it was the last time He would eat and drink it with them until He did it in the kingdom. When He told them one of them would betray Him, they were saddened, but instead of accusing others, all asked. “Is it I?” All asked “Lord” except Judas, who only asked, “Master” When Jesus affirmed to Judas that he was the one, the others didn’t catch it, or they would not have let Judas go. Jesus had already washed the feet of Judas, and he must have shuddered when Jesus said in Mk. 14:21 that it would be good if that man had never been born. It was only moments after this that Jesus told Judas to leave, and do his task quickly, Jn. 13:21-30. That chapter should be read now for further details.

4 OF 19 JESUS' PRAYERS: JESUS PRAYED AT THE SUPPER MATTHEW 26: 26-27

v 26-29. This phase of the supper being ended, Jesus changed the order of the feast by instituting what we know as the Lord’s Supper. He called the bread His body and the unfermented wine His blood, and the disciples partook as bidden. This was not transubstantiation when they presume to become His body and blood as some teach, but were representative of it. We do not crucify Christ each time we partake. His blood is the New Covenant, salvation directly by His blood instead of the Mosaic rituals which looked for a future Redeemer.
Prediction of the Savior concerning His being frosaken by his disciples Mt 26:31
Predication of the Savior concerningPeter’s second three denilas Mt. 26: 33-35
(Lk 22:24-30 inserts that right after the question arose over who would betray Jesus, the disciples again revert to arguing over who would be greatest. He reminded them that the chief would serve, and that he was not among them as one that dined but as one that served. Jesus then promises all of them reward. They will eat at His table in the kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.) (Luke also adds, 22:35-38, contrast to the way the disciples were sent out in Mt. 10:9-13. Now they are to take purse bag and sword and prepare for coming conflict. Similar thought is in Jn. 16:1-5, and it is not certain if this was spoken while they were relaxing after the supper, or on the way to the Garden before the brook, Jn. 18:1.)

V 30-36 Agony in Gethsemane Luke 22:39-46

v 30-35. After singing a hymn they went to the Mount of Olives with Jesus talking to them all the way? John 14-17 should be read for His messages to them.
He warned them they would be scattered as sheep with no shepherd, but He would be raised and meet them in Galilee. Jesus warned Peter Satan would attack but He would pray for him, Lk. 22:31-34. Peter said he would not be offended because of Jesus, but Jesus told him that before the cock crowed twice in the early morning, Peter would deny Him three times. He replied he would die with Him rather than deny Him, and all the others said so too.

5 OF 19 JESUS' PRAYES: JESUS PRAYS IN GETHSEMANE MATTHAW 26:36 , 39 , 42 , 44

v 36-39. When they got into the Garden of Gethsemane, the other disciples were to stay at the olive press while he took Peter, James and John farther. He was in deep depression, so they were to watch (pray), if it was in the Father’s will the cup might pass. The cup could hardly be merely death, but the weight of the sin of the world and separation from the Father.

v 40-46. He found all three sleeping, but only addressed Peter to pray he would not enter temptation. Peter’s later denials proved he needed it. A second time Jesus prayed about the same thing, but when He found them sleeping again, He did not talk to them. Jesus’ third prayer was the same, but an angel came and strengthened Him and He was so intense, He sweat great drops as of blood, Lk. 22:43,44. This shows us that Christ was fully human because when the human body is under great stress it will sweat drops of blood. This time He awakened the disciples with word that sleep would now be proper, except the betrayer was already approaching and they needed to arise and go meet him. Gen 9:6

V 47-56 Betrayal and Arrest John 18:1-12

v 47-56. The crowd sent by the elders and chief priests to follow Judas included 600 Roman soldiers and perhaps hundreds of others, with swords, clubs (torches and lanterns, Jn. 18:3). As prearranged, Judas called Jesus “Master, master” and kissed Him, but Jesus called him Friend, or partner, still offering him time to repent. (It was possibly at this point that Jesus asked them who they wanted, and when He told them He was the one they fell backward to the ground like a bunch of dominoes. He offered Himself to them again and told them to let the disciples go, Jn 18: 4-8.) When they laid hands on Jesus some asked if they should use their swords, Lk. 22::49 (they only had two against the Roman soldiers and huge mob, Lk. 22:38). Without waiting for answer, Peter cut off the ear of Malchus, servant of the high priest, Jn. 18:10, but Jesus healed it, Lk. 33:51, and told Peter to put away the sword, because God could have readily sent 72,000 angels to rescue Jesus if that had been the plan. Jesus shamed the multitude for their show of force, saying that He had been daily in the temple and they had not taken Him, but this was done to fulfill Scripture. With that the disciples scattered as He had told them, Mt. 26:31. One young man who was grabbed, fled naked, Mk. 14:51.

V 57-58 Before the High Priest Mark 14:53

v 57,58. The first place the soldiers took Jesus was to preliminary hearing,1 before Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest, giving Caiaphas time to summon some of the Sanhedrin. The trial probably started as soon as at least the twenty three required to hear a capital case were present. John had followed into the court yard of the high priest’s home and arranged for Peter to come in, Jn. 18:15,16.

Predication of the Savior concerning His second Coming Mt. 26:64

v 59-68. Trial 2 before Caiaphas was very illegal, (1.) being held at festival time, (2.) being at night and (3.) being held in the palace of Caiaphas instead of in the regular meeting place of the Sanhedrin. They possibly at least had the minimum 23 present. (See 27:1 for trial 3). Judas had left, so false witnesses were sought to accuse Jesus. Finally two recalled that (about 3 years before) Jesus had said if they destroyed the temple He would restore it in three days, but misunderstood Him speaking of His body, Mk. 14:58, destroy temple built with hands, build one in three days without hands.) Asked if He was the Christ, He said “If I tell you won’t believe, and if I ask you, you won’t answer or let me go, Lk. 22:67,68. Jesus was not required to answer their illegal questioning, but when called to answer under oath if He was Christ, the Son of God, He not only affirmed it but added they would see Him seated at the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven. The high priest put on a show of tearing his clothes at this “blasphemy” and called for agreement to put Him to death. Then they began, again illegally to torture, spit on and taunt Him.

V 69-75 Peter's Denial John 18:15-27

v 69-75. This portion with Mk. 14:66- 72; Lk. 22;55-62; and Jn. 18:15-18, 25-27 indicate that the maid at the door later saw Peter sitting, warming himself with the guards, and confronted him as being one of the disciples. Peter denied saying, “Woman, I know Him not.” The cock crowed once, but in his frustration, Peter may not even have noticed. Then he went out onto a porch where several had gathered and another maid, probably in conjunction with some men, saw Peter standing to warm himself at the fire and mentioned that Peter had been with Jesus of Nazareth and was one of them. To this Peter said, “Man, I am not”. About an hour later, others, including a relative of the man Peter had cut an ear off, said, “Surely you are one of them for your speech betrays you as being a Galilean (Galilean accent). This might pose danger, so Peter began to curse and swear and deny he knew Jesus. At this point, the cock crowed the second time and Jesus looked around and made eye contact with Peter. At that, he remembered the warning of Jesus and realized what he had done, and in deep remorse, went out and wept bitterly. 

Matthew 27

Chapter 1 - 2 Jesus Taken To Pilate; Officially Condemned Mark 14:53

v 1,2. Jewish trial 3 was held in the morning, a trial in name only, to make legitimate the illegal trials held in the night. Even yet most of the populace still slept. Mainly those known to oppose Jesus were present. *This was probably the first time all 70 were present, we know Joseph of Arimathaea and probably Nicodemus objected, Lk 23:51, but it would not have changed the outcome. In fact, one was required to volunteer to vote no on a capital punishment decision. Among the many illegal things they did, they were not allowed under their law to pronounce guilt on the same day the evidence was heard, but they pronounced guilt and went right to Pilate. They put Jesus inside the Gentile building but did not go in themselves, making them ceremonially unclean to attend the remainder of the feast days. (They had already had the Passover the night before.) Since they had no legitimate charge, they first simply said that if he wasn’t a criminal they wouldn’t have delivered Jesus to him. Pilate then told them to judge Him according to their own law, but they protested they weren’t allowed to execute anyone, Jn. 18:28-30. Realizing they weren’t getting anywhere, they had to make charges that would indicate conspiracy against the Roman government, so they resorted to vicious libel in Lk. 23:2-12. “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes paying taxes to Caesar and claims he is Christ, a king.” Pilate questioned and Jesus admitted to being King of the Jews, but His kingdom was not of this world. Pilate found no fault in that, so they said He stirred up people in Judea beginning in Galilee. At mention of Galilee, Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate sent him to him as he was in Jerusalem at the time to make sure no riots developed while the crowds were there for the feast. Herod wanted Jesus to put on a miracle show, but Jesus wouldn’t even speak to him. So Herod and his soldiers put a gorgeous robe on Jesus, mocked him as a king and sent Him back to Pilate, causing the two rivals to become friends.

Chapter 3 - 10 Judas and the Field of Blood: Suicide of Judas Mark 14:10-11

v 3-10. At some point, Judas became remorseful; possibly the condemnation was greater than he expected. He knew he betrayed an innocent man and tried to return the money, but when it was not accepted, he threw it down, probably in the temple building called the Royal Stoa, where the priests gathered. But he did not repent, so he hanged himself. Apparently the limb broke and he burst open on the rocks beneath. Since it was “blood money”, the officials did not put it into the treasury but bought a field in which to bury strangers. The field had been used by potters to get clay. Matthew quoted about the potter’s field and it’s price from Zech. 11:12,13. He called it Jeremiah, because it was from a section starting with Jeremiah.

Chapter 27:11-25 Mark 15: 6-15 Luke 23: 13: 25 The Trial, Crucifixion before Pilate, and Burial of Jesus

About the time that Jesus began his public ministry, Pilate assumed office, he was the Roman governor of Judea 26-37 AD.Caesarea was Pilate's official residence and went to Jerusalem at the time of Feasts to keep order. He was cruel, merciless, and well noted for his habitual brutality. Like his Roman emperors couter parts he rather enjoyed the spectacle of the torture and death of a man. He had mingled the blood of Galileans at one time with their sacrifices, Luke 13:1. Pilate's effort to get out of crucifying Jesus was a pitaful story. He didn't want to do it, one tradition has it that Jesus was a stoop-shouldered and ugly, or the other tradition that Jesus was erect and handsome and Pilate couldn't keep his eyes off of Jesus no matter which tradition was true. No one is sure why but Jesus made an impression on this hard-hearted Roman governor, whether it was his countenance and bearing so divine, so commanding, even while Jesus was dressed in the robes of mock royalty, and the crown of thorns on his head, with blood running down his face. Pilate's wife had a dream about Jesus and sent word or the dream to Pilate explaining what had taken place in the dream. Pilate tried many ways of getting out of the crucitying of Jesus, He applealed from the Jewish rulers to Herod, then Herod back to the rulers, then from the rulers to the multitudes. The multitudes turned against Jesus, because the Jewish rulers had people in the crowd to drive the crowd in the direction of Jesus' death. Pilate tried to appeal to the crowd's pity, by having Jesus scourged and not having to go all the way to crucifixion. Pilate was still thinking of releasing Jesus until the Jewish rulers threatened to report him to Caesar. Pilate gave his consent or command to the death of Jesus only after it started looking like it might cost him his position as Governor of Judea.

Tradition says, that Pilate's wife, Procula became a Christian, Pilate committed suicide.

v 11-14. Matthew stresses the kingship of Christ, so he merely reports that Jesus admitted to Pilate that He was King of the Jews. Jesus didn’t answer other questions because He was on trial for saying He was king of the Jews.

v 15-23. Three times in Lk. 23:14-22 and in Jn 18:38 Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus at all. Pilate’s wife warned him of her dream that Jesus was innocent and both he and Herod declared him innocent, so he sought to release him under the custom of releasing a prisoner at the time of the feast. He knew the leaders were envious of Jesus, and thought the people certainly wouldn’t want to release Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist. However, the leaders no doubt put on a big show that Jesus had blasphemed God, and persuaded the people to cry for Barabbas’ release instead. They inflamed the people to insist on crucifying Jesus.

v 24-26. Comparing this with John 1, it appears that Pilate finally decided he must placate the Jews somehow without ordering an execution. Therefore he took Jesus, and had him scourged (It was illegal to do both). Jewish scourging is a beating with a rod, thirteen times on each shoulder and thirteen times on the loins. Scourging by the Romans is much more severe. A victim’s arms are drawn around a pillar and tied together. The instrument of torture is a whip with metal or other sharp objects fastened in it’s many strands. When this is cracked over a victim’s back or wraps around a chest it tears out pieces of flesh. It only lasts about three minutes and one man watches to make sure it is stopped and the prisoner untied while he is still living. Even so, the beating is so traumatic that some do die. Those who live are scarred for life.
Their answer, “His blood [be] on us, and on our children”, came back to haunt them, when they complained in Acts 5:28, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. They have paid in persecution throughout the years. 

Chapter 27:26 Jesus is Scourged

Scourging usually preceded capital punishment, Pilate was hoping that scourging would be sufficient punishment for Jesus. The person to be scourged was stripped to the waist. then in a bent over position, his hands would be secured. The scourge was usually several braids of leather braids tightly together forming a handle, then from the handle several groups of two or three pieces of leather would be braided together with bits of bones secured in them. The bones would tear out large pieces of flesh when striking the persons back. Depending on the person doing the scourging whether the person would live or not, many didn't.

Chapter 27:27-31 Jesus is Mocked
Jews mocked Him Luke 22:63-65
Herod Mocked Him
Soldiers mocked Him Luke 23:11
Pilate's Soldiers mock Him
Later Priests, elders, and scribes mocked Him while on the cross

v 27-31. Six hundred soldiers gathered around Jesus in the praetorium court, and knowing Jesus claimed to be a king, after the beating the soldiers made sport of him. They stripped him, put on him a scarlet robe, and crown of thorns, mocked Him as King of the Jews, spit on Him and beat him on the head repeatedly with a staff. He was probably beyond recognition (Cp. Isaiah 52:14) Pilate then went out and getting the attention of the people, stood Jesus before them and said he found no basis for a charge against him. At about 6:00 in the morning, Jesus was a bloody, unrecognizable staggering mess, and Pilate said, “Here is the man, your king.” When the religious leaders saw him they only shouted the more, crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said, “You take him and crucify him. I don’t find any basis for a charge against him.” At this the Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he claims he is the Son of God.” That frightened Pilate, and he questioned Jesus more, but He would not reply. When Pilate threatened his power over Jesus, Jesus calmly told him that his power was controlled from above, so Pilate tried harder to release Jesus. At least the Roman trials had been more fair than the Jewish ones, which had at least 26 illegal procedures. Pilate had four times declared Jesus innocent, but when the people told him they would report to Caesar that he had released a rival king, he caved in to their demands. He washed his hands in front of the people declaring himself innocent, but of course he was still guilty. The people yelled in their frenzy, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Months later, after an angel released the apostles from prison and they continued preaching Jesus as Messiah, the frustrated high priest and council protested, “You intend to bring this man’s blood upon us”, Acts. 5:28. This began to come true in the destruction of AD 70.
By this time Judas had probably seen what was happening and hanged himself.
At this point, they put Jesus’ own clothes back on him and led Him away to be crucified. Lk. 23:26-32 adds that on the road to Golgotha women were weeping and Jesus told them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children for the troubles ahead (destruction of AD 70). The statement about green tree and dry meant that if the Romans condemned one who was pronounced innocent, what would they do to those later who were pronounced guilty? Luke also mentioned the two other malefactors to be put to death with Jesus.

Chapter 27:32 Simon of Cyrene

John 19:17 it is said that Jesus went out bearing His own wooden cross. Remember Jesus was fully man and as man He was growing exhausted by His night of agon, and the scourging He had received. Simon was pressed into service by the roman soldiers. Very little is know about Simon,

v 32. Simon, from Cyrene in north Africa, was probably a black man forced to carry the crossbeam of Jesus’ cross, the upright was usually already in the ground. (Simon’s sons, Alexander and Rufus are believed to later become believers, Rufus being with Paul in Rome.) The cross piece was no more than five inches square, six feet long and weighed some thirty pounds. Sometimes it was nailed to a notch in the upright, but usually the upright was trimmed as a tenon. Then the cross piece was mortised and lifted over the top of the upright so it could be slipped down over the tenon. In most cases the upright was about six feet tall, so with the knees buckled, the feet were nailed a short distance above ground. Even on the tallest uprights, the feet were never more than three or four feet above ground, and those high ones were only used for the most notorious national criminals. The shorter uprights made it more convenient for the soldiers to secure the cross piece in place.
According to the Commonly accepted time table Jesus was placed on the cross on April Friday at 9 A.M. Suffered and gave up the Spirit about six hours later at 3:00 in the afternoon.

Chapter 27:33-56 Jesus is crucified See more go to Mark 15:21-41 Luke 23:32-43 and John 19:17-30

v 33-38. When they arrived at Golgotha, they offered Jesus a wine, gall mixture to lesson the pain, but He refused. He was stripped and either left naked or covered with a brief cloth, a concession Rome came to make for the Jews. Nails were driven through the wrists, not palms, (At this time period in history the palm was from the finger timps to the arm) and drug by the crossbeam up onto the tenon upon which the crossbeam was dropped. The knees were bent, one foot placed on the other sideways and a five - seven inch spike driven through them both just above the heels. Bones are found which verify this, with the spike clinched against a knot. Similar treatment was given to the thief on either side, and when the purpose of death was fastened above each victim, the one over Jesus read, “This Is JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS”. In disgust at being “used” by the priests, he had it written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, so that Jews and others passing from all areas could read it. After a crucifixion the crime over the top of a cross was taken down indicating that the crime was now wiped out. So when Jesus’ heading was taken down the Romans were blotting out the crimes Christ was suffering for us, just as God had already blotted out the handwriting of ordinances against us, Col. 2:14.
Soldiers divided up His garments, casting lots for the under piece with no seam in fulfillment of Ps. 22:18. Jesus’ garments would have been 1 turban, 2 sandals, 3 girdle, 4 outer coat, 5 inner robe, seamless, like a high priest’s robe, or long undershirt. (Coat was under garment. In Lk. 6:29, (Greek) if one takes your cloak, outer garment, forbid him not to take your coat, inner garment.) Soldiers were accustomed to dividing up the clothing, but were gambling for Christ’s garment because it was luxurious. They may have heard it had healing power by touching the fringe, and His disciples might pay well for it if left intact. They then sat down to watch Him, but there was much taunting Him to come down from the cross etc.

Chapter 45 - 56 The Death and Its Accompanying SignsThe Darkness: For three hours, sin is symbolic related to darkness, symbolic mourning for Jesus

Chapter 57 - 61 The Burial

Chapter 62 - 66 The Sealed Tomb

v Back to 33, on to 66. This portion can best be summarized from all the Gospels.

v 1. Jesus arrived at Golgotha, 9:00 AM, Mt. 27:33; Mk. 15:22; Lk. 23:33; Jn. 19:17.
v 2. He refused the offer of wine and gall - myrrh, Mt. 27:34; Mk. 15:23.
v 3. Stripped and nailed to a cross between 2 thieves, Mt. 27:35-38; Mk. 15:24-28; Lk. 23:33-38; Jn. 19:18.
v 4. First utterance, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. Lk. 23:34. Compare 1 Cor. 2:8 Had they known they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. 
v 5. Soldiers cast lots for His garments, Mt. 27:35; Mk. 15:24; Lk. 23:34; Jn. 19:23.
v 6. Jews, soldiers & thieves mock Jesus’ about destroying and building the temple in three days, come down from the cross and we will believe, He saved others but can’t save himself, etc. Mt. 27:39-43; Mk. 15;29-32; Lk. 23:35-37.
v 7. Conversation with thieves, one repentant rebukes the other and himself calls for mercy. Jesus promises he will be with Him in paradise that same day. Lk. 23:39-43.
v 8. Second utterance, “I tell you the truth, today you shall be with me in Paradise”.
v 9. Third utterance, to mother, Mary, “Woman behold your son”. To John, “Behold thy mother”, Jn. 19:26,27. (Not John’s spiritual mentor, she was never exalted. Maybe went to John’s home in Galilee with Salome. Some historians say she lived in John’s home in Jerusalem 11 years and died, others, she lived to go with him to Ephesus.)
v 10. Darkness from noon to 3:00 PM, Mt. 27:45; Mk. 15:33; Lk. 23:44.
(Not an eclipse for three hours. This was also time of full moon.)

Chapter 11 - 31 The Trial of Jesus

v 11. Fourth utterance, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me? Mt. 27:46,47; Mk. 15:343-36. God turned his back on Jesus because Jesus took on all the sins of the world. God can not look at sin.

v 12. Fifth utterance, “I thirst”. Jn. 19:28.

v 13. He drank wine vinegar, Jn. 19:29.

v 14. Sixth utterance, “It is finished”. Jn. 19:19:30. ( It was a shout of victory that the work of redemption was finished. This was a single Greek word, testelestai. Tax receipts have been found with written across them testelestai, meaning “paid in full”.)

v 15. Same as 13 ? He drank wine vinegar from a sponge, Mt. 27:48; Mk. 15;36. (Sponge on end of hyssop which grows 18 inches long. Used for blood in Ex. 12:22.)

v 16. Seventh utterance, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit”. Lk. 23:46.

v 17. He dismissed His spirit by an act of His own control, Mt. 27:50; Mk. 15:37; Lk. 23:46; Jn. 19:30. Not killed, power to lay His life down and take it again, Jn. 10:18.
(He died at 3:00 PM, when evening sacrifice was being slain, not Passover lamb.)

v 18. The temple curtain was torn top to bottom, Mt. 27:51; Mk. 15:38; Lk. 23:45.

v 19. Earthquake, rocks split, graves opened, Mt. 27:52, 53. (It is very clear that some graves were opened and bodies of some believers arose after Christ arose Sunday morning and walked about Jerusalem. This would have been from local cemeteries and probably those who had lived soon enough before to still be recognized. God used them as further proofs of the reality of resurrection to the people of that day. I have been taught, along with several good commentators, that Christ is the firstfruits and these were “firstfruits saints” who went to heaven when He did instead of dying again. Others point out we have some good arguments but no proofs for that. Obviously they were not caught up with Him from the Mt of Olives, so if they were, when? Also, it was “Christ the firstfruits”, 1 Cor. 15:23. If it was important for us to know, He would have made it plain.)

v 20. Roman soldiers admit, “Surely He was the Son of God. Others beat their breasts and left, while followers stood afar off, Mt. 27:54, 55; Mk. 15:39; Lk. 23:47-49. These included “many women followers from Galilee” and in Lk, “all His acquaintance stood afar off”. So more of His disciples and friends may have been there than we commonly suppose.

v 21. Soldiers broke victims legs, but Jesus was already dead, so a soldier thrust a spear in His side, bringing forth blood and water. Pilate got word from Centurion that Jesus was already dead before releasing His body. After such an unfair trial, perhaps Pilate wanted Jesus to have a proper burial. Jews can not allow a body to hang overnight, Deut. 21:22,23.

v 22. Burial & stone placed, Mt. 27:56-61; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56; Jn. 19:38-42. John is the only male disciple named as being present, but some were probably among the “acquaintances and women”, Lk. 23:49. Joseph of Arimathaea, a member of the council who had not consented to the deeds done, asked for the body of Jesus, took it down, wrapped it in fine linen he had purchased and placed it in his own new tomb, Lk. 23:50-53. Nicodemus Ben Gurion was a brother of Josephus. He was the one who came to Jesus by night and later asked the council regarding Jesus if a man should be condemned before he was heard. It is reported he was cast out of the Sanhedrin for his beliefs, that he was one of the three richest men in Jerusalem, but lost all in the persecution, and his daughter was seen gathering barley corn from under the horses feet (presumably from the manure). He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about 75 pounds our weight, to wrap in the linen with the body, Jn. 19:39. (Spices made into a paste, the wrapping when dried would resemble papier mache’) This day was Friday, because it was the preparation of the Sabbath, which was near, Lk 23:54. The women from Galilee, who were there and watched where the body was laid, were Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, Salome, and many other women who came to Jerusalem with Jesus. They went to homes and prepared spices to take to the grave Sunday morning, but rested on the Sabbath. Instead of a paste, these would be made into liquid which could be drizzled over the entire linen wrapped body.

v 23. Sepulcher sealed and guarded on the Sabbath, only recorded Mt. 27:62-66.
It is very obvious from Mt. 27:62 that the chief priests and Pharisees, though they criticized Jesus healing on the Sabbath, went to Pilot on the Sabbath day. “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate.” So that there will be no misunderstanding about the day of preparation, preparation for the day of Passover and Passover were past. Mk. 15:42 states clearly, “And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath.” Jn. 19:31 is also clear on that. Lu 23:54 “And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.” In contrast to the disciples, who should have expected it, the religious leaders remembered Jesus had said He would rise again the third day. They wanted the tomb sealed so the disciples couldn’t steal the body and claim Jesus had risen. That would be a worse fraud than Jesus claiming He was Messiah. (They may have even feared Jesus might come back to life, and thought if the stone was sealed, He couldn’t get out.) They could have supplied their own temple guards, but if they got Rome involved, Rome could verify if the disciples tried to break in, then claim Jesus was risen. In Hebrew usage parts of days at the beginning and end of a period were counted as days Esther 4:16 5:1 three days and three nights Matthew 12:40 a way of saying three days I Samuel 30:12-13 after three days Mark 8:31 10:34 John 2:19 the third day Matthews 16:21 17:23 20:19 Luke 9:22 24:7, 21, 46 All of these are interchangeable pharases used for the same time period Friday afternoon to Sunday morning What many didn't realize was the disappance of His body could of been explained many different ways, but the resurrection of Jesus was a much bigger question.
32 Simon of Cyrene.
33 - 44 The Crucifizion

Matthew 28

Chapter 28:1-8 The Women Visit The Tomb

Told in all four Gospels: Mark 16:1-8 Luke 24:1-11 John 20:1-3 The women was thinking of Jesus to prepare Him for burial, No thought of Jesus be risen because they had all the spices to complete the embalming of His body. Mary Magdalene in all four, Mary, mother of James and Joses, called also "the other Mary" in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Salome, mother of James and John in Mark, Joanna, wife of Herod's steward in Luke. Other women in Luke.

Their various lodging-places, in Bethany or Jerusalem, was probably 1 to 2 miles or more distant. Variant notes refer to the time mean, evidently that they started while it was yet dark, and reached the tomb about funrise. This is from Matthew, "As it began to dawn"; In Mark, "Very early, when the sun was risen"; In Luke, "At early dawn" ; In John "While it was yet dark"

It was a triumphant moment in the annals of heaven. {Angels will have charge of the general resurrection (Matthew 24:31, see note on "Angels" under Matthew 4:11) { 4. } In the four gospels you have "An angel" (Matthew) "A young man" (Mark) "Two Men" (Luke) "Two Angel" (John) The different epressions just let you know that one to two angle in human form greeded the women and leed them into the tomb.

Chapter 28: 9-10 Jesus Appears to the Women

v 1-15. While it was still dark Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James, Joanna and others were bringing sweet spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body when an earthquake hit. They proceeded, wondering how they would roll away the stone from the tomb.
At the same time as the quake, an angel rolled the stone away from the tomb to show that Jesus had risen. The angel appeared white as snow in such dazzling brightness that the soldiers shook in fear and fainted. After their initial fright, the soldiers decided to leave and leaders reported to the priests what happened. No conversation with any of those coming to the grave is recorded, so the soldiers may or may not have been gone before any of the women arrived. Though Jesus was dead, they could be put to death for allowing their ” prisoner” to escape. The chief priests and elders devised a plan to pay them a lot of money to say disciples stole Jesus away while they slept. That was also a serious offense, but the priests would buy off the officials if there was a problem. For a long time it was reported among the Jews that was what happened, but it defies common sense. Justin Martyr says this report was sent by the Jews to every country. The Sabbath was from sunset to sunset. But in common usage as here "as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week". it extended into the night. A great Earthquake; Jesus used them many times to call attention to momentous events, Jesus expired on the cross Matthew 27:51 Giving of the law on Mt Sinai Exodus 19:16, 18

MATTHEW 28:16-20 JESUS VISITS THE ELEVEN IN GALILEE AND THE 500

Critics of resurrection can be refuted with Scripture:
False Theory Answer 
Wrong tomb Jn. 20:5-7,12, Eye witnesses
Swoon Jn. 19:33-35, Blood and water satisfied officials
Vision Jn. 20:13-28, Several personal contacts
Pious Fiction Jn. 20:28, Words of Christ Himself

Mary Magdalene was so anxious she ran on ahead. The angel had apparently withdrawn temporarily, and seeing the stone rolled away she panicked and ran to tell Peter and John that someone had taken the Lord out of the sepulcher and she didn’t know where they had laid Him. At that, Peter and John left her and raced for the tomb.
Before they arrived, the other women had come and met the angel in his shining garments, then bowed to the ground in fear. He knew the women looked for Jesus and told them not to be afraid, but chided them for seeking the living among the dead. He reminded them that Jesus had told them in Galilee that He would be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and rise again. Then they remembered His words. At that they were told that Jesus had risen, and to come see the place He had lain. As the stone was already rolled away, they entered and saw an angel that appeared like a young man in a long white garment sitting on the right side. They were to go tell the disciples, specifically Peter, that Jesus had risen, and He would see them in Galilee. They fled in fear, and at first would not say anything to anyone. John outran Peter to the tomb, and stooping down, he looked in and saw the linen clothes lying. Peter dashed right in and saw the linen cloth collapsed without the body in it, and the head piece above it by itself in folds, just as it had been wrapped about the head of Jesus. John was perceptive and realized by the position of the grave clothes that Jesus had risen right through them and this was not a robbery. But they still did not understand the Scripture Jesus had taught that He would rise again. They went back to their home in a perplexed state of mind, wondering at what had come to pass.

1. ) Mary got back to the tomb to find all others were gone and she was sorrowing alone. As she wept, she stooped down to look into the tomb and saw the two angels in white sitting at the head and feet of where Jesus’ body had lain. They asked her why she was weeping, and without entering for fear, she replied that someone had taken away the body of the Lord and she didn’t know where they had laid Him. She saw the figure of Jesus in a glance through tear filled eyes without recognizing Him. When He asked why she wept and who she sought, she supposed it was the gardener and said if he had taken Jesus to tell her where, and she would take Him away. She had no thought in her grief how she would do this. Jesus spoke her name, and recognizing His voice, she turned fully to Him and said, “Rabboni”, Master, or honorable Rabbi. Her response to His voice reminds us of Jn. 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice”. She was about to touch Him, but He told her not to because He had not yet ascended to the Father. Specifically stated, to His Father and her Father, to His God and her God. He probably just disappeared, and she went to tell the disciples what had happened.
(Not touch. She was about to cling to Him and not let Him go. She would have more opportunity to see Him before He ascended, so now it was more important for her to tell the other disciples.)
2. ) The other women, meanwhile, finally got up courage to do as bidden, and ran with joy to tell the other disciples. On their way to the disciples, Jesus met them saying “All hail” (a joyful greeting), and they held Him by the feet, worshiping Him. Jesus also told them not to be afraid, but go tell the brethren they would see Him in Galilee. The apostles and others thought the women were over emotional, speaking nonsense, and didn’t believe them.
Explanation is in order at this point as to why Mary was not allowed to touch Jesus but the others held His feet.

View 1. Jesus was a High Priest fulfilling the Day of Atonement as in Lev. 16. He had completed the sacrifice and was on His way to present the sacred blood in heaven. Only because of Mary’s deep grief and devotion did He stop to speak to her first. After speaking to her, He ascended to heaven and returned to talk to the other women. Then they were free to touch Him. This view seems true to type and has some sound supporters, but have a couple of major problems. His blood was offered at Calvary, so what need to be brought to a heavenly altar. Also, Jesus would have had time to ascend to heaven and return even before any of the people arrived at the tomb, and would have had no need to interrupt any of His presumed high priestly duties.

View 2. Some think He just meant not to detain Him at the moment, He would see them all before He ascended, but that is inconsistent with the other women.

View 3. Probably best is that He meant, “Stop clinging to me”. “Touch” is used several ways in Scripture, and in the case of the hemorrhaging woman, Mk 14:36, it was simply to touch. Here it probably has the sense of clinging. She had lost Him once and was not about to let Him go again. He was emphasizing a new relationship. She was not to try to keep Him on earth, but to become His messenger. In contrast, the women in Mt. 28:9 seized and held Jesus feet with as much strength of force, but not with the personal emotion, intensity of Mary. Their object was holding Him in worship. Part of view 2 could be involved in this.
(This far Mark 16:1-8. Lk. 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18. The account of Mary with Jesus is told only in John. Soldiers bribed are told only in Matthew.)
3. ) Peter, Lk 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5 had a visit from Jesus, perhaps in the afternoon, That evening the eleven gathered gave this report to the two Emmaus disciples.
4. ) The Emmaus disciples, Lk. 24:13-32; Mk. 16:12,13, were walking home late in the afternoon when Jesus joined them. They did not recognize Him, and he feigned ignorance of what had happened the last three days, to the surprise of Cleopas. They told Him of the condemnation, crucifixion, their hope He was the Messiah, and the report of the women. Jesus explained the Scriptures concerning Himself, but they still did not understand until He came into their home and broke bread with them. As soon as they recognized Him as Jesus and Messiah, He vanished, and they realized their conviction on the road. They immediately walked the 7.5 miles back to Jerusalem, told the others, and were told the Lord had risen and appeared to Peter. 
5. ) The eleven except Thomas, Mk. 16:14; Lk. 24:33-49; Jn. 20:19-23, were gathered eating in Jerusalem Sunday evening behind locked doors for fear of the Jews, (Emmaus disciples and others were present) and Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst and pronounced peace. They thought they saw a ghost, so He told them not to be afraid and showed them His hands and his feet. This gave them joy, but they still didn’t believe until He asked for food, with the explanation that a spirit didn’t have flesh and bones like He had, and He ate some broiled fish and honeycomb before them. He again pronounced peace and decommissioned the 10 disciples, but breathed on all others present, imparting the Holy Spirit. This was a creative act; just as He breathed and created life in Adam, Gen. 2:7, He breathed into them spiritual quickening and all believers would soon become a new creation, Eph. 2:8-10. This act was a limited preliminary to the out pouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, like a down payment on a house. They could not forgive sins, but could announce the Scriptural terms on which people could be forgiven, or that they were not forgiven if they rejected. Compare discerning of sin in Ananias and Sapphira. 
6. ) Thomas present with the other disciples Jn. 20:24-29. (Also called twin or Didymus) He had not believed their report and said he wouldn’t believe unless he saw and put his fingers into the nail prints in Jesus’ hands and feet and put his hand into the sword wound in His side. Jesus appeared the next Sunday night and told Thomas to feel his nail prints and side, and believe, but he had the faith to believe just by seeing, saying “my Lord and my God”. Jesus took note and did not rebuke Thomas, but added blessing for those who would not see but still believe, like those of us today. Disciples needed to learn to accept the word of eye witnesses. We need to accept the word of the eye witnesses as recorded in the Word of God.
(John 20:30,31 expresses multiple signs not recorded, but the things written are so we can believe that Jesus is Christ, Son of God, and have life in Him by believing.)
7. ) Seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee, John 21.
John 21 has a full explanation of this and completion of John.
8. )  The eleven and others 
The Great Commission in Matthew, Mark and Luke: Matthew 28:16-20. Matthew did not record the first two visits to the disciples or to the seven at the sea, but this is some time later. The mountain where Jesus told them to meet is not named. Perhaps others had joined the eleven. At one point 500 were gathered at once. Considering the doubts of Thomas and the others at first, it is understandable why some would have doubt, v 17. They did not doubt the resurrection, but some wondered if this was really Jesus with them. He expelled their doubts, telling them that all authority had been given to Him. On the basis of that authority, He gave the great commission, the challenge to all of us, to go to all, teach, baptize and disciple them. To keep reminded of the Trinity, baptism is to be in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus’ promise is to be with us always, not physically but His spiritual presence.
Mark 16:16 does not imply baptism is necessary for salvation, but it is expected of believers to be baptized. Baptism has no part in those who are damned, but lack of belief. Mk. 16:17&18 list five supernatural events that could authenticate the faith of the early believers. It is not normal for those to be present after the apostolic age. Some had already cast out demons. New tongues were intelligible foreign languages not known to them, which eliminated the need for an interpreter. If they were forced to pick up snakes or drink poison they would not be harmed, but this does not approve snake handlers. God still heals in answer to prayer, but the general healing ministry declined, Paul’s thorn in the flesh was not healed, and he left Trophimus at Miletus, sick.
Luke 24:44-48. Either this portion was spoken to the disciples the first time risen Jesus appeared before them all, or Luke chose to insert it just before the ascension. To the two on the road to Emmaus, Jesus told the Scriptures concerning Himself. To these, He opens their understanding to the Scriptures He had previously taught, so they knew it was necessary for Him to suffer and rise the third day. Because of that, they could preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. The starting point of their witnessing was to be at Jerusalem, working out to all parts of the world, Acts 1:8. The Ascension is in Mark and Luke. (Matthew does not record this.) Luke 24:49-53. Jesus told them to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. He did not command prayer, as that was not a condition for receiving the Holy Spirit. Certainly they must have prayed, but the command was to stay together. If they had not, they could not have fulfilled the command of Acts. 1:8. He took them to the vicinity of Bethany, the Mount of Olives, and Acts 1:12, for the ascension. While He was blessing them He ascended, and they worshiped Him. Acts 1:9-11 gives details of the angels telling them to stop looking up, but return to Jerusalem. They returned with joy and praised God in the temple daily. Mk. 16:19.20 adds Jesus is at the right hand of God. They did preach, and confirmed the message with the signs of Mk. 16:17, 18.

It happens in about an hour’s time and if you attempted to put the puzzle of the four gospels together it would look something like this.

1. ) Jerusalem or Bethany or both being just a mile or two apart had two or more groups of women heading toward tomb.  This would have been around the first break of dawn.
2. ) At about the same time the angels rolled the stone away and neatly fold the shroud. Yes, Jesus had the power to move the stone, but you never had a king or king of kings severing himself.
3. ) Guards, who had been placed by the priest, frightened and dazed, fled to report to the priest.
4. ) As the women approached the tomb about sunrise. Mary Magdalene seeing the tomb empty, but failing to see the Angel or hear his announcement that Jesus had risen, because she was ahead of her group, (John 20:13, 15 ) turns and runs to tell Peter and John.
5. ) Hurrying away by another route, to tell the main group of disciples of what they had seen and heard from the angels when they drew near the tomb.
6. ) Peter and John reached the tomb by this time and entering it see the empty shroud. Upon departing John believing and with Peter wondering.
7. ) Meantime, Mary Magdalene following hard after Peter and John returns to the tomb. Mary was alone, weeping, and sees the angels.  And Jesus Himself appears to her.
8. ) Shortly thereafter, Jesus appears to the other women, not sure if they  were on their way to tell the disciples, or, as having told the disciples, were returning to the tomb.

{ 1 } ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE Herbert Lockyer SR Editor
{ 2 } CATECHSM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
{ 3 } THE ABINGDON BIBLE COMMENTARY
{ 4 } HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK by H.H. Halley

copyright © 2012 Christ Is Alive Ministry
www.christisalive.net
All Rights Reserved.

In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.

UPON READING AN ARTICLE CALLED ST.JOSEPH, A FATHER OF FATHERS by Father Frederick J. Miller.
ANSWERS to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions by Pat Robertson
BEGINNING APOLOGETIC’S 3 by Father Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham
BEGINNING APOLOGETICS: HOW TO EXPLAIN AND DEFEND THE CATHOLIC FAITH by San Juan Catholic Seminars
BIBLE PROPHECY HANDBOOKS by Carol Smith
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH by Libreria Editrice Vaticana;
CATHOLIC AND CHRISTIAN BY Alan Schreck
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY INTRODUCTION TO THE SACRAMENTS by Catholic Worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY MARY BY Catholic Worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY PENANCE by Catholic worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY PRAYER by Catholic worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY THE EUCHARIST by Catholic Worship
CATHOLIC FOR DUMMIES  by Rev John Trigilio JR, PH D, TH D, and Rev Kenneth Brighenti, PH D 
CELEBRATING THE MASS by Alfred McBride O Praem
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHISTIAN SOUP by Health Communication Inc,
CHRIST AMONG US By Anthony Wilhelm
CHRISTIAN CULTS AND RELIGION 7TH EDITIONS by Rose Publishing
CHRISTIANITY CULTS & RELIGIONS by Rose Publishing;
DENOMINATIONS by Rose Publisher
DEPARTED GODS-THE GOD’S OF OUR FATHERS by Rev B.N. Fradenburgh Ph D.D.D.
ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE MADE EASY by DR. Norman L. Geisler
FAITH CAN CHANGE YOUR WORLD by Dr. Lester Sumrall,
FAST FACTS ON FALSE TEACHINGS by Ron Carlson and Ed Decker;
FIFTY PROOFS FOR THE BIBLE by Rose Publisher
GOD’S WORD by World Wide Leadership Council Inc
GOOD NEWS BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
GREIVING THE DEATH OF A MOTHER by Harold Ivan Smith,
HALLEY’S BIBLE HANDBOOK by Henry H. Halley
HANDBOOK FOR TODAY’S CATHOLIC by Framcos Cardoma; Geprge
HOLY BIBLE by Tayndale House Publishers Inc
HOLY BIBLE CONDORDANCE by Scorield Reference Edition Oxford,
HOW TO GET INTO THE BIBLE by Stephen M. Miller
HOW TO GET INTO THE BIBLE by Stephen M. Miller,
ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE BY Herbert Lockyer, Sr ;
LAUGHTER FROM HEAVEN by Barbara Johnson,
LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY Edited by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray
LIFE APPLICATION NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc;
LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE; NELSON’S STUDENT BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers;
LORD PLEASE MEET ME IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM by Barbara Curtis,
LUTHER’S SMALL CATECHISM WITH EXPLANTIONS by Concord Publishing House
NAVE’S TOPICAL BIBLE By Orville J. Nave
NEW LIVING TRANSLATION by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc;
NIV SENIORS DEVOTIONAL BIBLE by Zondervan Publishing House,
OCEAN: Search Computer program by Chad @ bahai-eduction.org

1. Apocrypha
2. Confessions of St Augustine
3. Divine Comedy of Dante (Henery Carytr)
4. King James Bible
5. LDS (Mormons)
6. Martin Luther
7. St John of the Cross
8. Budhist
9. Christian-King James
10. Hindu
11. Islam
12. Judaism
13. Sikh
14. Tao
15. Zoroastrian

OUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE  DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen