Monday, February 14, 2022

Matthew 18 – Lesson 19

 


Matthew 18:1-14 - True Greatness

The disciples were arguing who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  They wanted to have the best seat in His kingdom.  They thought Jesus was going to rule an earthly kingdom and they were thinking of political greatness and not greatest of character.  Jesus used a child to make His point.  He said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matt. 18:3-4. 

The world calls someone greater, because the person is superior to others.  God calls a person greater if he is humble and serves others.  We are to serve others who are weak, helpless and despised by the world.  The key to true spiritual greatest is humility.  We are to submit to Jesus as a child yields and trusts his parents.  Jesus tells His disciples they need to change.

Our attitude should be like that of Jesus.  He didn't think Himself greater that anyone else.  He was selfless and humble.  He didn't think about His own needs, but the needs of others.

Principle:  The greatest in God’s kingdom is the one who humbles himself like a child.

When Jesus says "I tell you the truth", He is really emphasizing His words.  There are about seventy references to this same quote.  We hear people say all the time say ‘I tell you the truth’, but their actions don’t show it.  Jesus backed it up with miracles demonstrating He was from God.  He backed it up with authoritative preaching and teaching.  He backed it up with predicting his own death and resurrection and then seeing it through.  That’s proof that when He said, ‘I tell you the truth’ He was, in fact, telling the truth.  His most important truth is that God loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son to redeem a sinful world.

Do you believe Jesus when He says that He is telling the truth?

He said we are to be like ‘little children’ meaning we are to be humble and recognize that we are powerless and completely dependent on God like children are dependent on adults to care and protect them from harm.  Little children trust adults to provide for them and the disciples needed to trust Jesus completely. 

Also when He speaks of ‘little children’, He is speaking not only to His disciples but to all believers.  They were young Christians new in belief in Jesus.  Luke 9:46-48 refers to the "lease among you" which are new believers and to those unable to defend themselves - the handicap, the poor, and to children.  Ways we can put into practice what Jesus is saying here is to accept others who might not be worthy by worldly standards.  We can give them credit when they deserve it, stand up for them when they can't stand up for themselves, and not judge them.  When we welcome the "little children", we welcome Jesus and God.  Mark 9:33-35 tell us that if you want to be first, you must be last and a servant to all. 

"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." - Matt. 18:6.  We can influence others to sin by our bad examples or we can influence them positively by setting good examples.  If we cause them to sin by our words or actions, then Jesus takes this very seriously.  We are in danger of Hell. 

As parents we set bad examples by gossiping, arguing, swearing, cursing, not reading our Bible or praying, and not going to church.  We set good examples by teaching and letting them see us pray, studying the Bible, attending church, and helping others.  Don't say, "Do as I say, not as I do", but be an example and do and say what they should do and say.

Do you set good examples for your children?
Do you insist on religious education as you do secular education?

In verses 8-9 Jesus talks about removing hands, feet or eyes that causes you to sin.  He doesn’t mean you should actually remove a hand, foot or eye.  Our hands and feet can do bad things and our eyes can look at wrong things.  He’s saying we must control them so we won’t sin.  Sin should not be taken lightly.  Sin leads to judgment and the eternal fire.  Loosing a body part would be bad, but it would be much worse to lose our souls in eternal punishment.

Matthew 18:10-14 Jesus continued teaching by telling the disciples to not look down on or disrespect other believers.  He called them ‘little ones’.  He demonstrated this by teaching the parable of the lost sheep.  To Jesus all believers are precious to God, especially new believers.  The lost sheep in the story is a sinful man.  When one sheep stumbled and fell away, God left heaven to save him.  When he was found or saved, all of heaven rejoiced.  This teaches us that a believer sometimes stumbles and falls away yet God still loves him.  Each one of us is important to God.  Each one of us is personally and individually cared for.  He truly loves us and is not willing for any to perish.  When we stumble or lose our way, He is there to find us and bring us back.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16.

If Jesus cares for everyone of His sheep and will even search after those who have gone astray, then how could we even think about looking down on or despising any believer?

What causes you to stumble?

What have you done that caused others to stumble?

Principle:  God judges those who causes another to stumble.

Matthew 18:15-35 - True Forgiveness

In this section Jesus is talking about church discipline.  He teaches what to do if a brother or believer sins against you.  The normal thing to do is to ignore the problem hoping it will go away, hold a grudge, or complain to others.  Complaining or holding a grudge is not true love and can cause division in the church.  Jesus said we are to first go to him and show him his fault.  If he doesn't listen then we are go to him again taking one or two others with us.  If he still will not listen, then we are to take him before the church meaning a group of Christians.  If he still refuses to listen, then we are to treat him as a pagan.  By doing these things we are showing love and concern for him and have a desire for him to repent.  We want him to be restored in fellowship with other believers.  Gal. 6:2 says we are to "carry each other's burdens".

"I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I will them." - Matt. 18:19. Jesus is borrowing language from this Old Testament passage in Deut. 19 where it says that two or three witnesses must agree in order to bring a legally binding charge against someone.  God is the authority and when we come together, He is there to guide and direct us in our decisions.  He doesn’t mean that He is not with us when we pray alone.  He listens to our prayers whether we are alone or not.  I think this is a promise to the disciples and to us for the days to come after He is resurrected and returns to heaven.  He is reassuring the disciples that He will be among them in some way even though He is not physically there.

Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone.  Jesus said "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." - Matt. 18:22.  In other words we are to continually forgive no matter how many times it takes.  There is no limit of how many times we should forgive. 

Jesus told the story of how a master forgave his servant for a large debt he owed.  The servant then had an opportunity to forgive one of his servants for a small debt, but did not.  He had him put into prison and tortured for his debt.  "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from our heart." - Matt. 18:35.  This symbolizes Hell for us, if we do not forgive.  If we forgive others, then God will forgive us.  We should remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Eph. 6:32.

Just think if we lived by these truths in our home, church, school, and workplace.  There would be less arguing and fights and no bullies in school.  Our home and our workplace would be less stressful and a happier place to live and work.

Principle: Godly humility forgives others because God has forgiven us.

How can you forgive someone when you don't feel like it?

How many times are you willing to forgive someone?

Tell God how grateful you are for His forgiveness.  Here are some words you might use.

Father God,

Thank you for your eternal forgiveness and your loving grace even though I don't deserve it.  When I stumble or lose my way, you seek me out and bring me back.  Help me to be more loving, compassionate, and forgiving to others as you have to me.  I am forever grateful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Join me here next week as we continue our study of Matthew -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

______________________________________________________

 

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.

Resources:

The Holy Bible – New International Version
BibleRef.com
My research and my insights are from BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)
Visit https: www.bstinternational.org for a class near you.

Monday, February 7, 2022

Matthew 17 – Lesson 18


Matthew 17: 1-13 – Jesus' Transfiguration

Matthew and Mark say after 6 days Jesus went up a high mountain to pray, but Luke 9:28 says after 8 days.  This is based on a Greek way of speaking meaning "about a week".  He took Peter, James and James’ brother John with Him.  While on the mountain praying, he was transfigured before their eyes.  Transfigured means changed of the innermost nature that may be outwardly visible.  His face was as bright as the sun and his clothes became white as the light. Mark 9 says His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.  Luke 9 says His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.  Then two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor talking with Jesus. 

What was the purpose of the transfiguration?  It was to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah.  Jesus was transfigured to benefit both Himself and His disciples.  His earthly ministry was coming to a close.  It was an encouragement to Jesus for He was about to suffer on the cross.  It was important for the disciples to see this, because it helped them gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was.  They needed assurance and they needed to be witnesses to the people later.

Why Moses and Elijah?  Moses represented the Law and Elijah the Prophets.  Moses lived some 1400 years before and Elijah lived 900 years before - yet here they were alive and in a resurrected glorified state.  The disciples had great respect for them.  "For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.  Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'" - Acts 3:22-23.  They had a lot in common with Jesus:  they both fasted forty days and nights, they did miracles, they were leaders of the people of Israel, they preached the Word of God, they were suffering servants, and many did not accept their message.  Moses and Elijah talked with God on a mountain and wrote down God's words. 

What was the significance of Moses and Elijah’s appearance?  In these two the Law and the Prophets honored Christ.  They were witnesses to who Jesus was.  They talked about Jesus' upcoming crucifixion and His resurrection that would follow.  The Law showed the need for a Messiah and the Prophets taught about the coming of the glorious Messiah who is now before the disciples.  It showed that those who fall asleep in Christ will not perish, but are alive.  1 Cor. 15 - says we will get resurrected bodies when Jesus comes again.

Peter suggested they erect shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.  But while Peter was still speaking, God interrupted him.  Peter was rebuked by a voice from the cloud of God's glory, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.  Listen to him!" - Matt. 17:5.  Jesus is God's son and deserved special attention so they needed to hear Him!  Peter was making them equal to Jesus, but Jesus was above them.  Peter was probably excited and spoke before thinking.  Mark and Luke say he didn't know what he was saying.  This was the same thing spoken by God at Jesus' baptism. (Matt. 3:17).

Do you listen to Jesus when He speaks to you and do what He says?

Do you put Him above all others?

When the disciples heard the voice of God, they fell face down and were terrified.  Jesus touched them and told them, "Get up.  Don't be afraid". - Matt. 17:7.  When they looked up, only Jesus was there.  Through the witnessing of the transfiguration and the hearing God’s voice came the assurance they needed that Jesus was the Messiah and would be crucified.

Jesus told the disciples to not speak of the transfiguration until after His resurrection (Matt. 17:9).  The resurrection would be His final confirmation of His ministry and glory.

Principles: 

When God speaks, we should listen.
Jesus comforts and encourages us when we are afraid.

Matthew 17:14-23 – Jesus Heals a Boy

A man approached Jesus and knelt humbly before Him asking Him to heal his son who suffered from seizures.  He had previously brought his son to the disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.  Remember Jesus had given them authority to cast out demons in Matthew 10:8.  This time they could not.  Some demons are stronger and more stubborn than others.  This failure was probably good for the disciples.  It taught them the superiority of Jesus and to come to Him with problems.  It taught them to be humble and to depend on Him.

Jesus seemed to be frustrated with them.  The cross was getting nearer and they didn't have enough faith.  Jesus said, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you?  How long shall I put up with you?  Bring the boy to me.  Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment." - Matt. 17:17-18.  The disciples asked Jesus why they couldn't have driven the demon out.  Jesus replied, "Because you have so little faith.  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here and there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matt. 17:20-21.  "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23. 

To be successful against demons there must be trust in God who has complete authority over the demons.  “…without faith it is impossible to please God ...”Heb. 11:6.  Unbelief increases Satan's dominion and power.  Unbelief means defeat.

What is the difference between little faith that Jesus condemned and the small faith that He blessed?  Little faith means there is fear and doubt.  It is failing to thrive.  Small faith means you believe and trust God.  It is just beginning to grow, but has potential.  As you grow in your walk with God, your faith grows larger.  As you study His Word and deepen your relationship with Him, your faith keeps growing and growing.

How do you make your faith stronger? – Sometime our faith becomes stronger through God's mercy in difficult situations.  Sometimes it comes through more fervent prayer, or through the study of His Word.  It involves trust and dependence upon God.

When you doubt, do you ask God to help you in your unbelief?

Do you truly believe that God can do the impossible?

Principles: 

Jesus wants us to go to Him with our problems.
Nothing is impossible for God.

Jesus then told His disciples that the Son of Man is going to be betrayed and killed, but will rise on the third day.  The disciples were filled with grief.  Mark 9:32 says they did not understand but were afraid to ask.

Are you afraid to tell God you don’t understand something?

Do you ask for His help to understand?

Matthew 17:24-27 - The Temple Tax

Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum.  The temple tax collectors asked Peter if his master paid the temple tax.  The temple tax was an annual tax paid by all males for the needs of the temple.  Jesus was actually the owner of the temple and the priest who served God really served Him so it really was unnecessary for Him to pay taxes.  Jesus wanted to avoid unnecessary cause for misunderstandings that might turn people away from the gospel so He surrendered His rights for the sake of the Gospel.  Then as to not offend them, Jesus told Peter to catch a fish in the lake and he would find in its mouth a coin.  He was to take the coin and give it to them to pay the tax.

What lessons do we learn here?   

We learn that we should sacrifice our own privileges for the sake of the gospel. 
We learn that God always provides as we have learned in all of the studies of Matthew.   
We learn the payment was a foreshadowing of the work of redemption for all men.  
We learn that Jesus did not actually owe the price He paid for us on the cross, but He paid it anyway.  He paid it for Peter and for you.

Do you sacrifice your own privileges for the sake of the gospel?

Principle:  Jesus paid the price for our sins even though it wasn't His to pay.

Join me here next week as we continue our study of Matthew -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

______________________________________________________

 

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.

Resources:

The Holy Bible – New International Version
Enduringword.com
Easyenglish.bible
My research and my insights are from BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)
Visit https: www.bstinternational.org for a class near you.