Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Nigh

Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

LK2:8 Now there were shepherds[1] in the same area who were living outside keeping watch at night[2] over their flock. LK2:9 Then YHWH’s angel[3] appeared to them and YHWH’s glory[4] shone all around them and so they became frightened with a great fear. LK2:10 And the angel said to them: “Do not be frightened. For, behold, I declare to all of you a great joy for all the people. LK2:11 Because today there was born to you in David’s city a savior[5] who is Lord Messiah.[6] LK2:12 And this will be your sign – you will find an infant wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” LK2:13 Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of celestial armies[7] praising The God and saying: LK2:14 “Glory to God in the heights, and on earth peace among men of goodwill!”[8]

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[1] Shepherds: Though Luke compiled his Gospel thirty years later it is still possible he was able to interview one or more of these shepherds. Certainly he could get facts from their children who would have been told the story.

[2] Living outside keeping watch at night: Suggesting it was not yet winter and was mild enough in the fall to sleep outdoors.

[3] YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism that occurs often in the Old Testament. [Genesis 16:7; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22]

[4] YHWH’s glory: A Hebraism. [Exodus 16:7, 10; 24:16, 17; 40:34, 35]

“and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”” (Ex 16:7 NIV)

“While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked towards the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.” (Ex 16:10 NIV)

“16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.” (Ex 24:16-17 NIV)

“34 ¶ Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Ex 40:34-35 NIV)

[5] A savior: Or, deliverer. The Greek SOTER is without the article. The designation is used of God and judges of Israel. [Isaiah 19:20]

“It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a saviour and defender, and he will rescue them.” (Isa 19:20 NIV)

[6] Lord Messiah: Or, Christ, Anointed Lord, Messiah and Lord, Christ the Lord. [Daniel 9:24, 25]

“24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’, and sixty-two ‘sevens’. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.” (Da 9:24-25 NIV)

[7] A multitude of celestial armies: Or, KJV: a multitude of the heavenly host; GDS: a throng of the heavenly army; AMP: an army of the troops of heaven.

[8] Peace among men of goodwill: Or, on earth peace, good will toward men; RSV: among men with whom he is pleased; ABU: peace toward men of his good pleasure; MON: among men who please him. [Isaiah 9:6] Compare Jesus’ use of Isaiah 61:2 at Luke 4:19.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6 NIV)

“to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,” (Isa 61:2 NIV)

“to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”” (Lu 4:19 NIV)

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Preceding

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:1-7 – A Firstborn’s Birth In Bethlehem

Matthew 1:18-25 – Genesis of Jesus Christ

Matthew 22:41-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus Asks a Trump Question

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

The Climax of Matthew’s story

Mark 8:27-29 Simon Peter said Jesus is the Messiah,the Son of The Living God!

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Additional reading

1. Written to recognise the Promised One
2. Truth, doubt or blindness
3. Do not be afraid. Good news because a Saviour has been born
4. For Getting to know Jesus
5. The True Significance of Jesus’ Birth
6. The sent one from God
7. Jesus begotten Son of God #3 Messiah or Anointed one
8. Afraid to see the man of the heavens opened
9. No Other Name (But Jesus)
10. The saviour Jesus his human side
11. Today’s thought “outstretched arm of Jehovah” (February 01)
12. Memorizing wonderfully 51 Acts 2:22-38 Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
13. Called My Son Out of Egypt
14. Anointing of Christ as Prophetic Rehearsal of the Burial rites
15. Let’s Think About Redemption Differently
16. As near to God as you want Him to be
17. Reason to preach #5 Trained to do it God’s way
18. Wishing lanterns and Christmas
19. Prayer theme for December: Pray for the coming of the Prince of Peace

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Related

1. A Message of Hope from a Minor Prophet (Christmas Eve Sermon, 12/24/13)
2. Luke’s Gospel-Chapter 2-Verses 8-14
3. Sermon on Luke 2:8-14
4. A Christmas Prayer – Luke 2:8-14
5. Have I Got News For You #adventbookclub – Day 21
6. Answer
7. God Offers Peace to All
8. A Journey to Bethlehem – Joy
9. Birth of Jesus Christ: Good news
10. The Reveal
11. March 19 Gathering: Anointed
12. TLIC Family-day – 50 – February 19 – anointed – 3
13. Good Grief, It’s Christmas
14. Charlie Brown Christmas
15. Was Jesus anointed at the home of Lazarus or Simon the Leper? / Christian Theology & Apologetics
16. @egwinspirational
17. Merry Christmas
18. “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
19. What Christmas is all about
20. The Meaning of Christmas…
21. ♣ What Is THE Meaning Of Christmas?
22. Let’s start talking to each other again!
23. Remind Me Again, Linus, What Is Christmas All About?
24. The True Meaning of Christmas (in which I quote Luke the Theologian via Charles Schultz)
25. The True Meaning of Christmas Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call Their favorite time of the year Christmas
26. ☆Merry Christmas!☆
27. December 14th: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
28. The Sunday Message
29. 2012 NRA Christmas Message – Part 2
30. Christmas Devotions: Angels
31. Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men?
32. Danger in the Manger!
33. Christmas: Peace to Those on Whom His Favor Rests
34. “Behind Every Cloud…”: Gen. 9.12-15; Luke 2.8-14; Acts 1.6-9; Rev. 1.7: An Advent Sermon

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #2 A son of God and king who died

The triumphal entry of Jesus honoured as a king

All the time when the by Jesus chosen disciples followed him, they had several times doubts concerning his position and were convinced he was going to save them from the Roman oppressors. They were willing to see in Jesus that promised Massiah/Moshiach or Messiah (the anointed or christou  / kristos / Christ), but thought him to become their worldly king. Several people, over that short time he preached publicly, reckoned he would become their king after he got rid of the Romans. For that reason, many were willing to greet and call him the “King of the Jews“.

The Jews knew very well that out of the seed of Eve their king would arise, him being a descendant of King David. Jews were aware of the message the prophets and Jesus had spoken about.

“10 In this manner the children of The God and the children of the Devil are evident–every person not practicing righteousness is not from The God, nor is the person not showing compassionate affection to a fellow member. 11  Because this is the message which you heard from a beginning: we should be showing compassionate affection to one another; 12 not like Cain, who was from the Wicked One, who slaughtered his own brother. And why did he slaughter Abel? Because his own works were wicked but those of his brother righteous.” (1Jo 3:10-12 mhm)

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Ge 3:15 Webster)

For centuries, they were looking for the one who would bring an end to the curse of death, given in the Garden of Eden. Many Jews saw in Jesus the son of David and the Christ and the one coming in the name of God.

“Traveling from there two blind men followed Jesus, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”” (Mt 9:27 mhm)

“When the crowd rebuked the blind men to keep quiet they cried out even more, yelling, “Sir, have mercy on us, Son of David!”” (Mt 20:31 mhm)

“9 Some of the crowds rushed ahead of Jesus while others followed behind, all yelling, “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is the one coming in the Name of YHWH!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 10 As Jesus entered into Jerusalem the whole city was thrown into commotion, with people asking, “Who is this?” 11 But crowds were yelling, “That is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee!”” (Mt 21:9-11 mhm)

In his lifetime Jesus warned people having to come to see and accept him for whom he is. People have to know he is the one sent from God, coming in the Name of God. they should not make him into their god, but worship the same God as the One Who sent Jesus.

“However, when that appointed season arrived, The God sent forth His Son–born of a woman and born under the Law of Moses –” (Ga 4:4 mhm)

“This is how the compassionate affection of The God was manifested in us, because The God sent forth His only-begotten Son into the world-order of humanity so that we might live through him.” (1Jo 4:9 mhm)

“For I tell you: You will not see me again until indeed you say, ‘Blessed is the one coming in the Name of YHWH.’”” (Mt 23:39 mhm)

“After the master of the house has risen he closes the door, and all of you will begin to stand outside and continue to knock on the door, saying: ‘Master, open to us!’ And he will tell you: ‘I have no idea who you are!’” (Lu 13:25 mhm)

“I have come in the Name of my Father and all of you do not accept me. If someone else should come in his own name, that person you will accept.” (Joh 5:43 mhm)

“The crowd took palm tree branches and went out to meet Jesus. They were crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is the One coming in YHWH’s Name,even the King of Israel!”” (Joh 12:13 mhm)

Pontius Pilate also knew how Jeshua or Jesus was called by many. In this time when Jerusalem was overflowing with pilgrims, the governor had tried to avoid making the city a potential tinderbox for civil unrest. The Jewish religious leaders had refused to release Jesus, as part of an annual custom during Passover. Pilate harboured no suspicions that Jesus was royalty. He had Jesus flogged and his soldiers had twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe calling him “King of the Jews.”

“Leading Barabbas and Jesus together before the crowd Pilate asked them: “Who do you want me to release? Barabbas or the one called ‘Messiah’ –Jesus?”” (Mt 27:17 mhm)

“Realizing none of this accomplished anything but only aroused the mob more, Pilate took water and washed off his hands opposite the mob, telling them, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. You do as you please.”” (Mt 27:24 mhm)

“1  So then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. 2 Also, the soldiers braided a crown out of thorns and put it upon his head. They threw about him a purple robe, 3 and they kept approaching him and saying, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they kept slapping him. 4 Then Pilate went outside again and said to the Jews: “Look, I am bringing him outside, so that you people will realize that I can find not a single cause against him.” 5 So, Jesus came outside wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Then Pilate said to the Jews: “Behold, the man!” 6 Now when the chief priests and the Jewish officials saw Jesus, they cried out, saying: “Impale! Impale!” Pilate told them: “You Jews take him and you impale him! Because I cannot find any cause against him.” 7 The Jews answered Pilate: “We have a law and according to that law, he deserves to die, because he made himself a son of God!” 8 Now when Pilate heard this statement, it caused him to become fearful. 9 He entered the Praetorium again and said to Jesus: “Where are you from?” But, Jesus did not give him an answer. 10 So Pilate said to Jesus: “Do you not realize that I have authority to either release you or impale you?” 11 Jesus answered him: “You would have no authority against me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the person who handed me over to you has a greater sin.”12 For this reason Pilate continued to seek to release Jesus. But the Jews cried out, saying: “If you ever release this person you are not a friend of Caesar! Everyone making himself a king is speaking against Caesar!” 13 So, Pilate, having heard these statements, led Jesus outside, and he sat down on the judgment-seat in a place called Stone Pavement–which is ‘Gabbatha’ in Hebrew. 14 Now it was preparation of the Passover–it was the sixth hour. And so Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” 15 As a result the Jews cried out: “Away! Away! Impale him!” Pilate asked them: “Shall I impale your king?” The chief priests answered: “We have no king but Caesar!” 16  So then, Pilate handed Jesus over to them so that he might be impaled. 17 Then they took Jesus into their custody, and carrying his stake himself, he went out to the spot called Skull Place, which is ‘Golgotha’ in Hebrew. 18 There they impaled Jesus and with him two others beside him and Jesus in the middle. 19  Also, Pilate wrote a title and put it upon the stake. On it he had written: “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” 20 Now this title was read by many Jews because the place where they impaled Jesus was near the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. 21 As a result the chief priests of the Jews told Pilate: “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews’ but rather, ‘This person said, “I am King of the Jews”’!” 22 Pilate answered them: “What I have written, I have written.”” (Joh 19:1-22 mhm)

“And then they posted above his head the written charge against him: “This is Jesus–King of the Jews.”” (Mt 27:37 mhm)

“Over his head there was an inscription accusing Jesus of the charges against him: THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Mr 15:26 mhm)

“Over his head there was also an inscription, THIS ONE IS KING OF THE JEWS.” (Lu 23:38 mhm)

When the Nazarene master-teacher died at the stake, it became dark and the earth started to tremble.

“51 Now the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two from the top down. The earth was shaken and rocks were cracked open. 52 The tombs were opened and many dead bodies of ancient saints were raised and became visible. 53 And persons left the tombs and entered the holy city. 54 But the centurion and those observing Jesus, having experienced the earthquake and the other things happening, became very frightened. They said, “Surely this person was a Son of God!”” (Mt 27:51-54 mhm)

We can imagine others now could be convinced that that miracle worker was a son of God and him having a special relationship with God. But several who had publicly followed this Nazarene or man from Galilee got frightened that people would turn against them. This was also the reason why some of the female followers watched the event from some distance.

“55 There were many women present who had followed Jesus from Galilee. They had served him and they witnessed the execution from afar. 56 These included Mary the Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of John and James the sons of Zebedee.” (Mt 27:55-56 mhm)

Many afraid, not knowing what was really going on or overcoming the city fled to their homes, where they thought to be safer than on the streets where those people from the grave walked around. Also, the apostles dared not to come on the streets, afraid of being recognised as Jesus his disciples, and as such to be imprisoned and perhaps killed like their master. They became very quiet, not understanding how the man whom they thought was going to liberate them from the Romans was now death and could not come up for them any more.

It was like they could hide in the darkness of the moment. After the death of Christ and the earthquake it was as if a silence came over the town. How many times had the apostles with so many people prayed to God with their master? Now they were on their own to pray to God, wondering what had to happen now. Withdrawn to the closed space, they tried to neatly list all the past events.

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Previous articles

Matthew 21:6-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blessed the One Coming in God’s Name!

God’s Face shining on His servant

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #1

Matthew 27 – The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – Bible Students Intro

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #1 Matthew 27:1-2 – Priests Hand Jesus Over to Pilate

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #2 Matthew 27:3-10 – Judas Hangs Himself

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #3 Matthew 27:11-14 – “Are You King of the Jews?”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #4 Matthew 27:15-23 – Barabbas or Jesus?

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #5 Matthew 27:24-26 – “His Blood Come Upon Us!”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #6 Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus Afflicted by Troops

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #7 Matthew 27:32-37 – Executed at Golgotha

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #8 Matthew 27:38-44 – The Mob’s Abuse

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #9 Matthew 27:45-50 – Jesus Expires During a Darkness

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #10 Matthew 27:51-54 – Temple Curtain Torn in Earthquake

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #11 Matthew 27:55-56 – The Women Who Witness the Execution

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #12 Matthew 27:57-61 – Jesus’ Body Given to Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #13 Matthew 27:62-66 – Guards Seal the Tomb Against an Imposter

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #1 Abandonment and burial

Next

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #3 A sincere man or an imposter

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Additional reading

1. Speaking to the Heart
2. When you believe Jesus is God, do you think he died?
3. The day Jesus died
4. A Messiah to die
5. A Living Faith #7 Prayer
6. Be still and listen
7. Not everyone in the churches of Christ are “ungodly”

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Related articles

1. Why is Jesus called the “Son of God” in the Bible?
2. Spirit of Herod Still Alive Today
3. What Christians Live For: The Redemption from Jesus Christ (Journeys 58-60)
4. Mark 15:12
5. Mark 15:26
6. Jesus, King of the Jews
7. Worship The King
8. The King of the Jews
9. Behold Your King!
10. Jesus, King of the Jews
11. Mark 15: 42-47
12. Matthew 27: The Death of Jesus. The Triptych Enigma.
13. Mt 27.57-61 The Burial of Jesus
14. The Deafening Silence of Black Saturday
15. Black Saturday – Christ’s work continues
16. Holy Saturday (Artful Devotion)
17. Sepulchre of Life

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #8 Matthew 27:38-44 – The Mob’s Abuse

Matthew 27:38-44 – The Mob’s Abuse

|| Mark 15:27-32; Luke 23:35-37

MT27:38 Two thieves[1] were put on stakes at the same time with Jesus, one to his right and one to his left. MT27:39 Now those traveling passed blasphemed[2] Jesus, wagging their heads,[3] [Psalm 22:7] MT27:40 and calling out, “The person who said ‘tear the Temple down[4] and in three days’ – save yourself! If you are a son of The God come down from the stake.” MT27:41 Also, the religious hierarchy made sport of[5] Jesus. The Scribes and [Jewish] elders said: MT27:42 “He saved others… but he cannot save himself! He is ‘king of Israel’! [If] he comes down from the stake we will believe in him! MT27:43 He trusted The God![6] Let [God] rescue him if He wants! Because he said,[7] ‘I am Son of The God!’” MT27:44 From their own stakes, even the thieves were reproaching Jesus, saying the very same things.

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[1] Thieves: Or, MON: robbers; PME: bandits.

[2] Blasphemed: The Greek is E-BLASPHEMOUN. Or, KJV: reviled; NEB: hurled abuse; MOF: derision.

[3] Wagging their heads: The Greek is KINOUNTES TAS KEPHALAS. Compare the third century Jewish Greek Septuagint (LXX) at Psalm 22:7 – EKINESAN KEPHALEN, “They keep opening their mouths wide, they keep wagging their head.” Psalm 22 foretells a public execution where eyewitnesses make fun and attack the victim.

[4] Tear the Temple down: Clearly the erroneous accusation had spread widely.

[5] Made sport of: Or, MON: kept taunting him; MOF: made fun of him.

[6] He trusted The God: Compare Psalm 22:8, “He committed himself to Yehowah. Let Him provide him with escape!”

[7] Because he said: Mark 15:32 adds, “Let the Christ the King of Israel now come down.” Luke 23:39-43 adds, But one of the hung evildoers began to say abusively to him: “You are the Christ, are you not? Save yourself and us.” In reply the other rebuked him and said: “Do you not fear God at all, now that you are in the same judgment? And we, indeed, justly so, for we are receiving in full what we deserve for things we did; but this [man] did nothing out of the way.” And he went on to say: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom.” And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (NWT; compare Lamsa)

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Preceding

Death of Christ on the day of preparation

Matthew 27 – The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – Bible Students Intro

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #1 Matthew 27:1-2 – Priests Hand Jesus Over to Pilate

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #2 Matthew 27:3-10 – Judas Hangs Himself

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #3 Matthew 27:11-14 – “Are You King of the Jews?”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #4 Matthew 27:15-23 – Barabbas or Jesus?

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #5 Matthew 27:24-26 – “His Blood Come Upon Us!”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #6 Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus Afflicted by Troops

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #7 Matthew 27:32-37 – Executed at Golgotha

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Related articles

1. Answer the Question!
2. Forgiveness Beyond Comprehension
3. The Death of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:32 – 44; Mark 15:21 – 32; Luke 23:26 – 43; John 19:17 – 27)
4. Matthew 27:33-54
5. NTBDC: Matthew 27:44 How can we harmonize Matthew who says both thieves reviled Jesus while Luke says one thief reviled and the other defended Jesus?
6. June 4, 2020. Day 156: Father forgive them…Today you will be with me in paradise.
7. Jesus, remember us.
8. Psalm 22, Part 2
9. Psalm 22:7
10. Psalm 22:8
11. The ‘Good’ Criminal (Shepherd’s Echo)
12. Musings on Christianity 20
13. You Will Be with Me in Paradise
14. Prayer for Direction with Peace

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

|| Mark 13:5-8; Luke 21:8-11

MT24:4 And, Jesus answered them:[1] “Look out no one misleads you. MT24:5 For many will come using my name,[2] saying: ‘I AM THE ANOINTED!’[3] {MK13:6 Or, ‘I AM HE!’[4] LK21:8 Or, ‘THE APPOINTED TIME HAS COME!’[5] Do not follow them![6]} They will mislead many![7] MT24:6 But, you will hear of wars and reports of wars and catastrophes.[8] Do not be terrified[9] for these early occurrences are a necessity. But, the End[10] does not occur immediately. MT24:7 For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and here and there {LK21:11 pestilence and} famines and earthquakes.[11] MT24:8 But, all these things are a beginning of birth-pangs.[12]

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[1] Jesus answered them: Note the very thing Jesus mentions is a warning which would indicate his insight into their misunderstanding and the human tendency to want signs (1 Corinthians 1:22; Matthew 12:39) or to know the future (Acts 1:6). Evidently, the disciples wanted to know a precise “day and hour” for Jesus later explains he does not know this (Matthew 24:36). Perhaps the main verse on the whole subject is, ‘Look out no one misleads you,’ but sadly Jesus predicts ‘many will be mislead.’ (Matthew 24:11)

[2] Using my name: Or, using my authority; claiming I sent them. A characteristic of these deceivers is their claim that only they represent Christ. They are identified by several other features: the claim, ‘Christ is here!’ and ‘The Time is at hand!’ and ‘I (we are) am The Anointed!’ Some claim Christ’s authority because of apostolic succession, a personal appearance, or singular understanding by the Spirit’s direction. The claim ‘I am the Christ (or, Anointed)’ could be by a body or organization asserting particular channels to Christ (1 Corinthians 1:13; 12:12). In other words, they are the only group or sect that is truly Christian.

[3] THE ANOINTED: Or, the Christ; the Messiah. See the above footnote.

[4] I AM HE: A claim to actually be the Messiah or even God Himself.

[5] THE APPOINTED TIME HAS COME: Or, ‘the time is at hand.’ Anyone who claims to know more than Christ (Matthew 24:36) and predicts the exact date for the Presence (parousia) or Return of Christ is arrogant in the extreme. Jesus does not know this “appointed time” (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) nor can his disciples (Mark 13:33). At Acts 1:7 Jesus cautioned his disciples, ‘It is not for you to know times or appointed times.’ Anyone who claimed to have worked out some time chronology or prophetic “appointed times” would presume to know more than Christ and his Apostles. The hundreds of men and groups or organizations who have claimed such throughout the centuries are sadly well known. Not only might some claim Christ’s authority but they will also claim to know “the appointed time.” Others translate this: “The Time Is At Hand!” (By); “the time is near” (NIV); “the Day is upon us” (NEB) This ought to be a serious warning to any Christian teacher or group not to go around predicting such things; and, for any lay-person to refrain from taken such seriously, or fearing them as if they had authority (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

[6] Do not follow them: Could anything be clearer? The Jerusalem Bible renders this: “Do not join them.” What to “join” and what not to “join” the Nazarene makes certain: none claiming, ‘THE TIME IS AT HAND!’

[7] They will mislead many: Jesus knows the result because he knows human nature. Millions have followed various sects or charismatic preachers whose teachings are associated with the claim that ‘THE TIME IS AT HAND’ or ‘THE APPOINTED TIME IS NEAR!’ It is in the fallen egocentric nature of man to assume Christ must return while they are alive!

[8] You will hear of wars and reports of wars and catastrophes: It follows upon Jesus’ warning that the disciples are not to interpret or read into various local or world happenings as proof “the appointed time is near.” What has actually been interpreted as “signs of the last days” is in fact part of the warning not to be misled by world events. So, the very thing Jesus warned about, religious men have turned into certain “signs” and these men have multiplied throughout the centuries taking advantage of every new report of war, revolutions, catastrophes, famines, pestilence, earthquakes, or comets. Today is no different.

[9] Do not be terrified: It should be kept in mind the Nazarene is speaking to “you” (plural in Greek) which means the four disciples before him (Mark 13:3). The Apostles are not to fear any news reports, whether local or distant, as proof “the end” is near.

[10] The End: Here the translator of the Hebrew words of the Nazarene into Greek puts TO TELOS (the end) into Jesus’ mouth. SYNTELEIAS, the word used to translate possibly kalah from the disciples, is a more heightened and sophisticated word which means roughly the same thing as “the end.” SYNTELEIAS = SYN + TELOS = with + end, like saying conclusion, consummation or fulfillment. What “end” would the disciples have in mind? The desolation of the Temple and the “end” of Jerusalem. Note, Jesus never uses SYNTELEIAS in his answer, but always TELOS; and this only in the first half of the answer. When the Nazarene says “the End” here would he be referring to the “end” of the Temple? Between Jesus’ answer and the final destruction of the Temple the disciples could expect to hear of wars, disorders, famines, plagues, and earthquakes.

[11] Famines and earthquakes: War, pestilence, famines, and earthquakes are reoccurring events which always serve the purpose of the current prophet with his false prophecies pointing to his claim, ‘THE TIME IS AT HAND!’ If Jesus warns about such false prophecies how could he go on to list such things as evidence of a “sign” for any generation could be misled by such?

[12] A beginning of birth-pangs: All of these events can be understood to be part of the warning not to be misled by local or world news. It is all so general as to be meaningless if applied to a specific “sign” to precede the Return of Christ. Generations throughout the centuries have seen all of these and experienced those “prophets” who took financial advantage of the innocent among The Elect.

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Preceding

Signs of the last days when difficult times will come

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #3 Matthew 7:21-23 The ones Jesus never knew

Matthew 7:15-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #2 False prophets and fruitage

Matthew 13:47-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Dragnet

Matthew 24 about temples or Houses of God and the end of the age

Matthew 24:1-2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Desolation, Oppression and the Parousia – The Setting

Matthew 24:3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Desolation, Oppression and the Parousia – The Apostles’ Question

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Additional reading

1. Prophecies over coming days
2. Looking into the Future
3. As you see the Day approaching
4. Sign of the Times and the Last Days #2 Wars, natural disasters, famine and false Messiahs
5. Signs of the Last Days
6. The Conclusion of the System of Things

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Further, related

1. Are you faithful—or looking for a “sign”?
2. Looking for a Sign
3. Looking for a sign (Jn 2:18-2:18)
4. The Counterfeit – April 10, 2019
5. Review: Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
6. Memorable Scripture: False christs
7. Distinguish the True Christ From the False Ones-Welcome the Second Coming of Jesus (1)
8. Distinguish the True Christ From the False Ones-Welcome the Second Coming of Jesus (2)
9. How to Differentiate Between the True Christ and False Christs 4
10. False Christs and False Messiahs
11. Best Christian Video “The True Cannot Be False” | How to Discern the True Christ and False Christs (Skit)
12. Don’t Follow the Crowd to See Jesus on Earth.
13. Even the elect could be deceived: learn how not to fall for satan’s final deception
14. The Impurity Of Thought In Our Modern Society
15. Donald Trump- A Sign Of The End-Times
16. Daniel chapter 11 in Historical terms
17. Growing Up in the Last Days

Additional readings to Matthew 22:41-46

 

 

“41  While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Christ? {Or Messiah } Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. 43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, 44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ {Psalm 110:1 }45 If then David calls him ‘Lord’, how can he be his son?” 46 No-one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no-one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mt 22:41-46 NIV)

“1  Why do the nations conspire {Hebrew; Septuagint rage } and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. {Or anointed one }3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”” (Ps 2:1-3 NIV)

“Of David. A psalm. The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”” (Ps 110:1 NIV)

“34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ {Psalm 110:1 } (Ac 2:34-35 NIV)

“1  Why do the nations conspire {Hebrew; Septuagint rage } and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. {Or anointed one }3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my King {Or king } on Zion, my holy hill.”
7  I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; {Or son; also in verse 12 } today I have become your Father. {Or have begotten you } (Ps 2:1-7 NIV)

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, {Hebrew; Septuagint the blind } (Isa 61:1 NIV)

“”In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure for ever.” (Da 2:44 NIV)

“”In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.” (Da 7:13 NIV)

“After the sixty-two ‘sevens’, the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. {Or off and will have no-one; or off, but not for himself } The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.” (Da 9:26 NIV)

“24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet”. {Psalm 8:6 } Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1Co 15:24-28 NIV)

“To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? {Psalm 110:1 } (Heb 1:13 NIV)

“12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,” (Heb 10:12-13 NIV)

“who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” (1Pe 3:22 NIV)

“12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,” (Heb 10:12-13 NIV)

“I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”” (Mt 16:28 NIV)

“”Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”” (Mt 26:64 NIV)

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Preceding

Matthew 22:1-6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of Invitation to a Marriage

Matthew 22:7-10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Invitations after City’s Destruction

Matthew 22:11-13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: King’s Inspection and Marriage Garments

Matthew 22:14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Many Invited – Few Chosen

Matthew 22:15-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Caesar’s Things and God’s Things

Matthew 22:23-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sadducees Question on the Resurrection

Matthew 22:29-33 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Resurrection Proof from Moses

Matthew 22:34-40 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Which Is the Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:41-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus Asks a Trump Question

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Additional reading

1. Death
2. Memorizing wonderfully 72: Colossians 3:1: Christ seated on the right hand of God

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Related articles

1. A Promise of our King – Psalm 2
2. Ps.2 True freedom
3. Meditations:Psalm-2:1-4-“concordat of the ungodly”Psalm 2:7-9 – 7/6/19Psalm 2:10-12 – 7/14/19
4. Overcoming by Trusting God, Psalm 2:7-8
5. Seeing The Radiance Of His Glory
6. Expressing God’s Love To His Covenant People
7. Genesis to Revelation in one chapter: Psalm 110
8. The Lesser Is Blessed By The Greater
9. Psalm 110 is “The Word Of The Oath”
10. The Divine Prophetic Thread – From Melchizadek Through David To Jesus Christ
11. Jesus Christ Is Our High Priest Of The New Covenant
12. Jesus, Our Guarantee Of A Better Hope Through His Better Covenant
13. How Blessed #3
14. The Identity of the Messiah
15. Concerning Him We Have Much To Say
16. A Door of Hope, Part 1Father, Forgive Them – Part 5
17. One stop and its all done
18. The years of the right hand of the Most High: Psalm 77
19. Seated in the Heavenly Places: The Ascension of Our Lord
20. At the Right Hand of God
21. Does Jesus show His Preeminence by His exaltation to the Father’s right hand?