Luke 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 4:22-30 – From Approval to Rage

Luke 4:22-30 – From Approval to Rage

LK4:22 Afterward everyone spoke well of Jesus, as they were amazed at the gracefulness of the words[1] coming out of his mouth. They were all saying: “Is this not Joseph’s son?” LK4:23 So Jesus responded to them: “Without a doubt you will tell me about the parable: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’[2] And you will tell me: ‘Everything we heard you do in Capernaum do here also in your own hometown.’”[3] LK4:24 But, then Jesus said: “I tell you this truth: no prophet is welcome in his own hometown. LK4:25 Really, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah – when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, causing a great famine throughout the land – LK4:26 and Elijah was not sent to one of these widows except to that widow in Zarephath of Sidon. [1 Kings 17:9] LK4:27 Also, there were many lepers in Israel during Elisha the prophet’s time, and not one of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” [2 Kings 5:14] LK4:28 As a result all of those in the synagogue were filled with rage[4] when they heard these things. LK4:29 So they rose up and drove Jesus outside of the town to a hilltop where the village had been built intent on throwing him off. LK4:30 But Jesus went right through the middle of them and walked away.

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[1] The gracefulness of the words: Or, NEB: words of such grace; TCN: beautiful words. We must assume Christ said more than what is recorded in Luke, for such a brief reading and comment are not likely enough to arouse such a response.

[2] Physician, heal yourself: Only doctor Luke includes this proverb.

[3] Do here also in your own hometown: They are trying to direct Jesus to perform miracles in Nazareth as he did elsewhere. They want a show. The Nazarene is aware of their motives.

[4] As a result all of those in the synagogue were filled with rage: Or, filled with wrath, infuriated, enraged. Jesus has pointed out that in the cases of Elijah and Elisha only non-Jews experienced the prophets’ miracles. The intimation irritates those in Jesus’ hometown.

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Preceding

Luke 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 4:1-13 – Tempted by the Devil

Luke 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 4:14-15 – Good Reports as Jesus Taught

Luke 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 4:16-21 – In His Hometown Synagogue

Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #2

 

 

“10 And when He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the multitudes were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”” (Mt 21:10-11 NAS)

“These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.” (Joh 12:16 NAS)

“And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”” (Lu 5:21 NAS)

“And those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”” (Lu 7:49 NAS)

“And Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.” (Lu 9:9 NAS)

“and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”” (Lu 20:2 NAS)

“The Jews therefore answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, seeing that You do these things?”” (Joh 2:18 NAS)

“And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,” (Ac 9:5 NAS)

“13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”” (Mt 16:13-14 NAS)

“15  “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. 16 “This is according to all that you asked of the LORD your God in Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ’Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, let me not see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’ 17 “And the LORD said to me, ’They have spoken well. 18 ’I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 ’And it shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him.” (De 18:15-19 NAS)

“And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited His people!”” (Lu 7:16 NAS)

“Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, “This certainly is the Prophet.”” (Joh 7:40 NAS)

“They *said therefore to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.”” (Joh 9:17 NAS)

“22 “Moses said, ’THE LORD GOD SHALL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED in everything He says to you. 23 ’And it shall be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’” (Ac 3:22-23 NAS)

“”This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ’GOD SHALL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN.’” (Ac 7:37 NAS)

“and came and resided in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”” (Mt 2:23 NAS)

“45 Philip *found Nathanael and *said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael *said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip *said to him, “Come and see.”” (Joh 1:45-46 NAS)

“When therefore the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world.”” (Joh 6:14 NAS)

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In the 16th chapter of Matthew’s gospel the writer told about the time when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi and there he asked his disciples, saying,

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

In our previous postings you could see that there where different opinions about this Nazarene master teacher.

“Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”” (Mt 16:13-14 WEB)

In the ancient Hebrew Scriptures was already told that Jehovah as the God of gods would raise up to the people a prophet from the midst of them to whom they had to listen to. It was God Who would raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, and would put His words in his mouth. People remembered what Moses had said to the fathers, that the Most High  God was going to raise up a prophet for the like Moses. When Jesus walked around and taught, he said to the people that he was not just saying his words, but the words his heavenly Father had demanded to bring to the world. He did like it was written

and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. 19 It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” (De 18:15-19 WEB)

Jesus told the people he came to declare the heavenly Father and show His Works. At several occasions people could see the wonderful things he could do. Also when they heard him speaking they became convinced that

“This is truly the prophet.”” (Joh 7:40 WEB)

Remembering the warnings from Moses that people had to listen to that coming prophet in all things whatever he was going to say to them, they got afraid because it was fore-said that

It will be, that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ {#De 18:15,18-19 } (Ac 3:22-23 WEB)

So

“Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!”” (Lu 7:16 WEB)

When Jesus had opened the eyes of a blind man he also had claimed to have seen a prophet. (John 9:17) They knew that speaker and miracle-worker came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets:

“He will be called a Nazarene.”” (Mt 2:23 WEB)

Remember also how Philip found Nathanael, and said to him,

“We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (Joh 1:45 WEB)

The many signs which Jesus did made people also to say that this man truly had to be the prophet who comes into the world according to the Scriptures. (John 6:14). The actions and remarks that Jesus gave were not well received by the Pharisees and the scribes who began to reason, saying,

“Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”” (Lu 5:21 WEB)

like others who also questioned

“Who is this who even forgives sins?”” (Lu 7:49 WEB)

Today we also find many who say Jesus has to be God because he forgave sins. They do not understand that Jesus was given authority by God to do that and to act and speak in His name. Jesus also asked his followers to forgive those who would have done some wrong to them. For those who say only God can forgive faults or sins, they either say parents can not forgive their children’s wrong doings and priests can not forgive sins (though in several churches people go into the confession box?!?). Jesus told those around him that he did not do those things from himself but that it was God Who gave him this authority.

In Matthew 21:1–23:39 we find the Messiah who asserts also his authority over Jerusalem. Jesus’ authority over Jerusalem is namely revealed in his triumphal entry (21:1–11), actions in the temple (21:12–17), cursing the fig tree (21:18–22), debates with religious leaders (21:23–22:46), and woes pronounced on the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (23:1–39).

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:1–2), he is acclaimed as the Messiah; but he enters humbly, riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:1–11). He never claimed to be a god (= a high person) and most of all never claimed to be God (the Most High God of Abraham Who he took to be also his God and his heavenly Father). For Jesus it was clear he had to follow the orders of his heavenly Father, the God of Israel,being authorised by Him, Jesus could become the sovereign orchestrator of these events we see unfolding in the city which has to become the capital of the Kingdom.

Coming nearer to a close of the public life of Jesus, with all what happened and being described by Jesus disciple Matthew, we should come to see a full “Portrait of Jesus”. Jesus being the one who is declared by the heavenly Father, the Only One True God, to be His son. He is the true Messiah, Immanuel (one close to God or bringing God with us), son of man but also son of God, King of Israel, and Lord or Master of the church (the Body of Christ). (Matthew 1:1, 23; 2:2; 14:33; 16:16; 18:20; 21:5–9). As God planned it all Jesus made his entrance in “his city” whilst he was being praised and recognised as the “son of David“.

9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Elohim! Hosanna in the highest!”

Some people doubt that the people over-there would have recognised Jesus as the prophet Moses spoke about. Though they gave the impression to see in Jesus a man being sent by, or coming in the Name of the Most High Elohim.

After all the previous things said about Jesus by his disciple Matthew do you came to see who Jesus really is?

Do you come to believe what God Himself said about that man in the river Jordan and on Mount Hermon? That Jesus is His only begotten beloved son. Or do you still think Jesus is God, Who must have come to the earth to do if he was tempted (because God can not be tempted) and to pretend His death (because as an eternal or immortal Spirit Being God can not die)?

How do you react to Jesus’ authority? Do you believe his words? Or do you prefer to follow the words of the people of this world, who for example do not take him as the son of God but worship him as god the son? Or are you merely a detached observer amazed at some aspect of him, not knowing exactly what to think of him?
Do you reject his authority and plead with him in some way to be gone and let you live life on your terms and without his interruption? Or do you think he is the one who you need to plead or pray at?

Do you recognize Jesus’ authority as the sent one from God, or do you oppose him?

Or are you like the disciples, who lived some part of their life with Jesus and came to accept him for what he really is? Or are you like the Pharisees and do not accept the Source of Jesus authority? Do you think Jesus himself is God and then also the Source of his authority, or do you accept that Jesus is a son of man and the son of God, having received authority from that God to whom Jesus also prayed?

You should know, in Christianity, there are lots of people who trust God and believe that He has given the world a son of man for bringing salvation. Those believers in God echo also the words of Peter.

“13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. 19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.” (Mt 16:13-20 NAS)

Also there at that occasion it was the Holy Pneuma Who revealed it to this man, to recognise Jesus as “the Christ and the son of the Living God”. We should believe that saying. We should accept that Jesus is the Christ or Messiah, the Son of the living God. This given “son” came not to be a hero or for liberating the Jews from the Romans. He wanted to fulfil God’s Plan an by offering himself wanted to save his people and deliver them. Offering himself as a Lamb for God, he was impaled and put in a grave. After having died as a sacrifice for sins, he was taken out of the dead by his heavenly Father. Jesus’ resurrection on the third day authenticated who he was and his life, death, and resurrection give hope to all who recognize him and trust in his name. Those who take Jesus as God, still have no proof that man can step out of death. But we as believers in the son of God may live by that precious hope of salvation and resurrection, because the man of flesh and blood, Jesus Christ really stood up from the dead.

Those believing in Jesus shall be able to find peace in their hearts and be at ease.

“”Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28 NAS)

Our heart should not be troubled when we believe in Jehovah God and in His sent one Jeshua or Jesus Christ, the Messiah. When you read the bible regularly and take the words like they are written (forgetting all those false human doctrines) you might know that Jesus is the one who you also may trust. By his and his Father’s Words you shall be able to hear the word of truth, the gospel of your saving health; in whom also after you believed, you shall be sealed with that Holy Spirit of the promise.

“1  “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (Joh 14:1-3 NAS)

“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation  — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,” (Eph 1:13 NAS)

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Preceding

More than just a man with authority of speaking

Authority from the One God to one mediator between God and men

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #5 Matthew 7:28-29 – The Crowd’s Reaction

Matthew 9:1-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Messiah Forgives Sins and Heals Paralytic

Matthew 9:32-34 – How others look at the blind, speechless and demoniac being healed

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

Matthew 21:1-3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Ahead for a Donkey

Matthew 21:4-5 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Your King Is Coming upon a Donkey

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

Matthew 21:10-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Who Is This?

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

God’s Face shining on His servant

Multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

Vox populi anything but Vox Dei

Demanding signs or denying yourself

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Additional reading

1. Truth, doubt or blindness
2. Torah hanging on two commandments and focussing on a Mashiach
3. The true light in recorded words
4. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #5 Temptation, assault and curse
5. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #7 Promise and solution
6. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #8 Looking for the 2nd Adam
7. Which man is mentioned most often in the Bible? Jesus, Moses, Abraham or David?
8. A rebellious movement founded on a fake?
9. Fog, brass and light for the eyes
10. Blindness in the Christian world
11. Who do you say Jesus is
12. The sent one from God
13. Jesus, A way given to find the right way to God
14. The stone of essential truth
15. Knowledge of Christ and fear for God
16. A birthday passed nearly unnoticed
17. In a few days time it will be 2020 years ago that the Messiah was born
18. 2020 years ago, the road was opened
19. 2020 years since
20. To turn the world into a “vessel” receptive of God
21. The saviour Jesus his human side
22. Sayings of Jesus, what to believe and being or not of the devil
23. The Right One to follow and to worship
24. For those who believe Jesus is God
25. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #1
26. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #2
27. Americans really thinking the Messiah Christ had an English name
28. Americans their stars, pretension, God, Allah and end of times signs #2 War on God’s Plan, Name and title
29. That everyone may honour the Son and sent one from God
30. Thought for Wednesday Believe in the one God has sent
31. Jesus Messiah
32. Jesus begotten Son of God #10 Coming down spirit or flesh seed of Eve
33. Jesus begotten Son of God #14 Beloved Preminent Son and Mediator originating in Mary
34. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #14 Prayer #12 The other name
35. Concerning Christ #1 A god or the God, a son of man and son of God
36. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
37. Entrance of a king to question our position #1 Coming in the Name of the Lord
38. Entrance of a king to question our position #2 Who do we want to see and to be
39. Infinite payment of sin by the son of God
40. Believing what Jesus says
41. The Call of Christ
42. Following a Person or a Belief
43. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
44. Purification and perfection
45. Proof of the resurrection of Christ
46. The resurrected Lord
47. From nothingness to a growing group of followers of Jeshua 5 What’s in a name
48. Not being saved by faith in Christ alone
49. Memorizing wonderfully 42 Equality with God & doing nothing of himself
50. Memorizing wonderfully 44 Showing the works from his Father
51. Memorizing wonderfully 46 Believe in the sent one from God, who is the Way to God
52. Memorizing wonderfully 49 John 17:1-11 The sent one from God and eternal life
53. Memorizing wonderfully 52 Acts 7:56: the Son of man standing on the right hand of God
54. Memorizing wonderfully 70: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God
55. Doubting and going astray
56. Background of Faith
57. Today’s thought “The eyes of man are never satisfied” (April 17)
58. Trinitarians making their proof for existence of God look ridiculous #7

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Further reading

1. A Brief introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
2. Mt 21.1-11 Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king
3. Luke – Chapter 20
4. By what authority?
5. Amazed by Authority
6. Mt 21.23-27 The authority of Jesus questioned
7. “The authority of Jesus” by Thomas Schreiner
8. Jesus’ authority on earth (Matthew 9:2-8)
9. Do you recognize the king’s authority? (Matthew 9:32-34)
10. How does Jesus become king? (Matthew 13:53-58)
11. Just a word
12. Question of Jesus’ Authority
13. Words of Life ~ Author(ity)
14. That Was Stupid 9-30-18
15. A King & a Kingdom
16. Rethinking the great commission
17. Your Sins Are Forgiven
18. Gospel Movie Clip (4) – Is the Pardoning of Our Sins Really a Ticket to the Kingdom of Heaven?
19. Who Is Jesus? (by Shaped by the word)
20. Who is Jesus? (by Facts are best)

Matthew 13:34-35 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Manner of Teaching Foretold

Matthew 13:34-35 – A Manner of Teaching Foretold

|| Mark 4:33, 34

MT13:34 All these matters Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke nothing to them without a parable. MT13:35 This was so that what was spoken by the prophet[1] might be fulfilled: “I shall open my mouth in parables. I shall utter things hidden[2] from [the] founding.”[3] [Psalm 78:2]

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[1] Spoken by the prophet: The quotation is from Psalm 78:2. This was a psalm by Asaph and speaks of the lessons of Israelite history. Here Matthew uses the word “prophet” in its wider meaning. Probably unknown to himself this verse by Asaph turned out to be prophetic.

[2] Things hidden: The Greek is KE-KRYMMENA. Or, KJV: kept secret; RHM: things hidden; WMS: truths concealed. Compare Ephesians 3:9; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 2:7.

[3] Founding: The Greek is KATA(=down)-BOLES(=seed) and refers to casting down seed or sperm. Others render this: RHM: the foundation; KNX: beginning of the world; WMS: since creation. The reference could be limited to the beginning of Israel’s history to be consistent with the psalm’s subject. The word is consistently rendered “foundation” in the KJV. Jesus’ translators uses it again at Matthew 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24. Paul uses it at Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:8; 9:26; 11:11. Peter at 1 Peter 1:20. It occurs twice in Revelation (Revelation 13:8; 17:8).

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Preceding

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 13:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable: the Soil and the Seed

Matthew 13:10-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Why Speak in Parables?

Matthew 13:16-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Happy Eyes and Ears

Matthew 13:18-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Seed and Soil

Matthew 13:24-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Field and the Harvest

Matthew 13:31-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:33 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Fermented Whole

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Related

1. Bible Study Notes on Matthew 13:24-58 – 20180112
2. Myth or Real?
3. Message July 30
4. From mystery to Truth

Matthew 11:7-15 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 3 John the Baptist and the Kingdom Goal

Matthew 11:7-15 – John the Baptist and the Kingdom Goal

|| Luke 7:24-28

MT11:7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus started to tell the crowds regarding John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?[1] A breeze rattling some willows?[2] MT11:8 But, what did you go to see? A human dressed in soft clothes? Look! Those who wear soft clothes[3] are in royal houses. MT11:9 But, why did you come out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.[4] MT11:10 This person is the one about whom it has been written,[5] ‘Look! I am sending forth My messenger[6] before your person. He will prepare your way ahead of you.’ [Isaiah 40:3] MT11:11 I tell you this truth: None generated by women have been raised up who are greater than[7] John the Baptist. But, a lesser person[8] in the Realm of the Heavens[9] is greater than John. MT11:12 From the days of John the Baptist right up until now the Realm of the Heavens is being zealously pursued[10] and those in energetic pursuit are grabbing for it. MT11:13 For the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.[11] MT11:14 And, if you wish to accept it – John is Elijah,[12] the one who was to come. MT11:15 Let the person with ears listen.”[13]

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St John the Baptist by Titian, Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice.

[1] What did you go out into the wilderness to see: We have learned earlier that all Judea went out into the desert to see this strange prophet who dressed primitively and eat honey and locusts.

[2] A breeze rattling some willows: Possibly a bit of sarcasm? Others render this phrase: KJV: a reed shaken with the wind; RIEU: a reed swaying in the wind; NEB: a reed-bed swept by the wind. As a metaphor John the Baptist could not be characterized like a reed-willow easily blown about (Ephesians 4:14). Rather, he was stalwart and firm – even dogmatic.

[3] Soft clothes: John was dressed roughly in harsh clothing. His clothes and manner must have attracted inquisitive crowds wondering about this strange man. The phrase is rendered by others: WMS: silks and satins; NJB: fine clothes.

[4] More than a prophet: The Bible is fill with “prophets” of the two types: the one foretelling events and the one declaring God’s righteous will. The word “prophet” occurs over 500 times in the Bible. Jesus makes clear the Baptist is more than just a prophet and he now explains what he means. The idea of saying that someone is more or greater than another is something Jesus uses several times. Compare Matthew 12:41, 42; Luke 11:31, 32.

[5] It has been written: Jesus quotes Isaiah 40:3.

[6] My messenger: Literally the Greek is “my angel.”

[7] Who are greater than: John the Baptist is at least equal to Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, or Elijah.

[8] A lesser person: The Greek is MICROTEROS and is rendered: KJV: least; ASV: little; PME: humble.

[9] In the Realm of the Heavens: It is possible this phrase is limited to that Realm of Profession, or the territory or domain over which Lord Messiah reigns – his congregation of disciples. In other words: the most humble member of the Christian Church is greater than John the Baptist and therefore greater than all the ancient worshippers of God. See notes in Matthew chapter 13 on identifying the “kingdom of the heavens.” Some also believe this to mean John the Baptist and the ancient patriarchs would not attain to heaven but would be raised in the resurrection of the righteous on earth (John 3:13; Hebrews 11:39, 40; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

[10] Zealously pursued: This is a classically difficult text. Most translators tend toward the idea that the kingdom is attacked violently and the violent seize it. However, from John the Baptist to the present of Jesus’ statement there is little evidence of persecution against the King or his realm. The Greek word here is BIAZETAI and its root meaning is “violent.” Jesus repeats the word group in the next phrase (See Acts 2:2). The word is rare in this form. However, there are two verses in Luke which might shed light on the Nazarene’s intent. Luke 13:24 literally means, ‘agonize to enter through the narrow door.’ And, the parallel in Luke to Matthew here is, ‘everyone is violently forcing [BIAZETAI] themselves into (the Kingdom of The God).’ This could mean violent men force themselves violently into the kingdom; or, it could mean the agonizing struggle to enter the realm of profession. This is the first interpretation the New Jerusalem Bible gives in its footnote “f” – “1. The praiseworthy violence, the bitter self-sacrifice, of those who would take possession of the kingdom.” Strong’s (#971, #973) offers “vital activity, energetic.” Thayer’s (page 101) says: “a share in the heavenly Kingdom is sought for with the most ardent zeal and the intense exertion… utmost eagerness.” Thus, the context and the parallel in Luke suggests the possibility that Jesus is describing the agonizing zeal his disciples have demonstrated in their pursuit of the “kingdom” – willing to make any sacrifice, willing to surrender their soul in the process.

William Barclay suggests a possibility: “‘The Kingdom of the Heaven is not for the well-meaning but for the desperate,’ that no one drifts into the Kingdom, that the Kingdom only opens it doors to those who are prepared to make as great an effort to get into it as men do when they storm a city.… Only the man who is desperately in earnest, only the man in whom the violence of devotion matches and defeats the violence of persecution will in the end enter into it.” (Matthew, Volume 2. page 8)

[11] Prophets and the Law prophesied until John: The complete phrase linking the Law and the Prophets is used by Jesus elsewhere (Matthew 5:17; 7:12; 11:13; 22:40). There is now to be a great transition. Hebrews 1:1 states that The God used to speak in a variety of ways to the prophets of old, but now speaks to us by means of a Son. With the coming of John the Baptist in the year 29 AD a new season, a new age begins to open up – a Messianic one. Grace and Truth will now come by means of Jesus the Nazarene (John 1:17).

[12] John is Elijah: Jesus explains this to his own disciples elsewhere (Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13). Compare Luke 1:17. Elijah’s name (My God is Yah) occurs 100 times in the Bible and most importantly at Malachi 4:5 where the prophet is foretold to appear before the Day of Yehowah. The end of the Jewish Temple Age is upon that generation. The name Elijah only occurs twice outside the Gospels (Romans 11:2; James 5:17). Note Elijah is missing by name in the Book of Revelation. He is alluded to at Revelation 11:5, 6.

[13] Let the person with ears listen: This becomes in Revelation a phrase identified with Jesus (Revelation 2:7). PME: the man who has ears to hear must use them.

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Preceding

Matthew 11– Intro to The Nazarene’s Commentary: Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities

Matthew 11:1 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 1 Twelve Sent out to Teach

Matthew 11:2-6 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 2 Imprisoned Baptist Encouraged

Matthew 10:40-42 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Reception and Reward

Matthew 10:40-42 – Reception and Reward

|| Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48; John 12:44, 45

MT10:40 “The person accepting you[1] [disciples] accepts me also; and the person accepting me accepts the One who sent me. MT10:41 The person accepting a prophet[2] in the name of a prophet[3] will get a prophet’s reward;[4] and anyone accepting a righteous person[5] in the name of a righteous one will get the righteous reward. MT10:42 Anyone who gives one of these little ones[6] a cup of cold water because of being [my] disciple – I tell you this truth: they will not lose their reward.”

[1] Accepting you: Or, RHM: welcome; KJV: receiveth.

[2] Prophet: The Greek word PROPHETEN means before + speak: to speak things before others; or, to speak things before they occur.

[3] In the name of a prophet: Or, TCNT: because he is a prophet; KNX: the welcome due a prophet.

[4] Reward: Or, GDSP: receive the same reward as a prophet. Jesus has in mind the acceptance or welcome due his own disciples as they go forth. The meaning may be: the hospitable person who entertains the prophet will be blessed by what the prophet has to say to the person. One is reminded of 1 Kings 18:10 and 2 Kings 4:8. There are those many cases in the Gospels where individuals invited Jesus to their home and were much rewarded by his teachings or healings. Those who demonstrate kindness and acceptance to Jesus’ disciples will rise in the Judgment with prophets and the righteous (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:12, 13).

[5] Righteous person: Righteous means to do what is right, or, obey the law – law-abiding. Or, TCNT: good man; KNX: just man; GDSP: because he is upright.

[6] Little ones: The Greek is MICRON. Or, TCNT: lowly ones; GDSP: the humblest of my disciples (Compare Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus uses “little ones” (MICRON) (Matthew 11:11; 18:6, 10, 14; Mark 9:42; Luke 7:28; 9:48; 12:32; 17:2). The phrase may indicate the humble, the young, or other insignificant disciples.

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Preceding

Matthew 10:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Twelve Given Authority

Matthew 10:1-4 – Calling of the apostles – by Calvin

Matthew 10:5-10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus’ Orders: Territory, Theme, Trust

Matthew 10:11-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Searching for the Sheep

Matthew 10:16-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Forth as Sheep among Wolves

Matthew 10:24-31 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Do Not Fear – Preach!

Matthew 10:32-39 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: I Came to Cause Division

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Related

1. Forbidden Bible Verses — Acts 10:30-33
2. Sunday, July 2: God’s Word or Someone Else’s? (Jeremiah 28:5-9; Matthew 10:40-42)
3. Welcome (a sermon on Matthew 10:40-42)
4. Matthew 10:40-42 We Are God’s Welcome Mat
5. Welcoming Jesus: Matthew 10: 40-42 A Sermon for Lectionary 13, 4th Sunday after Pentecost
6. Born Haters of God? The Calvinist’s View of Humanity is Too High!
7. Transcendent insight on the roots of Christianity – Part I
8. Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 51:1-2
9. The Little Ones: Matthew 10:40-42
10. Matthew 10:40-42
11. Sunday Matthew 10:40-42
12. A Provocation: Fourth Sunday After Pentecost: July 2, 2017: Matthew 10:40-42
13. Righteous people? (Matthew 10:40-42)
14. The solemnity of the second coming (Matthew 10:40-42)
15. Reality of Christian discipleship
16. Bible Verses about Hospitality
17. Matthew 10:40-42 – We choose welcome
18. ‘Welcoming God’ (Matthew 10:40-42)
19. Matthew 10:40-42 for Sunday, July 2, 2017
20. Empathy and Discipleship – July 2, 2017 8A – Matthew 10: 40-42
21. Acting in Hospitality (Matthew 10:40-42)
22. A Cup of Water
23. You’re Welcome (II): A New View of Christian Hospitality
24. Receiving Jesus, Being Jesus – Matthew 10:40-42 and Romans 6:12-end
25. Rewards
26. Blessed are the persecuted?

27. I believe…