Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #1 Matthew 25:31-34

Matthew 25:31-46 – Judgment on the Realm of Heaven

MT25:31 “Further,[1] when the glorious Son of Humankind returns[2] with all his angels,[3] at that time he will sit down upon his glorious throne [of judgment].[4] MT25:32 He will gather together right in front of him[5] all those from the nations[6] and he will separate these persons from each other[7] just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.[8] [Ezekiel 34:17] MT25:33 He will make the sheep stand at his right-hand, but the goats at his left-hand.

MT25:34 “At that time the King will say to those on his right-hand: ‘Approach, those blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom[9] prepared for you from the world’s foundation.[10] MT25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.[11] [Isaiah 58:7] [I was] thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. MT25:36 [I was] ill-clad and you clothed me. I fell sick and you took care of me.[12] I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

MT25:37 “Then the righteous persons[13] will answer the King, asking, ‘Master, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or, thirsty, and give you drink? MT25:38 Also, when did we see you a stranger and take you in? Or, ill-clad and clothed you? MT25:39 Or, when did we see you sick, or in prison, and went to visit you?’ MT25:40 And the King will answer them: ‘I tell you this truth: Depending on how much you did to a single one of my humblest brothers, you did it to me.’[14]

MT25:41 “Then the King will also speak to those persons on his left-hand: ‘Depart from me, those who are cursed into the everlasting fire[15] prepared for the Devil and his angels! MT25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing[16] to eat. And, I got thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. MT25:43 I was a stranger and you did not take me in; ill-clad and you gave me no clothes; sick and in prison, and you did not look after me.’ MT25:44 Then [the goats] will respond: ‘Master,[17] when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or ill-clad or sick or in prison – and refused to minister to you?’ MT25:45 At this the King will tell them: ‘I tell you this truth: Depending on how much you refused to do to a single one of my humblest brothers, you refused to do it to me.’ MT25:46 And these goats will depart into an everlasting pruning;[18] but the righteous into everlasting life.”

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[1] Further: The Greek is the connective DE HOTAN. It is an elaboration on the previous parable.

[2] Returns: The Greek is ELTHE and related to the ELTHEN at Daniel 7:22. See technical notes elsewhere. It may be rendered arrive, came, return, or leave. It is the parousia which first involves judgment. In fulfillment of Daniel 7:13 the Son of Humankind ascended back to his Father (John 6:62; John 14:1, 2). In fulfillment of the angels’ promise he is to return visibly in the same manner (Acts 1:9-11).

“ Then, what if you disciples might see the Son of Humankind ascending to where he was formerly?” (Joh 6:62 mhm)

“1  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You apostles continue to believe in The God. Continue to believe in me.2 In the House of my Father are many abodes. If it were otherwise I would certainly have told you, because I am going to prepare you a place. (Joh 14:1-2 mhm)

“9 Now when Jesus had said these things–just as they were watching–he began to ascend and a cloud took him up out of their sight. 10 While Jesus was ascending–and the apostles were watching skyward–suddenly two humans in white robes stood beside them. 11 These said to the apostles: “Men of Galilee, why do you standing watching toward the sky? This same Jesus, who is departing from you into the sky, will return in the same manner as you watched him ascend into the sky.”” (Ac 1:9-11 mhm)

[3] With all his angels: We note right away that in this scene the King arrives “with his angels.” Nothing is said about his “saints” (Revelation 17:14) who are the judges of the world (1 Corinthians 6:2). This is the earliest hint that this is the parousia-judgment on the Realm of Heaven, the realm of profession of the Christian church. It is time for the King to judge his own Household (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28; 4:17; 1 Peter 4:5, 17). See how the angels do the harvesting in Matthew 13:41.

“ These 10 Kings will war with the Lamb and the Lamb will conquer them (and those with him: those called, chosen, and faithful) because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”” (Re 17:14 mhm)

“ Do you not realize the Saints will judge the whole world of humanity? And so if the whole social order of humanity is to be judged by you are you unfit to judge lesser matters?” (1Co 6:2 mhm)

“ So, do not judge anything before the season, until the Master returns. He will bring to the Light the hidden things of darkness and manifest the motives of all hearts. And, then, each person’s praise will be from The God.” (1Co 4:5 mhm)

“ For it is necessary that all of us appear in front of the judgment-seat of the Christ, so that we might receive what we deserve for those things performed by means of the body, whether these things be good or vile. (2Co 5:10 mhm)

“ And now, little children, continue to remain in him so that whenever he is made visible we might be free-spoken in his Presence and not be humiliated when in front of him.” (1Jo 2:28 mhm)

“ In this way the Love of God has been perfected with us, so that we may have freedom of speech in the Day of the Judgment. Because just as that One is, so also we are in this world-order of humanity.” (1Jo 4:17 mhm)

“ These very people will have to give an account to the One ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1Pe 4:5 mhm)

“ Because the judgment will start at the House of The God at the appointed time. Now if judgment begins first with us, what will be the end of those disobeying the Good News of The God?” (1Pe 4:17 mhm)

“ The Son of Humankind will send forth his angels and they will cull out of his Realm everything that causes scandal and those doing lawlessness.” (Mt 13:41 mhm)

[4] He will sit down upon his glorious throne [of judgment]: This is not the beginning of his rule. He is already King when he returns (Luke 19:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:19-22). The throne here is the “judgment-seat” of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is not the same “throne” of Revelation 20:12. All of thee parables are about judgment.

“11  As everyone was listening to this Jesus continued to tell them a parable because he was approaching Jerusalem and they all thought the Kingdom of The God was going to appear immediately. 12 Then Jesus said: “A certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to receive for himself a kingdom and then to return. (Lu 19:11-12 mhm)

“ Then, finally, the End, whenever he delivers up the Realm to The God and Father–whenever he has rendered ineffectual all government and all authority and power.” (1Co 15:24 mhm)

“19 and what the tremendous strength of His power is through us who believe–by means of the energy of His ruling power, 20 which He exercised in raising up Christ from the dead, seating him at His right hand in the Celestialum, 21 over and above every hierarchy and authority and power and lordship and every name named–not only in this time period but also in the New Age to come– 22 everything God subjected under the feet of Jesus and gave him headship over everything to the Church,” (Eph 1:19-22 mhm)

“ For it is necessary that all of us appear in front of the judgment-seat of the Christ, so that we might receive what we deserve for those things performed by means of the body, whether these things be good or vile. (2Co 5:10 mhm)

“ Then I saw the Dead, the great and the small, standing in sight of the white Throne. Little Books were opened and another Little Book was opened, the Book of Life. The Dead were judged out of the things written in the Little Books, according to their works.” (Re 20:12 mhm)

[5] Gather together right in front of him: The Greek is SYNACHTHESONTAI. This is done by a resurrection from the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 John 2:28; 4:17). Compare Daniel 12:2 with John 5:29. Note also 2 Thessalonians 2:1 and the related word EPISYNAGOGES. At this moment we come forward to give an account of our Christian life.

“15 For we tell all of you this according to the Master’s own promise, that we the living who are still around at the Return of the Master will not go ahead of those who have fallen asleep in death. 16 Because the Master himself will come down from the Sky with a commanding shout–with the Archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet–and the dead in union with Christ will be resurrected first.” (1Th 4:15-16 mhm)

“ However, each person in their own order: Christ a firstfruits, and thereafter those of the Christ at his Arrival.” (1Co 15:23 mhm)

“ And now, little children, continue to remain in him so that whenever he is made visible we might be free-spoken in his Presence and not be humiliated when in front of him.” (1Jo 2:28 mhm)

“ In this way the Love of God has been perfected with us, so that we may have freedom of speech in the Day of the Judgment. Because just as that One is, so also we are in this world-order of humanity.” (1Jo 4:17 mhm)

“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Da 12:2 NIV)

“ and those having done good things will come out unto a resurrection of Life. Those who have habitually done corrupt things unto a resurrection of condemnation.” (Joh 5:29 mhm)

“ Now regarding the Return of our Master Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to meet him, we plead with you, brothers,” (2Th 2:1 mhm)

[6] All those from the nations: Or, KJV: gathered before him all nations. There is a temptation by some to think of this as a gathering of Non-Jews and apply the parable to the Thousand Years or thereafter. However, it is also possible this is “Israel” out of all nations. Compare Isaiah 11:12 and Matthew 24:30, 31 with Revelation 7:9. These are the true Jews (Romans 2:28, 29) from the new Israel of God (Romans 9:6, 7; Galatians 6:16) which have lived among all nations throughout the Gospel Age (Compare also Isaiah 49:8-12 with Revelation 7:9-17).

“He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” (Isa 11:12 NIV)

“30 And then there will appear in the sky the sign of the Son of Humankind. Then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation. They will see the Son of Humankind coming on the clouds of the sky with power and much glory. 31 And the Son of Humankind will send off his angels with a great trumpet and they will gather his Chosen Ones from the four winds from one extreme of the sky to another extreme. (Mt 24:30-31 mhm)

“ After these things I saw, and, look! a Large Crowd which no one could number. Out of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. They stood in sight of the Throne and in sight of the Lamb enwrapped with white robes. There were palm branches in their hands.” (Re 7:9 mhm)

“28 For the true Jew is not manifest in the fleshly circumcision; 29 but, in the secret Jew with a spiritual “circumcision” of the heart and not in writing. His praise is not from humans but from The God.” (Ro 2:28-29 mhm)

“6  However, it is not as though the Word of The God has failed. For not all those from Israel are “Israel.” 7 Nor, because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children of Abraham, but “Your seed will be called Isaac.” (Ro 9:6-7 mhm)

“ Now all–including the Israel of The God-who walk orderly by this standard–upon them be peace and mercy.” (Ga 6:16 mhm)

“8 This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, 9 to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. 10 They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. 11 I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. 12 See, they will come from afar—some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan.”” (Isa 49:8-12 NIV)

“9 After these things I saw, and, look! a Large Crowd which no one could number. Out of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. They stood in sight of the Throne and in sight of the Lamb enwrapped with white robes. There were palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried with a great voice, saying: “Salvation belongs to our God! To the One sitting upon the Throne and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels stood to encircle the Throne. The Presbyters and the 4 Living Creatures fell upon their faces in sight of the Throne. They worshipped The God, saying: 12 “Amen! The blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power and the strength be to our God throughout all future periods of time. Amen!” 13 ¶ And one of the Presbyters answered me, saying: “These enwrapped with white robes, who are they, and where to they come from?” 14 I immediately said to him: “My lord, you must know.” The Presbyter said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the Great Oppression. They washed and whitened their robes in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Because of this blood they are in sight of the Throne of The God. In the Divine Habitat of The God they render sacred service to Him day and night. The One sitting on the Throne will tent over them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore. The sun’s heat will no longer burn them.17 Because the Lamb in the middle of the Throne will shepherd and guide them to fountains of waters of life. The God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”” (Re 7:9-17 mhm)

[7] Separate these persons from each other: Compare this same thing at Matthew 13:41, 49. This parable of the fishing dragnet deals with the SYNTELEIA Matthew 13:40, 49 which is associated with the PAROUSIA at Matthew 24:3. This would seem to confirm that the judgment here in the parable of the sheep and goats deals with the Church and not mankind in general.

“ The Son of Humankind will send forth his angels and they will cull out of his Realm everything that causes scandal and those doing lawlessness.” (Mt 13:41 mhm)

“ Just so it will be in the consummation of the Period: the angels will go forth to separate the wicked from among the righteous.” (Mt 13:49 mhm)

“ So, even as the zizania are gathered and burned in fire, thus it will be at the consummation of the Period.” (Mt 13:40 mhm)

“ Just so it will be in the consummation of the Period: the angels will go forth to separate the wicked from among the righteous.” (Mt 13:49 mhm)

[8] Sheep from the goats: Compare Ezekiel 34:17.

“”‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.” (Eze 34:17 NIV)

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Preceding

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

Making sure to be ready and to belong to the escaped ones

Matthew 24:29-35 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer Part Two – Sign 2: The Parousia. A Sign after the Great Oppression

Matthew 25:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment by the King and Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Keep on the Watch

Matthew 25:14-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Keep Busy until the Parousia

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

Matthew 22:41-46 – Jesus Asks a Trump Question

|| Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44

MT22:41 Now as the Pharisees were all together, Jesus inquired of them, asking: MT22:42 “What is your opinion about the Messiah?[1] Whose son is he?” They answered, “[Son] of David.” MT22:43 Jesus responded to them, “How then could David under inspiration call Messiah ‘Master,’ when he says,[2] MT22:44 ‘YHWH[3] said to my Master, “Sit at My right hand[4] until[5] I put your enemies beneath your feet.”’ [Psalm 110:1] MT22:45 So, if David calls Messiah ‘Master’ how can Messiah be his son?” MT22:46 And none were able to answer the question of Jesus. From that day none dare test him any longer.

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[1] Messiah: The English words Messiah and Christ mean the same thing. Messiah (the Anointed) is rooted in Hebrew, while Christ (the Christened One) in Greek. The idea of a foretold coming one who will be anointed by Yehowah is based on Psalm 2:1, Isaiah 61:1, and Daniel 9:26.

[2] David under inspiration call Messiah ‘Master,’ when he says: Jesus is to quote one of the most quotable verses in the Christian Bible: Psalm 110:1 (Acts 2:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Hebrews 1:13; 10:12, 13; 1 Peter 3:22). It is also a text Jesus often combines with Daniel 7:13 in a conflate: ‘Son of Man at the right hand of God.’ By inspiration David discerns the Messiah of Psalm 2:1 is his future “Lord” upon his resurrection from the dead. It is clear from Psalm 110:1 that Messiah (Jesus Christ) is not Yehowah. In the KJV there are two “Lords” one is in all caps.

[3] YHWH: In Psalm 110:1, both in the Hebrew Text and in the Jewish Greek Septuagint the four letters of the Tetragram, which stand for the Name of God, appear. See notes elsewhere on whether Jesus vocalized a Name the Jews were forbidden to pronounce. The fact the Jews never make an issue over this as a charge against Jesus (as in the case of the Sabbath) may indicate he followed their tradition.

[4] Sit at My right hand: We have inspired quotations of Psalm 110:1 indicating Messiah begins his rule upon his return to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:19-22). The prophet Daniel foretold this ascension to a heavenly throne would occur during the period of Roman rule (Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13). Jesus told his disciples and his religious enemies that they would live to see his enthronement at the right hand of God (see the notes on Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 26:64). For details on Psalm 2:1-7 and Psalm 110:1 research these texts in Nazarene Apocalypse and NAZARENE PRINCIPLES within Nazarene Commentary.

[5] Until: This time period stretches from the ascension of Jesus to heaven (Daniel 7:13; John 6:62) until the end of his Thousand Year reign (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 20:12-14). The view Jesus ‘waits to rule’ contradicts the above. Jesus ‘rules… waiting.’

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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 19:27-29 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: We Have Left Everything for You!

Matthew 19:27-29 – We Have Left Everything for You!

|| Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30

MT19:27 Then Peter responded to Jesus, “Look! We [apostles] have left everything behind[1] and followed you! Truthfully, what will there be for us?”[2] MT19:28 But, Jesus told them, “I tell you [apostles] this truth: In the New Genesis[3] [Job 14:14 LXX] – when the Son of Humankind is gloriously enthroned [Daniel 7:13, 14] [for the Judgment][4] – those who have followed me[5] will also sit upon twelve thrones judging[6] the twelve tribes of Israel.[7] MT19:29 Everyone who leaves behind[8] houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or fields[9] because of my name[10] will receive many times more:[11] he will inherit everlasting life.[12]

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[1] We [apostles] have left everything behind: Or, KJV: we have forsaken all; KNX: and what of us who have forsaken all; BECK: we gave up everything. We must ponder this emotional outburst by Peter as if he need assure his Master. Jesus had told the young rabbi to sell everything and give to the poor. Had Peter and the others actually done that? We know they “left” their fishing boats with family, but had they sold all? Note that after the death of Jesus the apostles have returned to their fishing business. Indeed, the Risen Lord must ask Peter what he loved most: Jesus or the fishing business (John 21:3-19). We may suspect Peter and the others had not done as Luke 12:32, 33 directed the “little flock.” However, observe that in the Book of Acts all the disciples have sold everything as Jesus directed and then distributed to the needy (Acts 2-4).

[2] Truthfully, what will there be for us: Or, KNX: what is left for us; RIEU: what shall we get by that; WEY: what then shall be our reward; PME: what is that going to be worth to us. The idea is probably: “what will be our lot?”

[3] In the New Genesis: The Greek is PALIN(=again)GENESIA(=genesis). Or, KJV: regeneration; RSV: new world; KNX: new birth; RIEU: when the world is born anew; NEB: in the world that is to be; MON New Creation; WMS: new order of life; BER: new age; AMP: birth of the world. We know the Nazarene originally spoke these words in Hebrew (Aramaic) and Matthew later translated these words into Greek. In the Jewish Greek Septuagint of the second century BC a very similar phrase is found in Job 14:14, PALIN GENOMAI. This whole verse is rendered in Bagster’s: “I will wait until I exist again.” Translations based on the Hebrew text read: KJV: till my change come; NJB: for my relief to come; ASV: till my release should come. In this same context the root for the word “resurrection” also occurs: ANASTE (“rise again”) and the root to “memorial tomb” (or, memorium) – MNEIAN (“remember me”) (Job 14:12, 13). The context is surely that of the resurrection and the after-life. Based on this the “new genesis” may refer to the resurrection in general and specifically that time when Messiah and his associate judges (1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4) judge all resurrected mankind (Revelation 20:5, 12-14; Acts 24:15). {the Lord’s people judging the world + resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked + 1000 years}

A similar phrase occurs in Peter’s writings: “Blessed be The God… who gave us a new genesis (ANA[=again]GENESAS[=genesis]) a living hope by means of the resurrection of Jesus.” (1 Peter 1:3) Judging from 1 Peter 1:23 this seems limited to that “new birth” following the justification of the saint (James 1:18; John 3:3-5).

[4] When the Son of Humankind is gloriously enthroned [for the Judgment]: This is an interpretive paraphrase. Similar language occurs in Matthew 25:31 but there the King comes with his angels (and without his Saints), for this is the parousia-Judgment. Compare Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17. We feel this phrase has a prophetic context related to the Thousand Years or thereafter (Revelation 20:4-6, 12-14; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Acts 17:31; Luke 22:30).

[5] Those who have followed me: Read and prayerfully meditate upon 1 Peter 2:21 and Revelation 14:4.

[6] Sit upon twelve thrones judging: Though there are more than twelve judges (1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4) the Nazarene here concentrates on his “little flock” – his apostles (Luke 12:32). Note the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:12-14. There can be no question the original “twelve” (including Matthias) hold a paramount position in the Father’s Kingdom.

[7] Twelve tribes of Israel: We feel this refers to the many millions of Israelites and Jews during: a) the Thousand Year judgment (Isaiah 65:17-23); and, b) the last judgment at the general resurrection of all humankind (Acts 17:31; 24:15; Isaiah 26:19 LXX; Revelation 20:5, 12-14; compare Romans 2:12-16; Hebrews 6:2; 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

[8] Everyone who leaves behind: Or, KJV: every one that hath forsaken; ASV: hath left. Jesus exemplified this and his apostles thereafter. Compare also Paul’s example (Philippians 3:8, 13).

[9] Houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or fields: Mark 10:29 adds, “… houses… for the sake of the good news.” Luke 18:29 adds, “… wife…” Luke 18:30 adds, “… get many times more in this period of time.”

[10] Because of my name: We note this is the name of Jesus and not his Father, Yehowah.

[11] Will receive many times more: Or, KJV: receive an hundredfold; RIEU: shall be many times repaid; BER: shall be refunded a hundred times.

[12] Everlasting life: See notes else where on the phrase ageless life or everlasting life.

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Preceding

Matthew 19:1-2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: From Galilee to Judah

Matthew 19:3-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grounds for Divorce

Matthew 19:3-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grounds for Divorce – additional verses

Matthew 19:10-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Celibacy

Matthew 19:13-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Kingdom Belongs to Child-lik

Matthew 19:16-24 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Difficulty of Rich Entering the Kingdom

Matthew 19:25-26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Who Can be Saved

Matthew 7:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #1 The Narrow Gate and the way to destruction

Matthew 7:13-23 – The True Disciple

1 The way to destruction and a Narrow gate on the Way leading to Life

MT7:13 “Enter[1] by the Narrow Gate.[2] For the way to destruction is broad and roomy[3] and many are those entering by it.[4] MT7:14 For, narrow the Gate and cramped the Way leading to Life[5] and few are those finding it.[6]

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[1] Enter: The person described in the conclusion who ‘hears and does the teachings’ of the Nazarene as found in this sermon, is obviously a true or real disciple. The principles already laid out by the Nazarene may appear daunting to his audience, for it asks each one who will follow to go far beyond the Torah. It asks the would-be disciple to go beyond the letter to the spirit of the Law.

What is expected of the Nazarene disciple? Though this sermon does not dwell on doctrinal points of the Christ, it does allude to or infer several. These are called The Seven Principles and are outlined in the Lord’s Prayer. So, the Friend of the Nazarene would have to accept these primary points. The main thrust of the Mountain Teachings is ‘love your neighbor.’ The Nazarene Saint will have to become a New Person in dealings with neighbors: unselfish selflessness motivated by an interest which seeks the highest good of neighbor will characterize the ‘true disciple’ (For details see the book Nazarene Principles©).

English: Islamic Jesus (Isa) miniature of Sermon on the Mount Deutsch: Altpersische Miniatur mit Jesus (a.) bei der Bergpredigt. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

[2] Narrow Gate: A gate may lead into a city or a home (Jeremiah 37:13; Acts 12:13, 14). The entrance to the Household of Faith is narrow and restrictive. The gate is the first element to enter such a Household. We might view these teachings of the Nazarene in his Mountain Teachings as part and parcel of this “gate” with its belief system and restrictive requirements, even demands, on that person who would desire ‘to follow the Lamb no matter where he goes.’ (Revelation 14:5) Though possessed of lofty requirements it is really the ideal of the New Person with the Transformed Mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:13, 15, 23, 24). The Nazarene is only asking that you be a decent and well-mannered human being. Even when an agnostic evolutionist is asked about the ideal person, a description of Christ (or that person of Jesus’ sermon) is forthcoming. Note Luke 13:24 and the effort needed to get through the ‘narrow door.’ In Luke the ‘narrow door’ is in response to a question whether only a few are being saved. To this Jesus’ exhorts, ‘Strain every nerve’ (GDSP); or, ‘agonize the agony,’ if the literal Greek is favored. The “gate” seems to be that of the “sheepfold” and not a subject about the salvation of all humanity (John chapter 10).

[3] The way to destruction is broad and roomy: “Destruction” is often associated with Sheol or the grave in the Hebrew Bible (Job 26:6; 28:22; Proverbs 15:11; 27:20). It is that place all persons will enter with the possibility of escaping at the end of the 1,000 years (Revelation 2:13-15; Job 14:12-15). Those who enter the gate of the sheepfold or household of faith accept the ‘heavenly calling’ (Hebrews 3:1) and are transformed from death to life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:1).

The way to Destruction is “broad and spacious” because it allows for a wide diversity of convictions and beliefs. The Narrow Gate must include the contents of the Nazarene’s Mountain Teachings contained in Matthew chapters 5-7.

[4] Many are those entering by it: Paul teaches that “all” descendants of Adam go into Death and that “all” will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). However, some find “real life” during their lifetimes (1 Timothy 6:19). They are among the “few” in contrast to the billions who lose that opportunity described by Revelation 20:4, 6.

[5] Narrow the Gate and cramped the Way leading to Life: Various renderings: KJ: straight is the gate; KNX: how small is the gate; GDSP: the road is hard. The Mountain Teachings demonstrate the narrowness and rigidity of the Nazarene’s requirements for entrance into the Realm of Profession.

[6] Few are those finding it: Perhaps “find” applies to the ultimate attainment of the Kingdom of the Father. Note that Daniel 12:2, with reference to the resurrection of the Saints, “many” are mentioned. Whereas, Paul says “all” with reference to all Adam’s children (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). The final tally of the Church will be “few” compared to the totality of those raised at the end of the 1,000 years (Revelation 20:5, 13-15).

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Preceding article

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 5:1-12 Nazarene Mountain teachings: Blessed and legal commentaries

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 5:21-26 – 1. The Nazarene’s Commentary on Exodus 20:13

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 5:27-30 – 2. The Nazarene’s Commentary on Exodus 20:14

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 2 Prayer and neighbour love

Matthew 7:1-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Neighbor Love Continued 7: Matthew 7:1-5 Judgment and neighbor love

Matthew 7:12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Summary on the Torah’s Fulfillment

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Additional reading

1. The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places
2. Obtain favour from Yahweh
3. Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still

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Further reading

1. Bible Study: Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: The Contrasts
2. Two Gates
3. Enter the Narrow Gate
4. Life’s Narrow and Wide Gates
5. 8. Doors and Destinations
6. Seeking the Narrow Gate
7. A Narrow Door…
8. The Narrow Gate
9. The Narrow Gate (by Jack Bailey)
10. Daily Mass: The narrow gate. Catholic Inspiration
11. The Protestant – Catholic divide – The Narrow and the Wide Gates
12. Love, Entering the Narrow Gate
13. The Narrow Way
14. Religious Theology – The wide gate!
15. Taking responsibility – the narrow gate that leads to life
16. Difficult is the Way that Leads to Life
17. Those Who Find It Are Few.
18. Only dead fish swim with the stream
19. against the stream
20. How to choose between the wide and the narrow
21. How to choose between the wide and the narrow:part 3
22. Guard My Feet Lord
23. But Officer, It’s the “Spirit” of the Law
24. How to be a spirit-of-the-law or hope-based leader
25. You are a spiritual being: Act like one
26. From nobodies to somebodies
27. Day 16 – How much more valuable is a person?
28. Meditation – Choices
29. Matthew ch. 15
30. The Path of Love
31. footprints and deep mental paths
32. The Renewed Mind: When the Impossible Seems Logical
33. The Cost of Discipleship
34. The Cost of Discipleship (discussion questions)
35. Be serious, strive hard – January 12, 2017
36. The Way home Psalm 56:3-4 Luke 13:22-30
37. Navel-Gazing vs Finding the Real Cause of it All!
38. Urgency
39. Turnstile Salvation
40. Awaken
41. Exodus 10, Job 28, Luke 13, 1 Corinthians 14
42. The Crumb That Turns Stale With Time

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