A truth word given by God

“And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17 NAS95)

“20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2Pe 1:20-21 NAS95)

“9 “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ’My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;” (Isa 46:9-10 NAS95)

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isa 40:8 NAS95)

“16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2Ti 3:16-17 NAS95)

“For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” (1Th 2:13 NAS95)

“”This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (Joh 17:3 NAS95)

“”Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (Joh 17:17 NAS95)

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Ro 15:4 NAS95)

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (Joh 20:31 NAS95)

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ’MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”” (Mt 4:4 NAS95)

“6 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” (De 6:6-7 NAS95)

“and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2Ti 3:15 NAS95)

“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Eph 5:17 NAS95)

 

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

Today we come to a chapter which should shed light to those who keep saying Jesus is God. God, namely, can not die, Him being an Eternal Spirit to Whom man can do nothing. Because there is no human being stronger than God or able to kill God, people should be aware the man they are claiming to be God is either a fraud or is really the one whom he is saying himself and who his disciples said he was.

Today there are still too many people who do not want to believe that Jesus is the sent one from God, a son of man and a son of God. They keep insisting that Jesus would be God, ignoring the Words God spoke Himself, declaring the man standing in the river Jordan to be His beloved son. In Matthew’s third chapter we can read:

16 And when Jesus was immersed, he went up straightaway out of the water. And lo, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and coming upon him.
17 And lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17 ACV)

But the majority of people who call themselves Christian do not want to accept Jesus being the son of God and say he is “god the son” or “godson” (something totally different). Them saying Jesus is God forget that Jesus himself said he was the sent one from God, who could not do anything without his heavenly Father, the Only One True God Who is One. They forget by not honouring the son for who he is and for what he has done, they do not honour the Father Who has sent Jesus Christ.

19 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, except what he sees the Father doing. For whatever he may do, the Son also does these things in like manner.
20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. And he will show him works greater than these, so that ye may marvel.
21 For as the Father raises up the dead and makes alive, so also the Son makes alive whom he will.
22 For neither does the Father judge any man, but he has given all judgment to the Son,
23 so that all would honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. The man not honoring the Son, does not honor the Father who sent him. (John 5:19-23 ACV)

The Lord Jesus Christ acted in what he did as a great public representative person, and his dying upon the piece of wood was the act of giving himself as a ransom for all sinners.

The Devil has not stopped planning to steal kill and to destroy people. He has not stopped doing that since the Garden of Eden 7,000 years ago. In our day he has set a trap and has surrounded the camp of the Lord as well as infiltrated it’s borders with double agents and sleeper cells. {That old ancient hatred is surfacing against the people of God}

That devil wants many to believe that there is either no God, or that Jesus would be God. That way the adversary of God pulls people away from the Only One True God of Israel, Who is a God above all gods. Jehovah God Himself proclaimed that He is One, though Trinitarians do not want to accept that and continue to say there is a three-godhead or Trinity.

4 Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.
5 And thou shall love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Dueteronomy 6:4-5 ACV)

Several of them even claim that God would have a birth and also was killed and do not see that there is spoken about two seats in heaven, one on which Jesus sits and another on which God sits.

As in the days of Christ there is a similar hatred against the lovers of God who accepted Jesus as their master. Jesus already warned his followers and said:

13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate, because wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are they who enter through it.
14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted the way, that leads to life, and few are those who find it.
15 But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are predatory wolves.
16 From their fruits ye will know them. Do they gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:13-16 ACV)

All the time Jesus, who was chosen and appointed by God, when he preached he made it clear he came to declare his heavenly Father, the Good News, to heal people and to fulfil the scriptures and to tell people that the year, when Jehovah will help them, has come.

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to sent forth in deliverance those who have been broken,
19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19 ACV)

Now we come to the period that all the chief priests and the leaders of the people made a plan against Jesus. One of the disciples of Jesus, Judas had helped them to take Jesus, but when he saw they had judged Jesus and were going to kill him, he was sorry for what he had done, so he brought the thirty pieces of silver money back to the chief priests and leaders.

In this chapter of Matthew, we once more find one of the ancient sayings coming true. What Jeremiah the prophet said long ago, then came true at that time. He said,

‘They took thirty pieces of silver money. That is what the people of Israel said he was worth. ‘

“And they took the thirty silver pieces, the price of him who was valued, whom they valued from the sons of Israel,
10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me. ” (Matthew 27:9-10 ACV)

When Jesus stood before the ruler, he was asked by him if he was the King of the Jews.

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned him, saying, Are thou the king of the Jews? And Jesus said to him, Thou say. (Matthew 27:11 ACV)

Pilate knew that the chief priests did not like Jesus. He knew that was why they had brought Jesus to him. His wife also saw nothing wrong in this man and asked her husband, when he was sitting in the court to judge the case, not to do anything malicious to him.

19 And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him, saying, There is nothing for thee and that righteous man. For I suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. (Matthew 27:19-20 ACV)

Pilate asked the people what wrong thing Jesus had done. But the agitated people were pushed to ask for his death. So he washed his hands in water in front of the people as a sign of him wanting to be innocent.

22 Pilate says to them, What then shall I do to Jesus who is called Christ? They all say to him, He should be crucified.
23 And the governor said, For what evil has he done? But they cried out even more, saying, He should be crucified.
24 And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather an uproar was developing, after taking water, he washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man. See ye to it.
25 And having answered, all the people said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
26 Then he released Barabbas to them, and having scourged Jesus he delivered him so that he would be crucified. (Matthew 27:22-26 ACV)

Man can do God nothing, but Jesus is a man of flesh and blood who could be beaten and scorned. The soldiers took Jesus to a room where they took off his clothes, and they put a red gown on him. They also made a big ring of thorns like a crown and put it on his head. They knew Jesus was often called the “King of the Jews”, and therefore they gave him the symbols of a king, mocking with him.

27 Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered the whole band to him.
28 And having stripped him, they put a scarlet robe on him.
29 And having woven a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And having knelt down before him, they ridiculed him, saying, Hail, king of the Jews!
30 And having spat upon him, they took the reed and were striking him on his head.
31 And after they ridiculed him, they took the robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away in order to crucify. (Matthew 27:27-31 ACV)

Jesus as a real man had to feel all the pain, but at the same time, he had to trust God, that everything would come all right. Those who think Jesus is God forget that God is an invisible All-knowing Spirit Being, but Jesus did not know everything. Jesus even did not know when he would return or when the Last Days would be, or who would be seated next to him in his kingdom.

36 But about that day and hour no man knows, not even the agents of the heavens, except my Father only.
37 And as the days of Noah, so also will be the coming of the Son of man. (Matthew 24:36-37 ACV)

Can you imagine what must have gone on in the heart of Jesus when he came near Golgotha, that means, ‘The place of a head bone’, “the place of a skull”.  On that hill not so far from the city, he was nailed to a piece of wood and got put the complaint against him above his head.

35 And when they crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot.
36 And as they sat, they keep watch over him there.
37 And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Matthew 27:35-37 ACV)

At that time several people also had to laugh with the fact that Jesus would be God’s Son. Then too they thought he could do the same things as God could do. But nothing is so. Only what God allowed His son to do could happen. And now was the moment there that a man proved to God that man can be truthful and obedient to God. Because Jesus had done all the time what God wanted and not what he wanted. Naturally, in case Jesus would have been God, then Jesus would never have had any problem with doing God’s Will, because then it would also have been his will. But Jesus is not God and as such he could have chosen to do something else then what God wanted. Though Jesus asked that God His Will would be done and not his will.

40 And when he came at the place, he said to them, Pray ye not to enter into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw. And he knelt down and prayed,
42 saying, Father, if thou want, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.
43 And an agent from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
44 And having become in agony he prayed more intensely, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:40-44 ACV)

Like there are many today making fun of Jesus, in his time the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders also made fun of him and did not want to believe in him.

39 And those who passed by reviled him, shaking their heads,
40 and saying, Thou who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save thyself. If thou are the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41 And likewise also the chief priests, ridiculing with the scholars, and elders, and Pharisees, said,
42 He saved others, he cannot save himself. If he is the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him.
43 He trusted in God, let him rescue him now, if he wants him, for he said, I am the Son of God.
44 And also the robbers who were crucified with him reviled him the same way. (Matthew 27:39-42 ACV)

Jesus trusted in God and never claimed to be God, but by others, it was made clear he was “God’s Son.”

About three o’clock in the afternoon, Jesus called out loud not to himself (in case he would have been God) but called to his heavenly Father.

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a great voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, My God, my God, why have thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46 ACV)

It is not that the God of Jesus would have left him alone. Jesus might really have felt that God would have abandoned him. For him, the hour was near that he felt his life was coming to an end. He knew very well that it is only God Who can not die, and that for him, like any other human being, life has a beginning and an end. Now he saw the end of his life in front of his eyes.

Jesus called out loud again to his heavenly Father, his God. Then he died.

At that time the thick cloth that hung in the temple was torn into two pieces and the earth shook and big rocks broke.
The Roman captain and some of his soldiers who were guarding Jesus on the stake, when they saw the earth shake and the other things happen, were very much afraid and came to understand the particular special place this man had.

50 And Jesus, having cried out again in a great voice, yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks split,
52 and the sepulchers were opened, and many bodies of the sanctified who have been asleep arose.
53 And having come forth out of the sepulchers after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.
54 Now the centurion, and those with him watching over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that happened, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:50-54 ACV)

They came convinced that this man hanging there was God’s Son.

There were also many women watching from far away. They had come with Jesus from Galilee and had helped him. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

In the evening came, Joseph from the town of Arimathea, a rich man who also believed in Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate said that it should be given to him.
Joseph took the body and wrapped a clean linen cloth around it and put the body in his own new grave which had been cut in a rock. He rolled a very big stone to close the grave. Then he went away.

The next day was the Sabbath day. The chief priests and Pharisees who were afraid something might happen with the body of Jesus, went to Pilate together to ask him to have guards in front of the grave.
They remembered what Jesus had said when he was still living.

his sepulchre is sealed and watched
62 Now on the morrow, which is after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees came together to Pilate, 63 saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was still alive, After three days I am raised. 64 Command therefore to secure the tomb until the third day, lest his disciples having come by night steal him away, and say to the people, He was raised from the dead. And the last error will be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said to them, Ye have security. Go, make it as secure as ye know how. 66 And having gone, they made the tomb secure, with the security having sealed the stone. (Matthew 27:62-65 ACV)

The soldiers stayed to guard Jesus grave, to make sure it would stay shut and nobody could run away with the corpse.

In the next chapter Mattew reveals another important part to believe for the ones who call themselves Christian. (We shall see it later, after having looked at the different parts of Chapter 27).

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Preceding

Matthew 9:27-31 – What others are saying about the blind men recognising the son of David

Matthew 17:22-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grief and Jesus’ Prediction of His Death

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

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

Left in the dark or being in the dark seeing light

Calvin commenting at Matthew 25:31: The Son of man shall come in his glory

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #10 Matthew 26:40-47 – Two More Prayers for the Cup to Pass

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #11 Matthew 26:48-56 – Betrayal by Judas and Arrest of Jesus

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #14 Matthew 26:69-75 – Peter’s Denial

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Additional reading

1. Truth, doubt or blindness
2. Thought for Wednesday Believe in the one God has sent
3. A god who gave his people commandments and laws he knew they never could keep to it
4. Not About The Name Of The Godhead Of Jesus
5. For those who believe Jesus is God
6. Do you believe in One god
7. Fully God Or Only A Part Of God?
8. For Getting to know Jesus
9. Jesus begotten Son of God #6 Anointed Son of God, Adam and Abraham
10. Jesus begotten Son of God #12 Son of God
11. Jesus begotten Son of God #13 Pre-existence excluding virginal birth of the Only One Transposed
12. Jesus begotten Son of God #15 Son of God Originating in Mary
13. Jesus begotten Son of God #16 Prophet to be heard
14. Jesus begotten Son of God #17 Adam, Eve, Mary and Christianity’s central figure
15. Jesus begotten Son of God #19 Compromising fact
16. Jesus begotten Son of God #20 Before and After
17. Who do you say Jesus is
18. Believing what Jesus says
19. Recognising Jehovah’s sovereignty
20. The meek one riding on an ass
21. The New Covenant Victim and Mediator
22. The New Covenant Intercessor
23. Three basic commands
24. Responsibility bigger than those who talk about worldly matters
25. Yeshua a man with a special personality
26. Sayings of Jesus, what to believe and being or not of the devil
27. Omniscient God opposite a not knowing Jesus
28. A voice cries out: context
29. Days of Nisan, Pesach, Pasach, Pascha and Easter
30. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
31. How do trinitarians equate divine nature
32. Today’s thought “nonsense surrounding the many gods” (July 28)
33. Blindness in the Christian world
34. Americans their stars, pretension, God, Allah and end of times signs #1 Abrahamic religions
35. That everyone may honour the Son and sent one from God
36. After darkness a moment of life renewal
37. If we, in our prosperity, neglect religious instruction and authority

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25. Thy Glory My Chief End
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27. Matthew 27: The Death of Jesus. The Triptych Enigma.
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34. Behold the King
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48. My King
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52. Mark 15:25-26. Is Jesus Your King?
53. He Cannot Save Himself
54. You are Invited
55. Throwback Thursday: The Invisible God and A Place Further Than the Universe
56. on God the Son… Jesus the image of the Father
57. The Invincible Invisible
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60. An Invisible Faith
61. Seeing The Unseeable
62. The Visible Invisible God
63. Facing the Unseen

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #10 Matthew 26:40-47 – Two More Prayers for the Cup to Pass

Matthew 26:40-47 – Two More Prayers for the Cup to Pass

|| Mark 14:37-43; Luke 22:45-47a

MT26:40 When he returned to the disciples Jesus found them sleeping. Jesus said to Peter: “Peter, are you not strong enough to remain awake even one hour[1] with me?[2] MT26:41 Stay awake[3] and continue praying that you do not enter into temptation.[4] Of course, the spirit is eager but the flesh is weak.”[5] MT26:42 Now again for the second time Jesus went off [a distance] to pray. He said: “My Father! If it is possible allow this cup to pass me by so I do not have to drink it! Let Your will take place!” MT26:43 Now when Jesus returned he again found his disciples sleeping because their eyelids were heavy.[6] MT26:44 And Jesus left them to pray and repeat for the third time[7] the very same words again. MT26:45 Returning to his disciples Jesus told them, “At this final moment you [disciples] are sleeping and taking your rest. Look! The hour[8] has drawn near. The Son of Humankind is to be turned over to the hands of sinners. MT26:46 Get up and let us leave. Look! My betrayer is approaching now!” MT26:47 And while Jesus was still speaking, look! Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a large crowd having swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

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[1] Even one hour: Could this reflect the length of time Jesus prayed? The term “hour” indicates a very brief period in contrast to a “day” or “year.”

[2] With me: The affect and impact of dear friends not realizing the danger the Nazarene faced must have hit him hard. The disinterest and desertion of intimate friends is a severe test for anyone.

[3] Stay awake: The warning and command to stay awake and watch is much repeated by the Nazarene. See notes on Matthew 24:42, 43; Matthew 25:13 (Mark 13:23, 33, 35, 37; Luke 21:36).

[4] Praying that you do not enter into temptation: See notes on Matthew 6:13.Compare 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Timothy 6:9. Or, NEB: spared the test; GDSP: pray that you may not be exposed to trial.

[5] The spirit is eager but the flesh is weak: Or, WMS: man’s spirit is will but human nature is weak; WEY: the body is frail.

[6] Their eyelids were heavy: Mark 14:40 adds, “so they did not know what to answer him.” Luke 22:45 adds the reason, “… slumbering from grief.” Often sleep is an escape from fear, anxiety or grief.

[7] The third time: Luke 22:43, 44 adds, “Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. But getting into an agony he continued praying more earnestly; and his sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground.” (NW) The night air must be crisp or frigid as later accounts indicate. To sweat in these conditions indicates the severity of the Nazarene’s concern. Sweating blood indicates a rare sickness (diapedesis) in fulfillment of Isaiah 53:10. Some see this only as a metaphor to describe the sweat.

[8] Hour: A word indicating a short time within only hours and not a prolonged period. Research the word hour.

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Preceding

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #1 Matthew 26:1-2 – Two Days Before Execution

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #2 Matthew 26:3-5 – Plotting to Seize Jesus

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #3 Matthew 26:6-13 – A Woman to Be Remembered

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #4 Matthew 26:14-16 – The Price of Betrayal

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #5 Matthew 26:17-19 – Passover Preparations

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #6 Matthew 26:20-25 – The Last Passover

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #7 Matthew 26:26-30 – Keep Doing This in My Memory

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #8 Matthew 26:31-35 – How All Will Be Stumbled This Night

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #9 Matthew 26:36-39 – Garden Prayer

Matthew 12:46-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Family of Messiah

Matthew 12:46-50 – The True Family of Messiah

|| Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21

MT12:46 While still speaking to the crowds, look! his mother[1] and brothers[2] were waiting outside to speak with[3] Jesus. MT12:47 Someone called to Jesus, “Look! Your mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you.” MT12:48 Jesus responded and told this person: “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” MT12:49 Now Jesus pointed at his disciples and said: “Look here! My ‘mother’ and my ‘brothers.’[4] ^MT12:50 For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father[5] – these are my brother and sister[6] and mother.”

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[1] His mother: The mother of our Lord is rare in the Gospels and often unnamed (Matthew 1:18; 13:55; Mark 3:31; Luke 2:48, 51; 8:19; John 2:5, 12; 19:25, 26). Nothing indicates she was a follower or even a believer at this time. She is differentiated from his “disciples.” Jesus even elsewhere infers that he may have not been honored or respected as a prophet even among his own family early on.

[2] Brothers: Jesus has four brothers so named: “James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?” (Matthew 13:55, 56) The number and names of his sisters are never mentioned. Later, at least one (James) became a power in the Christian Church. See the word James in Acts, 1 Corinthians, and Galatians. The epistle of James is attributed to this brother.

[3] Waiting outside to speak with: We never discover the reason. One may speculate but it is useless: family business, a share in his honor. Few sons would have acted in this manner without serious cause. Compare John 7:3, 5.

[4] My ‘mother’ and my ‘brothers’: The Nazarene’s real ‘family’ is spiritual and related to him by faith. It is very possible that none of his fleshly family were among his disciples, or following him. Perhaps this is the reason for the terse ignoring of his family. At least twice family members wanted him to perform miracles for their benefit (John 2:1-12; 7:3, 5). It is only the beloved apostle John who brings this out. Hebrews 2:10-13 indicates Jesus Christ and the members of his Church are originating with The God. A point to note is that if Jesus were “God” then his followers would be brothers of God, not sons. William Barclay notes: “It was one of the great human tragedies of Jesus’ life that during his lifetime, his nearest and dearest never understood him.… When Jesus set out on his public mission, his friends tried to restrain him, for they said he was mad (Mark 3:21). He seemed to them to be busily engaged in throwing his life away in a kind of sanity.… ‘A Christian’s only relatives,’ said one of the early martyrs, ‘are the saints.’” (page 52)

[5] Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father: The word “will” is from the Greek THELMA and may be rendered determination, choice, desire or wish. What is the “will of the Father”? Surely this is connected to His “eternal purpose”? Jesus uses the phrase twice in Matthew. See notes on Matthew 7:21. Only in John 6:40 is the How of doing the will of the Father explained: “For this is the will of my Father: Everyone who observes the Son and deeply believes in him will have everlasting life.” This is put another way in another context when some ask Jesus what the work of God is so that they may do it. The Nazarene responds: “This is the work of The God that you deeply believe in the One He sent forth.” (John 6:29) Faith or conviction is right at the center of the Father’s will. This belief or faith surely involves a knowledge of the Messiah’s teachings or “doctrine.” (John 7:17 KJV)

“The will of God” is discussed by Paul, Peter, and John. How the Church is involved in His will: to serve for the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:9-13). God’s will is something to continually comprehend: be careful how one walks in the world (Ephesians 5:15-20). God’s will includes His sanctification which requires abstaining from fornication, illicit passions, and adultery (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). Prayer and thankfulness are part of God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). God’s will includes doing God and loving the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:15-17). God’s will may include suffering (1 Peter 4:19). There are three things that are not part of God’s will: fleshly desire, covetousness, and bragging about materialism (1 John 2:15-17). Perhaps God’s will is best summarized by His commandment: to have faith in His Son; and, love one another (1 John 3:23).

[6] Sister: Jesus has been silent on female followers until now. Though no woman is ever called a disciple in the Gospels, there were women who were “with” Jesus’ entourage of disciples. These “ministered to Jesus and his disciples from their belongings.” (Luke 8:2, 3) The truth is the Nazarene had spiritual ‘sisters’. In time, throughout the Gospel Age of the Church female disciples of Jesus out number the men. In the New Creation – the Seed of Abraham – there are no females – nor males – for all are “sons” and one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).

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Preceding

Matthew 1:18-25 – Genesis of Jesus Christ

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:1-4 A Wilderness Temptation

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

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

Matthew 12:1-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Something Greater than the Temple

Matthew 12:9-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Is It Lawful to Cure on the Sabbath?

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Matthew 12:31-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blasphemy against the Pneuma

Matthew 12:33-37 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment Day

Matthew 12:38-42 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Signs in Jonah and the Queen of the South

Matthew 12:43-45 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Generation Seven Times Worse

Gates to different belief systems in this world

False teachers and false prophets still around

Christians having the right heart to call others to go to God

Back from gone #4 Your inner feelings and actions

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Additional reading

1. Truth, doubt or blindness
2. Faith coming by hearing and sent preacher gift from God
3. When we think of Jesus let us strive to realise what he means to us
4. Not about personal salvation but about a bigger Plan
5. False opposite true worship which exalts the God of Israel
6. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #15 Exposition before the Creator
7. To will being present in us but to do it not always evident
8. Material gain to honour God
9. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
10. Salvation and Righteousness
11. Receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken

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Related

1. On Religion and Reasons: Why Fast for Lent?
2. Some thoughts on Lent
3. My Daily Devotion – My Quiet Time With God
4. Use what you have
5. Don’t worry about it.
6. God’s Children
7. The children of God
8. Bestowed Upon Us…
9. What Makes You a Child and Heir of God?
10. Sons of God
11. Who are the “Sons of God”
12. Two Dreams and a Vision – The Bride and Revealing the Sons of God
13. A Comforting promise from God, to those that Love Him – Romans 8:28
14. St. John 1:12
15. You Have a Home
16. Grace Part 34: Moses’ House vs. Jesus’ House
17. Conjunction with the Lord
18. The Adoption as Sons
19. How I know that I am born-again
20. Christians are the Children of God
21. Are You in the Family?
22. Oneness of God–Key to 100 Fold Growth

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

(#Mt 6:5-13) b) Prayer and neighbor love

|| Luke 11:2-4

MT6:5 “And, when you pray, be not as the hypocrites. For they like to pray standing in religious gatherings and in town squares to be viewed by others.[1] I tell you the truth: They have their full reward! MT6:6 But, you, when you pray, enter your private room and shut the door praying to your Father secretly.[2] And, the Father watching secretly will reward you.[3] MT6:7 But, praying, do not babble many words as the Non-Jews. For they think by uttering many words[4] they will be heard. MT6:8 So, you should not be like them. For The God your Father knows[5] what you need[6] before you ask. MT6:9 So, pray:[7]
Our Heavenly Father,[8]
Let your Name be sanctified.[9]
MT6:10 Let your Kingdom come.[10]
Let your Will take place,[11] as in heaven, also on earth.
MT6:11 Give to us our bread today.[12]
MT6:12 Forgive our debts[13] as we forgive those in debt to us.[14]
MT6:13 Bring us not into temptation[15] but rescue us from evil.[16]

[1] To be viewed by others: Compare Matthew 6:16: appearances. Various renderings: BAS: like the false-hearted men; PHI: like the play-actors; RHM: shine before men; WMS: to attract the attention of people.

1581 Psalter with Rose Warm sunlight streams down on this ancient prayer book, bible and psalter, open to the Lord’s Prayer set to music. A rose lies on the open book. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

[2] Praying to your Father secretly: See Luke 6:12: privacy. Various renderings: WEY: into your own room; NEB: into a room by yourself; RHM: and fastening thy door; BECK: who is with you when you are alone; PHI: pray to your Father privately; PHI: who sees all private things. Remember that even Jesus on occasion wandered off some distance from his disciples when praying.

The relationship with ‘love your neighbor’ in private prayers rather than a showy display is the affect such hypocritical prayers have on your neighbor. You give the impression you take yourself too seriously and judge your neighbor to be less “spiritual” than yourself. A private prayer in a cafe or restaurant without show is heard just as easily, or more so, by the Father.

[3] The Father watching secretly will reward you: The Nazarene does not explain what this “reward” is, only that it will occur. This requires “faith,” a word only occurring one time in this sermon (Matthew 6:30) and only in reference to his disciples – “little faith.”

[4] Uttering many words: Either “babbling” or “wordy”. Various renderings: GDSP: do not repeat empty phrases; WMS: repeating set phrases; PHI: don’t rattle off long prayers; NEB: do not go babbling on. For thousands of years religious worshippers have resorted to long prayers filled with a multitude of repetitions. Even the Nazarene’s famous prayer (the Lord’s Prayer, or Our Father, pater nostra) has come in for many repetitions though Jesus counseled against that. Some Asian religions use prayer wheels, beads, and flags to continue their repetitions.

[5] Your Father knows: See Matthew 6:32: needs; and, Luke 12:30: Father knows.

[6] What you need: “Needs” not “wants.”

[7] Pray: This most famous prayer outlines what we call Nazarene Principles.

[8] Father: The First Principle. The word “father” occurs 1,180 times in the OT in a family or secular context but less than 15 times in a religious or spiritual relationship. Most of these apply to the Messiah, leaving only a handful with reference to the Saints. The idea is rare in Judaism but “father” occurs 134 times in the Gospel of John. In the Mountain Teachings Jesus uses “your Father” 8 times, “our Father” 1 time, and “my Father” 1 time for a total of 10 occurrences.

Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 1, page 615:

“In the oldest version of this prayer, the invocation reads pater, (dear) Father, and indicates abba as the Aramaic original. This means that when Jesus gave his disciples the Lord’s Prayer, he gave them authority to follow him in addressing God as abba and so gave them a share in his status as Son.”

Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 1, page 617:

“The description of God as Father never refers to any other individual or to mankind in general. To be a child of God is not a natural state or quality.… In Palestinian Judaism of the pre-Christian period the description of God as Father is rare. The Qumran texts provide but a single example.… We have yet to find an example of an individual addressing God as ‘my Father.’… Jesus did not teach the idea that God is the Father of all men.… It must have been nothing short of outrageous that Jesus should make use of the completely unceremonious Aramaic word abba.”

For more information search the words “sons,” “children,” “born,” or “begotten” in a concordance or computer program.

Almost all of Mark’s content is found in Matthew, and much of Mark is similarly found in Luke. Additionally, Matthew and Luke have a large amount of material in common that is not found in Mark.

 Let your Name be sanctified: The Second Principle. The Nazarene does not use the opportunity to incorporate the noma sagrada or Divine Name (YHWH = Jehovah; Exodus 3:15) in his model prayer. Jesus uses the words “your name” with reference to the Father rarely in the Synoptic Gospels. In John the Nazarene uses the expression at John 12:28 and John 17:6, 26. However, he never uses or pronounces YHWH in these contexts. Why? In Jesus’ day the Jews refrained from uttering the name YHWH and substituted Elohim (God) or Adonay (Lord). The Jews never removed YHWH from its nearly 7,000 occurrences in the Old Testament. About the year 1,000 AD Jewish copyists began to incorporate vowel points in YHWH to warn to say God or Lord in its place.

Does the Nazarene ever use YHWH? The Gospel evidence would indicate this could only be when he is quoting the Hebrew Bible. It is now thought that the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible, known as The Septuagint (LXX), had YHWH untransliterated in the Greek text. There is a good reason for this. The Greek language cannot convert the Hebrew letters for YHWH. Modern Greek dictionaries use dzehoba or Iekhoba for “Jehovah” but original Greek did not have an “h” as it were, other than a breath sound. Modern Greek attempts to capture the sound of the English pronunciation of the name.

Given the attitude of the Jews what would have happened if Jesus used YHWH in quotes or normal speech? Certainly equal to that misguided accusation that he violated the Sabbath! Yet the Gospels are silent on this. What about private meetings with his disciples when the use of YHWH could not cause a public stir? Compare the lengthy closing words in John chapters 13 to 17. Not once does Jesus use YHWH even though he alludes to the “name” four times.

Given the facts that the Jews do not attack him for violating their understanding of one of the Ten Commandments and the absence of his use in private speeches and prayers, it would seem he respected the Jewish tradition of the time.

This does not minimize the importance of the “Name” as Jesus’ words in his prayer shows. The idea of this sanctification occurs scores of times in the Hebrew Bible. Compare Exodus 3:14, 15 and 6:3.

Various renderings are: TCNT: May thy name be held holy; MOF: thy name be revered; PHI: may your name be honored. For more information on this subject see Nazarene Principles.

[10] Let your Kingdom come: The Third Principle. After the subject of the “Name” in the Hebrew Bible with its 7,000 occurrences of YHWH, the next most important topic is the Kingdom. The Messiah and his “kingdom” are inseparable (Note Psalm 2 and 110 as well as Daniel chapters 2 and 7). In the Nazarene’s teachings there are two “kingdoms”: the Son’s and the Father’s (Matthew 13:41, 42). The “kingdom” here in his prayer is the Father’s.

“Kingdom” is a word used often by the Nazarene. The word occurs 55 times in Matthew, 23 times in Mark, 45 times in Luke and 5 times in John.

When does the Nazarene begin to reign? The Second Psalm is quoted by Peter at Acts 4:24, 25 and Paul at Acts 13:33 and applied to the resurrection and ascension of Christ in the year 33 AD. This was in fulfillment of Psalm 110:1 (Note 1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Daniel chapters 2 and 7 would argue this kingdom’s beginning is during the reign of the “fourth kingdom” or Rome (Daniel 2:44; 7:9-14). Upon his ascension the Nazarene took up his Power as described by Paul at Ephesians 1:20-23.

Upon the Return or Arrival (parousia) of the Son of Man, and his gathering to himself his Saints, there will be a milestone in the King’s rule (Matthew 24:3, 30; John 14:2,3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 11:18; 12:10).

[11] Let your Will take place: The Fourth Principle. The “kingdom” is the agency by which the “Name” is sanctified and the “eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:9, 10) or will of the Father is accomplished (Psalm 72; Daniel chapters 2, 7). God’s original purpose was for a global paradise (Genesis chapters 2, 3). His Will has not changed (Isaiah 45:18; 55:11). Messiah and his Saints will rule the earth (Psalms 2, 110; Daniel 7:13, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 5:10; 20:4, 6). The earth will never be destroyed (Psalms 104:5; Ecclesiastes 1:4; Psalm 72:8). The City of God will one day descend out of heaven to rule the earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4, 6; 21:1-5).

God has a “will” or purpose for “heaven” as Daniel 4:35 shows. This will for “heaven” will be realized by virtue of the Son and the Messiah’s Church (Ephesians 1:10; 3:9, 10 Colossians 1:20).

[12] Give to us our bread today: The Fifth Principle. The first four Principles of the Nazarene’s prayer deal with God, the last three deal with the individual disciple. The first of these, or the Fifth Principle, deals with that necessary bread for each day (Psalm 37:25). This is not “daily bread” but “bread for today.” From the Nazarene’s viewpoint it would be materialistic to pray for tomorrow’s bread (Matthew 6:33, 34).

Various renderings: ALF: our needful bread.

Prayer for “today’s bread” does not guarantee a disciple may not go hungry on occasion. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:27 and Matthew 25:37 (Philippians 4:11-13). Some see the daily offering of loaves at the Temple here.

Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 1, page 251:

“Origen suggested that we should understand it as eip ten ousian (the bread) necessary for existence. It can be supported by reference to Proverbs 30:8 and it reminds us of Exodus 16:4. The Israelites were to gather only so much manna as they needed for ‘the day.’”

[13] Forgive our debts: The Sixth Principle (Luke 11:14). Various renderings: WEY: shortcomings… those who have failed in their duty towards us; PHI: forgive us what we owe to you as we have also forgiven those who owe anything to us. Note there is the tax collector’s tone here as earlier in debits, credits and rewards. Not only are financial debts canceled but moral and emotional debts as well (Romans 13:8: owe only love).

Forgiveness is a kissing cousin to agape or that love which has an unselfish, even selfless, interest out of pure motive for others. The word group “forgive” occurs 48 times in the Gospels (1 Corinthians 13:5: log, or, keep account; LOGIZETAI). Such forgiveness cannot be separated from love of neighbor. Such a quality ought to characterize the Nazarene Saint.

[14] Debt to us: This may be moral or emotional indebtedness but it also may be literal monetary debts (Luke 6:34). One of the clearest ways to judge a man is by his wallet and how he uses it in relation to his dealings with others. When it comes to spirituality, the use of money from the standpoint of God separates the men from the boys.

[15] Bring us not into temptation: The Seventh Principle. Various renderings: BAS: let us not be put to the test. This is a subject the Nazarene knows something about (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1; 22:40; Hebrews 4:15). The word group “tempt” occurs 36 times in the Bible and 14 times in the Synoptics, but not once in John. A related word “test” occurs 113 times in the Bible with 11 in the Gospels. Compare 1 Corinthians 10:13.

1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 1:13 are good commentaries on the Nazarene’s words. God does not tempt or test one with evil, so He does not cause a prostitute pass before a man to test him. The Temptation of Christ had two phases: a beginning and an end. At the beginning he was tempted (tested) by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). These tests or temptations dealt with doubt in the word “if,” as well as greed and pride. The later test was manifest at the end of his life beginning in the Garden of Agony and finally, the Tree (Hebrews 4:15). Test or tempt really find their best definition in the word “endurance.”

[16] Evil: Some render the Greek PONERON as either “evil,” “wicked,” or Wicked One, alluding to the Devil (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1).

 

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Preceding articles

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

Be sound in mind and be vigilant with a view to prayers

Praying is surrendering in all circumstances

Praying and acts of meditation without ceasing

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Additional reading

1. Looking for True Spirituality 6 Spirituality and Prayer
2. If your difficulties are longstanding, try kneeling
3. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #1 Kings Faith
4. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #5 Prayer #2 Witnessing
5. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #6 Prayer #4 Attitude
6. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #9 Prayer #7 Reason to pray
7. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #10 Prayer #8 Condition
8. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #11 Prayer #9 Making the Name Holy
9. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #16 Benefits of praying
10. Not able to make contact with God because to busy
11. Give Thanks To God
12. Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything
13. Israel, Fitting the Plan when people allow it
14. Running challenge and the City build by the Most High Maker
15. Jerusalem and a son’s kingdom
16. Jesus … will come in the same way as you saw him go
17. Tapping into God’s Strength by Waiting on Him
18. A Living Faith #5 Perseverance
19. God should be your hope

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Further reading

1. 1. 1. The Good Neighbor
      2. 7 Habits That Distinguish Believers from Professing Christians (part 4)
      3. Should Christians Meditate?
      4. Are You Praying?
      5. Keep Praying!
      6. My Prayer for 2014
      7. Daily Bible Verse:John 14:6
      8. Jesus, Light of The World Praying the Scriptures through Advent Book
      9. Waiting On God
      10. In All Honesty
      11. Wait for it………….
      12. What Jesus is Praying For (May 12)
      13. Praying in the dark 1
      14. Praying in the dark 2
      15. Bend Your Head so You Can Stand Your Ground
      16. That’s it, I am Angry and I am Praying
      17. praying for hard things
      18. Unmasked
      19. I Believe in Praying ~
      20. Praying Hands
      21. Meditation/Betty’s Verse Of The Day/1-22-14
      22. Why Nothing Is Worth Grieving The Holy Spirit
      23. I’m Praying!
      24. Praying for God Peace ~
      25. Childlike praying
      26. Praying Through
      27. March 16 – Keep on praying
      28. Praying Scripture for strength and courage
      29. Seven lessons from Jesus’ prayer for us all…
      30. “Till death” (NOT)
      31. Kesha Takes the High Road in Powerful New Single, “Praying”
      32. My Personal Prayer
      33. Pray with love in your heart
      34. Today’s Thought: Why We Dare
      35. The Benefits of Praying in Public
      36. Let’s step up our prayer game
      37. Today’s Thought: The Invited Name
      38. Why praying is important
      39. The Bible uses different Facets to convey the meaning of Kingdom of God
      40. The Kingdom Of Heaven And The Kingdom Of God Compared And Contrasted
      41. Shadows of Messiah – Astronomy
      42. Into God’s Kingdom for New Jerusalem
      43. New Jerusalem: God’s House Becomes a City
      44. Christ, God’s House, God’s City, the Earth
      45. New Jerusalem, City of the Living God
      46. New Jerusalem, City of the Living God (2)
      47. The Glory of God
      48. Seek His Kingdom
      49. The Kingdom of God and the Marriage of the Lamb
      50. What Brings Us Near to the Kingdom of God?
      51. The Bilateral Ekklesia vs. The Kingdom of Heaven
      52. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) – Pt. 4
      53. Luke 14:15-24
      54. All Things Are Possible with God
      55. The Power of Prayer
      56. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”
      57. “Unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
      58. Summer in the City of God
      59. Jerusalem Jubilee
      60. The City of the Church
      61. Come let us Grow Together: The City of God
      62. The LORD of hosts is with us
      63. God is within her
      64. There is a River
      65. The City of the Great King
      66. The City of God – The Preface
      67. 66. A City to Come
      68. The Kingdom of Heaven
      69. Protection and Covering
      70. The Kingdom of God

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• Turn the Other Cheek? Peace!
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• A Newly Discovered Manuscript and Its Lesson on Islam
• Not able to make contact with God because to busy
• Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #11 Prayer #9 Making the Name Holy
• Vayikra after its opening word וַיִּקְרָא, which means and He called
• Focussing on the man Jesus and the relationship with God