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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Preceding

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

Matthew 1:18-25 – Genesis of Jesus Christ

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

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

The Climax of Matthew’s story

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

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Additional reading

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

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Related

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

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

The triumphal entry of Jesus honoured as a king

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Previous articles

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

God’s Face shining on His servant

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next

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

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Additional reading

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

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Related articles

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

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

Matthew 27:15-23 – Barabbas or Jesus?

|| Mark 15:6-14; Luke 23:13-23; John 18:38b-40

MT27:15 Now according to the custom[1] during the [Jewish] festivals the governor would release a prisoner by the choice of the crowd. MT27:16 At that time there was a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.[2] MT27:17 Leading [Barabbas and Jesus] together [before the crowd] Pilate asked them: “Who do you want me to release? Barabbas or the one called ‘Messiah’ – Jesus?” MT27:18 For Pilate realized it was because of jealousy[3] [the religious hierarchy] had turned Jesus over to him. MT27:19 Now while sitting on his judgment-seat Pilate’s woman approached him and warned, “A dream about him has tormented me[4] today! Have nothing to do with[5] that righteous man!” MT27:20 But the religious hierarchy and the Jewish elders persuaded the crowd so that they asked for the release of Barabbas, while they should destroy Jesus. MT27:21 Governor Pilate responded and asked the crowd: “Which of the two do you want me to release?” The crowd said, “Barabbas!” MT27:22 Pilate asked, “So what shall I do with Jesus, the one said to be ‘Messiah’?” The mob screamed, “Execute him!”[6] MT27:23 Pilate asked: “For what crime?” But the mob cried even louder,[7] “Execute him!”

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[1] Custom: Possibly a Jewish custom for John 18:39 adds, “You have a custom that I should release a man to you at the Passover.”

[2] Barabbas: John 18:40 adds, “… a robber.” Mark 15:7 adds, “… in bonds with the seditionists, who in their sedition had committed murder.” His name is mentioned 11 times in the Gospels. His name possibly means, “Son of the teacher.” (A rabbi’s son?)

[3] Because of jealousy: Or, PME: through sheer malice.

[4] A dream about him has tormented me: Or, KNX: I dreamed I suffered much on his account; NEB: I was much troubled; GDSP: for I have just had a painful experience in a dream about him; PME: I went through agonies dreaming about him last night.

[5] Have nothing to do with: Or, KNX: do not meddle with this innocent man; BECK: let that righteous man alone.

[6] Execute him: The Greek is STAUROTHETO which literally means to impale on a stake or tree. Traditionally this is “crucify him.” Some think the root word STAUROS means a simple upright pole without a cross-beam. Others believe the word to include a stake with a cross-beam. Research the word cross or STAUROS. Because of the two views – each with their logical reasons – we choose a neutral phrase execute or instrument of execution. When the Greek XYLON is used we will prefer “tree.” Those who wish may read “crucify him!”

[7] The mob cried even louder: KJV: a tumult was made; RSV: a riot was beginning; KNX: the uproar only became worse; LAM: confusion was increasing.

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Preceding

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

Matthew 16:24-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Disciple Must Disown Self

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

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

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

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

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

Next

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

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

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

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Additional reading

1. Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 4
2. Swedish theologian finds historical proof Jesus did not die on a cross
3. A Book to trust #11 Archaeology confirming or denying claims of the Bible #2 New Testament

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Related articles

1. Matthew 27: The Death of Jesus. The Triptych Enigma.
2. Behold Your King!
3. Governor Of The Jews
4. Jesus Christ or Barabbas
5. The Last Time Whites Listened to Jews, Deicide Happened
6. The (in)justice of the mob in Luke 23

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #13 Matthew 26:59-68 – False Witnesses and the Charge of Blasphemy

Matthew 26:59-68 – False Witnesses and the Charge of Blasphemy

|| Mark 14:55-65; Luke 22:63-71

MT26:59 But the religious hierarchy[1] and the entire Sanhedrin Court[2] were seeking false testimony against Jesus[3] so that they might execute him. MT26:60 They discovered none who would come forward as pseudo evidentiary.[4] But at last two ‘witnesses’ came forward. MT26:61 One person claimed, “[Jesus] said, ‘I can tear down this Sanctuary[5] of The God and within three days reconstruct[6] it.’” MT26:62 Now the chief priest Caiaphas rose and said to Jesus, “Have you no answer? What about these testimonies against you?” MT26:63 However, Jesus remained silent.[7] Then the chief priest Caiaphas told Jesus, “I put you under oath down here before the Living God[8] so that you should tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of The God.”[9] MT26:64 Jesus said to the priest, “You said it.[10] Yet I tell all of you: In the future[11] all of you will see the Son of Humankind sitting on the right-hand[12] of the Power and returning[13] upon the clouds of the sky.” [Daniel 7:13; Psalm 110:1] MT26:65 At that the chief priest Caiaphas ripped his outer garments, screaming, “He blasphemed![14] Why do we need witnesses? See, you just heard the blasphemy! MT26:66 How does it seem to you?” But, these answered, ‘He is liable to death!’ MT26:67 Then they all spit into his face and hit him with their fists. Others slapped Jesus, MT26:68 asking, “Prophesy[15] to us, ‘Messiah’! Who just slapped you?”

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[1] Religious hierarchy: The Greek is HARCHIEREIS from which “hierarchy” comes.

[2] Sanhedrin Court: Or, BECK: the whole Jewish court. Research Sanhedrin for notes elsewhere.

[3] Seeking false testimony against Jesus: Or, RIEU: were casting about for evidence against Jesus; NEB: some allegation against Jesus on which a death-sentence could be based.

[4] Pseudo evidentiary: The Greek is PSEUDO-MARTYRON. Or, KJV: false witnesses. Mark 14:59 adds, “But neither on these grounds was their testimony in agreement.”

[5] Sanctuary: The Greek is NAON a Divine Habitat and refers to the inner shrine of the Temple. Research temple or NAOS. Or, KJV: temple; RHM: shrine; GDSP: sanctuary.

[6] Reconstruct: Or, RIEU: build it. This charge is taken from John 2:19.

[7] Jesus remained silent: In fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7.

[8] I put you under oath down here before the Living God: This is the adjuration formula inferred in Leviticus 5:1. Or, KJV: I adjure you; RHM: I put thee on oath; NEB: I charge you.

[9] The Messiah, the Son of The God: The high priest has in mind Psalm 2:1, 7 and whether Jesus claims to be the Anointed One of that Psalm. Peter quotes this Psalm at Acts 4:24-26 and Paul refers to it in a Jewish synagogue (Acts 13:33-35).

[10] You said it: A Hebraism meaning “Yes.” In English it remains a positive statement to this day. Or, KNX: your own lips have said it; MON: I am he; GDSP: it is true. And, thus the response from the priest.

[11] In the future: Or, RIEU: the time has come; NEB: from now one, you will see; BER: shortly you shall see; MOF: in the future you will all see. It is possibly a Hebraism which means, “You will live to see…” or, “you will still be alive when such and such is fulfilled.”

[12] The Son of Humankind sitting on the right-hand: This is a conflate or compound paraphrase of Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 – a combination which appears several times. Note Daniel 7:13 refers to the ascension to heaven of “a son of man” and is seen from Daniel’s heavenly perspective (Daniel 7:15).

[13] Returning: The Greek word in both Daniel 7:13 (LXX) and here is a form of ERCHOMENON which may meaning coming, leaving, returning. It is virtually a synonym for PAROUSIA judging from the uses in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It seems to some that it is possible Jesus is referring to his foretold ascension to heaven as Daniel 7:13 predicts. On these details see commentaries in Nazarene Apocalypse© under Daniel 7:13 or ERCHOMENON (Parousia). Compare the parallel readings at Mark 14:62 and Luke 22:69. See how this was fulfilled in Acts 7:54-57 and note who was present then (John 6:62; Acts 1:9-11).

[14] He blasphemed: The priest realizes the answer of Jesus is, “Yes.”

[15] Prophesy: Note that the word PROPHETEUSON may be used in a broader since of speaking rather than just predicting something. Mark 14:65 adds, “… to spit on him and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists.” Luke 22:65 adds, “And they went on saying many other things in blasphemy against him.”

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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 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 #12 Matthew 26:57-58 – To Caiaphas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Preceding

Signs of the last days when difficult times will come

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Additional reading

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

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Further, related

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