Mark 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Preaching and Healing at Home

CHAPTER TWO:
A PARALYTIC HEALED, A TAXMAN CALLED,
AND PHARISEES

[“Calling Sinners”]
Key word: Authority

Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Preaching and Healing at Home

|| Matthew 9:1-8;[1] Luke 5:17-26

MK2:1 Some days later Jesus entered into Capernaum again and soon everyone realized that he was at his own residence.[2] MK2:2 Soon many began to gather so that there was no room to even welcome others because the door was completely blocked. Jesus began to preach the word to them. MK2:3 And then four men carried a paralyzed man trying to approach Jesus. MK2:4 However, when they could not get near to the house because of the crowd they removed part of the roof of his house. After they had made an opening they began to lower the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. MK2:5 Now when Jesus saw their deep conviction, he said to the paralytic: “Child, your sins are forgiven!” MK2:6 But, present in the audience were certain Bible Copyists and they began to reason in their hearts: MK2:7 “Why does this man speak blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but the God alone?”[3] MK2:8 Instantly Jesus was aware in his spiritual perception that they were thinking this way. He then asked them: “Why do you reason this way in your hearts? MK2:9 Which is easier to say to this paralytic? ‘Your sins are forgiven?’ Or, ‘Get up, take your stretcher, and walk!’ MK2:10 However, so that you may be aware the Son of Humankind[4] [Daniel 7:13] has been given authority on earth to forgive sins… (turning to the paralytic he said…) MK2:11 I tell you, [Child], Get up, take your stretcher, and return to your home.” MK2:12 Instantly, the paralytic bounced to his feet, and taking his stretcher he walked away in view of them all. The whole crowd was awe-struck and began to glorify the God, saying: “We have never seen anything like this!”

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[1] Matthew 9:1-8: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] At his own residence: Or, in the house, at home; PME: he was in somebody’s house.

[3] Who can forgive sins but the God alone: Some misunderstand this to mean Jesus was in fact God. However, compare the other accounts and see the Nazarene’s answer to this.

[4] Son of Humankind: Jesus borrows from Daniel 7:13. In Mark Jesus uses the designation over a dozen times.

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Preceding

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1 – Review Questions on Chapter One

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Related

1. To Be Bold
2. Was it a stupid question?
3. Friday, Jan 15, 2021 Gospel (Mk 2:1-12)
4. We Never Saw Anything Like This!
5. But Jesus, Seeing their faith, says to the Paralytic, Child, Thy Sins are forgiven Thee. (Mark 2:5)
6. Jesus Heals the Paralytic
7. From Miracles to the Cross

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

We have come to the point where the people in Jerusalem had seen that the man of flesh and blood, Jeshua ben Josef, also known as the son of man and son of God, came to his death at the wood of execution.

When Jesus walked around preaching about his heavenly Father and times to come, many wondered who he was and what gave him the authority to speak about the prophets and God. Several people found it weird that this Nazarene could do such strange things, like making blind see again, and paralysed people walk again. Jesus never claimed that it was by his power that he did such wondrous works.  It annoyed many that he claimed he was doing those miracles by the power of God. How could a man claim to do something by God’s Power or even claim that he could unveil things because “his father in heaven” allowed it?
His claims to come from God and to do works God gave him to do, made many angry and gave reason for them to kill him.

“Everything has been given me by my Father. No one perfectly knows the Son but the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father perfectly but the Son; and whom ever the Son wishes to unveil Him.” (Mt 11:27 mhm)

“Upon approaching Jesus he said to them, “All authority in heaven and upon earth was given to me.” (Mt 28:18 mhm)

“17  However, Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working to the present, and I continue to work.”18 Therefore, because of this, the Jews were seeking for a way to kill Jesus because they thought he not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also he was saying The God was his own Father, making himself equal to The God. 19 Therefore, Jesus answered them:

“I tell you this truth: The Son is unable to do anything from himself unless he sees something the Father is doing. For whatever that One may do, it is possible the Son also may do likewise.20 For the Father has affection for the Son and He is showing the Son what He is doing. And He will show the Son even greater works so that you may struck with awe.21 For just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, so also the Son makes alive those he wishes.22 Because the Father judges no one, but all the judgment He has given to the Son,23 so that everyone may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person not honoring the Son is not honoring the Father who sent him.24 I tell you this truth: The person who listens to my word and continues to believe in the One who sent me possesses endless Life. And so that person does not come into condemnation, but has crossed over from the Death unto the Life.

25 “I tell you this truth: The hour is coming, and is now present, when the dead will listen to the voice of the Son of The God, and those who have responded will live.26 For just as the Father has Life within Himself, so also He gave to the Son to have Life within himself.27 Also, the Father has given to the Son to perform judgment because he is the Son of Humankind.28 Do not wonder about this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear the Son’s voice29 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.30 I am not able to do anything from myself. Just as I hear I judge, and my judgment is just because I am not seeking my own will, but the will of the One who sent me.

31  “If I ever testify about myself my testimony is true.32 There is someone else who testifies about me and I know that his testimony about me is true.33 You Jews sent representatives to approach John, and he has testified regarding the truth.34 However I do not accept human testimony, but these things I tell you are so that all of you might be saved.35 John was the burning and illuminating lamp, and all of you wished to rejoice facing toward the light in him for an hour.36 But, I possess a testimony greater than John, for the works the Father has given to me so that I might complete them–these works that I am doing–testify that the Father has sent me forth. (Joh 5:17-36 mhm)

“27 Peace I leave you. I give you apostles my own peace. I am not giving it to you as the world of humankind gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor cowardly.28  You apostles heard that I said to you, ‘I am departing and I am returning to you apostles.’ If you loved me you would certainly rejoice, because I am going toward the Father, because the Father is greater than me.29 And now I have told you apostles before it happens, so that whenever it does happen you should believe.30 I shall not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world of humankind is coming, and yet he has nothing on me.31 But, so that the world of humankind may realize that I continue to love the Father, and just as He gave me a commandment, just so I am doing. Rouse yourselves, and let us continue from here.” (Joh 14:27-31 mhm)

Jesus was taken and judged to be killed. He was brought to Golgotha to be impaled as a murderer or a dangerous criminal. When he was hanging there at the torture stake, people mocked with him and asked him, when he would have connections with God, to come from the stake and to save himself.

“and calling out, “The person who said ‘tear the Temple down and in three days’ –save yourself! If you are a son of The God come down from the stake.”” (Mt 27:40 mhm)

“Now it was nine in the morning when they impaled Jesus.” (Mr 15:25 mhm)

“Now let Christ the King of Israel come down now from the stake so that we may all believe!”” (Mr 15:32 mhm)

“Observe carefully the Arch- Leader and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus–who endured execution because of the Joy that lay before him–disdained the humiliation of the stake. He has sat down on the right hand of the Throne of The God.” (Heb 12:2 mhm)

Several people saw in Jesus a con-man or imposter. Also today there are lots of people who do not want to believe who Jesus really was or is. There are also a lot of people who minimalise the deed Jesus did, giving his won life to do the Will of God instead of doing his own will. They say Jesus is God, but in such case, Jesus would always have done the will of himself, though in the olive garden he prayed to God with the words:

““Father, if you wish remove this cup from me. However, let Your will occur and not my own will.”” (Lu 22:42 mhm)

Jesus one moment at the stake thought to have been abandoned by his heavenly Father. It also looked like some of his close friends had abandoned him, like Peter not daring to say he was with Christ. It looked like nobody wanted to come to his defence when he was on trial. At the stake, Jesus called to his heavenly Father, making it clear he is not that person like so many so-called Christians claim.

“About three in the afternoon Jesus screamed in a loud voice, “Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?” (or, “‘My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?’”)” (Mt 27:46 mhm)

“And at three in the afternoon Jesus screamed in a loud voice: “Eloi eloi lama sabakhthani?” (which means when translated: “‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”)” (Mr 15:34 mhm)

God cannot die, so if Jesus would have been God, he clearly would been an imposter, faking that he died at that wooden pole on Golgotha. Not being God, Jesus got wounded by the nails through his hands and feet and by the spear in his body.

When Jesus for a second time called on his Father, he gave up the spirit, which means that he died.

“Now after Jesus again cried out with a loud voice he gave up the pneuma.” (Mt 27:50 mhm)

“Now Jesus screamed in a loud voice and breathed his last.” (Mr 15:37 mhm)

“Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit!” And having said this, Jesus expired.” (Lu 23:46 mhm)

We can read in the gospel of John that when Jesus had received the sour wine, he considered his work here on earth finished.

“Therefore, when he had received the vinegar, Jesus said, “It has been accomplished!” And then his head fell and his last breath escaped.” (Joh 19:30 mhm)

Jesus was placed on this earth in a special way for a certain task and now his task had come to an end. When going around Galilee he had tried to show people that he is the way to God (and not to himself, what he would have done if he would be God).

“Jesus said to Thomas: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one can approach the Father, if not through me.” (Joh 14:6 mhm)

He who wanted to show his Father, Jehovah God, was now dead, not belonging to living anymore, and got put in a grave.

“He placed the body in a new memorium which he had quarried out of the rock. He then rolled a great stone at the opening to the memorium and departed.” (Mt 27:60 mhm)

“These went their way and secured the grave, sealing the stone with the custodial guards.” (Mt 27:66 mhm)

Jesus was put in a grave in a garden near the place where he was impaled. Normaly This tomb Joseph from Arimathea as a rich man had provided and prepared that sepulchre for himself, as was not uncommon among the Jews. In this tomb Luke and John inform us that no man had been laid.  It was a clean, uncontaminated unused or immaculate tomb. In the providence of God, it was foreseen that Jesus would be put between the rich.

“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isa 53:9 NIV)

None of the people who knew Christ and had seen him from close by, could find any wickedness in him. He always had spoken with a soft voice, except when he was cross with the sellers in the temple and when he threw them out of that holy place.
His disciples also were convinced that Jesus had not committed any sin, and that no deceit could be found on his lips, him always telling the truth and defending the poor and those who could not speak.

“Messiah never committed a sin, nor was deceit ever found in his mouth.” (1Pe 2:22 mhm)

The fulfilment of the prophecy that Jesus would make his grave with the rich in his death is the more remarkable, because during his life he associated with the poor, and was himself poor.

That the tombs or sepulchres in Judea were commonly caves, hewn out in the rock in groves, and mountains was a common way of constructing places to bury the dead. Those burial chambers were cut horizontally in the rock beyond the walls of the cities in which they dwelt, or were excavations made in the sides of hills, or sometimes in solid rocks and were sometimes of great extent. The bodies were laid in niches in the walls or on flat slabs. After the first had been laid in the grave, a large heavy stone was rolled in front of the entrance.

Joseph with the help of some of Jesus’ followers laid the dead Jesus in his new family grave, i.e., not yet used. Because Jesus had been condemned as a criminal the law forbade the owner of a grave to use it again, and therefore we know Joseph sacrificed his own tomb to give Jesus an honourable grave.

Had Jesus been buried in the common burial-ground of the malefactors, his resurrection could not have been so distinctly remarked, as the chief priests would never have thought of sealing the stone there, or setting a watch; but now that the body is got into the hands of a friend, they judged it necessary to make use of these precautions, in order, as they said, to prevent imposture; and from this very circumstance the resurrection of Christ had its fullest evidence, and was put beyond the power of successful contradiction.

“62 Now on the morrow, which is the day after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together unto Pilate, 63 saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest haply his disciples come and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them.” (Mt 27:62-66 ASV)

The sealing of the stone and putting official guards in front of it, was intended to secure the place as much as possible, so that nobody could take the body away to declare afterwards that he would have been risen or taken up to heaven.

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Previous articles

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

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Additional reading

1. When you believe Jesus is God, do you think he died?
2. The day Jesus died

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Related articles

1. Why is Jesus called the “Son of God” in the Bible?
2. What Christians Live For: The Redemption from Jesus Christ (Journeys 58-60)
3. Mark 15: 42-47
4. Mt 27.57-61 The Burial of Jesus
5. The Deafening Silence of Black Saturday
6. Black Saturday – Christ’s work continues
7. Holy Saturday (Artful Devotion)
8. Sepulchre of Life

Matthew 21:23-27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Question of Authority

Matthew 21:23-27 – The Question of Authority

|| Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

MT21:23 And having entered the temple area Jesus was teaching when the chief priests and Jewish elders approached him, ority?” MT21:24 Jesus answered them: “And I ask you a single question and if you answer I will reveal to you the kind of authority I have. MT21:25 What was the source of John’s baptism? Heaven or human?” But they carried on a dialogue among themselves: “If we say, ‘Heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ MT21:26 And, if we say ‘Human,’ we have the crowd to fear, for they consider John a prophet.” MT21:27 So, they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you my kind of authority [to teach].

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Preceding

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

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

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

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

Matthew 21:12-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Temple Cleansed

Matthew 21:12-14 – From a den of thieves to a house of prayer

Matthew 21:15-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Out of the Mouth of Babes

Matthew 21:18-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Cursed Fig Tree a Lesson in Faith

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

like others who also questioned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Preceding

More than just a man with authority of speaking

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

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

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

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

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

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

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Face shining on His servant

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

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

Vox populi anything but Vox Dei

Demanding signs or denying yourself

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Additional reading

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

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Further reading

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

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

“10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”” (Mt 21:10-11 NIV)

When Jesus had come into Jerusalem, not only at the gates there were welcoming people praising him as a king. From several writings we know that all the city was stirred up, saying,

“Who is this?”

Lots of people where there in Jerusalem for the Pesach or Passover festival (14-22 Nisan). From all corners the came, but also where they came from they had heard about that mysterious prophet who did a lot of miracles. The crowds had heard where he came from and how he had spoken about the Most High Elohim. For them there could be no doubt and they said,

“This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”” (Mt 21:10-11 NHEB)

Today lots of people question that being or man from Nazareth. Even the majority of those who call themselves Christian do not seem to know who Jesus really is. They do not see in him a prophet or a man of God, but have made him into their god.

We shall see later that Jesus was going to put the question who he is to his disciples. It is important to know the difference what is said about a person and what he really is. Therefore to know clearly what they would think, he first asked them what the people were saying about him. When going around with Jesus they had already heard more than once that there were people who called Jesus a prophet. Some even wondered if it could be possible that he would be a prophet of ancient days who would have come back to earth. So we can say that they were unsure of exactly which prophet Jesus might have been.

When we ask this question about Jesus

“Who is this?” or “Who is Jesus?”

we still might receive a lot of different answers.

Because some people had been saying that Jesus was Elijah who was to return to earth, and others said that he was a new  prophet, whilst the Pharisees said that he was possessed by a demon and wanted others also to believe Jesus was a satan or adversary of God, a blasphemous person. The apostles also knew about people’s divided opinions of their master. Today, if you go around asking, some will say that Jesus was a good man who gave sound moral guidance. Some will say that he did not exist or that he was an impostor, others that he was a prophet. Again, some will say that he was a god or a god son, others will argue that he was nothing but a deluded man. Yet others will say that he is the “Son of God“.

From the many writings assembled in the Book of books, the Bible, we can get an accurate picture of who that person might have been. Also from civic writings we can read about that special man from Nazareth. In many canonical but also civic writings we can read about his special deeds. In many of those writings we read how he was there for others, to comfort them and to encourage them. Jesus was some one to whom many came for wise counsel.

The most strange thing about that Nazarene was how he went around healing sick people, paralysed people, blind people and others who had seemingly incurable diseases (John 5: 1-8 for example). He even raised some people from the dead (Lazarus). Those incredible act were the reason he was looked on as somebody with exceptional powers, possibly from outer demons.

What also disturbed a lot of people was that after he had done such miraculous things he said it was not him doing that, but his heavenly Father, who he rightly called greater than him (but they and today many do not seem to hear or understand).
Throughout the gospels, Jesus is seen in a ministry of addressing human need and condemning those who were considered religious exemplars, and were thought of as superior to ordinary people, and certainly to exemplary sinners.
Yet Jesus message was not fundamentally different from the faith of the Old Testament, for which holiness, obedience, and sacrifice for sin were central. He also believed in the same God as his parents and the ancient prophets whose writings he knew very well. That God is a god no man can see. He also very well knew his position, him being lower than angels and certainly much much lower than God. (Later he would be made higher than angels by God, Who always shall be the Most High Almighty God.) Most of the time he told the people around him, when he did a miracle, that he could not do such things out of himself. He always gave full honour for what happened to his heavenly Father, the Only One host of hosts and True God of Israel.

“17  Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” 18 For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no-one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him.
24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

31  “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favour, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. 33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.” (Joh 5:17-36 NIV)

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.” (Joh 8:42 NIV)

“27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

28  “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31 but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave.” (Joh 14:27-31 NIV)

Him telling he got advice from God, the Most High Elohim commanding him, looked as a blasphemous saying for the Pharisees. Him also getting so much attention from the public often also giving criticism about their teachings and work, was a good reason to find a way for getting rid of him (i.e. killing him).

For the Pharisees Jesus calling the Elohim his Father seemed a very good reason to speak against him.

“For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” (Joh 5:18 NIV)

Never had Jesus made himself equal to God.

“Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”” (Joh 20:17 NIV)

Their Nazarene master was an Essene or a very devout Jew and as such his disciples knew Who Jesus worshipped. For them it was clear that Jesus was that man spoken of in the Hebrew Scriptures who would bring salvation and who would become king of the promised land. When they later went around teaching they also taught people to remember how the Leader of Jesus was God.

“Now I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1Co 11:3 NIV)

“Who, being in very nature {Or in the form of } God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,” (Php 2:6 NIV)

For those who had followed Jesus for some time, it was very clear that he had never claimed to have equal status with God. They were very conscious of the humbleness of their master, who didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of the status of being a god and certainly not of being the God.

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Preceding

Israel, Fitting the Plan when people allow it

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 19 Concerning the saved ones and those able to enter the Kingdom

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

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

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

God’s Face shining on His servant

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

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

Vox populi anything but Vox Dei

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

Demanding signs or denying yourself

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Additional reading

1. Truth, doubt or blindness
2. Torah hanging on two commandments and focussing on a Mashiach
3. The true light in recorded words
4. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #5 Temptation, assault and curse
5. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #7 Promise and solution
6. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #8 Looking for the 2nd Adam
7. Which man is mentioned most often in the Bible? Jesus, Moses, Abraham or David?
8. A rebellious movement founded on a fake?
9. Fog, brass and light for the eyes
10. Blindness in the Christian world
11. Who do you say Jesus is
12. The sent one from God
13. Jesus, A way given to find the right way to God
14. The stone of essential truth
15. Knowledge of Christ and fear for God
16. A birthday passed nearly unnoticed
17. In a few days time it will be 2020 years ago that the Messiah was born
18. 2020 years ago, the road was opened
19. 2020 years since
20. To turn the world into a “vessel” receptive of God
21. The saviour Jesus his human side
22. Sayings of Jesus, what to believe and being or not of the devil
23. The Right One to follow and to worship
24. For those who believe Jesus is God
25. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #1
26. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #2
27. Americans really thinking the Messiah Christ had an English name
28. Americans their stars, pretension, God, Allah and end of times signs #2 War on God’s Plan, Name and title
29. That everyone may honour the Son and sent one from God
30. Thought for Wednesday Believe in the one God has sent
31. Jesus Messiah
32. Jesus begotten Son of God #10 Coming down spirit or flesh seed of Eve
33. Jesus begotten Son of God #14 Beloved Preminent Son and Mediator originating in Mary
34. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #14 Prayer #12 The other name
35. Concerning Christ #1 A god or the God, a son of man and son of God
36. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
37. Infinite payment of sin by the son of God
38. Believing what Jesus says
39. The Call of Christ
40. Following a Person or a Belief
41. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
42. Purification and perfection
43. From nothingness to a growing group of followers of Jeshua 5 What’s in a name
44. Not being saved by faith in Christ alone
45. Memorizing wonderfully 42 Equality with God & doing nothing of himself
46. Memorizing wonderfully 44 Showing the works from his Father
47. Memorizing wonderfully 46 Believe in the sent one from God, who is the Way to God
48. Memorizing wonderfully 49 John 17:1-11 The sent one from God and eternal life
49. Memorizing wonderfully 52 Acts 7:56: the Son of man standing on the right hand of God
50. Memorizing wonderfully 70: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God
51. Background of Faith
52. Trinitarians making their proof for existence of God look ridiculous #7

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Related

1. Jesus Existed 
2. Cult Leader Jesus
3. Prophet Jesus pbuh : The slave of God
4. How the doctrine of the Trinity developed in the Christian Church
5. Conversation with a messianic about why I consider Jesus a false prophet and idol
6. Christian, what are you going to say to G-d of Israel when your god Jesus doesn’t return?