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

In Daniel 12:1 is spoken of a time that the archangel Michael, or the great prince who as a grand defender and guardian protects [L stands by] God’s people [10:13, 21], will stand up [arise (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7)]. All people should know that there will be a time of much trouble [distress], the worst time since nations have been on earth, but at that time God’s people will be saved [rescued]. Therefore, Jesus warns to stay alert, to keep watch because nobody knows when Jesus will come (Matthew 24:42).

Followers of Christ should remember what they have received and heard, and obey it, and turn from their sin! For if they don’t wake up, they shall be surprised, because Jesus will come like a thief, and people don’t know at what moment he will come upon them (Revelation 3:3).

We have to give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith, so that when the time arrives we shall not find ourselves not ready to follow in the footsteps of the righteous, who shall be allowed to enter the narrow gate to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus compares that coming day and the required readiness with the owner of a house who also does not know when a thief would come along. Had he known his house was about to be broken into, he would have stayed up all night, vigilantly. He would have kept watch, and he would have thwarted the thief and not let his house be broken into. So we too have to be ready because we know the Son of Man will come, but we can’t know precisely when. He might be coming at an hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:43-44; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15).

Jesus asks

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master put in charge of his household to give them food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)

The sent one from God, Jeshua, the son of man and the Kristos (Christ) we can have as our trustworthy servant, the one Whom the Highest Master has put in charge of all the servants of his household. We, who want to serve Jesus, are simple servants, but that does not take away that we do not have to take our responsibility seriously.
When the times of the latter days arrive we should belong to those servants whose master (Jesus Christ) finds them doing their work when Jesus returns on this earth. (Matthew 24:46)

Jesus who always tells the truth, assures us and most solemnly say to his followers that the master will choose that servant to take care [put him in charge] of everything he owns. (Matthew 24:47)

When that servant would not be ready and [L at an hour when he] is not expecting him that is appointed by the Most High, then the master will treat that caught unaware servant like one who did not do his job and consider him a worthless servant. (Matthew 24:50-51)

In those days, after that tribulation, when the earth shall shake, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. [Mark 13:24-25; Isaiah 13:10; 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10; 2:31; 3:15; Haggai 2:6,21] Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth (lying dead and buried) will awake and rise up (Daniel 12:2) to see with those, who are still alive at that time, the Son of Man coming in the clouds with tremendous power and glory (Mark 13:26; Daniel 7:13–14).

Then there might be weeping and gnashing of teeth, indicating agony and remorse, but it shall be too late to discuss over distress and anger, because everybody has been warned long before and could have found the Biblical Truth. When the time after the big war has arrived, and Jesus shall be seen as the returned one from God, then it shall be time for the righteous to come out of the world of mammon, showing to the world they do not belong to this world but to God and His people, so that they will not share in the world her sins, and so that they will not receive any of her plagues (Revelation 18:4). All then shall have to know that then the time has arrived when those particular chosen ones who are alive and left behind [or alive and are left] will be gathered [caught; taken; raptured] together with them [the resurrected ones] into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is how we, the resurrected and the living, will be with him forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Events seem to be happening at a break-neck speed, so that it is almost impossible to keep up. We have major headlines coming out almost hourly, Russia (the bear), Syria, Iran, Iraq, the Asian and African countries. Many of these have a role in prophecy during the last days.

When believing in God and believing also in Jesus (John 14:1) we do know that in Jehovah, our Father’s house, there are many mansions, which all should be prepared and ready to receive the Master.

Let us, who have obtained salvation through Christ, make sure that when the time is near, right at the door, that we shall be ready. So that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming (1 John 2:28), after having able to stand strong and firm in those troubling or perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1). We have to be prepared and have made ourselves strong enough to go through that time of great trouble and can stand up against those lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:2-5). As the Messiah loves us, so should we in the world having our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment (1 John 4:17).

Nobody shall be able to escape the judgement-seat of Jesus. It is not that some people shall already be gone to a hell, a purgatory or heaven. For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Let us not lay up for ourselves treasures upon earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal. Let us not give thieves an opportunity to break through and steal (Matthew 6:19) and remember that whatever we deserve for the good or bad things we have done in our period here on earth, shall come unto us. They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life shall then receive their reward, but those who have done evil to a resurrection of judgment, shall be condemned, find the path unto the resurrection of damnation (2 Corinthians 5:10; John 5:29).

We can only hope that when Jesus returns, we ourselves and many of our friends, shall be counted to those with faith (Luke 18:8) and belonging to the ones whose name is written in God’s book to be saved [L All who are found written in the book; C of life; Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Da 10:21; Mal 3:16; Luke 10:20; Rev. 20:12.].

 

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Preceding

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

Matthew 13:36-43 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Zizania in the Field Explained

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

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

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

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

Matthew 24:9-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part Two – The Acts of the Apostles Foretold

Matthew 24:15-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Sign 1: Encamped Armies. The Sign Great Oppression Is Near

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

Matthew 24:36-41 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: About That Day and Hour

Matthew 24:42-51 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Stay Awake!

Left in the dark or being in the dark seeing light

Separation of local judgment regarding 70 CE from the global ultimate-coming prophecies of the Second Coming and Final Judgment

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Additional reading

1. You know neither the day nor the hour
2. Only once and with consequences
3. With the gift of Jesus comes an awesome responsibility
4. Sign of the Times and the Last Days #1 The Son of man revealing
5. Signs of the Last Days
6. The days are coming
7. To be prepared and very well oiled
8. Devotees and spotters
9. The chosen ones to fear or not to fear
10. God my fence, my hope for the future
11. Dealings with ruling authorities
12. Rapture Exposed
13. Rapture what does it mean?
14. The Rapture or admittance with Christ
15. Gather together with Jesus Christ
16. Raptured in clouds

Hardships for choosing to follow the real Christ

In this world where most people want to keep to traditions and want to prefer to follow human doctrines instead of Biblical doctrines, the one wanting to believe what God says about Jesus often feels how difficult it is to follow in line with God’s Words.

Many of us have had to endure hardships because we chose to follow Jesus. For many who came to the Truth it took several years before they dared to take the steps in the right direction. Some do know the Biblical Truth and do follow the real Jesus, Jeshua the Nazarene teacher who is also called the son of man and son of God, but do not want to tell it to others. As such, for example, we had a friend who did not believe in the Trinity but kept working as a pastor in a trinitarian preaching company. He told us he could not say openly he did not believe any more in the Trinity because than he would loose his job as minister and would have no income any-more. That is often a very difficult factor, certainly for priests and ministers.

But also lay people have it difficult to make the right choice. Some of them have had to lose friends and family relationships, and on many occasions even had to endure verbal attacks. There are people all over the world who are being put in prison and literally risking their life to follow Jesus.

So the big question for most people is,

“Why?”

Yes

Why do we choose to risk it all to follow this person who we believe rose from the dead? What do we get out of it?

When they were fishermen Jesus had asked those simple men to follow him, what they did.  At that time they gave up their profession and their income. The thought of sacrifice very naturally suggests as its correlative that of compensation; so it is not at all to be wondered at that, before this conversation ended, Peter, the impulsive disciple, so much given to think aloud, should blurt out the honest question:

“Behold, we have forsaken all and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?”

Peter asked Jesus what they would get, and that is perhaps the question which would be on most lips when wondering to follow Jesus or any other person. Certainly (for today) when it is all about a person who lived so many centuries ago and who seemed to have caused so many problems. Peter could not but remember that while the Master had insisted on his disciples denying self to follow him, he had spoken no less clearly of their finding life through losing it, and of their being rewarded according to their deeds. {see Matthew 16:24-27 } A more cautious man would have hesitated before he spoke; but it was no worse to speak it than to think it: and then, it was an honest and fair question; accordingly our Lord gives it a frank and generous answer, taking care, however, before leaving the subject, to add a supplementary caution, fitted to correct what was doubtful or wrong in the spirit it showed.

People should know that everybody is free to choose what or whom to follow. God has given man the free choice. His sent ones, the many prophets often asked people to follow their sayings. Every time they left the choice to the people themselves, never forcing them into doing something what they would not want to do of free choice. The same for the Nazarene master teacher. He never pushed people to come to listen to what he had to say. He never pushed people to come to see what he did. When he walked around in the area people came from their own to see and hear this special man. Not everybody could make up his mind about that special figure and many doubted his position or wondered who he really was and what he came to do.

The word recalls what is said in the book of Genesis as to

“the generation of the heaven and of the earth.”

Nobody can escape to this system and shall have to make the choice to be part of this world or to be part of God’s World. That is what it makes so difficult, man can not live in both worlds. Man can not keep to the human traditions with the many heathen festivals and at the same time claim he worships God. The Divine Creator demands complete submission to the Divine values and norms. One cannot eat from the two walls. God requires an honest surrender to Him. He also has given His son to bring salvation to the world and expects that the world shall come to recognise His only begotten son.

Coming closer to the end-times more adversaries of Gdo shall try to get people away from the Only One True God. They shall do their utmost best to confuse people and to make them to worship an other god than the God of Israel, Who is an Unseen Spirit.

People who come to see Who God is and who His son is and want to follow that son, with the knowledge that this son of God the way to god is, may find it difficult to persevere because the majority is against such an idea that a man would be able to do God’s Will and to offer himself for the sins of others. When you believe that you should be not ashamed and should not go hiding, but should dare to tell about your faith, that you believe that son of man is the son of God who gave his life as a ransom for the sins of many. The belief in the son of God should make you stronger than those who do not believe in that man of flesh and blood who gave his life, was killed, put in a grave but was also taken out of the dead by his heavenly Father. That resurrection of a man is for us the ultimate proof that a human being can stand up from the death. In case Jesus would be God, we naturally would not have any proof at all for the resurrection of man.

That resurrection may give us something to fight for. People may bully us, hurt us and even could kill us, but we do know there is much more behind the ‘curtain of this life’.

No matter what you have had to endure or give up to follow Jesus, the reward in the end is so much greater than what you ever would be able to gather here on earth. We should not be afraid to face those who are against us because we do not want to go for that false teaching of a three-headed god. We should believe in what the Bible tells us and should not be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies and by those who want to push us in the world of human doctrines. You should know such people may harm you in this life but there shall be nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Therefore are not afraid for such human beings who ignore the Words of God and Who, as a God Who tells no lies, declared Jesus to be His only begotten son. Save your fear for that God of Israel Who is a Spirit and not a man of flesh and blood who could be killed. That God of Abraham is an eternal Spirit Being, Who holds your entire life — body and soul — in His hands.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt 10:28 NIV)

Our reward for following Jesus is that we shall be able to find the way to God. Jesus is the right way to go. By listening to his words and by doing what he requires from us we shall be able to grow in his teachings and shall find enough strength to continue on the right path.

We may be sure there shall come a moment that the Son of man shall come to sit on the throne of his glory and at the end of times no one shall be able to escape his judgement. therefore let us not worry but look for Jehovah and do what God wants and not so much what the people want from us.

“Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.” (Zep 2:3 NIV)

When doing what God wants and step in the footsteps of His only begotten son, then we shall be able to go on the right path to the small gate leading to immortal, perfect life where there shall be no more sickness or sorrow any more. Following Jesus worshipping his God we shall come to see the heavenly gates and shall come to see that those who do not believe the Biblical Truth like us may also find death, but shall not be able like us to see their loved ones again who have died.

“”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, {Or his only begotten Son } that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

“3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”” (Re 21:3-4 NIV)

“13  Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever.” (1Th 4:13-17 NIV)

What more could we possibly ask for?

Jesus has promised us everything we can dream of if we choose to suffer now, just like he did. So be encouraged today that you have a tremendous, indescribable reward waiting for you when our king returns!

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Preceding

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 5 Matthew 6: 24-34: e) Anxiety and neighbor love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 19:30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: First Last – Last First

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Preceding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Most important weekend of the year 2018

Soon we shall gather to remember two major instances in the history of the People of God. The first remembrance is the liberation from the slavery in Egypt, where God gave enough signs so that people could come to recognise Who is the Most High God above all gods. The second celebration is that of the Jewish master teacher Jeshua (Jesus Christ) who came together at the upper room to remember the Exodus from Egypt but also to install a special moment, namely bringing some symbols in the light of the evening.

Some disciples close to this master teacher had seen how their master had come typically to the Jews in the end of their age as Prophet, (teacher) as Priest (“when he offered up Himself,” `Heb_7:27`.) and as King. (When he rode into their city at the close of his ministry.) But those disciples could see how the moment of glory was very short and how their Jewish brethren did not receive their master in any of these forms.

For a short time they had walked with him and had witnessed miracles. For them it was clear they had some one in front of them who was

“a teacher sent from God“.

They looked up at him, but still expected him to be  a warrior who would defeat the Romans and would become their “King” or ruler.

The Jewish “Feast of Passover” commenced on the fifteenth day of their month Nisan and lasted seven days. Though before that day, there was the the killing of the lamb on the 14th of Nisan, which shall be this coming Friday, March 30, Erev Pesach or Fast of the First born, followed by Nisan 15, 5778 or Pesach 1.

Having the Friday and Saturday the remembrance moments of the liberation of the Jews and the Gentiles, we should jubilate. You could think we should be sad, because Jesus would be slaughtered as a lamb, but we do know that by his offering we were bought free. By his offering at the stake freedom came over mankind, him making an end to the curse of death. And that should bring happiness in our hearts, also three days later mankind got the proof that a man could get out of the dead.

In case Jesus would have been God we would not have any proof that man could resurrect from the death. But now with this man of flesh and blood, the world could see how God had lifted him and has given him a very special place.

Jesus had told his disciples a lot about how to behave and how to treat others, like the homeless, the poor, the needy and how to handle the material provisions, wealth, prosperity, riches, but also poverty and to be prepared to live a life for God. They had heard strange things, like that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. They also had heard that when when their master, the Son of Man, would be sitting on his glorious throne, they who had followed him would also come to sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  (Matthew 19:27-30)

They were so convinced they would come to see that kingdom in their lifetime, but that night this man talked about his death, him leaving them. He took bread and spoke about this being his body. They knew Jesus did not turn the bread into his literal flesh and the wine into his real blood. Jesus’ fleshly body was still intact when he offered this bread and wine. Jesus’ apostles were not really eating his literal flesh and drinking his blood, for that would have been cannibalism and a violation of God’s law. (Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:10)

According to Luke 22:20, Jesus said:

“This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.”

The apostles never thought that the cup presented to them literally would have become “the new covenant”. They knew that would be impossible, since a covenant is an agreement, not a tangible object.

Hence, both the bread and the wine have to be looked at as only symbols. The bread symbolizes Christ’s perfect body. Jesus used a loaf of bread left over from the Passover meal. The loaf was made without any leaven, or yeast. (Exodus 12:8) The Bible often uses leaven as a symbol of sin or corruption. The bread therefore represents the perfect body that Jesus sacrificed. It was free of sin.​—Matthew 16:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 7; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:1, 2.

The red wine represents Jesus’ blood. That blood makes valid the new covenant. Jesus said that his blood was poured out

“for forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus made it clear that humans can become clean in God’s eyes and can enter into the new covenant with Jehovah. (Hebrews 9:14; 10:16, 17) Jesus was convinced that God would accept his offering and consider his act as a covenant, or contract.

Let us come together Friday night to remember that special sent one from god who was willing to give his life for our sins.

 

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Preceding articles

Preparing for the most important weekend of the year 2018

Voorbereiding op het belangrijkste weekend van het jaar 2018

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Additional reading

1. Commemorating the escape from slavery
2. First month of the year and predictions
3. Entrance of a king to question our position #2 Who do we want to see and to be
4. Seven Bible Feasts of JHWH
5. Preparation for Passover
6. The Atonement in Type and Antitype 1 Sacrifices and High Priests
7. The Atonement in Type and Antitype 2 Going forth to Jesus
8. 9 Adar and bickering or loving followers of the Torah preparing for Pesach
9. Making sure we express kedusha for 14-16 Nisan
10. This day shall be unto you for a memorial and you shall keep it a feast to the Most High God
11. Days of Nisan, Pesach, Pasach, Pascha and Easter
12. Yom Hey, Eve of Passover and liberation of many people
13. 8 Reasons Christian Holidays Should Not Be Observed
14. Shabbat Pesach service reading 1/2
15. Who Would You Rather Listen To?
16. Solution for Willing hearts filled with gifts
17. Celebrations pointing to events of ultimate meaning
18. Most important day in Christian year
19. Thinking about fear for the Loving God and an Invitation for 14 Nisan

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Related

1. The Symbol of Blood in Christianity & Upcoming Easter Special
2. Bread and Cup
3. Remembering Passover
4. My Christian testimony: leaving behind the new age deception
5. Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
6. Nisan 14 Sundown March 30, 2018
7. The Last Supper: What did they eat?
8. Easter
9. Easter, Passover, Abib, and the New Hebrew Sacred Year – and what God says to us
10. The feasts of the lord – part-2
11. The Passover
12. Pesach / Passover
13. Happy Memorial Season!

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

Matthew 7:13-23 – The True Disciple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Preceding article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Additional reading

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

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Further reading

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

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