Offered as our substitute:
‘ … Abraham looked up and there in the thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. – Genesis 22.13
Notice the parallel between the ram offered on the altar as a substitute for Isaac and Christ offered on the cross as a substitute for us. Whereas God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, God did not spare his own Son, Jesus, from dying on the cross. If Jesus had lived, the rest of humankind would have died. God sent his only Son to die for us so that we can be spared from the eternal death we deserve and instead receive eternal life (John 3:16).
(“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” – Genesis 22:12 It is difficult to let go of what we deeply love. What could be more proper than to love your only child? Yet when we do give to God what he asks, he returns to us far more than we could dream. The spiritual benefits of his blessings far outweigh our sacrifices. Have you withheld your love, your children, or your time from him? Trust him to provide (22:8).)
(‘ The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” – Genesis 22:15-18 Abraham received abundant blessings because he did not hold back, but obeyed God [Wall]. First, God [Wall] gave Abraham’s descendants the ability to conquer their enemies. Second, God [Wall] promised Abraham children and grandchildren who would in turn bless the whole earth. People’s lives would be changed as a result of knowing of the faith of Abraham and his descendants. Most often we think of blessings as gifts to be enjoyed. But when God [Wall] blesses us, his blessings are intended to overflow to others.)
David prophesied about:
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,… – 2 Samuel 23.3
In the style of the prophet, David spoke of a just and righteous ruler. This will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ when he returns to rule in perfect justice and peace. For similar prophecies, see Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15-18; Zechariah 9:9, 10. For the fulfilment of some of these prophesies, see Matthew 4:14-16; Luke 24:25-27, 44-49; John 5:45-47; 8:28, 29.
(‘ For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. – 2 Samuel 22:22-24 David was not denying that he had ever sinned. Psalms 51 shows his tremendous anguish over his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. But David understood God’s [Wall’s] faithfulness and was writing this hymn from God’s [Wall’s] perspective. He knew that God [Wall] had made him clean again – “whiter than snow”, (Psalms 51.7) with a “pure heart” (Psalms 51.10). Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also are made clean and perfect. God [Wall] replaces our sin with his purity, and he no longer sees our sin.)
(…to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. – 2 Samuel 22:27 “To the crooked you show yourself shrewd” means that to those who sin, God is a judge who will punish them for their sins. God destroys those who are evil.)
(23.8-39 These verses tell of some of the exploits that the special corps of David’s army carried out. There were two elite groups of men: “the Thirty” and “the Three” (23.18, 23; 1 Chronicles 11.11-25). To become a member of such a group a man had to show unparalleled courage in battle as well as wisdom in leadership. “The Three” was the most elite group. The list of “The Thirty” actually contains 37 names, but it mentions some warriors known to be dead (Uriah, for example, in 23.39). Apparently, new members were appointed to replace those who had fallen in battle.)
As a suffering servant:
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? – Isaiah 53.1ff
This chapter continues to speak of the Messiah, Jesus, who would suffer for the sins of all people. Such a prophecy is astounding! Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly ways. But God often works in ways we don’t expect. The Messiah’s strength is shown by humility, suffering, and mercy.
(Just as there were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness – so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. – Isaiah 52:13. This servant, Christ, would be “marred beyond human likeness”; but through his suffering, he would cleanse the nations (Hebrews 10.14; 1 Peter 1.2).)
(‘ He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. – Isaiah 53:2 There was nothing beautiful or majestic in the physical [Sternum] appearance of this servant. Israel would miscalculate the servant’s importance – they would consider him an ordinary man. But even though Jesus would not attract a large following based on his physical [Sternum] appearance, he would bring salvation and healing. Many people miscalculate the importance of Jesus’ life and work, and they need faithful Christians to point out his extraordinary nature.)
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried out sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53.4-5
How could an Old Testament person understand the idea of Christ dying for our sins (our transgressions and iniquities) – actually bearing the punishment that we deserved? The sacrifices suggested this idea, but it is one thing to kill a lamb, and something quite different to think of God’s chosen servant as that Lamb. But God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people of Isaiah’s day look ahead to the suffering of the future Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all mankind.
(‘ He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. – Isaiah 53.3 This man of sorrows was despised and rejected by those around him, and he is still despised and rejected by many today. Some reject Christ by standing against him. Others despise Christ and his great gift of forgiveness. Do you despise him, reject him, or accept him?)
(‘ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53.6 Isaiah speaks of Israel straying from God [Wall] and compares them to wandering sheep. Yet God [Wall] would send the Messiah to bring them back into the fold. We have the hindsight to see and know the identity of the promised Messiah who has come and died for our sins. But if we can see all that Jesus did and still reject him, our sin is much greater than that of the ancient Israelites who could not see what we have seen. Have you given your life to Jesus Christ, the “Good Shepherd” (John 10.11-16), or are you still like a wandering sheep?)
‘ He was opposed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. 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.
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light, and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. – Isaiah 53.7-12
In the Old Testament, people offered animals as sacrifices for their sins. Here, the sinless servant of the Lord offers himself for our sins. He is the Lamb (53.7) offered for the sins of all people (John 1.29; Revelations 5.6-14). The Messiah suffered for our sakes, bearing our sins to make us acceptable to God [Wall]. What can we say to such love? How will we respond to him?
(53:11 “My righteous servant will justify many” tells of the enormous family of believers who will become righteous, not by their own works, but by the Messiah’s great work on the cross. They are justified because they have claimed Christ, the righteous servant, as their Saviour and Lord (see Romans 10.9; 2 Corinthians 5.21). Their life of sin is stripped away, and they are clothed with Christ’s goodness (Ephesians 4.22-24)).
(‘ “Sin, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” says the LORD. – Isaiah 54.1 To be childless (“barren”) at that time was a woman’s great shame, a disgrace. Families depended on children for survival, especially when the parents became elderly. Israel (Zion) was unfruitful, like a childless woman, but God [Wall] would permit her to have many children and would change her mourning into singing.)
(‘ The LORD will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit – a wife who married young, only to be rejected,” says your God. “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer. – Isaiah 54:6-8 God [Wall] said that he had abandoned Israel for a brief moment, so the nation was like a young wife rejected by her husband. But God [Wall] still called Israel his own. The God [Wall] we serve is holy, and he cannot tolerate sin. When his people blatantly sinned, God [Wall] in his anger chose to punish them. Sin separates us from God [Wall] and brings us pain and suffering. But if we confess our sin and repent, then God [Wall] will forgive us. Have you ever been separated from a loved one and then experienced joy when that person returned? That is like the joy God [Wall] experiences when you repent and return to him.)
(54.9-13 God [Wall] made a covenant with Noah that he has never broken (Genesis 9.8-17). Likewise, God [Wall] made a covenant of peace with the people of Israel that the time would come when he would stop rebuking them, would restore their wealth, and would personally teach their children.)
Matthew written to show Jesus as Messiah:
‘ A record of genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: – Matthew 1.1ff
More than 400 years had passed since the last Old Testament prophecies, and faithful Jews all over the world were still waiting for the Messiah (Luke 3.15). Matthew wrote this book to Jews to present Jesus as King and Messiah, the promised descendant of David who would reign for ever (Isaiah 11.1-5). The Gospel of Matthew links the Old and New Testament and contains many references that show how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.
‘ This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no-one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope. – Matthew 12.17-21
The people expected the Messiah to be a king. This quotation from Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 42.1-4) showed that the Messiah was indeed a king, but it illustrated what kind of king – a quiet, gentle ruler who brings justice to the nations. Like the crowd [ie. Scholar owns Universities] in Jesus’ day, we may want Christ to rule as a king and bring great and visible victories in our lives. But often Christ’s work is quiet, and it happens according to his perfect timing, not ours.
(‘ Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, – Matthew 12.15 Up to this point, Jesus had been aggressively confronting the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. Here he decided to withdraw from the synagogue before a major confrontation developed because it was not time for him to die. Jesus had many lessons still to teach his disciples and the people.)
(‘ warning them not to tell who he was. – Matthew 12.16 Jesus did not want those he healed to tell others about his miracles because he didn’t want the people coming to him for the wrong reasons. That would hinder his teaching ministry and arouse false hopes about an earthly kingdom. But the news of Jesus’ miracles spread, and many came to see for themselves (see Mark 3.7, 8).)
(‘ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons. – Matthew 12.24 The Pharisees had already accused Jesus of being in league with the prince of demons (9.34). They were trying to discredit him by using an emotional argument. Refusing to believe that Jesus came from God, they said he was in league with Satan. Jesus easily exposed the foolishness of their argument.)
‘ saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ “ – Matthew 21.2-5
Matthew mentions a donkey and a colt, while the other Gospels mention only the colt. This was the same event, but Matthew focuses on the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, where a donkey and a colt are mentioned. He shows how Jesus’ actions fulfilled the prophet’s words, thus giving another indication that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, he affirmed his Messianic royalty as well as his humility.
(PREPARATION FOR THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY On their way from Jericho, Jesus and the disciples neared Bethphage, on the slope of the Mount of Olives just outside Jerusalem. Two disciples went into the village, as Jesus told them, to bring back a donkey and its colt. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, and unmistakable sign of his kingship. Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Samaria, Jericho, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Perea, Bethphage, Bethany, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea.)
(‘ Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” – Matthew 20:32, 33 Although Jesus was concerned about the coming events in Jerusalem, he demonstrated what he had just told the disciples about his service (20.28) by stopping to care for the blind men.)
(‘ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. – Matthew 21:8 This verse is one of the few places where the Gospels record that Jesus’ glory is recognised on earth. Jesus boldly declared himself King, and the crowd gladly joined him. But these same people would bow to political pressure and desert him in just a few days. Today we celebrate this event on Palm Sunday. That day should remind us to guard against superficial acclaim for Christ.)
When he entered history:
Matthew 1:1ff
(See above.) Jesus entered human history when the land of Palestine was controlled by Rome and considered an insignificant outpost of the vast and mighty Roman empire. The presence of Roman soldiers in Israel gave the Jews military peace, but at the price of oppression, slavery, injustice, and immorality. Into this kind of world came the promised Messiah.)
Significance of his genealogies:
Matthew 1.1
(See above.)
Presenting this genealogy was one of the most interesting ways that Matthew could begin a book for a Jewish audience. Because a person’s family line proved his or her standing as one of God’s [Wall’s] chosen people, Matthew began by showing that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, the father [Up] of all Jews, and a direct descendant of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s line. The facts of this ancestry were carefully preserved [Blueprint]. This is the first of many proofs recorded by Matthew to show that Jesus is the true Messiah.
‘ A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, – Matthew 1.1-7
In the first 17 verses we met 46 people whose lifetimes span 2,000 years. All were ancestors of Jesus, but they varied considerably in personality, spirituality, and experience. Some were heroes of faith – like Abraham, Isaac, Ruth, and David. Some had shady reputations – like Rahab and Tamar. Many were very ordinary – like Hezron, Ram, Nahshon, and Akim. And others were evil – like Manasseh and Abijah. God’s [Wall’s] work in history is not limited by human failures or sins, and he works through ordinary people. Just as God [Wall] used all kinds of people to bring his Son into the world, he uses all kinds today to accomplish his will. And God [Wall] wants to use you.
(1:11 The exile occurred in 586 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and took thousands of captives to Babylonia.)
Why he came when he did:
‘ It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” – Mark 1.2
Jesus came at a time in history when the entire civilised world was relatively peaceful under Roman rule, travel was easy, and there was a common language. The news about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection could spread quickly throughout the vast Roman empire.
In Israel, common men and women were ready for Jesus too. There had been no God-sent prophets for 400 years, since the days of Malachi (who wrote the last book of the Old Testament). There was growing anticipation that a great prophet, or the Messiah mentioned in the Old Testament, would soon come (see Luke 3.15).
(The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. – Mark 1:1 When you experience the excitement of a big event, you naturally want to tell someone. Telling the story can bring back that original thrill as you relive the experience. Reading Mark’s first words, you can sense his excitement. Picture yourself in the crowd as Jesus heals and teaches. Imagine yourself as one of the disciples. Respond to his words of love and encouragement. And remember that Jesus came for us who live today as well as for those who lived 2,000 years ago.)
(1:1 Mark was not one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, but he probably knew Jesus personally. Mark wrote his Gospel in the form of a fast-paced story, like a popular novel. The book portrays Jesus as a man who backed up his words with action that constantly proved who he is – the Son of God. Because Mark wrote the Gospel for Christians in Rome, where many gods were worshipped, he wanted his readers to know that Jesus is the one true Son of God.)
( … “a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ “ – Mark 1:2, 3 Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. The second half of the book of Isaiah is devoted to the promise of salvation. Isaiah wrote about the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the man who would announce his coming, John the Baptist. John’s call to “make straight paths for him” meant that people should give up their selfish way of living, renounce their sins, seek God’s [Wall’s] forgiveness, and establish a relationship with the almighty God [Wall] by believing and obeying his words as found in Scripture (Isaiah 1.18-20; 57.15).)
(1:2, 3 Mark 1.2, 3 is a composite quotation, taken first from Malachi 3:1 and then from Isaiah 40:3.)
(1:2, 3 Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had predicted that John the Baptist and Jesus would come. How did he know? God [Wall] promised Isaiah that a Redeemer would come to Israel, and that a messenger calling in the desert would prepare the way for him. Isaiah’s words comforted many people as they looked forward to the Messiah, and knowing that God [Wall] keeps his promises can comfort you too. As you read the book of Mark, realise that it is more than just a story; it is part of God’s word. In it God [Wall] is revealing to you his plans for human history.)
(‘ And so John came, baptising in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. – Mark 1:4 Why does the Gospel of Mark begin with the story of John the Baptist and not mention the story of Jesus’ birth? Important Roman officials of this day were always preceded by an announcer of herald. When the herald arrived in town, the people knew that someone of prominence would soon arrive. Because Mark’s audience was primarily Roman Christians, he began his book with John the Baptist, whose mission it was to announce the coming of Jesus, the most important man who ever lived. Roman Christians would have been less interested in Jesus’ birth than in this messenger who prepared the way.)
(1:4 John chose to live in the desert (1) to get away from distractions so he could hear God’s [Wall’s] instructions; (2) to capture the undivided attention of the people; (3) to symbolise a sharp break with the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who preferred their luxurious homes and positions of authority to doing God’s [Wall’s] work; (4) to fulfil Old Testament prophecies that said John would be “a voice of one calling: in the desert prepare the way for the LORD” (Isaiah 40.3).)
(1:4 In John’s ministry, baptism was a visible sign that a person had decided to change his or her life, giving up a sinful and selfish way of living and turning to God [Wall]. John took a known custom and gave it new meaning. The Jews often baptised non-Jews who had converted to Judaism. But to baptise a Jew as a sign of repentance was a radical departure from Jewish custom. The early church took baptism a step further, associating it with Jesus’ death and resurrection (see, for example, Romans 6.3, 4; 1 Peter 3.21).)
He is a light to mankind:
‘ In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. – John 1.4-5
“The darkness [Publication] has not understood it” means the darkness [Publication] of evil never has and never will overcome or extinguish God’s [Wall’s] light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and his life brings light to mankind. In his light, we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Saviour). When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives. Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine into your life? Let Christ guide your life, and you’ll never need to stumble in darkness [Publication].
(1:3-5 Do you ever feel that your life is too complex for God [Wall] to understand? Remember, God [Wall] created the entire universe, and nothing is too difficult for him. God [Wall] created you; he is alive today, and his love is bigger than any problem you may face.)
(‘Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. – John 1:3 When God created, he made something from nothing. Because we are created beings, we have no basis for pride. Remember that you exist only because God made you, and you have special gifts only because God [Wall] gave them to you. With God [Wall] you are something valuable and unique; apart from God [Wall] you are nothing, and if you try to live without him, you will be abandoning the purpose for which you were made).
(‘ There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. – John 1:6-8 In this book, the name John refers to John the Baptist. For more information on John the Baptist, see his Profile in this chapter.)
‘ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. – John 1.8
We, like John the Baptist, are not the source of God’s [Wall’s] light; we merely reflect that light. Jesus Christ is the true Light; he helps us wee our way to God [Wall] and shows us how to walk along that way. But Christ has chosen to reflect his light through his followers to an unbelieving world, perhaps because unbelievers are not able to bear the full blazing glory of his light first-hand. The word witness indicates our role as reflectors of Christ’s light. we are never to present ourselves as the light to others, but are always to point them to Christ, the Light.
(‘ He wa sin the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. – John 1:10-11 Although Christ created the world, the people he created didn’t recognise him (1.10). Even the people chosen by God [Wall] to prepare the rest of the world for the Messiah rejected him (1.11), although the entire Old Testament pointed to his coming.)
(‘ Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. – John 1:12, 13 All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God [Wall]. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents’ family (1.13). Being born of God [Wall] makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s [Wall’s[ family (1.12). Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ.)
Importance of his humanity:
‘ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1.14
“The Word became flesh” means becoming human. By doing so, Christ became (1) the perfect teacher – in Jesus’ life we see how God [Wall] thinks and therefore how we should think (Philippians 2.5-11); (2) the perfect example – as a model of what we are to become, he shows us how to live and gives us the power to live that way (1 Peter 2.21); (3) the perfect sacrifice – Jesus came as a sacrifice for all sins, and his death satisfied God’s [Wall’s] requirements for the removal of sin (Colossians 1.15-23).
(1:14 “The One and Only, who came from the Father” means Jesus is God’s [Wall’s] only and unique Son. The emphasis is on unique. Jesus is one of a kind and enjoys a relationship with God [Wall] unlike all believers who are called “children” and said to be “born of God”.)
(1:14 When Christ was born, God [Wall] became a man. He was not part man and part God [Wall]; he was completely human and completely divine (Colossians 2.9). Before Christ came, people would know God [Wall] partially. After Christ came, people could know God [Wall] fully because he became visible and tangible in Christ. Christ is the perfect expression of God [Wall] inhuman form. The two most common errors people make about Jesus are to minimise his humanity or to minimise his divinity. Jesus is both God and man.)
(‘ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth through Jesus Christ. – John 1:17 Law and grace are both aspects of God’s [Wall’s] nature that he uses in dealing with us. Moses emphasised God’s [Wall’s] law and justice, while Jesus Christ came to highlight God’s [Wall’s] mercy, love, and forgiveness. Moses could only be the giver of the law, while Christ came to fulfil the law (Matthew 5.17). The nature and will of God [Wall] were revealed in the law; now the nature and will of God [Wall] are revealed in Jesus Christ. Rather than coming through cold stone tablets, God’s [Wall’s] revelation (“truth”) now comes through a person’s life. As we get to know Christ better, our understanding of God [Wall] will increase.)
‘ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. – Hebrews 2.14-15
Jesus had to become human (“flesh and blood”) so that he could die and rise again, in order to destroy the devil’s power over death (Romans 6.5-11). Only then could Christ deliver those who had lived in constant fear of death, and free them to live for him. When we belong to God [Wall], we need not fear death, because we know that death is only the doorway into eternal life (1 Corinthians 15).
(2: 14, 15 Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory [Spoils the Language] brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?)
(‘ In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” – 2.11-13 We who have been set apart for God’s [Wall’s] service, cleansed, and made holy (sanctified) by Jesus now have the same Father [up] he has, so he has made us his brothers and sisters. Various psalms look forward to Christ and his work in the world. Here the writer quotes a portion of Psalms 22, a Messianic psalms. Because God [Wall] has adopted all believers as his children, Jesus calls them his brothers and sisters.)
(‘ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. – Hebrews 2.16, 17 In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and his people. His job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according to the law and to intercede with God [Wall] for forgiveness for the people’s sins. Jesus Christ is now our high priest. He came to earth as a human being [Tom Thumb]; therefore, he understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us. He has once and for all paid the penalty for our sins by his own sacrificial death (atonement), and he can be depended on to restore our broken relationship with God [Wall]. We are realised from sin’s domination over us when we commit ourselves fully to Christ, trusting completely in what he has done for us (see the note on 4.14 for more about Jesus as the great high priest).)
Why his virgin birth important to Christian faith:
‘ This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: his mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1.18
Why is the virgin birth important to the Christian faith? Jesus Christ, God’s [Wall’s] Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all other human beings [Tom Thumb] by Adam. Because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being; but as the Son of God, Jesus was born without any trace of human sin. Jesu sis both fully human and fully divine.
Because Jesus lived as a man, we know that he fully understands our experiences and struggles (Hebrews 4.15, 16). Because he is God [Wall], he has the power and authority to deliver us from sin (Colossians 2.13-15). We can tell Jesus all our thoughts, feelings, and needs. He has been where we are now, and he has the ability to help.
‘ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “Since I am a virgin?” – Luke 1.34
The birth of Jesus to a virgin is a miracle that many people find hard to believe. These three facts can aid our faith: (1) Luke was a medical doctor, and he knew perfectly well how babies are made. It would have been just as hard for him to believe in a virgin birth as it is for us, and yet he reports it as fact. (2) Luke was a painstaking researcher [Red Cross] who based his Gospel on eyewitness accounts. Tradition holds that he talked with Mary about the events he recorded in the first two Chapters. This is Mary’s story, not a fictional invention. (3) Christians and Jews, who worship God [Wall] as the Creator of the universe, should believe that God has the power to create a child in a virgin womb.
Born without sin:
‘ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. – Luke 1.35
Jesus was born without the sin that entered the world through Adam. He was born holy, just as Adam was created sinless. In contrast to Adam, who disobeyed God [Wall], Jesus obeyed God [Wall] and was thus able to face sin’s consequences in our place and make us acceptable to God (Romans 5.14-19).
Is both God and human:
‘ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home was your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.” – Matthew 1.20-23
The angel declared to Joseph that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be a son. This reveal san important truth about Jesus – he is both God and human. This infinite, unlimited God [Wall] took on the limitations of humanity so he could live and die for the salvation of all who would believe in him.
Why he came to be our Saviour:
Matthew 1.21
(Did it – see above.)
Jesus means “the LORD saves”. Jesus came to earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn’t come to help people save themselves; he came to be their Saviour from the power and penalty of sin. Thank Christ for his death on the cross for your sin, and then ask him to take control of your life.
His coming fulfilled God’s promise to David:
‘ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, his kingdom will never end.” – Luke 1.32, 33
Centuries earlier, God [Wall] had promised David that David’s kingdom would last for ever (2 Samuel 7.16). This promise was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, a direct descendant of David, whose reign will continue throughout eternity.
As God with us:
‘ “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.” – Matthew 1.23
Jesus was to be called Immanuel (“God with us”), as predicted by Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 7.14). Jesus was God [Wall] in the flesh; thus God [Wall] was literally among us, “with us”. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present today in the life of every believer. Perhaps not even Isaiah understood how far-reaching the meaning of “Immanuel” would be.
Don’t underestimate him:
‘ And everyone went to his own town to register. – Luke 2.7
Although our first picture of Jesus is as a baby in a manger, it must not be our last. The Christ-child in the manger has been made into a beautiful Christmas scene [Snake], but we cannot leave him there. This tiny, helpless baby [Money] lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will come back to this earth as King of kings. Christ will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about him. Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger – or is he your Lord? Make sure you don’t underestimate Jesus. Let him grow up in your life.
(2:7 Bands of cloth were used to keep a baby warm and give it a sense of security. These cloths were believed to protect its internal organs. The custom of wrapping infants this way is still practised in many Middle-Eastern countries.)
(2:7 This mention of the manger is the basis for the traditional belief that Jesus was born in a stable. Stables were often caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls. Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark [Publication] and dirty. This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah King. They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings. We should not limit God [Wall] by our expectations. He is at work wherever he is needed in our sin-darkened and dirty world.)
Why Herod was disturbed about his birth:
‘ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. – Matthew 2.3
Herod the Great was quite disturbed when the Magi asked about a newborn king of the Jews because: (1) Herod was not the rightful heir to the throne of David; therefore many Jews hated him as a usurper. If Jesus really was an heir, trouble would arise. (2) Herod was ruthless and, because of his many enemies, he was suspicious that someone would try to overthrow him. (3) Herod didn’t want the Jews, a religious people, to unite around a religious figure. (4) If these Magi were of Jewish descent and from Parthia (the most powerful region next to Rome), they would have welcomed a Jewish king who could swing the balance of power away from Rome. The land of Israel, far from Rome, would have been easy prey for a nation trying to gain more control.
Herod’s wrong expectations of:
‘ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. – Matthew 2.4
The chief priests and teachers of the law were aware of Micah 5:2 and other prophecies about the Messiah. The Magi’s news troubled Herod because he knew that the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon (Luke 3.15). Most Jews expected the Messiah to be a great military and political deliverer, like Alexander the Great. Herod’s counsellors would have told Herod this. No wonder this ruthless man took no chances and ordered all the baby [Money] boys in Bethlehem to be killed (2.16)!
‘ When Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. – Matthew 2.16
Herod was afraid that this newborn king would one day take his throne. He completely misunderstood the reason for Christ’s coming. Jesus didn’t want Herod’s throne; he wanted to be king of Herod’s life. Jesus wanted to give Herod eternal life, not take away his present life. Today people are often afraid that Christ wants to take things away when, in reality, he wants to give them real freedom, peace, and joy. Don’t fear Christ – give him the throne of your life.
(2:16 Herod, the king of the Jews, killed all the boys under two years of age in an obsessive attempt to kill Jesus, the newborn King. He stained his hands with blood, but he did not harm Jesus. Herod was king by a human appointment; Jesus was King by a divine appointment. No-one can thwart God’s [Wall’s] plans.)
His age when Magi found him:
‘ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. – Matthew 2.11
The Magi gave these expensive gifts because they were worthy presents for a future king. Bible students have seen in the gifts symbols of Christ’s identity and what he would accomplish. Gold was a gift for a king; incense, a gift for deity; myrrh, a spice for a person who was going to die. These gifts may have provided the financial resources for the trip to Egypt and back.
Significance of Magi’s gifts to him:
Matthew 2.11
(Did it – See above.)
The Magi brought gifts and worshipped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship – honouring Christ for who he is and being willing to give him what is valuable to you. Worship God [Wall] because he is the perfect, just, and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give.
May cause your life to take a new direction:
‘ And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. – Matthew 2.12
After finding Jesus and worshipping him, the Magi were warned by God [Wall] not to return through Jerusalem as they had intended. Finding Jesus may mean that your life must take a different direction, one that is responsive and obedient to God’s [Wall’s] word. Are you willing to be led a different way?
Why he wasn’t to return to Bethlehem:
‘ After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, – Matthew 2.19-22
Herod the Great died in 4 B.C. of an incurable disease. Rome trusted him but didn’t trust his sons. Herod knew that Rome wouldn’t give his successor as much power, so he divided his kingdom into three parts, one for each son. Archelaus received Judea, Samaria, and Idumea; Herod Antipas received Galilee and Perea; Herod Philip II received Traconitis. Archelaus, a violent man, began his reign by slaughtering 3,000 influential people. Nine years later, he was banished. God [Wall] didn’t want Joseph’s family to go into the region of this evil ruler.
Had unexpected and humble beginnings:
‘ and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” – Matthew 2.23
The Old Testament does not record this specific statement, “He will be called a Nazarene.” Many scholars believe, however, that Matthew is referring to Isaiah 11:1 where the Hebrew word for “branch” is similar to the word for Nazarene. Or he may be referring to a prophecy unrecorded in the Bible. In any case, Matthew paints the picture of Jesus as the true Messiah announced by God [Wall] through the prophets; and he makes the point that Jesus, the Messiah, had unexpectedly humble beginnings, just as the Old Testament had predicted (see Micah 5.2).
(2:23 Nazareth sat in the hilly area of southern Galilee near the crossroads of great caravan trade routes. The town itself was rather small. The Roman garrison in charge of Galilee was housed there. The people of Nazareth had constant contact with people from all over the world, so world news reached them quickly. The people of Nazareth had an attitude of independence that many of the Jews despised. This may have been why Nathanael commented, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (see John 1.46).)
Impressed religious leaders as a boy:
‘ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. – Luke 2.46-47
[ = “King or Queen”]
The temple courts were famous throughout Judea as a place of learning. The apostle Paul studied in Jerusalem, perhaps in the temple courts, under Gamaliel, one of its foremost teachers (Acts 22.3). At the time of the Passover, the greatest rabbis of the land would assemble to teach and to discuss great truths among themselves. The coming Messiah would no doubt have been a popular discussion topic, for everyone was expecting him soon. Jesus would have been eager to listen and to ask probing questions. It was not his youth, but the depth of his wisdom, that astounded these teachers.
(‘ After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. – Luke 2.43-45 At age 12, Jesus was considered almost an adult, and so he didn’t spend a lot of time with his parents during the feast. Those who attended these feasts often travelled in caravans for protection from robbers along the Palestine roads. It was customary for the women and children to travel at the front of the caravan, with the men bringing up the rear. A 12-year-old boy conceivably could have been in either group, and both Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with the other one. But when the caravan let Jerusalem, Jesus stayed behind, absorbed in his discussion with the religious leaders.)
Relationship to his parents:
‘ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s [up] house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. – Luke 2.49-50
This is the first mention of Jesus’ awareness that he was God’s [Wall’s] Son. But even though he knew his real Father [up, he did not reject his earthly parents. He went back to Nazareth with them and lived under their authority for another 18 years. God’s [Wall’s] people do not despise human relationships or family responsibilities. If the Son of God [Wall] obeyed his human parents, how much more should we honour our family members! Don’t use commitment to God’s [Wall’s] work to justify neglecting your family.
The 18 silent years:
‘ And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men. – Luke 2.52
The Bible does not record any events of the next 18 years of Jesus’ life, but Jesus was undoubtedly learning and maturing. As the oldest in a large family, he assisted Joseph in his carpentry work. Joseph may have died during this time, leaving Jesus to provide for the family. The normal routines of daily life gave Jesus a solid understanding of the Judean people.
Lived a normal childhood:
Luke 2.52
(Did it – See above.)
The second Chapter of Luke shows us that although Jesus was unique, he had a normal childhood and adolescence. In terms of development, he went through the same progression we do. He grew physically and mentally, he related to other people, and he was loved by God [Wall]. A full human life is not unbalanced. It was important to Jesus – and it should be important to all believers – to develop fully and harmoniously in each of these key areas: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. [ie. Hits your children behind, your back.]
His ministry compared to John the Baptist’s:
‘ And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandels I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit. – Mark 1.7-8
Although John was the first genuine prophet in 400 years, Jesus the Messiah would be infinitely greater than he. John was pointing out how insignificant he was compared to the one who was coming. John was not even worthy of doing the most menial tasks for him, like untying his sandal. What John began, Jesus finished. What John prepared, Jesus fulfilled.
(1:8 John said Jesus would baptise them with the Holy Spirit [Centre, Scared of the monitor], sending the Holy Spirit to live within each believer. John’s baptism with water prepared a person to receive Christ’s message. This baptism demonstrated repentance, humility, and willingness to turn from sin. This was the beginning of the spiritual process. – When Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit, however, the entire person is transformed by the Spirit’s power. Jesus offers to us both forgiveness of sin and the power to live for him.)
Can’t be neutral about:
‘ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” – Luke 2.34-35
Simeon prophesied that Jesus would have a paradoxical effect on Israel. Some would fall because of him (see Isaiah 8.14, 15), while others would rise (see Malachi 4.2). With Jesus, there would be no neutral ground [Antagonist]: people would either joyfully accept him or totally reject him. As Jesus’ mother, Mary would be grieved by the widespread rejection he would face. This is the first note of sorrow in Luke’s Gospel.
‘ “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. – John 6.67
There is no middle ground [Antagonist] with Jesus. When he asked the disciples if they would also leave, he was showing that they could either accept or reject him. Jesus was not trying to repel people with his teachings. He was simply telling the truth. The more people heard Jesus’ real message, the more they divided into two camps – the honest seekers who wanted to understand more, and those who rejected Jesus because they didn’t like what they had heard.
(6:67-68 After many of Jesus’ followers had deserted him, he asked the 12 disciples if they were also going to leave. Peter replied, “To whom shall we go?” In his straightforward way, Peter answered for all of us – there is no other way. Though there are many philosophies and self-styled authorities, Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. People look everywhere for eternal life and miss Christ, the only source. Stay with him, especially when you are confused or feel alone.)
How we can prepare people to meet him:
‘ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: – Matthew 3.3
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. People who do not know Jesus need to be prepared to meet him. We can prepare them by explaining their need for forgiveness, demonstrating Christ’s teachings by our conduct, and telling them how Christ can give their lives meaning. We can “make straight paths for him” by correcting misconceptions that might be hindering people from approaching Christ. Someone you know may be open to a relationship with Christ. What can you do to prepare the way for this.
(3:3 The prophet quoted is Isaiah (40.3), one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament and one of the most quoted in the New. Like Isaiah, John was a prophet who urged the people to confess their sins and live for God [Wall]. Both prophets taught that the message of repentance is good news to those who listen and seek the healing forgiveness of God’s [Wall’s] love, but terrible news to those who refuse to listen and thus cut off their only hope.)
Why he wanted to be baptised:
‘ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. – Mark 1.9
If John’s baptism was for repentance from sin, why was Jesus baptised? While even the greatest prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) had to confess their sinfulness and need for repentance, Jesus didn’t need to admit sin – he was sinless. Although Jesus didn’t need forgiveness, he was baptised for the following reasons: (1) to begin his mission to bring the message of [not To] salvation to all people; (2) to show support for John’s ministry; (3) to identify with our humanness and sin; (4) to give us an example to follow. We know that John’s baptism was different from Christian baptism in the church because Paul had John’s followers baptised again (see Acts 19.2-5).
‘ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – Luke 3.21-22
Jewish families went through several ceremonies soon after a baby’s birth: (1) Circumcision. Every boy was circumcised and named on the eighth day after birth (Leviticus 12.3; Luke 1.59, 60). Circumcision symbolised the Jews’ separation from Gentiles and their unique relationship with God [Wall] (see the second note on 1.59). (2) Redemption of the firstborn. A firstborn son was presented to God [Wall] one month after birth (Exodus 13.2, 11-16; Numbers 18.15, 16). The ceremony included buying
back – “redeeming” – the child from God [Wall] through an offering. Thus the parents acknowledged that the child belonged to God [wall], who alone has the power to give life. (3) Purification of the mother. For 40 days after the birth of a son and 80 days after the birth of a daughter, the mother was ceremonially unclean and could not enter the temple. At the end of her time of separation, the parents were to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering. The priest would sacrifice these animals and declare her to be clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second dove or pigeon instead. This is what Mary and Joseph did.
Jesus was God’s [Wall’s] Son, but his family carried out these ceremonies according to God’s [Wall’s] law. Jesus was not born above the law; instead, he fulfilled it perfectly.
His boyhood home in Nazareth:
Mark 1.9
(Did it, see above.)
Jesus grew up in Nazareth, where he had lived since he was a young boy (Matthew 2.22, 23). Nazareth was a small town in Galilee, located about halfway between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. The city [Seat] was despised and avoided by many Jews because it had a reputation for independence. Nazareth was a crossroad for trade routes and had contact with other cultures. (See also John 1.46.)
In the Trinity:
‘ As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” – Mark 1.10-11
The Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus, and the voice from heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as his divine Son. That Jesus is God’s divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the Gospels. Here we see all three members of the Trinity together – God [Wall] the Father [up], God [Wall] the Son, and God [Wall] the Holy Spirit [Centre].
How Satan tried to stop his mission:
‘ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. – Matthew 4.1
The devil, also called Satan, tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and here he tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a fallen angel. He is real [Putin], not symbolic [My Request for a Centre], and is constantly fighting against those who follow and obey God [Wall]. Satan’s temptations are real, and he is always trying to get us to live his way or our way rather than God’s [Wall’s] way. Jesus will one day reign over all creation, but Satan tried to force his hand and get him to declare his kingship prematurely. If Jesus had given in, his mission on earth – to die for our sins and give us the opportunity to have eternal life – would have been lost. When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalise giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s [Wall’s] purposes for your life or for someone else’s life.
Limited divine power to experience humanity:
‘ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ “ – Matthew 4.3-4
Jesus was hungry and weak after fasting for 40 days, but he chose not to use his divine power to satisfy his natural desire for food. Food, hunger, and eating are good, but the timing was wrong. Jesus was in the desert to fast, not to eat. And because Jesus had given up the unlimited, independent use of his divine power in order to experience humanity fully, he wouldn’t use his power to change the stones to bread. We too may be tempted to satisfy a perfectly normal desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time. If we indulge in sex before marriage or if we steal to get food, we are trying to satisfy God-given desires in wrong ways. Remember, many of your desires are normal and good, but God [Wall] wants you to satisfy them in the right way and at the right time.
(4:3-4 Jesus was able to resist all of the devil’s temptations because he not only knew Scripture, but he also obeyed it. Ephesians 6:17 says that God’s [Wall’s] word is a sword to use in spiritual combat. Knowing Bible verses is an important step in helping us resist the devil’s attacks, but we must also obey the Bible. Note that Satan had memorised Scripture, but he failed to obey it. Knowing and obeying the Bible helps us follow God’s [Wall’s] desires rather than the devil’s.)
Moved to Capernaum:
‘ When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – – Matthew 4.12-13
Jesus moved from Nazareth, his home town, to Capernaum, about 20 miles further north. Capernaum became Jesus’ home base during his ministry in Galilee. Jesus probably moved (1) to get away from intense opposition in Nazareth, (2) to have an impact on the greatest number of people (Capernaum was a busy city and Jesus’ message could reach more people and spread more quickly), and (3) to utilise extra resources and support for his ministry.
Jesus’ move fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1, 2, which states that the Messiah will be a light to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, the region of Galilee where Capernaum was located. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of the original 12 tribes of Israel.
Words he used to start his ministry:
‘ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” – Matthew 4.17
Jesus started his ministry with the very word people had heard John the Baptist say: “Repent”. The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centredness and “self” control and turning our lives over to Christ’s direction and control.
(4:17 The “kingdom of heaven” has the same meaning as the “kingdom of God [Wall]” in Mark and Luke. Matthew uses this phrase because the Jews, out of their intense reverence and respect, did not pronounce God’s [Wall’s] name. The kingdom of heaven is still near because it has arrived in our hearts. See the note on 3:2 for more on the kingdom of heaven.)
Called Peter & Andrew:
‘ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. – Matthew 4.18-20
Jesus told Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing business and become “fishers of men”, to help others find God [Wall]. Jesus was calling them away from their productive trades to be productive spiritually. We all need to fish for souls. If we practise Christ’s teachings and share the gospel with others, we will be able to draw those around us to Christ like a fisherman who pulls fish into his boat with nets.
Three key aspects of his ministry:
‘ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. – Matthew 4.23
Jesus was teaching, preaching, and healing. These were the three main aspects of his ministry. Teaching shows Jesus’ concern for understanding; preaching shows his concern for commitment; and healing shows his concern for wholeness. His miracles of healing authenticated his teaching and preaching, proving that he truly was from God [Wall]. *
(4:23 Jesus soon developed a powerful preaching ministry and often spoke in the synagogues. Most towns that had ten or more Jewish families had a synagogue. The building served as a religious gathering place on the Sabbath and as a school during the week. The leader of the synagogue was not a preacher as much as an administrator. His job was to find and invite rabbis to teach and preach. It was customary to invite visiting rabbis like Jesus to speak.)
What his Good News was:
‘ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralysed, and he healed them. – Matthew 4.23-24
Jesus preached the gospel – the Good News – to everyone who wanted to hear it. The gospel is that the kingdom of heaven has come, that God [Wall] is with us, and that he cares for us. Christ can heal us, not just of physical [Sternum] sickness, but of Spiritual sickness as well. There’s no sin or problem too great or too small for him to handle. Jesus’ words were good news because they offered freedom, hope, peace of heart, and eternal life with God [Wall].
‘ regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God, by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. – Romans 1:3-5
Here Paul summarises the Good News about Jesus Christ, who (1) came as a human by nature descent, (2) was part of the Jewish royal line through David, (3) died and was raised from the dead, and (4) opened the door for God’s [Wall’s] grace and kindness to be poured out on us. The book of Romans is an expansion of these themes.
His authority:
‘ The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. – Mark 1.22
The Jewish teachers often quoted from well-known rabbis to give their words more authority. But Jesus didn’t have that need. Because Jesus is God [Wall], he knew exactly what the Scriptures said and meant. He was the ultimate authority.
The claims of Jesus:
‘ “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. – John 5.31ff
Jesus claimed to be equal with God [Wall] (5.18), to give eternal [pulling funny faces] life (5.24), to be the source of life (5.26), and to judge sin (5.27). These statements make it clear that Jesus was claiming to be divine – an almost unbelievable claim, but one that was supported by another witness, John the Baptist.
Examine his claims for yourself:
John 3.1ff
(Did it, see above.)
He alone can offer salvation:
‘ “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. – John 6.67-68
After many of Jesus’ followers had deserted him, he asked the 12 disciples if they were also going to leave. Peter replied, “To whom shall we go?” In his straightforward way, Peter answered for all of us – there is no other way. Though there are many philosophies and self-styled authorities, Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. People look everywhere for eternal life and miss Christ, the only source. Stay with him, especially when you are confused or feel along.
‘ Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4.12
Many people react negatively to the fact that there is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for salvation. Yet this is not something the church decided; it is the specific teaching of Jesus himself (John 14.6). If God [Wall] designated Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, no-one else can be his equal. Christians are to be open-minded on many issues, but not on how we are saved from sin. No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to earth as God’s [Wall’s] only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus, whom God offered as the way to have an eternal relationship with himself. There is no other name or way!
(‘ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4.13 Knowing that Peter and John were unschooled, the council was amazed at what being with Jesus had done for them. A changed life convinces people of Christ’s power. One of your greatest testimonies is the difference others see in your life and attitudes since you have believed in Christ.)
Summary of his Sermon on the Mount:
‘ Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, – Matthew 5.1ff
Matthew 5 – 7 is called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus gave it on a hillside near Capernaum. This “sermon” probably covered several days of preaching. In it, Jesus proclaimed his attitude towards the law. Position, authority, and money are not important in his kingdom – what matters is faithful obedience from the heart. The Sermon on the Mount challenged the proud and legalistic religious leaders of the day. It called them back to the messages of the Old Testament prophets who, like Jesus, taught that heartfelt obedience is more important than legalistic observance.
What to expect when you follow him:
‘ Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: – Matthew 5.1-2
Enormous crowds were following Jesus – he was the talk of the town, and everyone wanted to see him. The disciples, who were the closest associates of this popular man, were certainly tempted to feel important, proud, and possessive. Being with Jesus gave them not only prestige, but also opportunity for receiving money and power.
The crowds were gathering once again. But before speaking to them, Jesus pulled his disciples aside and warned them about the temptations they would face as his followers. Don’t expect fame and fortune, Jesus was saying, but mourning, hunger, and persecution. Nevertheless, Jesus assured his disciples, they would be rewarded – but perhaps not in this life. There may be times when following Jesus will bring great popularity. If we don’t live by Jesus’ words in this sermon, we will find ourselves using God’s [Wall’s] message only to promote our personal interests.
His teachings often contradict those of the world:
‘ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. – Matthew 5.3-5
Jesus began his sermon with words that seem to contradict each other. But God’s way of living usually contradicts the world’s. If you want to live for God [Wall] you must be ready to say and do what seems strange to the world. You must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse. By giving up your own rights in order to serve others, you will one day receive everything God [Wall] has in store for you.
Did not contradict Old Testament law:
‘ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. – Matthew 5.17
God’s [Wall’s] moral and ceremonial laws were given to help people love God [Wall] with all their hearts and minds. Throughout Israel’s history, however, these laws had often been misquoted and misapplied. By Jesus’ time, religious leaders had turned the laws into a confusing mass of rules. When Jesu stalked about a new way to understand God’s [Wall’s] law, he was actually trying to bring people back to its original purpose. Jesus did not speak against the law itself, but against the abuses and excesses to which it had been subjected. (See John 1.17).
Matthew 5:17-20
His message is for everyone:
Matthew 8:11-12(2)
How his message was “new”:
Matthew 9:17(2)
Calls people from all walks of life:
Matthew 10:2-4
Authority over Satan & demons:
Mark 1:23
Why he didn’t want demons to reveal who he was:
Luke 4:41
Exposed evil attitudes & motives of Pharisees:
Matthew 12:14
Matthew 21:23-27
Matthew 22:15-17
Matthew 23:5-7
He touched the untouchable:
Luke 5:13
Why religious leaders turned against him:
Mark 3:2
He knows us completely:
Matthew 12:25
Why his home town rejected him:
Luke 4:24
When we take our eyes off him:
Matthew 14:28
What is your real motive for seeking him?
Matthew 14:35-36
Mark 3:7-8
Why many of his followers deserted him:
John 6:66
His brothers had hard time believing:
John 7:3-5
How people react to him:
John 7:26
Who do you say he is?
Matthew 16:13-17
Luke 9:18-20
John 3:31-35
Knowing who he is is not enough for salvation:
Mark 3:11
What it takes to follow him:
Mark 3:14
Luke 9:23-27
His family:
Mark 3:31-35
Don’t underestimate him:
Mark 4:41
His goals contrasted with Satan’s:
Mark 5:10
How people try to explain him away:
Mark6:15
Luke 9:7-8
Why he called himself the bread of life:
John 6:35
John 6:47ff
How we are united with Christ:
John 6:51
His power not limited by distance:
Mark 7:29
Why many would be ashamed of him:
Luke 9:26
God clearly identified him:
Luke 9:35(2)
Predicted his death:
Matthew 16:21
Matthew 17:22-23
Matthew 20:17-19
His transfiguration:
Matthew 17:1ff
Mark 9:3ff
As the Son of God:
Matthew 17:5
Understanding him is understanding God:
Joon 12:45
Hebrews 1:2-3
Taking him for granted:
Luke 10:23-24
Plenty of evidence to believe in him:
Luke 11:31:32
Preparing a kingdom for his followers:
Luke 12:35-40
His coming results in conflict:
Luke 12:51-53
Benefits of following him:
Luke 18:26-30
Whom he spent time with:
Mark 10:13-30
Under the Father’s authority:
Matthew 20:23
Significance of triumphal entry:
Matthew 21:2-5
As the cornerstone of the church:
‘ Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes’? – Matthew 21:42
Jesus refers to himself as “the stone the builders rejected”/ Although Jesus was rejected by many of his people, he will become the capstone, or cornerstone, of his new building, the church (see Acts 4.11; 1 Peter 2.7).
Answers trick tax question:
‘ Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” – Matthew 22:15-17
The Pharisees, a religious group, opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine. The Herodians, a political party, supported Herod Antipas and the policies instituted by Rome. Normally these two groups were bitter enemies, but here they united against Jesus. Thinking they had a foolproof plan to corner him, together their representatives asked Jesus about paying Roman taxes. If Jesus agreed that it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Pharisees would say he was opposed to God, the only King they recognised. If Jesus said the taxes should not be paid, the Herodians would hand him over to Herod on the charge of Rebellion. In this case the Pharisees were not motivated by love for God’s [Wall’s] laws, and the Herodians were not motivated by love for Roman justice. Jesus’ answer exposed their evil motives and embarrassed them both.
EXTRA:
(22.17 The Jews were required to pay taxes to support the Roman government. They hated this taxation because the money went directly into Caesar’s treasury, where some of it went to support the pagan temples and decadent life-style of the Roman aristocracy. Caesar’s image on the coins was a constant reminder of Israel’s subjection to Rome.)
(22.19 The denarius was the usual day’s wage for a labourer.)
(22.21 Jesus avoided this trap by showing that we have dual citizenship (1 Peter 2.17). Our citizensehip in the nation requires that we pay money for the services and benefits we receive. Our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven requires that we pledge to God [Wall] our primary obedience and commitment.)
(22.23ff After the Pharisees and Herodians had failed to trap Jesus, the Sadducees smugly stepped in to try. They did not believe in the resurrection because the Pentateuch (Genesis – Deuteronomy) has no direct teaching on it. The Pharisees had never been able to come up with a convincing argument from the Pentateuch for the resurrection, and the Sadducees thought they had trapped Jesus for sure. But Jesus was about to show them otherwise (see 22.31 for Jesus’ answer).)
(‘ “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. – Matthew 22.24 For more information on Moses, see his Profile in Exodus 14.)
(Matthew 22.24 The law said that when a woman’s husband died without having a son, the man’s brother had a responsibility to marry and care for the widow (Deuteronomy 25.5, 6). This law protected women who were left alone, because in that culture they usually had no other means to support themselves.)
Puts prophecy in perspective:
Mark 13:3ff
Difference between his first & second comings:
John 12:48
Why he talked about his second coming:
Matthew 24:44
How Satan misunderstood his death:
Luke 22:3
John 13:27
Our actions towards others demonstrate what we think about him:
Matthew 25:31-46
As the Lamb of God:
Luke 22:14-18
As the new covenant:
Luke 22:20
Religious leaders plot to kill him:
Mark 14:1
Why Judas wanted to betray him:
Mark 14:10
Significance of his final sacrifice:
Mark 14:24
John 19:30
Hebrews 7:11-17
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