Matthew Bible Commentary

2 T.O.D. Johnston's Commentary on Matthew Legal Information Copyright Information Johnston, T.O.D. A Layman's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew!eligio"s #on$fi%tion &st (ition This )oo* is li%ense( "n(er a Creati+e Commons Attri)"tion$#onCommer%ial$#oDeri+ati+es .- International Li%ense. http%reati+e%ommons.orgli%enses)y$n% $n(.- Conta%t the p")lisher Owen Johnston $Mail / email0)i)lest"(ylessonsp(f.info 1i)le st"(y lessons home page $ www.)i)lest"(ylessonsp(f.info All of the a"thor's 1i)le st"(y lessons may )e rea( an(or (ownloa(e( for free 3isit o"r we)site an( %li%* on the 45ree Downloa(s6 lin*. httpwww.)i)lest"(ylessonsp(f.info 7o" %an or(er professional prints of the 1i)le st"(y lessons thro"gh 8imple 9rint 8er+i%e. (on:t ma*e a %ent from this ser+i%e. ;e are satisfie( *nowing that people are rea(ing Ithe )oo*s httpwww.simpleprintser+i%e.%om

3 T.O.D. Johnston's Commentary on Matthew Table of Contents Preface Lesson I Lesson II

6 - Introdct!on" #$#-#% % - #$#&-( #3

Lesson Lesson III I* Lesson * Lesson *I Lesson *II Lesson *III Lesson I Lesson  Lesson I Lesson II Lesson III Lesson I* Lesson * Lesson *I Lesson *II Lesson *III Lesson I Lesson  Lesson I Lesson II Lesson III Lesson I* Lesson * Lesson *I Lesson *II Lesson *III Lesson I Lesson  Lesson I Lesson II

- $)-#& $#+-3$% - 3$&-#% - )$#-#% - )$#&-($ - ($3-#6 - ($#%-3% - ($3&-6$& - 6$+-# - 6$-%$## - %$#-+ - &$#-#% - &$#&-+$# - +$-#% - +$#&-3& - #,$#-) - ##$#-) - ##$(-#$#) - #$#(-3% - #$3&-#3$#3 - #3$#)-)3 - #3$))-#)$# - #)$#3-36 - #($#-, - #($#-#6$(-# - #6$#3-& - #%$#-% - #&$#-, - #&$#-#+$# - #+$#6-,$#6

Lesson III Lesson I* Lesson * Lesson *I Lesson *II Lesson *III Lesson I Lesson L Lesson LI Lesson LII Lesson LIII Lesson LI*

- ,$#%-#$## - #$#-)6 - $#-33 - $3)-3$# - 3$#3-3+ - )$#-3# - )$3-($3, - ($3#-6$( - 6$6-)6 - 6$)%-6& - 6$6+-%$6 - %$%-(6

-

#& ) 3, 3( ) )% (3 (+ 6) 6+ %( &# &% +3 #,, #,6 #, #% #3) #)# #)+ #(% #63 #6+ #%) #&# #&% #+( , ,+

-

#% ) 33 ), )6 ( 6, 6& %6 & &+ +%

) T.O.D. Johnston's Commentary on Matthew Table of Contents Lesson L* !bl!o/ra0hy

- %$(%-&$,

-

3#3

3,(

1 Layman's Commentary On the 2os0el of Matthew$ Com0osed In )( Lessons #st d!t!on - ,,+ 4r!tten by T.O.D. Johnston Pbl!shed by Owen Johnston www.b!blestdylessons0df.!nfo

Dedicated for knowledge, understanding, and inspiration as we seek to follow Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

6 T.O.D. Johnston's Commentary on Matthew Preface 1fter read!n/ many scholarly commentar!es on d!fferent boo5s of cr!0tre" !t became my mental hab!t to s!ft thro/h the m!nte d!scss!ons of !nd!7!dal words and8or 0hrases" and the 9ot!n/ of 7ar!os scholars of the 0ast of many d!ffer!n/ o0!n!ons" and center on the most lo/!cal and !ns0!rat!onal trths that rema!ned. Ths I rel!ed on the std!ed scholarsh!0 of those who had learned the or!/!nal lan/a/es and had read all the 0re7!os scholars that had wr!tten to /et the best 0oss!ble nderstand!n/ of cr!0tre that I" as a non-scholar" cold. It seemed that most chrch members wold not attem0t to read scholarly wor5s - bt wold benef!t from the!r 5nowled/e !f 0resented !n a 0la!n and stra!/htforward manner" the trths they had 0erce!7ed. The follow!n/ commentary !s my attem0t to do th!s. May 2od bless my efforts to the e:tent that they !ncrease the nderstand!n/ and fa!th of the reader. T.O.D. Johnston ,,(

% Lesson I$ Introdct!on 1ll early chrch wr!ters record Matthew as the athor of the f!rst 2os0el that has borne h!s name M1TT;4. ch wr!ters !nclde Pa0!as The e7!dence of h!story 0o!nts to the date of wr!t!n/ as between 63-66 1.D. !n Israel. Th!s 2os0el has always been the f!rst boo5 of the ?ew Testament. Ma@or 0arts were wr!tten !n 1rama!c" the common lan/a/e of the Jews at that t!me" and the lan/a/e that Jess s0o5e. 1t some n5nown 0o!nt" Matthew's 2os0el was translated !nto 2ree5. Th!s wold ma5e !t a7a!lable to what was then reco/n!Aed as the c!7!l!Aed world con9ered by 1le:ander the 2reat and now rle by the Boman m0!re. 1le:ander had forc!bly s0read 2ree5 cltre" wh!ch !nclded !ts lan/a/e" thro/hot h!s em0!re. 2ree5 rema!ned the necessary lan/a/e of commerce and commn!cat!on. 1s the 2os0el s0read beyond Israel" the translat!on !nto 2ree5 was a necess!ty. The Pr0ose$ to con7!nce the Jews that Jess was the Mess!ah that the Old Testament 0rom!sed and 0o!nted to. Th!s was f!rstly for the Jews" bt also !ntended for the 2ent!les. Matthew was a Jew wr!t!n/ for the Jews f!rst - ths h!s 2os0el !s f!rst. Matthew /reatly em0has!Aes the wor5 that Jess came to earth to do - the w!ll of the ather for man's redem0t!on as 0ro0hes!ed !n the Old Testament. Cha0ter I$ #-#% The 2enealo/y of Jess Chr!st. # The boo5 of the /enerat!on of Jess Chr!st" the son of Da7!d" the son of 1braham.   1braham be/at IsaacE and Isaac be/at JacobE and Jacob be/at Jdah and h!s brethrenE 3 and Jdah be/at PhareA and Ferah of TamarE and PhareA be/at ;eAronE and ;eAron be/at BamE ) and Bam be/at 1mm!n'adabE and 1mm!n'adab be/at ?ahshonE and ?ahshon be/at almonE ( and almon be/at oaA of BachabE and oaA be/at Obed of BthE and Obed be/at JesseE 6 and Jesse be/at Da7!d the 5!n/.  1nd Da7!d the 5!n/ be/at olomon of her that had been the w!fe of Gr!'ahE % and olomon be/at Behobo'amE and Behobo'am be/at 1b!'@ahE and 1b!'@ah be/at 1saE & and 1sa be/at Jehosh'a0hatE and Jehosh'a0hat be/at Jeho'ramE and Jeho'ram be/at GAA!'ahE + and GAA!'ah be/at JothamE and Jotham be/at 1haAE and 1haA be/at ;eAe5!'ahE #, and ;eAe5!'ah be/at Manas'sehE and Manas'seh be/at 1monE and 1mon be/at Jos!'ahE ## and Jos!'ah be/at Jecon!'ah and h!s brethren" abot the t!me they

& Lesson I Cont!ned were carr!ed away to abylon. #  1nd after they were bro/ht to abylon" Jecon!'ah be/at heal't!-elE and he-al't!-el be/at Ferb'babelE #3 and Ferb'babel be/at 1b!'dE and 1b!'d be/at l!'a5!mE and l!'a5!m be/at 1AorE #) and 1Aor be/at Fado5E and Fado5 be/at 1ch!mE and 1ch!m be/at l!'dE #( and l!'d be/at le-a'AarE and le-a'Aar be/at MatthanE and Matthan be/at JacobE #6 and Jacob be/at Jose0h the hsband of Mary" of whom was born Jess" who !s called Chr!st. #%  o all the /enerat!ons from 1braham to Da7!d are forteen /enerat!onsE and from Da7!d nt!l the carry!n/ away !nto abylon are forteen /enerat!onsE and from the carry!n/ away !nto abylon nto Chr!st are forteen /enerat!ons. Matthew" ma!nly wr!t!n/ for Jew!sh readers" be/!ns h!s 2os0el w!th Chr!st's fam!ly tree" start!n/ w!th 1braham. L5e be/!ns w!th 1dam" follow!n/ the 2odly l!ne. Matthew follows descent from 1braham thro/h Jose0h
+ Lesson I Cont!ned Chr!st !s what ;!s name means - the d!7!nely ano!nted a7!or" the One to flf!ll the 0rom!ses of 2od !n 0ro0hecy" the tre he!r to the throne of Da7!d" the tre seed of 1braham. The /enealo/y !ncldes 3 /ro0s of forteen. The f!rst shows the or!/!n of Da7!d's l!ne. The second shows !ts r!se and decl!ne. The th!rd shows that !ts !m0ortance !s /one" bt the l!ne st!ll cont!nes. In Chr!st" the fam!ly !s restored bt also becomes e7en /reater than the royalty and 0ower seen !n Da7!d's l!fet!me. Jess w!ll sr0ass all earthly /lory as Mess!ah. Matthew 0laces Jess as the cl!ma: of three /ro0s of forteen. ymbol!sm of nmbers !n the !ble !s shown !n many !nstances. tart!n/ w!th 3 - the tr!ne 2od" the tr!ne n!7erse the handma!d of2od thealone Lord.>The The7ery ;olymost 0!r!t was the sorce. The/a7e /lory elon/s to blessed /!ft 2od e7er to man. <0hes!ans $&=. The 2enealo/y$ the f!rst forteen. *erse . In wr!t!n/ 0r!mar!ly for Jews" !t !s most a00ro0r!ate to be/!n w!th 1braham" the one called to be father of 2od's chosen 0eo0le. The offs0r!n/ l!sted were !n the l!ne to the Mess!ah. Matthew ment!ons some add!t!onal offs0r!n/
#, Lesson I Cont!ned 0oss!bly tw!nsE PereA and Ferah. 4hy else wold Ferah be ment!onedK ?o !nd!cat!on !s recorded. The l!ne cont!nes w!th ;eAron and Bam" of wh!ch noth!n/ frther !s recorded. *erse ). 1mm!nadab" ?ahshon" almon. They l!7ed dr!n/ the t!me of the :ods from /y0t. ?ahshon was the leader of Jdah's tr!be
## Lesson I Cont!ned 1ll the other names recorded ha7e rled o7er the sothern 5!n/dom of Jdah. 1sa" Jehosha0hat" GAA!ah" Jotham" ;eAe5!ah" and Jos!ah all ha7e a fa!rly /ood record. The o00os!te !s tre of the others" tho/h Manasseh re0ented before he d!ed. 4!th Jechon!ah" the 5!n/dom fell. etween Joram and GAA!ah" three names are left ot$ 1haA!ah" Joash" and 1maA!ah. 1s ment!oned earl!er" Matthew !s not concerned w!th a com0lete chronolo/y" bt l!st!n/ the most !m0ortant members of the male l!ne that leads to Chr!st. It always 0o!nts to man's need of a a7!or. 2od's 0r0ose was to 5ee0 a remnant that were fa!thfl and de7oted to ;!m. Th!s was accom0l!shed thro/h se0arat!on from the rest of the 0eo0le. olomon's re!/n ended 0 !ncld!n/ many /ods from fore!/n lands. Th!s be/an to corr0t the whole 5!n/dom. Ths the se0arat!on - Jdah 5e0t the ;oly Tem0le and tre worsh!0. 1t a later 0o!nt" the !n/dom of Jdah also became corr0t. Then" the se0arat!on by the 1ssyr!ans" later the abylon!ans. There the 0eo0le 5nown as Jews stood fast for the!r rel!/!on and were a w!tness to the 2ent!les of the One Tre 2od. 1lso" dr!n/ these t!mes" we hear the 7o!ces of the tre 0ro0hets that 0rocla!med the 0eo0le's s!n and the!r need of the Prom!sed a7!or that 2od wold 0ro7!de. Isa!ah" Jerem!ah" ;osea" M!cah" 0rononced many Mess!an!c 0ro0hec!es$ Isa!ah %$#)E &$&E +$#""6E ##$#-#,E )$#-%E (,$)-+E ($#3-(3E 6#$#-3E 6$##E Jerem!ah 3$(E 3#$#(E ;os!ah ##$#E M!cah ($. The %, years of abylon!an ca0t!7!ty be/an w!th false ho0e of a fast retrn. The Tem0le st!ll stood !n Jersalem. Then !n (&6 .C." Jersalem fell and the Tem0le was destroyed. Most of the 0eo0le were ta5en away" and ho0e was lost. ?ot nt!l near the end of the %, years d!d ho0e retrn. *erse #. The th!rd l!st of #) now be/!ns. It has been noted that Jechon!ah ended the l!st of the second #) - as the last 5!n/ of the ca0t!7e 5!n/dom of Jdah. ;e ended 0 !n 0r!son" as /ood as dead
# Lesson I Cont!ned 0 to the Incarnat!on of ;!s on" to be or a7!or. *erses #3-#6a. The l!st cont!nes. Ferbbabel" 1b!d" l!a5!m" 1Aor" Fado5" 1chm" l!d" leaAer" ?atthan" Jacob" Jose0h. Th!s co7ered the t!me of Medo-Pers!an rle <(36-333 .C.=. Then the 2ree5s" a short t!me nder the /y0t!ans <333-,, .C.=. 1 short 0er!od nder yr!a - then the Maccabean re7olt rle <,,-63 .C.=. Then" the Boman m0!re too5 o7er. Most of the names are not ment!oned elsewhere !n cr!0tre" ma!nly becase th!s t!me 0er!od was after the close of the Old Testament. 1/a!n" !t a00ears that Matthew has abbre7!ated h!s l!st. or the same t!me 0er!od" L5e l!sts 3 names" whereas Matthew l!m!ts h!s to #). There !s am0le e7!dence !n the Old and ?ew Testaments" as well as seclar h!story" that accrate records were 5e0t thro/hot the!r /enerat!ons be/ot>. ;ere" the word !s not sed - wh!ch !nd!cates that Jose0h had no 0art !n be/ett!n/ Jess. Mary was n!9ely the mother of Jess. Jose0h was her hsband" wh!ch he wr!tes abot later. Jose0h became the le/al father. *erse #%. Th!s smmar!Aes the ancestry of Jess. ?e:t lesson - the story of the b!rth.

#3 Lesson II Matthew #$#&-(. The a7!or's !rth. #&  ?ow the b!rth of Jess Chr!st was on th!s w!se$ 4hen as h!s mother Mary was es0osed to Jose0h" before they came to/ether" she was fond w!th ch!ld of the ;oly 2host. #+ Then Jose0h her hsband" be!n/ a @st man" and not w!ll!n/ to ma5e her a 0bl!c e:am0le" was m!nded to 0t her away 0r!7!ly. , t wh!le he tho/ht on these th!n/s" behold" the an/el of the Lord a00eared nto h!m !n a dream" say!n/" Jose0h" tho son of Da7!d" fear not to ta5e nto thee Mary thy w!fe$ for that wh!ch !s conce!7ed !n her !s of the ;oly 2host. # 1nd she shall br!n/ forth a son" and tho shalt call h!s name JG$ for he shall sa7e h!s 0eo0le from the!r s!ns  ?ow all th!s was done" that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en of the Lord by the 0ro0het" say!n/" 3 ehold" a 7!r/!n shall be w!th ch!ld" and shall br!n/ forth a son" and they shall call h!s name Imman'-el" wh!ch be!n/ !nter0reted !s" 2od w!th s. ) Then Jose0h be!n/ ra!sed from slee0 d!d as the an/el of the Lord had b!dden h!m" and too5 nto h!m h!s w!fe$ ( and 5new her not t!ll she had bro/ht forth her f!rstborn son$ and he called h!s name JG. *erse #&. The narrat!7e !s recorded from Jose0h's 0o!nt of 7!ew" and !t be/!ns shortly after the betrothal. Th!s was a le/al ceremony before w!tnesses" where br!de and br!de/room 0led/ed the!r troth to each other. They were cons!dered and here called hsband and w!fe. There was a 0er!od of t!me before they l!7ed to/ether and consmmated the marr!a/e. It was dr!n/ th!s !nter7al that Mary d!sco7ered she was 0re/nant. he 5new !mmed!ately that the 0rom!se that had been del!7ered to her by the an/el 2abr!el had !ndeed come to 0ass. Tho/h a 7!r/!n" she d!d conce!7e by the ;oly 0!r!t" the ch!ld of 0rom!se. *erse #+. 1ccord!n/ to the Old Testament law" nfa!thflness by a betrothed woman was;e 0n!shable death. Jose0h that Mary was 0re/nant. w!shed noby harm to come to became her. ;eaware 0lanned to d!7orce her 9!etly so that she wold not be 0bl!cly d!s/raced. Jose0h had drawn the ob7!os concls!on that she had been nfa!thfl to h!m. ;e" be!n/ a r!/hteos man" cold not acce0t her as w!fe. ;e had two cho!ces. The death 0enalty was no lon/er 0ract!ce. ;e cold br!n/ a laws!t a/a!nst her" and ths 0bl!cly d!s/race her. On the other hand" he cold /!7e her a b!ll of d!7orcement - d!sm!ss!n/ her 9!etly. 7en tho/h he chose the latter" !t was ta5!n/ h!m some t!me to th!n5 !t o7er" before be!n/ able to follow thro/h. *erse ,. It was dr!n/ th!s t!me that an an/el of the Lord a00eared to h!m !n a dream. The an/el calls h!m Jose0h" son of Da7!d" ths rem!nd!n/ h!m of h!s her!ta/e. ;e !s a le/al he!r of Da7!d and also 0asses th!s on to Jess as h!s own le/al he!r. Th!s rem!nds s of the

#) Lesson II cont!ned /enealo/y Matthew be/an h!s 2os0el w!th. The an/el !ns!sts that he not hes!tate to ta5e Mary" h!s w!fe" !nto h!s home" for !ndeed she has not been nfa!thfl to h!m. The ch!ld she carr!ed was conce!7ed by the ;oly 0!r!t. Th!s was a n!9e e7ent !n hman h!story" and cold only be told by an an/el of the Lord. Otherw!se" Jose0h wold ne7er ha7e bel!e7ed Mary say!n/ !t. 4e can only !ma/!ne h!s rel!ef and @oy that Mary had been fa!thfl. ;e cold ta5e her home as h!s w!fe" and ta5e care of her" as well as the s0ec!al ch!ld from 2od she carr!ed. *erse #. The an/el /oes on to d!rect Jose0h to name ;!m Jess" a name w!th a s0ec!al mean!n/$ ;e w!ll sa7e h!s 0eo0le from the!r s!ns. Mary had also been told to name the ch!ld Jess
#( Lesson II cont!ned Matthew $#-3. The 4!se Men. # ?ow when Jess was born !n ethlehem of Jdea !n the days of ;erod the 5!n/" behold" there came w!se men from the east to Jersalem"  say!n/" 4here !s he that !s born !n/ of the JewsK for we ha7e seen h!s star !n the east" and are come to worsh!0 h!m. 3 4hen ;erod the 5!n/ had heard these th!n/s" he was trobled" and all Jersalem w!th h!m. *erse #. Jess !s the r!/htfl he!r to Da7!d's throne. It !s a00ro0r!ate that both 2ent!les and Jews 0ay ;!m homa/e. Th!s !s the f!rst ment!on that the 0lace of Jess' b!rth was ethlehem of JdeaE the c!ty of Da7!d. It !s also ment!oned that ;erod was the !n/. Jess was born a short t!me before ;erod's death. 1ccord!n/ to h!stor!cal records" ;erod d!ed !n March or 10r!l of ) .C. 1t some ns0ec!f!ed t!me after Jess' b!rth" w!se men from the east arr!7ed !n Jersalem. Tho/h no frther !nformat!on !s !nclded abot the!r contry of or!/!n" se7eral th!n/s can be srm!sed. The term >w!se men>" or >ma/!> as some translate !t" was sed to !dent!fy men who std!ed the stars - astronomers. They were fond !n abylon
#6 Lesson II cont!ned 1s to the star these men saw - there ha7e been se7eral 0oss!ble e:0lanat!ons$ the 0lanet J0!ter" or !ts con@nct!on w!th atrn" a comet" an !lls!on" or a /!d!n/ star w!th!n the heart. 4hat we do 5now !s that !t was an actal 0henomenon. 2od 0ro7!ded what these watchers of the stars saw. It was a n!9e creat!on w!th that s!n/le 0r0ose. eyond that !s !dle s0eclat!on. That they reco/n!Aed !t as >h!s star> cold ha7e been the reslt of an !nter0retat!on of Dan!el +$(. The /reatest em0has!s centers on the 0r0ose of the!r @orney - they ha7e come to worsh!0 ;!m. ?o t!me need be wasted abot all the n5nown !nc!dental deta!ls. *erse 3. 4hen !n/ ;erod heard th!s" he was fr!/htened" and all Jersalem w!th h!m. rom what !s 5nown abot ;erod" !t was a natral res0onse to feel threatened by the ment!on of another 5!n/ of the Jews. ;e had fo/ht for years to rece!7e th!s t!tle from Bome. 4old e7en the s//est!on of another 5!n/ case those fanat!cs that hated h!m to r!ot and try to o7erthrow h!s crel and des0ot!c re!/n. rom what !s ment!oned" the 0eo0le of Jersalem were also alarmed and fr!/htened not by the ma/! or the!r 9est!on. 4hat they trly feared was ;erod's react!on to what he wold cons!der a threat to ;!s 0ower. They had already seen what 7en/efl act!ons he was ca0able of. It m!/ht be hel0fl to ta5e a short loo5 at th!s man. ;e has been referred to as ;erod the 2reat. arl!er there had been many rlers nder Bome" !n 7ar!os re/!ons of Palest!ne. There had been mch f!/ht!n/" and many thosands of Jews were 5!lled. In 63 .C." Boman arm!es ca0tred Jersalem to settle wars between two fact!ons try!n/ to rle. To settle the !sse" the Bomans chose 1nt!0ater" /o7ernor of dom" as the 0rocrator of Jdea. ;e then was allowed to a00o!nt h!s son ;erod as tetrarch of 2al!lee !n )% .C. In ), .C." the Parth!ans !n7aded and c!7!l war bro5e ot. ;erod fled to Bome where he was /ranted be!n/ 5!n/ of Jdea. ;e was /!7en an army to sbde the area" and he f!nally scceeded !n 3% .C. m0eror 1/sts /a7e h!m all of Palest!ne after that. tr//les a/a!nst h!s enem!es cont!ned thro/hot h!s re!/n. ;e was %, when he d!ed !n ) .C. ;erod was not born a Jew" bt !nstead !n dom. 4hen that area had been con9ered by John ;yrcans" the Jew!sh rel!/!on was !nst!tted there. ome ment!on !s made that ;erod 0ract!ced the Jew!sh rel!/!on. ;e !s" howe7er" more de7oted to h!s worldly 0ower" 0om0" and c!rcmstance" wealth" and all the amen!t!es that ;ellen!st!c cltre cold 0ro7!de. 1ccord!n/ to the contem0orary Jew!sh h!stor!an" Jose0hs" ;erod was a stron/ and ca0able rler" as well as shrewd" crafty" and crel. ;e was a well-0ract!ced 0bl!c s0ea5er and a dec!s!7e m!l!tary leader. ;e was also eff!c!ent !n h!s d!0lomacy w!th Bome and collect!n/ tr!bteJersalem" for the m0!re. ;e was also a /reat b!lder. Ots!de he b!lt an

#% Lesson II cont!ned am0h!theater for drama" and a h!00odrome for athlet!c e7ents. ?e!ther of these were acce0ted or a00rec!ated by de7ot Jews" bt had a ne/at!7e effect. ;e also b!lt h!mself a fancy lar/e 0alace to the western s!de of the c!ty. In order to /a!n 0o0lar!ty" ;erod remodeled the  nd Tem0le" Ferbbabel's" or!/!nally b!lt !n (#6 .C." %, years after olomon's Tem0le was destroyed. ;erod be/an !n #+ .C." bt !t was not com0leted nt!l lon/ after h!s death. 2reat 0ro/ress had been made by the t!me Jess and h!s d!sc!0les had fre9ented !t 3, some years after ;erod d!ed. ;e also had at least #, w!7es and # ch!ldren dr!n/ h!s l!fe. 1s he /rew older" he saw anyone who had any cla!m to 0ower as a threat" es0ec!ally anyone who was !n the royal l!ne !n h!s own fam!ly. y the t!me the w!se men 7!s!ted Jersalem" he had had many !n h!s own fam!ly e:ected. Th!s !nclded one w!fe" a brother !n law" and three of h!s own sons" as well as many others he ss0ected of 0lott!n/ a/a!nst h!m
#& Lesson III The Immed!ate 1ct!on of ;erod Matthew $)-#. The 4!se Men !nd the Ch!ld. ) 1nd when he had /athered all the ch!ef 0r!ests and scr!bes of the 0eo0le to/ether" he demanded of them where Chr!st shold be born. ( 1nd they sa!d nto h!m" In ethlehem of Jdea$ for ths !t !s wr!tten by the 0ro0het" 6 1nd tho ethlehem" !n the land of Jdah" art not the least amon/ the 0r!nces of Jdah$ for ot of thee shall come a 2o7ernor" that shall rle my 0eo0le Israel. %  Then ;erod" when he had 0r!7!ly called the w!se men" !n9!red of them d!l!/ently what t!me the star a00eared. & 1nd he sent them to ethlehem" and sa!d" 2o and search d!l!/ently for the yon/ ch!ldE and when ye ha7e fond h!m" br!n/ me word a/a!n" that I may come and worsh!0 h!m also. + 4hen they had heard the 5!n/" they de0artedE and" lo" the star" wh!ch they saw !n the east" went before them" t!ll !t came and stood o7er where the yon/ ch!ld was. #, 4hen they saw the star" they re@o!ced w!th e:ceed!n/ /reat @oy. ## 1nd when they were come !nto the hose" they saw the yon/ ch!ld w!th Mary h!s mother" and fell down" and worsh!00ed h!m$ and when they had o0ened the!r treasres" they 0resented nto h!m /!ftsE /old" and fran5!ncense" and myrrh. # 1nd be!n/ warned of 2od !n a dream that they shold not retrn to ;erod" they de0arted !nto the!r own contry another way. *erse ). ?ow ha7!n/ heard the w!se men" ;erod calls to/ether all the ch!ef 0r!ests" and scr!bes of the Jews to tell h!m what the cr!0tres say abot where the Mess!ah was to be born. ;erod 5new eno/h abot the Jews that the!r ho0e of del!7erance was !n the Mess!ah who wold be also the 5!n/ of the Jews - they are the same 0erson. ;erod 5new eno/h that somewhere !n the Old Testament the b!rth0lace was 0ro0hes!ed. *erses ("6. The e:0erts !n the cr!0tre told h!m that they had the answer$ ethlehem of Jdea be!n/ belo7ed>. Th!rd" be!n/ 2od's ano!nted to a royal 0os!t!on. orth" a str//le of hm!l!at!on and defeat that reslted !n /lor!os e:altat!on. The term she0herd to for descr!be the manner of h!s rle showed one of leadersh!0 w!th sed car!n/ h!s 0eo0le's welfare. Th!s

#+ Lesson III Cont!ned wold be !n shar0 contrast to e7ery other 5!n/'s manner and mot!7at!on abot rl!n/" es0ec!ally ;erod's. 1t no 0o!nt does concern for the 0eo0le enter h!s m!nd. *erse %. ;erod then secretly re9ests to meet w!th the w!se men" to /a!n as mch !nformat!on as 0oss!ble from them. Bather than as5 abot how old the ch!ld wold be" he de7!osly 0retends to be !ntr!/ed by the w!se men's s0ec!al !nterest - stdy of the stars. ;e 9est!ons them abot the f!rst a00earance of the s0ec!al star. ;owe7er" h!s 0r0ose was the o00os!te of the!rs - he wanted to see to !t that the ch!ld was destroyed. *erse &. ;e sends them off to ethlehem. ;owe7er" when they ha7e careflly searched and fond the ch!ld" they are to re0ort bac5 to h!m abot the locat!on. ;e adds" cnn!n/ly" that h!s only mot!7e was also the!rs - that he may also come and worsh!0 ;!m. *erse +. 1fter the !nter7!ew w!th ;erod" they went toward ethlehem" then they became aware that the star they had seen !n the!r own contry they re@o!ced e:ceed!n/ly w!th /reat @oy> The whole 0r0ose of the @orney" the!r hearts' des!re" was at hand. Only the tre 2od of hea7en and earth cold ha7e /!ded them here. ?ow they are to see the m!racle ch!ld also 0ro7!ded by 2od. 4hat /reater @oy cold there be *erse ##. They enter the hose and see the ch!ld. Mary was hold!n/ ;!m. They cast themsel7es to the /rond and worsh!00ed ;!m. 1fter worsh!00!n/ the ch!ld for a 0ro0er amont of t!me" they br!n/ forth what /!fts they ha7e bro/ht nto th!s s0ec!al 0r0ose$ /old" fran5!ncense" and myrrh. Th!s also shows the!r wealth and !m0l!es a @orney w!th beasts of brden. There were 0oss!bly attendants" and 0ro7!s!ons for the com0lete @orney. 1dd to that the!r /eneros w!ll!n/ness to tra7el a d!ff!clt and lon/ @orney" bear!n/ e:0ens!7e /!fts. 1ll of th!s was to see" worsh!0" and /!7e to a recently born ch!ld !n a contry d!fferent !n e7ery way from the!r own. et" thro/h s0ernatral means" they ha7e come th!s far !n order to worsh!0 and /!7e the!r 7alable /!fts" bro/ht !n treasre chests.

, Lesson III Cont!ned The /old was 7alable and wold ser7e well the needs of the holy fam!ly
# Lesson III Cont!ned ha7e I called my son. *erse #3. 1fter the w!se men left the holy fam!ly" !t was only a br!ef t!me when an an/el of the Lord a00eared !n a dream to Jose0h. ;e warned Jose0h of the mrderos 0lan of ;erod to ha7e the ch!ld 5!lled. ;e mst !mmed!ately ma5e 0re0arat!ons to ta5e the ch!ld and h!s mother to /y0t as 9!c5ly as 0oss!ble. Tho/h noth!n/ !s ment!oned abot Jose0h and Mary's react!on to the w!se men's 7!s!t" we can !ma/!ne that !t /reatly encora/ed them. It also conf!rmed the 0rom!ses of the an/els of 2od that a00eared to them both before the ch!ld's b!rth" as well as the she0herds that came shortly after the b!rth" 0ra!s!n/ 2od !n the h!/hest for the /!ft of 2od. ;ere a/a!n" 2od !s 0ro7!d!n/ for and 0rotect!n/ them. That they had to lea7e the!r nat!on as the reslt of the 5!n/'s fear and crelty was a frther hm!l!at!on to the holy ch!ld. 4hy /y0tK It was not too far away" and was ots!de of ;erod's doma!n. There were a /reat many Jews l!7!n/ there That wh!ch was s0o5en by the Lord thro/h the 0ro0het m!/ht

 Lesson III Cont!ned be flf!lled" >Ot of /y0t I called my son.> Matthew $#6-#&. la/hter of the Infants. #6  Then ;erod" when he saw that he was moc5ed of the w!se men" was e:ceed!n/ wroth" and sent forth" and slew all the ch!ldren that were !n ethlehem" and !n all the coasts thereof" from two years old and nder" accord!n/ to the t!me wh!ch he had d!l!/ently !n9!red of the w!se men. #% Then was flf!lled that wh!ch was s0o5en by Jerem!ah the 0ro0het" say!n/" #& In Bamah was there a 7o!ce heard" lamentat!on" and wee0!n/" and /reat morn!n/" Bachel wee0!n/ for her ch!ldren" and wold not be comforted" becase they are not. *erse #6. 4hen ;erod saw that he had been tr!c5ed by the w!se men" he became fr!os. ;e was determ!ned to carry ot h!s 0lan of destrct!on of any threat to h!s 0ower. Bather than send s0!es of h!s own to search ot the ch!ld
3 Lesson III Cont!ned ethlehem and 7!c!n!ty dr!n/ that t!me" !t !s l!5ely that abot #( to , !nfants were 5!lled by ;erod's sold!ers. *erses #%"#&. 1nother 0ro0hecy flf!lled - Jerem!ah 3#$#(. Bamah refers to a 0lace abot ( m!les from Jersalem. Th!s was where fore!/n con9erors bro/ht those defeated who were to be de0orted. It was the a00ro:!mate border of the d!7!ded 5!n/doms$ Israel" of the ten tr!bes" and Jdah of the two tr!bes
) Lesson I* Matthew $#+-3. Betrn from /y0t to ?aAareth. #+  t when ;erod was dead" behold" an an/el of the Lord a00eareth !n a dream to Jose0h !n /y0t" , say!n/" 1r!se" and ta5e the yon/ ch!ld and h!s mother" and /o !nto the land of Israel$ for they are dead wh!ch so/ht the yon/ ch!ld's l!fe. # 1nd he arose" and too5 the yon/ ch!ld and h!s mother" and came !nto the land of Israel.  t when he heard that 1rchela's d!d re!/n !n Jdea !n the room of h!s father ;erod" he was afra!d to /o th!ther$ notw!thstand!n/" be!n/ warned of 2od !n a dream" he trned as!de !nto the 0arts of 2al!lee$ 3 and he came and dwelt !n a c!ty called ?aAareth$ that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by the 0ro0hets" ;e shall be called a ?aAarene. *erses #+",. ;erod was now dead" and a/a!n" the t!me of h!s death was not ment!oned. ;owe7er" !t a00ears that !t ha00ened only a short 0er!od s!nce the holy fam!ly had been !n /y0t - 0robably nder two years. Jose0hs ;e was a man of /reat barbar!ty toward all men e9ally.> The an/el of the lord a00eared to Jose0h !n a dream" as 0rom!sed !n the 0re7!os dream
( Lesson I* Cont!ned dream not to stay there" bt to /o on north to 2al!lee. It was not 0art of Jdea" and therefore not nder 1rchelas' control. ;erod 1nt!0as" brother to 1rchelas" was des!/nated tetrarch of 2al!lee and Perea" 1rchelas became ethnarch of Jdea" amar!a and IdmeaE Ph!l!0
6 Lesson I* Cont!ned *erse #. !nce Jess was abot 3, years of a/e when ;e be/an ;!s m!n!stry e con7erted> ;!s words /o frther than @st re0entance - wh!ch can be based on emot!on" a feel!n/ bad for what one has done. It may be cons!dered the necessary bt ne/at!7e s!de of what !s called for. The other s!de calls for the m!nd and w!ll ma5!n/ a cho!ce" a 0os!t!7e cho!ce to trn one's l!fe arond. In th!s way" one can l!7e to br!n/ /lory to 2od" and to bear fr!t. Tho/h John called for ba0t!sm" !t was ne7er cons!dered more than the otward re0resentat!on of the !nward chan/e for the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s at hand.> Th!s heralded the be/!nn!n/ of 2od's re!/n !n men's hearts as 0art of the Mess!an!c 0ro0hec!es. 2od was /o!n/ to /reatly bless those 4ho by fa!th acce0ted ;!s on. *erse 3. Matthew now 9otes Isa!ah ),$3-(. The 7o!ce of one cry!n/ !n the w!ldernessE Ma5e ready the way of the LordE Ma5e stra!/ht ;!s 0aths. Matthew" John h!mself" and Jess a/ree w!th th!s !nter0retat!on. John says I am the 7o!ce.> Jess says so !n Matthew ##$#,. Th!s was John's ass!/ned tas5 e7en before he was born
% Lesson I* Cont!ned 2od was the w!lderness of men's hearts. It was thro/h th!s w!lderness that a 0ath to 2od mst be made$ the croo5ed made stra!/htE the obstacles mst be cleared away. *erse ). Th!s 7erse /!7es a br!ef descr!0t!on of the /eneral manner of John's l!fe. 1 tn!c of camel's ha!r was cons!dered ro/h" !ne:0ens!7e" bt drable" es0ec!ally for the ro/h contry John fre9ented. Th!s also has been descr!bed as f!tt!n/ for the s!m0le and stra!/htforward messa/e he 0reached. In Matthew #$&" Jess remar5s that John d!d not wear fancy or e:0ens!7e clothes. John /!rded h!s wa!st w!th a leather belt - th!s wold ma5e wal5!n/ and ba0t!A!n/ eas!er. John's sstenance was also s!m0le - whate7er cold be fond !n the w!lderness. 4!ld honey was well 5nown" and fond nder or !n cre7!ces of lar/er roc5s. Th!s was ment!oned !n the stor!es of amson
& Lesson I* Cont!ned *erse %. The rel!/!os leaders$ Phar!sees and addcees" he calls offs0r!n/ of 7!0ers <0o!sonos sna5es=. 1 br!ef h!story of these 0art!es$ f!rst the Phar!sees. It !s /enerally acce0ted that they were descendants of the ;as!dh!m - the P!os. They were centered on 5ee0!n/ str!ct rel!/!os 0ract!ces accord!n/ to the laws of Moses. They had therefore stron/ly o00osed the !nflence and ado0t!on of 2ree5 cstoms and cltre. The word Phar!sees means e0arat!sts. y the t!me of Jess' and John's m!n!str!es" th!s /ro0 had se0arated !tself from the heathen <2ent!les=" from 0bl!cans and s!nners" and also from the /eneral Jew!sh mlt!tdes whom they labeled >those who do not 5now the law> 4ho to the dece!7er !nesca0e the /arden. as5s" warned yo to the a00roach!n/

+ Lesson I* Cont!ned ot0or!n/ of wrathK> ;e !s s//est!n/ that they mst ha7e come to some real!Aat!on that they were nder condemnat!on" and were /!lty before 2od. Do they now really see5 con7ers!on" or are they @st loo5!n/ for an easy way otK 4ere they see5!n/ John's ba0t!sm as a r!te to 0erform to a7o!d 2od's wrathK John ma5es 0la!n what !s necessary. The only esca0e from wrath !s con7ers!on. The other s!de of con7ers!on - bear!n/ fr!t - !s cont!ned !n the ne:t lesson.

3, Lesson * Matthew 3$&-#. John's Preach!n/. & r!n/ forth therefore fr!ts meet for re0entance$ + and th!n5 not to say w!th!n yorsel7es" 4e ha7e 1braham to or father$ for I say nto yo" that 2od !s able of these stones to ra!se 0 ch!ldren nto 1braham. #, 1nd now also the a:e !s la!d nto the root of the trees$ therefore e7ery tree wh!ch br!n/eth not forth /ood fr!t !s hewn down" and cast !nto the f!re. ##  I !ndeed ba0t!Ae yo w!th water nto re0entance$ bt he that cometh after me !s m!/ht!er than I" whose shoes I am not worthy to bear$ he shall ba0t!Ae yo w!th the ;oly 2host" and w!th f!re$ # whose fan !s !n h!s hand" and he w!ll thoro/hly 0r/e h!s floor" and /ather h!s wheat !nto the /arnerE bt he w!ll brn 0 the chaff w!th n9enchable f!re. *erse &. John clearly descr!bes what con7ers!on shold loo5 l!5e !n a 0erson's l!fe. ;!s ba0t!sm was not ma/!c - th!s r!te had no 7ale !n and of !tself. It was an otward s!/n of an !nward chan/e. 4!thot that chan/e" yo only came ot as the same s!nner as yo went !n" e:ce0t that yo were soa5!n/ wet. The !nward chan/e of m!nd and heart toward 2od shold show !tself !n the bear!n/ of fr!t - a l!fe ded!cated to /lor!fy!n/ 2od" !n lo7e and than5flness for ;!s for/!7eness and sal7at!on. The most ob7!os tra!ts wold !nclde trthflness and honesty" show!n/ mercy" hel0!n/ others" and the shar!n/ of fa!th. *erse +. John 0roceeds to lay ot the fallacy of what these /ro0s at 0resent 0t the!r fa!th !n$ the!r descent from 1braham. Th!s" they tho/ht" /aranteed the!r sal7at!on. John 5new that descent thro/h the flesh was not the way. 1 tre son of 1braham was born only by fa!th !n 2od and com0lete rel!ance on ;!m. John ma5es a startl!n/ and ne:0ected obser7at!on. The /reat 2od of all creat!on cold ra!se 0 ch!ldren for 1braham ot of these nearby stones. 4e can !ma/!ne John ma5!n/ a swee0!n/ /estre toward all ly!n/Th!s arond !n the 2odthe made 1dam from dstthe of stones the /rond. m!/ht ha7ew!lderness. also !nclded stones as a the symbol of 0eo0le's stony hearts" wh!ch 2od cold melt !nto fa!thfl and obed!ent ones. !ther way" ancestry 0layed no 0art at all. Th!s also s//ests that the !ncls!on of all 0eo0le !n 2od's offer of sal7at!on" not only the Jews" bt any that came by fa!th. *erse #,. ac5 to those that refse to bel!e7e$ the !m0en!tent. 1 fam!l!ar !ma/e !s descr!bed. 4hen a tree !s @d/ed as not able to bear fr!t" !t w!ll be ct down a the root so that no frther s0rot w!ll come. The a:e !s ready for se !n destroy!n/ one tree after another. Ths John em0has!Aed the t!me of con7ers!on !s r!/ht now. Th!s s!tat!on !s e:0ressed !n many 0assa/es !n both Testaments
3# Lesson * Cont!ned down and thrown !n to the f!re. Many 0ro0hets had 0reached re0entance or destrct!on to the nat!on of Israel" bt the 9est!on of actal calendar t!me was not the !sse. The 0o!nt was" and rema!ns" that w!thot re0entance" destrct!on !s certa!n. Only 2od measres the t!me of the f!ll!n/ of the c0 of ;!s wrath. John was not s//est!n/ that destrct!on wold come 0on these !nd!7!dals or the nat!on at a 0art!clar date" bt that wh!le they were al!7e they had the o00ortn!ty and cho!ce to trn to 2od. Otherw!se" destrct!on was the!r only dest!nat!on - the f!re n9enchable" 0re0ared also for the de7!l and h!s followers. 1ll th!s e:0ressed the eternal ser!osness of 2od's offer. ;e was !ndeed /rac!os !n e:0la!n!n/ the certa!nty of the conse9ences of re@ect!n/ ;!s sal7at!on. It !s also tre that destrct!on d!d come 0on the nat!on of Israel re0eatedly" and that !t wold a/a!n w!th!n the l!fet!mes of most of the a0ostles !n %, 1.D. 1lso" the f!nal tr!blat!on was yet ftre. 1ll of these 0ref!/red the Last Jd/ment and the nd of the 1/e. 1fter that comes the ?ew ;ea7ens and ?ew arth" the eternal 5!n/dom of 2od. John !s say!n/ that the t!me to re0ent !s now. If yo don't" yo w!ll most l!5ely cont!ne !n yor s!ns and be hardened !n yor re@ect!on" reslt!n/ !n the certa!nty of yor death nto condemnat!on" @d/ment" and eternal torment. *erse ##. John e:0la!ns h!s role$ >I !ndeed ba0t!Ae yo w!th water nto re0entance$...> !m0ly /o!n/ nder the water does not confer any ma/!cal chan/e. Con7ers!on can ta5e 0lace before ba0t!sm - !ndeed most commonly so" thereby lead!n/ one to see5 the 0bl!c s!/n and r!te that shows the 0erson's fa!th to others. It !s also 0oss!ble for someone to e:0er!ence con7ers!on dr!n/ the ba0t!sm. The lower!n/ !nto the water !s the old s!nfl self dy!n/. The r!s!n/ !s as from death to a new l!fe of fa!th !n 2od and ;!s for/!7eness" and a des!re to ser7e ;!m from then on. In other words" the effect of ba0t!sm on one's body !s the otward e:0er!ence of what ta5es 0lace !n the heart. The body !s washed clean by the 0ower of the water" and the heart !s 0r!f!ed by the ;oly 0!r!t's 0ower <;ebrews #,$=. ?ot!ce thro/hot that John ma5es no cla!ms of ha7!n/ any s0ec!al 0ower" and certa!nly !s !n no way see5!n/ fame or soc!al stats. ;e !s show!n/ the way$ >bt he that cometh after me !s m!/ht!er than I" whose shoes I am not worthy to bear$ he shall ba0t!Ae yo w!th the ;oly 2host" and w!th f!re$>. John em0has!Aes the /reatness of Jess by say!n/ he !s not e7en worthy to 0erform the dty ofbr!ll!ant a ser7antl!/ht or sla7e forsn. ;!m. ;e was bt a t!ny lam0 com0ared to the of the

3 Lesson * Cont!ned Jess w!ll ba0t!Ae w!th the 0!r!t - an ot0or!n/ !nto the bel!e7er" wh!ch w!ll 0r!fy s from w!th!n as w!th f!re brn!n/ away or 0ollt!on. Th!s was of corse 0reem!nently bro/ht to 0ass at Pentecost - there ton/es as of f!re rest!n/ on each one's head. The f!re cleanses and 0ro7!des l!/ht. Jess Chr!st both 0r!f!es the sa!nts and 0r/es the earth of the w!c5ed. It !s 0oss!ble that John the a0t!st !nd!cates Pentecost and the f!nal @d/ment. Th!s !s also s//ested by the follow!n/ 7erse. *erse #. ;ere John clearly refers to @d/ment. >whose fan !s !n h!s hand" and he w!ll thoro/hly 0r/e h!s floor" and /ather h!s wheat !nto the /arnerE bt he w!ll brn 0 the chaff w!th n9enchable f!re.> ;e refers to the toss!n/ !n the a!r of the crshed wheat stal5s and /ra!n" whereby the stal5s" dst" and hs5s" all chaff" w!ll be blown away by the w!nd" wh!le the hea7!er 5ernels of /ra!n fall bac5 to the floor" be!n/ sa7ed and stored. The @ob !s not o7er nt!l only /ra!n !s left. ?ot one s0ec5 of dst w!ll /o ndetected. Ths w!ll Chr!st @d/e r!/hteosly. The /ra!n !s 7alable" 0rec!os" and each one !s cared for. ach bel!e7er !s descr!bed at death as >be!n/ carr!ed away by the an/els"> be!n/ at home w!th the Lord>
33 Lesson * Cont!ned Matthew 3$#3-#%. The a0t!sm of Jess. #3  Then cometh Jess from 2al!lee to Jordan nto John" to be ba0t!Aed of h!m. #) t John forbade h!m" say!n/" I ha7e need to be ba0t!Aed of thee" and comest tho to meK #( 1nd Jess answer!n/ sa!d nto h!m" ffer !t to be so now$ for ths !t becometh s to flf!l all r!/hteosness. Then he sffered h!m. #6 1nd Jess" when he was ba0t!Aed" went 0 stra!/htway ot of the water$ and" lo" the hea7ens were o0ened nto h!m" and he saw the 0!r!t of 2od descend!n/ l!5e a do7e" and l!/ht!n/ 0on h!m$ #% and lo a 7o!ce from hea7en" say!n/" Th!s !s my belo7ed on" !n whom I am well 0leased. *erse #3. Jess made ;!s 0bl!c a00earance" com!n/ from 2al!lee to the Jordan to be ba0t!Aed by John. L5e 3$# !nd!cates th!s ha00en!n/ at the /reatest t!me of John's ba0t!A!n/. 1n a00ro:!mate t!me has been s//ested - late 6 or early % 1.D. John <#$&= s//ests that !t was north of the Dead ea" near ethany and beyond Jordan. Th!s was the t!me and e7ent be/!nn!n/ Jess' 0bl!c m!n!stry. ;!s 0r0ose was to f!rst to be ba0t!Aed by John" so ;e comes forward show!n/ ;!s w!sh to be ba0t!Aed. *erse #). 1t f!rst" John !s ta5en abac5" reco/n!A!n/ Jess. ;e felt nworthy - that he shold be ba0t!Aed by Jess rather than the other way arond. Certa!nly John's mother l!Aabeth had told h!m concern!n/ Mary and the baby she /a7e b!rth to" the 0rom!sed a7!or. ;e cons!dered !t 0ro0er that the lesser be blessed by the /reater <;ebrews %$%= and as5s why Jess has come to h!m. *erse #(. Jess re0l!ed that ;e mst flf!ll all r!/hteosness. It was 0ro0er that they both com0ly to that end. ;e as5s John to y!eld to ;!m th!s re9est. Jess was ta5!n/ on the role re9!red of e7ery one of 1dam's descent" for all fall short of the /lory of 2od becase of s!n. Jess re0resented s w!th ;!s l!fe and too5 on or obl!/at!on. It also ser7es as the 0bl!c annoncement of the Mess!ah's arr!7al. The ;oly 0!r!t /a7e John the tas5 of be!n/ Jess' herald" e7en before John's b!rth. Th!s also conf!rmed the 7ale of John's 0reach!n/ and ba0t!sm" and /a7e h!m the t!me to 0rocla!m that Jess was the One who he was sent to 0re0are the way for. ?o frther ar/ment - John /a7e !n to Jess' 0ro0er re9est.

3) Lesson * Cont!ned *erse #6. >1nd Jess" when he was ba0t!Aed" went 0 stra!/htway ot of the water$ and" lo" the hea7ens were o0ened nto h!m" and he saw the 0!r!t of 2od descend!n/ l!5e a do7e" and l!/ht!n/ 0on h!m$> Th!s re0resented the 0r!ty and 0eacefl beaty of the ;oly 0!r!t that was man!fested for John and others 0resent. Th!s was the /!ft of 2od to ;!s on" e9!00!n/ ;!m for the tas5 ;e was nderta5!n/. Th!s do7e rema!ned for a t!me - that !t was to ab!de w!th ;!m to /!de and stren/then ;!s hman natre. Th!s !s conf!rmed by many cr!0tres$ Matthew #)$3E Matthew #%$#-(E Mar5 #)$36E John #$%"&E ;ebrews ($&. 1t e7ery ste0" Jess ma5es the cho!ce to flf!ll the wor5 that the ather has /!7en ;!m to do. The ;oly 0!r!t has been and w!ll cont!ne to be an !nte/ral 0art. 1nd now" as Jess has ta5en the o0en!n/ ste0 of ;!s 0bl!c m!n!stry" how a00ro0r!ate that the ather aff!rms ;!s 0resence by bless!n/ ;!s on. *erse #%. >and lo a 7o!ce from hea7en" say!n/" Th!s !s my belo7ed on" !n whom I am well 0leased.> The Three are One. The 7o!ce !s not only for Jess' benef!t - !t !s also ad!ble to John and the others w!th h!m. Tho/h the s0ea5er !s not !dent!f!ed" !t ob7!osly cold only be the ather. The >belo7ed> !ncldes all the attr!btes of 2od's lo7e$ !ntell!/ent" w!th 0r0ose" com0lete" w!thot l!m!t" tender" dee0" !nf!n!te" eternal. 4e can be assred that 2od's lo7e has not chan/ed at all s!nce that day" nor w!ll !t e7er. That we ha7e been offered th!s lo7e thro/h Jess !s beyond nderstand!n/. It mst be e:0er!enced thro/h fa!th and trst and by the !nternal w!tness of the 0!r!t" that we ha7e been ado0ted !nto 2od's fam!ly" fore7er. 4e shold l!7e ot or l!7es !n than5s/!7!n/ and /rat!tde for the /!ft so 0rec!os" e7en or sal7at!on. 1men.

3( Lesson *I Matthew )$#-##. The Tem0tat!on. # Then was Jess led 0 of the 0!r!t !nto the w!lderness to be tem0ted of the de7!l.  1nd when he had fasted forty days and forty n!/hts" he was afterward ahn/ered. 3 1nd when the tem0ter came to h!m" he sa!d" If tho be the on of 2od" command that these stones be made bread. ) t he answered and sa!d" It !s wr!tten" Man shall not l!7e by bread alone" bt by e7ery word that 0roceedeth ot of the moth of 2od. ( Then the de7!l ta5eth h!m 0 !nto the holy c!ty" and setteth h!m on a 0!nnacle of the tem0le" 6 and sa!th nto h!m" If tho be the on of 2od" cast thyself down$ for !t !s wr!tten" ;e shall /!7e h!s an/els char/e concern!n/ thee$ and !n the!r hands they shall bear thee 0" lest at any t!me tho dash thy foot a/a!nst a stone. % Jess sa!d nto h!m" It !s wr!tten a/a!n" Tho shalt not tem0t the Lord thy 2od. & 1/a!n" the de7!l ta5eth h!m 0 !nto an e:ceed!n/ h!/h monta!n" and showeth h!m all the 5!n/doms of the world" and the /lory of themE + and sa!th nto h!m" 1ll these th!n/s w!ll I /!7e thee" !f tho w!lt fall down and worsh!0 me. #, Then sa!th Jess nto h!m" 2et thee hence" atan$ for !t !s wr!tten" Tho shalt worsh!0 the Lord thy 2od" and h!m only shalt tho ser7e. ## Then the de7!l lea7eth h!m" and" behold" an/els came and m!n!stered nto h!m. e/!nn!n/ !n th!s cha0ter" Matthew records the 7ar!os roles Jess !s to 0lay !n the off!ces necessary to /a!n man's redem0t!on. !rst as a 0r!est be!n/ the one who offers and the offer!n/ !tself. In these 7erses - >;e sffered be!n/ tem0ted"> <;ebrews $#&=. ;e st!ll !s the 5!n/ who /!7es battle to ;!s /reatest enemy and defeats h!m. ;e also !s the Pro0het 4ho heals" teaches" 0reaches" and 0ro0hec!es. These" Pro0het" Pr!est" and !n/" are the threefold as0ects of 2od's 0rom!sed Mess!ah. *erse #. Jess was led 0 by the 0!r!t !nto the w!lderness" to be tem0ted by the de7!l. rom the Jordan" the 0lace of ba0t!sm" Jess was led 0 to the h!/hland - the roc5y w!lderness. The 0!r!t /!ded Jess to the remote area where the tem0tat!on was dest!ned to ta5e 0lace. The tem0ter !s called the de7!l - satan - mean!n/ accser" slanderer" and also the ad7ersary. ;!s only 0r0ose !s to destroy 2od's 0r0ose !n send!n/ ;!s on to sa7e hman!ty. atan was /o!n/ to try to trn Jess as!de from 0erfect obed!ence to 2od and towards s!n. ;ebrews )$#( states the s!tat!on clearly$ >;e was tem0ted" !n all 0o!nts ;e ne7er /a7e !n" not ha7!n/ or s!nfl natre. 4e are" howe7er" >drawn away and ent!ced by or own e7!l des!re">
36 Lesson *I Cont!ned The sense of need" sch as hn/er" was 0resent. The reco/n!t!on of a self!sh and s!nfl way to meet that need was also 0resent. atan 0resented the easy way to meet the need as ob7!os and lo/!cal" e7en cr!0tral. Thro/hot the 2os0els" Jess !s descr!bed as e:0er!enc!n/ 0hys!cal needs" hn/er" th!rst" e:hast!on - need!n/ rest. ;e also e:0er!enced hman emot!ons$ lo7e" affect!on" sym0athy" com0ass!on" an/er" /rat!tde" heartfelt des!re to heal" free 0eo0le from demons" and to the ttermost br!n/ sal7at!on to man. 1ll th!s to sat!sfy ;!s dee0est des!re to accom0l!sh the wor5 ;!s ather had /!7en ;!m" ths br!n/!n/ the /reatest /lory to 2od fore7er. ;ere" as the case most often !s !n cr!0tre" we can only nderstand a 0art of what !s actally ta5!n/ 0lace. 2od's ways are so far abo7e ors that th!s shold not sr0r!se s. Instead" !t !s e7!dence that the trth of 2od's 4ord !s d!7!nely !ns0!red and therefore >4ords from 2od>. *erse . orty days and n!/hts w!thot food$ ;e was fam!shed. It seems ob7!os that Jess sed these forty days !n 0rayer and med!tat!on !n 0re0arat!on for the /reat m!n!stry ;e was abot to nderta5e. It was /o!n/ to ta5e ;!s com0lete ded!cat!on and concentrat!on of both ;!s d!7!ne and hman natres. There wold be many d!ff!clt!es" threaten!n/ and tem0t!n/ ;!m to trn as!de" /!7e 0" /!7e !n. On the other hand" we may /!7e !n w!thot a second tho/ht" to or self!sh wh!ms. 4hat a contrast *erse 3. The e7!l one" here called the tem0ter" comes to tem0t @st as he had done !n the 2arden of den. 1dam was offered food that was forb!dden by 2od. ;e had no need of hn/er" ha7!n/ the 0lenteos fr!t of all Parad!se. Jess" on the other hand" was !ndeed fam!shed. o mch /reater was the tem0tat!on. The w!ly one formed the cond!t!on whereby !t shold seem natral$ s!nce yo're 2od's on" o shold ha7e the 0ower to meet yor own needs yorself. Ths yo w!ll also 0ro7e that 0ower by trn!n/ some of these stones !nto bread. Certa!nly Jess had the 0ower to do so It !s wr!tten" It !s not by bread alone that man shall l!7e" bt by e7ery word that comes from the moth of 2od.>
3% Lesson *I Cont!ned 0ro7!ded !n ;!s 4ord. Jess was !n effect stat!n/ that one's relat!onsh!0 w!th 2od was the tre and !nd!s0ensable sorce of 0ower to ssta!n one's l!fe and well-be!n/. Th!s 0ower !s fond !n e7ery word of 2od - from creat!on onward" e7en now hold!n/ the n!7erse to/ether. De0end!n/ on 2od's 4ord and 4!ll are f!rst" foremost" and essent!al. 4hat's a loaf of bread com0ared to thatK The tem0ter wasn't /o!n/ to /!7e 0 eas!ly. On to tem0tat!on two. *erse ("6. o yo cla!m to 0t all yor trst !n yor ather. Let's see some 0roof. If yo are so s0ec!al" 2od wold not allow yo to be hrt. The de7!l too5 ;!m alon/ to the holy c!ty" and set ;!m on the 0!nnacle
3& Lesson *I Cont!ned all the 5!n/doms of the world !n the!r s0lendor" and sa!d to ;!m" all these I w!ll /!7e yo !f yo 0rostrate yorself before me and worsh!0 me. The 9est!on has often ar!sen as to how all the 5!n/doms of the world cold be natrally seen from one monta!n and !n sch a br!ef t!me. The most ob7!os way wold be !n a 7!s!on" wh!ch wold not re9!re tra7el!n/ thro/h t!me - s!nce these were shown to Jess !n a few moments. !nce we are not s0ec!f!cally told" and s!nce the how of the tem0tat!on !n no way chan/es the stren/th of !t" there !s no 0o!nt !n wast!n/ t!me !n s0eclat!on or debate. Th!s !s the 7!ew of John Cal7!n and most fa!r-m!nded scholars after h!m. ?e:t 9est!on$ d!d the de7!l ha7e actal 0ossess!on of all the 5!n/doms of the worldK 4ere they h!s to d!s0ose of as he 0leasedK It !s often stated that he has /reat 0ower o7er the world of men becase of the e7!l !n h!mself as well as or own s!nfl natre. ;e !s called the 0r!nce of the doma!n of the a!r" and of s0!r!tal forces of e7!l !n the hea7enly 0laces. <0hes!ans $E 6$#.= In L5e )$6" he 0!ctres h!mself as rler and r!/htfl owner of the world. t from the be/!nn!n/ he has boasted abo7e h!s stat!on and l!ed cont!nally. ;e !s on the contrary 5e0t w!th!n bonds and cannot /o beyond what 2od 0erm!ts. Th!s !s also tre dr!n/ Jess' t!me on earth. The tem0ter !s st!ll ly!n/ - bt 5e0t w!th!n l!m!ts. The tre tem0tat!on here !s that Jess cold ta5e o7er the world to rle" not @st becase satan offered !t to h!m. t no way wold Jess worsh!0 h!m. The contrast was between the cross and the crown. 4as th!s not the stren/th of the offer - to ta5e the easy way ot" to th!n5 abot by0ass!n/ the hatred" 0ersect!on" condemnat!on" beat!n/" the crel death on the cross. 1s we w!ll cont!nally see dr!n/ Jess' m!n!stry" ;e mst cont!nally choose to stay on the 0ath of sffer!n/" to flf!ll the ather's w!ll to sa7e man5!nd from the!r s!ns. 7en !n the /arden ;e as5s !f th!s c0 can 0ass from ;!m. ;e then as here chooses the ather's w!ll abo7e ;!s own. It mst also be sa!d that Jess does not d!s0te the de7!l's cla!m" bt also we can say that e7en !f Jess d!d worsh!0 h!m" most l!5ely satan woldn't ha7e /!7en Jess h!s 0ower o7er the earthly 5!n/doms. Jess 5new he was a l!ar" that he was ly!n/ here" and there was no 0o!nt !nl!es. start!n/ an ar/ment. To ar/e w!th a l!ar only br!n/s frther *erse #,. The Trth of the 4ord !s /!7en !n answer to the accser and he !s d!sm!ssed - e /one It !s wr!tten$ o shall worsh!0 the Lord yor /od" 1nd ;!m only shall yo ser7e. The ad7ersary !s 0t !n h!s 0lace. Jess commands h!m to lea7e" and he obeys. *erse ##. Then the de7!l left ;!m" and behold - an/els came and were render!n/ ser7!ce to ;!m. Th!s seems to /o alon/ w!th the !dea of

3+ Lesson *I Cont!ned 7!s!ons" that ;e was st!ll 0hys!cally !n the w!lderness" and they were sent by the ather to 0ro7!de for ;!s needs. These !nclded 0hys!cal needs" as well as s0!r!tal stren/then!n/ needed after sch an ordeal. Matthew )$#-#%. e/!nn!n/ M!n!stry. #  ?ow when Jess had heard that John was cast !nto 0r!son" he de0arted !nto 2al!leeE #3 and lea7!n/ ?aAareth" he came and dwelt !n Ca0er'na-m" wh!ch !s 0on the seacoast" !n the borders of Feb'ln and ?a0h'tal!$ #) that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by Isa!ah the 0ro0het" say!n/" #( The land of Feb'ln" and the land of ?a0h'tal!" by the way of the sea" beyond Jordan" 2al!lee of the 2ent!lesE #6 the 0eo0le wh!ch sat !n dar5ness saw /reat l!/htE and to them wh!ch sat !n the re/!on and shadow of death l!/ht !s s0rn/ 0. #% rom that t!me Jess be/an to 0reach" and to say" Be0ent$ for the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s at hand. *erses #3-#6 are only fond !n Matthew. *erse #. 4hen Jess heard that John had been arrested" ;e went from Jdea" north !nto 2al!lee. ?o t!me !s ment!oned as to how lon/ after Jess' ba0t!sm and tem0tat!on th!s too5 0lace. It has been est!mated that !t was abot a year later. John" !n h!s 2os0el" records e7ents that too5 0lace !n th!s !nter7al
), Lesson *I Cont!ned ot of the way locat!on - and ;!s home. 4e see the att!tde of the 0eo0le of ;!s hometown when ;e 7!s!ts later !n t!me. ;e /oes to Ca0ernam by the sea and settles there. Th!s was !n the terr!tory /!7en to Febln and ?a0htal!. The or!/!n of the name Ca0ernam has not been establ!shed. The mean!n/ of the words can be !nter0reted as 7!lla/e of com0ass!on or consolat!on. 1t one t!me th!s was the 0lace Matthew had h!s off!ce as ta: collector. ?earby th!s town Jess called Peter and 1ndrew" James and John. It became the center of Chr!st's m!n!stry for 2al!lee. ;e healed many" cast ot demons. ;e sally went to the syna/o/e" del!7er!n/ many teach!n/s" for e:am0le" the teach!n/ on >the read of L!fe the land of the shadow of death> !ncldes dan/er" fear" w!thot ho0e of any hel0. !tt!n/ !n dar5ness - bes!des 0hys!cal dar5ness" !t 0o!nts to mental and solfl lostness - see!n/ no way ot" no ho0e. L!/ht" the o00os!te of dar5ness" 0o!nts to the tre l!/ht of the 5nowled/e of 2od. Only !n the 2os0el of Jess wold those lost !n dar5ness" w!thot ho0e" see the l!/ht and @oy of the sal7at!on ;e offers. Jess has come w!th mercy" for/!7eness" and 0ower to br!n/ the /reat l!/ht of sal7at!on to the and m!nds those who acce0t ;!m" to /!de the!r l!fe fromhearts that moment and of fore7er" all

)# Lesson *I Cont!ned nto 2od's /lory. Matthew ends th!s 0ara/ra0h w!th a br!ef descr!0t!on of Jess' messa/e. *erse #%. >rom that t!me Jess be/an to 0reach" and to say" Be0ent$ for the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s at hand.> The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s that 7ery realm of l!/ht that Isa!ah foretold. To 5now Chr!st !s to l!7e !n the l!/ht of 2od's 5!n/dom of lo7e and for/!7eness. ?e:t$ Call!n/ the or !shermen.

) Lesson *II Matthew )$#&-. Call!n/ the or !shermen. #&  1nd Jess" wal5!n/ by the sea of 2al!lee" saw two brethren" !mon called Peter" and 1ndrew h!s brother" cast!n/ a net !nto the sea$ for they were f!shers. #+ 1nd he sa!th nto them" ollow me" and I w!ll ma5e yo f!shers of men. , 1nd they stra!/htway left the!r nets" and followed h!m. # 1nd /o!n/ on from thence" he saw other two brethren" James the son of Feb'edee" and John h!s brother" !n a sh!0 w!th Feb'edee the!r father" mend!n/ the!r netsE and he called them.  1nd they !mmed!ately left the sh!0 and the!r father" and followed h!m. 1s bac5/rond to these 7erses !t was ob7!osly Jess' 0lan from the be/!nn!n/ to /ather of /ro0 of # close d!sc!0les to teach and tra!n and be w!tnesses to all that ;e wold say and do. They were to be the fondat!on of the Chrch" and recorders of what wold become the ?ew Testament. Tho/h Matthew and John were the only a0ostles who wrote 2os0els" Mar5 and L5e rel!ed hea7!ly on many eyew!tnesses of the a0ostles" as well as Mary the mother of Jess" and others not !dent!f!ed. 1lso we mst remember that abot a year earl!er" the accont !n John #$3(-(#" when John the a0t!st had 0o!nted ot Jess as the Lamb of 2od" 1ndrew and h!s brother Peter went to Jess. It can be assmed that the nnamed d!sc!0le" John" bro/ht h!s brother James. Then Ph!l!0 and also ?athan!el also @o!ned the /ro0 of d!sc!0les. 4e can srm!se that !n the scceed!n/ month" they wold accom0any Jess whene7er 0oss!ble" bt cont!n!n/ the!r re/lar occ0at!ons. ?ow" a year later" arond the be/!nn!n/ of & 1.D." these for are called 0on to s0end a /reater and more constant amont of t!me w!th Jess
)3 Lesson *II Cont!ned fall !nto the water" and as the we!/hts case !t to 9!c5ly s!n5" !t w!ll tra0 any f!sh nderneath. Jess !nterr0ts them" call!n/ 0on them to sto0 and come w!th ;!m" and that ;e w!ll ma5e them f!shers of men. The !m0ortance of the tas5 re9!res them to heed th!s call. They come" thereby ac5nowled/!n/ that what Jess was /o!n/ to en/a/e them !n was a far /reater wor5 than catch!n/ f!sh. Indeed the most !m0ortant wor5 of all" the s0read!n/ of the 2ood ?ews of sal7at!on thro/h Jess. *erses #". James and John" w!th the!r father are mend!n/ the!r nets !n the boat. Jess calls them to the same wor5" to /!7e 0 the!r ord!nary wor5 and /o w!th ;!m. They lea7e the!r father" who ma5es no 0rotest" and /o w!th Jess. 1s we learn later" Febedee has ser7ants and w!ll !n no way sffer from h!s sons' lea7!n/. Matthew )$3-(. The M!n!stry of Teach!n/" Preach!n/" and ;eal!n/. 3  1nd Jess went abot all 2al!lee" teach!n/ !n the!r syna/o/es" and 0reach!n/ the /os0el of the 5!n/dom" and heal!n/ all manner of s!c5ness and all manner of d!sease amon/ the 0eo0le. ) 1nd h!s fame went thro/hot all yr!a$ and they bro/ht nto h!m all s!c5 0eo0le that were ta5en w!th d!7ers d!seases and torments" and those wh!ch were 0ossessed w!th de7!ls" and those wh!ch were lnat!c" and those that had the 0alsyE and he healed them. ( 1nd there followed h!m /reat mlt!tdes of 0eo0le from 2al!lee" and from Deca0'ol!s" and from Jersalem" and from Jdea" and from beyond Jordan. These 7erses smmar!Ae the 2al!lean M!n!stry of Jess. The d!fference between teach!n/ and 0reach!n/ needs to be em0has!Aed. oth conta!n elements of the other. Preach!n/ focses on 0rocla!m!n/ a messa/e$ annonc!n/. Teach!n/ focses on /!7!n/ the deta!ls" e:0la!n!n/" and e:0and!n/ on the messa/e 0rocla!med. Preach!n/ !s to !ns0!re and !m0art !nformat!on. Teach!n/ !s to !m0art !nformat!on and !ns0!re. Jess d!d both. of the of 5!n/dom" otherw!se called of of 2od>"The or /os0el >the 5!n/dom hea7en>" refers f!rst to>the the 5!n/dom reco/n!t!on the so7ere!/nty of 2od. Th!s means that 2od comes f!rst !n the m!nds and hearts of men" that ;e !s 5!n/ o7er the!r l!7es" that they are ;!s sb@ects. econdly" !t also !ncldes sal7at!on as a reslt of the!r acce0t!n/ 2od as the!r 5!n/" trst!n/ ;!m for here and hereafter. Mar5 #,$("6 br!n/s the two to/ether. Jess !s descr!b!n/ the d!ff!clty of a r!ch man enter!n/ the 5!n/dom of 2od. The d!sc!0les res0ond w!th the 9est!on" >Then who can be sa7edK> The sb@ects of th!s 5!n/dom became the chrch. Matthew #6$#&"#+" br!n/s these two to/ether" >...0on th!s roc5 w!ll I b!ld my chrch...I w!ll /!7e nto yo the 5eys of the 5!n/dom of hea7en.> 1lso th!s 5!n/dom !s eternal and w!ll one day become 0erfect !n the new hea7ens and earth eternally. It be/!ns w!th!n the heart of !nd!7!dals and /rows and s0reads nt!l the t!me of the har7est. The term >5!n/dom of hea7en> em0has!Aes that th!s !s a

)) Lesson *II Cont!ned s0ernatral wor5 of 2od" offered to men for the!r sal7at!on from s!n" all to the /lory of the ather !n hea7en. It !s ;!s 0lan" ;!s 0r0ose" ;!s 0ower" ;!s /!ft" >Thy 5!n/dom come" Thy w!ll be done" on earth as !t !s !n hea7en.> Jess went thro/hot 2al!lee" 0reach!n/ and teach!n/ where7er the o00ortn!ty arose" as well as the!r syna/o/es on the abbath" as was ;!s cstom. Part of ;!s m!n!stry was also heal!n/" and th!s w!thot any d!scr!m!nat!on of race" color" creed" f!nanc!al stats" or anyth!n/ else. Th!s area was a m!:tre of 0eo0les" Jew" 2ent!le" and 0a/ans of all ty0es. The only re9!rement was need. ;e healed >e7ery !llness and e7ery !nf!rm!ty amon/ the 0eo0le.> ;!s heart was and !s one fll of com0ass!on and lo7e for all those who need ;!m. Th!s !ncldes s. ;!s offer!n/ of al7at!on !s !n the same way offered to all. *erse ). Most l!5ely !t was the m!racles of heal!n/ that cased the news abot ;!m to s0read north toward 1nt!och and Damascs" the area 5nown as yr!a. Many Jews had settled there" some 7olntar!ly" some by force" o7er the years. There wold be stron/ t!es" econom!c" fam!ly" and rel!/!os" w!th the!r com0atr!ots !n 2al!lee and Jdea. Ca0ernam was on the h!/hway that came down from Damascs. Jst hear!n/ the news bro/ht ho0e to those who needed heal!n/" and they bro/ht to h!m all who were affl!cted" d!stressed by all 5!nds of !llnesses and torments. Demon!acs" e0!le0t!cs" and 0aralyt!cs. Jess healed them all. 4hat an astond!n/ statement The ment!on of the demon-0ossessed also !m0l!es that th!s cond!t!on was the case of other affl!ct!ons
)( Lesson *II Cont!ned It !s /enerally acce0ted that th!s was a well-5nown monta!n near Ca0ernam. The e:act locat!on !s not 5nown s!nce there are two or three 0oss!b!l!t!es. The 0o!nt !s that !t was a 0lace where Jess cold s!t abo7e w!th an area below ;!m where a /reat crowd cold /ather and all be able to hear ;!m. 4e can !ma/!ne !t be!n/ a /entle /rassy slo0e" rather than @a//ed and roc5y. 1s one can 0!ctre" once Jess sat down" ;!s d!sc!0les" wold come and s!t nearest ;!m. Then others wold /ather arond as Jess be/an to teach. Jess 0roceeds to descr!be the 2odly fndamental 0r!nc!0les of hman condct that shold be 0ract!ced by all 0eo0le" no matter when or where they l!7ed. 1 br!ef descr!0t!on of the ermon$ The o7erall theme !s the 2os0el of the !n/dom. There are three ma@or d!7!s!ons. !rst" Jess descr!bes the c!t!Aens of 2od's 5!n/dom" the!r character and blessedness <7erses -#=" and the!r relat!onsh!0 w!th the world as salt and l!/ht <7erses #3-#6=. econd" ;e descr!bes the r!/hteosness of the 5!n/dom" the h!/h standard of moral 0r!nc!0les" wh!ch !nclde those wr!tten !n the Old Testament <($#%-#+=. Th!s !s contrasted w!th the trad!t!ons and !nter0retat!ons of both anc!ent Jew!sh wr!ters as well as the scr!bes and Phar!sees of the t!me" wh!ch !n effect" watered down" or added to what 2od !ntended. The em0has!s !s on com0lete de0endence on and trst !n 2od alone - and abo7e all th!n/s Lo7e yor ne!/hbor as yorself"> !s the rle to follow. To follow th!s rle" one mst see5 w!sdom by cont!nal 0rayer. Chr!st's /olden rle !s stated !n %$#. Th!rd" Jess ends the sermon w!th heartfelt r/!n/ to enter the 5!n/dom <7erses #3-%=. ;e descr!bes the @orney$ be/!nn!n/ - 7erses #3"#)E 0ro/ress - 7erses #(-,E the f!nal dest!nat!on - a contrast between those who say and those who do - 7erses #-3. Then" hearers and doers - 7erses )-%. The f!nal for 7erses descr!be the reslt !n the 0arable of the two b!lders$ the smart one who b!lt 0on the roc5" and the fool!sh one who b!lt 0on the sand. *erses & and + descr!be how the sermon affected those who heard !t. The o0en!n/ of the sermon !ncldes the e!/ht >lessed> statements. These ha7e come to be called >The eat!tdes>. ;e !s descr!b!n/ those that are blessed by 2od. They mst ha7e ca0tred the m!nds and hearts of ;!s ad!ence !mmed!ately. 4hat ;e was say!n/ was !n com0lete contrast to the normal way of th!n5!n/ from the worldly" and e7en the rel!/!os" 0o!nts of 7!ew. They cons!dered that only the 0owerfl" the 0o0lar" the wealthy" thethat stron/" 0ros0eros" were >blessed>. Jess sa!d the sccessfl" o00os!te wasand tre. ;e

)6 Lesson *II Cont!ned d!d not @st say the 0oor" bt the 0oor !n s0!r!t. ?ot @st the hn/ry and th!rsty" bt those hn/ry and th!rsty for r!/hteosness. They are to be cons!dered >ha00y> becase 2od !s w!th them" and the!r stand!n/ as c!t!Aens of the 5!n/dom !s certa!n" wh!ch !ncldes the ftre real!Aat!on !n hea7en. 1s they loo5 to 2od" ;e loo5s after them. ach beat!tde has three 0arts$ #. The word >lessed>. . The 0erson descr!bed. 3. The reason why. The realm of the!r bless!n/ !s s0!r!tal" not 0hys!cal" or earthly. 4e mst also be rem!nded that Jess s0ea5s abot 9al!t!es demanded of others that ;e embod!es 0erfectly ;!mself. In e7eryth!n/ ;e d!d" ;e l!7ed ot e7eryth!n/ ;e sa!d. Ths" ;!s e:am0le !s for all Chr!st!ans of all t!mes. Th!s certa!nly mst ha7e had a 0rofond effect on those who heard ;!m and also saw how ;e l!7ed ;!s l!fe !n 0erfect al!/nment w!th ;!s messa/e" trly the lo7e of 2od embod!ed !n the flesh. It !s also the sternest reb5e a/a!nst hy0ocr!sy also from that t!me to or own" where we ha7e seen the e:0osre of the h!dden l!7es of too many Chr!st!an leaders. There had been a /eneral consenss that there !s an onward and 0ward mo7ement from the f!rst to the last beat!tde. e/!nn!n/ w!th a real!Aat!on of one's s!nfl natre and lost cond!t!on" a reco/n!t!on of the need to reform" to be reborn" a restorat!on of a r!/ht relat!onsh!0 w!th 2od. Then" ha7!n/ rece!7ed mercy" to be merc!fl to others" trst!n/ !n 2od alone. 1 0eace 0ass!n/ all nderstand!n/ !s 0resent" ths to become a 0eacema5er. 4!th all th!s bless!n/ also comes 0ersect!on as the reslt of clash!n/ w!th those of the world" bt be comforted" for Jess told ;!s d!sc!0les - >e of /ood cora/e for I ha7e con9ered the world.>
)% Lesson *III Matthew ($3-#. The eat!tdes. 3  lessed are the 0oor !n s0!r!t$ for the!rs !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en. )  lessed are they that morn$ for they shall be comforted. (  lessed are the mee5$ for they shall !nher!t the earth. 6  lessed are they wh!ch do hn/er and th!rst after r!/hteosness$ for they shall be f!lled. %  lessed are the merc!fl$ for they shall obta!n mercy. &  lessed are the 0re !n heart$ for they shall see 2od. +  lessed are the 0eacema5ers$ for they shall be called the ch!ldren of 2od. #,  lessed are they wh!ch are 0ersected for r!/hteosness' sa5e$ for the!rs !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en. ##  lessed are ye" when men shall re7!le yo" and 0ersecte yo" and shall say all manner of e7!l a/a!nst yo falsely" for my sa5e. # Be@o!ce" and be e:ceed!n/ /lad$ for /reat !s yor reward !n hea7en$ for so 0ersected they the 0ro0hets wh!ch were before yo. *erse 3. The !rst eat!tde. >lessed are the 0oor !n s0!r!t$ for the!rs !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en.> Th!s !nd!cates a 0erson's !nner awareness of the!r own s0!r!tal 0o7erty. ?o 0r!de here" only an !nner need for mercy and for/!7eness wh!ch can only come from 2od. 1 contr!te s0!r!t reco/n!Aes !ts own hel0lessness. They are those who de0end on and trst 2od for the!r sal7at!on" ths acce0t!n/ ;!m as 5!n/ of the!r l!7es. They are called blessed becase they ha7e what the world cannot del!7er. The world 0rom!ses e7eryth!n/. et" those who en@oy 0ower and wealth w!ll see !n the end that e7eryth!n/ the world 0rom!ses w!ll only last for a season. Then !t !s /one fore7er. The th!n/s we ha7e !n 2od and ;!s Chr!st" be/!n now and last fore7er. Therefore" we are cons!dered r!ch. 4e ha7e 2od's lo7e" mercy" for/!7eness" and the 0eace that 0asses all nderstand!n/. These bless!n/s ma5e s content !n whate7er c!rcmstances we may be !n. Th!n5 of the contentment of Pal thro/h the tr!als and tr!blat!ons that he faced. ;!s r!ches were la!d 0 !n ;ea7en. *erse ). The econd eat!tde. >lessed are they that morn$ for they shall be comforted.> Th!s connects w!th the 0re7!os one. Those who are 0oor !n s0!r!t also morn o7er the!r s!nfl cond!t!on" and the conse9ences thereof. Th!s can also !nclde and ac5nowled/ment of the s!ns of others that d!shonor 2od" es0ec!ally those that cla!m to be Chr!st!ans. Th!s !s 2odly sorrow that focses on 2od's /lory. These 0eo0le w!ll be comforted" and therefore blessed by 2od. Comforted !n Chr!st's al7at!on" a free /!ft - and eternal. *erse (. The Th!rd eat!tde. >lessed are the mee5$ for they shall !nher!t the earth.> The word >mee5> descr!bes a 0erson's att!tde and beha7!or towards h!s fellows and toward 2od.wold >The 0oor !n s0!r!t> descr!bes what 0lace w!th!n. Mee5ness !nclde what a 0erson wold notta5es do  be

)& Lesson *III Cont!ned resentfl" hold /rd/es" or see5 re7en/e. Mee5ness wold see5 ref/e !n 2od. It !s not a 0erson who /!7es !n to e7eryone abot e7eryth!n/. It !s not wea5ness. It !s rather a cho!ce that !t !s better to sffer !n@ry than to !nfl!ct !n@ry. Mee5ness trsts 2od. The mee5 0erson see5s to l!7e a l!fe nto 2od" not the measre or 7ales of the world. They are also a bless!n/ to others" shar!n/ the bless!n/s 2od has /!7en them. The lt!mate flf!llment of th!s be/!ns !n the 0resent" bt w!ll not be com0leted nt!l the new hea7ens and the new earth" where no s!n w!ll rema!n. y /race" the mee5 rece!7e th!s !nher!tance as c!t!Aens of 2od's 5!n/dom. The down 0ayment now" the flf!llment later. *erse 6. The orth eat!tde. >lessed are they wh!ch do hn/er and th!rst after r!/hteosness$ for they shall be f!lled.> 4hen one real!Aes the tre natre of h!s own s!n" he also has to face the fact that he has no ab!l!ty to earn h!s own r!/hteosness. ?o one e7er has or e7er cold. Then Chr!st came to flf!ll the w!ll of 2od !n com0lete and tre r!/hteosness. 2od lay 0on ;!m the !n!9!ty of s all. Only those who real!Ae the!r own hel0lessness see5 hel0 from the only One that can /!7e !t$ 2od alone" thro/h Chr!st. It !s only !n Chr!st that we can ha7e r!/hteosness before 2od. Th!s !ncldes 2od's wor5 !n a bel!e7er's heart - the des!re to 0ract!ce r!/hteosness !n yor l!fe" both w!th!n and w!thot - do!n/ /ood wor5s. Th!s has been called >anct!f!cat!on by the ;oly 0!r!t>. Those who are redeemed l!7e a l!fe of than5s/!7!n/" and shar!n/ the!r /oods and fa!th w!th all they come !n contact w!th. *erses %. The !fth eat!tde. >lessed are the merc!fl$ for they shall obta!n mercy.> Many cr!0tres em0has!Ae that bel!e7ers shold cont!nally show mercy ot of heartfelt /rat!tde for the mercy they ha7e been /!7en !n Chr!st's sacr!f!ce for the!r s!ns. It mst be shown to bel!e7ers and nbel!e7ers" e7en those who hate and 0ersecte Chr!st!ans. It mst be bel!e7ed" and 0ract!ced. The reward from the Lord !s mercy. Gnmer!ted fa7or - when noth!n/ we ha7e done deser7es !t" so we mst do l!5ew!se toward others. *erse &. The !:th eat!tde. >lessed are the 0re !n heart$ for they shall see 2od.> Psalms )$3"). 3 !n h!s ) l!fted

4ho shall ascend !nto the h!ll of the LOBDK Or who shall stand holy 0laceK ;e that hath clean hands" and a 0re heartE who hath not 0 h!s sol nto 7an!ty" nor sworn dece!tflly.

1 0re heart has no 0retense" and shows only trth. ?o hy0ocr!sy" d0l!c!ty - onlysee!n/ s!ncer!ty and honesty. In th!s conte:t" !tor mst also !nclde !t from 2od's 0o!nt of 7!ew. The

)+ Lesson *III Cont!ned 0re !n heart also see5 to 0lease 2od and follow ;!s w!ll as re7ealed !n ;!s word. !ncer!ty mst be based on 2od's trth. Those whose m!nd and heart are therefore !n tne w!th 2od. The more we 5now 2od" the more we see5 to be l!5e ;!m. The more we nderstand abot ;!s mercy and lo7e and for/!7eness" es0ec!ally as shown !n the m!n!stry of ;!s belo7ed on" do we also see5 to become l!5e ;!m. Th!s clm!nates !n hea7en when fa!th trns to s!/ht" face to face. lessed are the 0eacema5ers$ for they shall be called the ch!ldren of 2od.> ;a7!n/ e:0er!enced the 0eace of reconc!l!at!on w!th 2od thro/h Chr!st" now by word and deed" the bel!e7er see5s to share th!s /!ft w!th others" that they may also 5now th!s 0eace. It !s so needed !n th!s world of self!shness" hate" str!fe" 7en/eance" /reed" mrder" robbery" war" dece!tflness" adltery -the l!st /oes on. Chr!st !s the tre Pr!nce of Peace" 4ho 0rocla!med the 2os0el of 0eace" wh!ch !s bro/ht by ;!s sacr!f!ce on the cross. Those who f!nd 0eace here also des!re to share !t w!th all men. Th!s !s not a ne/ot!at!on" a deal" com0rom!se" or comes !n any way from anyth!n/ a man can do. It !s the /!ft of 2od. Those who bel!e7e and see5 to share th!s trth w!ll not be /aranteed sccess !n th!s s!nfl world" bt w!ll be called sons of 2od becase of the!r stand!n/ and efforts towards 0eace. ecase of man's s!n" there w!ll be /reat o00os!t!on and 0ersect!on" often from one's own fam!ly. lessed are they wh!ch are 0ersected for r!/hteosness' sa5e$ for the!rs !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en.> 4hen the world be/!ns to not!ce the chan/es !n a bel!e7er's beha7!or and con7ersat!on" 0ersect!on be/!ns. To ha7e the heartfelt des!re to 0lease 2od and do ;!s w!ll" means to stay on that 0ath no matter what. The /oals and 7ales are !n com0lete d!sharmony w!th the world and br!n/s 0ersect!on. It !s l!5e sh!n!n/ a l!/ht on those who w!sh to l!7e !n the shadows. The world hates the ch!ldren of 2od" those who are cons!dered r!/hteos. Th!s was !n contrast to the commonly held bel!ef by most Jews of that t!me. They bel!e7ed that 0ersect!ons" and all sffer!n/" were the reslt of 2od's d!s0leasre reslt!n/ from some s!n that had been comm!tted. Ob7!osly" many e7!l deeds br!n/ 0a!nfl conse9ences" bt Jess !s 0o!nt!n/ ot that to be 0ersected for r!/hteosness was 0leas!n/ to 2od. The reward wold be the 5!n/dom of hea7en. *erses ##"#. >lessed are ye" when men shall re7!le yo" and 0ersecte yo" and shall say all manner of e7!l a/a!nst yo falsely" for my sa5e.> >Be@o!ce" and be e:ceed!n/ /lad$ for /reat !s yor reward !n hea7en$ for so 0ersected they the 0ro0hets wh!ch were before yo.> Th!s !s a cont!nat!on of the 0re7!os beat!tde. In th!s case" the second
(, Lesson *III Cont!ned 0oss!ble. e e:ceed!n/ /lad" to be f!lled w!th e:berant @oy" re@o!ce tremendosly. I Peter #$&$ >re@o!c!n/ /reatly w!th @oy ns0ea5able and fll of /lory"> when he contem0lated the hea7enly /race and /lory of Jess Chr!st. Ths are we to do when contem0lat!n/ what we endre for Chr!st's sa5e" contrasted w!th what reward we shall rece!7e !n hea7en. orms of 0ersect!on$ re0roach" the hea0!n/ of !nslts" as well as false and e7!l accsat!ons. Ths d!d the rel!/!os leaders !nslt Jess by say!n/ ;e had a demon" etc...The d!sc!0les wold also e:0er!ence th!s 5!nd of treatment. lander - ma5!n/ 0 l!es abot Chr!st!ans" call!n/ them !mmoral for the!r secret ways" nrel!/!os becase they cla!med to worsh!0 an >!n7!s!ble> 2od" n0atr!ot!c becase they wold not worsh!0 the em0eror" and so on. e!n/ 0ersected for Chr!st's sa5e also meant that they were reco/n!Aed by the!r l!7!n/ by the!r fa!th. That shold br!n/ @oy !n be!n/ acconted worthy of 0ersect!on as d!d the 0ro0hets of old. It was the rle" not the e:ce0t!on" that 2od's 0ro0hets were !lltreated" some e7en 0t to death. Jess was also !nd!cat!n/ by th!s that ;!s messa/e was !n l!ne w!th the Old Testament. ;e was there to flf!ll" not to cancel or chan/e anyth!n/ there!n. The lt!mate 0ersect!on was of corse that of Jess ;!mself" nto death. Jess trns to descr!b!n/ the effects the c!t!Aens of 2od's 5!n/dom ha7e on the world. The two !ma/es sed are salt and l!/ht. Matthew ($#3-#6. #3  e are the salt of the earth$ bt !f the salt ha7e lost h!s sa7or" wherew!th shall !t be saltedK !t !s thenceforth /ood for noth!n/" bt to be cast ot" and to be trodden nder foot of men. #)  e are the l!/ht of the world. 1 c!ty that !s set on a h!ll cannot be h!d. #( ?e!ther do men l!/ht a candle" and 0t !t nder a bshel" bt on a candlest!c5E and !t /!7eth l!/ht nto all that are !n the hose. #6 Let yor l!/ht so sh!ne before men" that they may see yor /ood wor5s" and /lor!fy yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en. *erse #3. o are the salt of the earth. Th!s !s a meta0hor wh!ch br!n/s ot s0ec!f!c 9al!t!es that 0eo0le of 2od ha7e !n relat!on to the world. The f!rst 9al!ty relates to 0reser7at!on - 0re7ent!n/ decay and corr0t!on. Chr!st!ans are w!tnesses a/a!nst moral and s0!r!tal corr0t!on" a restra!n!n/ 0ower. Th!s !s by the!r e:am0le of l!fe and con7ersat!on" and by the 0ower of 0rayer. 1s salt does !ts wor5" we cannot obser7e how !t !s accom0l!shed. The !nflence of Chr!st!ans cannot l!5ew!se be obser7ed. Th!n5 for a moment what wold ha00en !f all Chr!st!ans were ta5en ot of the world o are the l!/ht of the world.> Thro/hot the !ble" l!/ht re0resents the tre 5nowled/e of 2od. It !ncldes the !deas assoc!ated w!th that 5nowled/e$ /oodness" 5!ndness" ha00!ness" trst" fa!rness" lo7e" for/!7eness" and contentment. These are all bless!n/s of be!n/ a bel!e7er !n Chr!st Jess - a7!or and r!end. ;a7!n/ these 9al!t!es" as l!/ht !n the world" !ncldes them sh!n!n/ forth arond them. Ths bel!e7ers become 2od's l!/ht !n the world. 4e rece!7e l!/ht from the Lord and only then can we ha7e l!/ht to sh!ne. 4!thot ;!m we cannot sh!ne. Th!s l!/ht shold affect e7ery area of a 0erson's l!fe. The s0read!n/ of the 2os0el and the sal7at!on of others are always of the h!/hest !m0ortance. The com0lete o00os!te !s dar5ness - self!shness" 0r!de" l!es" lst" all 5!nds of e7!l" and l!fe w!thot ho0e. Jess then /!7es two e:am0les that br!n/ ot the two 9al!t!es that Chr!st!ans mst ha7e and show. !rst" a c!ty on a h!ll stands ot and s!ts abo7e !ts srrond!n/s. e!n/ 7!s!ble to all those arond !t" !t cannot be o7erloo5ed or d!sre/arded. econd" a lam0 that rad!ates l!/ht and ma5es th!n/s 7!s!ble shold not be 0t nder a bas5et" bt on a lam0 stand where the l!/ht sh!nes for e7eryone !n the hose. 1 /reat many of the 0eo0le Jess was s0ea5!n/ to were not well-off f!nanc!ally and l!7e !n hoses that only had one room. 1 lam0 w!th!n a hose !llstrates what a Chr!st!an shold be !n the world" and !n a fam!ly. 4e mst let or l!/ht sh!ne before men. Or condct of /ood wor5s" wh!ch are the reslt of or fa!th and w!sh!n/ to honor and show /rat!tde shold be seen of men and br!n/ /lory to or ather !n hea7en. Th!s does not s//est that

( Lesson *III Cont!ned wor5s shold only be done !n 0bl!c. 4hat we do shold be the same whether !n 0r!7ate or 0bl!c. 4hat !s seen w!ll be not!ced" and !nflence those !n dar5ness" show!n/ them a d!fferent way from the!r own. 7en they w!ll" to some e:tent" reco/n!Ae the tre athor of these wor5s as 2od" as 0art of the m!n!stry of the ;oly 0!r!t. 1nd some may be drawn to the l!/ht and acce0t !ts sorce !n 2od and become a bel!e7er !n ;!s on. 1 note abot 2od the ather !n ;ea7en. Many cr!0tres !n the Old Testament s0ea5 of 2od as the ather" not only of the nat!on of Israel" bt also !nd!7!dal bel!e7ers. e7eral are !n the Psalms$ 6&$(E &+$6"&E %$#,. >1 ather to the fatherless>E >Tho art my ather" my 2od>E >1s a father 0!t!es h!s ch!ldren" so Jeho7ah 0!t!es those that fear ;!m>E >Tho/h my father and mother ha7e forsa5en me" yet Jeho7ah acce0ts me>. Jess br!n/s ot th!s 0ersonal relat!onsh!0 we are offered thro/h ;!s /!ft of sal7at!on and teaches all who bel!e7e !n ;!m to 0ray" >Or ather 4ho art !n ;ea7en.>

(3 Lesson I Matthew ($#%-3%. B!/ht L!7!n/ of the !n/dom. #%  Th!n5 not that I am come to destroy the law" or the 0ro0hets$ I am not come to destroy" bt to flf!l. #& or 7er!ly I say nto yo" T!ll hea7en and earth 0ass" one @ot or one t!ttle shall !n no w!se 0ass from the law" t!ll all be flf!lled. #+ 4hosoe7er therefore shall brea5 one of these least commandments" and shall teach men so" he shall be called the least !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en$ bt whosoe7er shall do and teach them" the same shall be called /reat !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en. , or I say nto yo" That e:ce0t yor r!/hteosness shall e:ceed the r!/hteosness of the scr!bes and Phar!sees" ye shall !n no case enter !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en. #  e ha7e heard that !t was sa!d by them of old t!me" Tho shalt not 5!llE and whosoe7er shall 5!ll shall be !n dan/er of the @d/ment$  bt I say nto yo" That whosoe7er !s an/ry w!th h!s brother w!thot a case shall be !n dan/er of the @d/ment$ and whosoe7er shall say to h!s brother" Baca" shall be !n dan/er of the conc!l$ bt whosoe7er shall say" Tho fool" shall be !n dan/er of hell f!re. 3 Therefore !f tho br!n/ thy /!ft to the altar" and there rememberest that thy brother hath a/ht a/a!nst theeE ) lea7e there thy /!ft before the altar" and /o thy wayE f!rst be reconc!led to thy brother" and then come and offer thy /!ft. ( 1/ree w!th th!ne ad7ersary 9!c5ly" wh!le tho art !n the way w!th h!mE lest at any t!me the ad7ersary del!7er thee to the @d/e" and the @d/e del!7er thee to the off!cer" and tho be cast !nto 0r!son. 6 *er!ly I say nto thee" Tho shalt by no means come ot thence" t!ll tho hast 0a!d the ttermost farth!n/. %  e ha7e heard that !t was sa!d by them of old t!me" Tho shalt not comm!t adltery$ & bt I say nto yo" That whosoe7er loo5eth on a woman to lst after her hath comm!tted adltery w!th her already !n h!s heart. + 1nd !f thy r!/ht eye offend thee" 0lc5 !t ot" and cast !t from thee$ for !t !s 0rof!table for thee that one of thy members shold 0er!sh" and not that thy whole body shold be cast !nto hell. 3, 1nd !f thy r!/ht hand offend thee" ct !t off" and cast !t from thee$ for !t !s 0rof!table for thee that one of thy members shold 0er!sh" and not that thy whole body shold be cast !nto hell. 3#  It hath been sa!d" 4hosoe7er shall 0t away h!s w!fe" let h!m /!7e her a wr!t!n/ of d!7orcement$ 3 bt I say nto yo" That whosoe7er shall 0t away h!s w!fe" sa7!n/ for the case of forn!cat!on" caseth her to comm!t adltery$ and whosoe7er shall marry her that !s d!7orced comm!tteth adltery. 33  1/a!n" ye ha7e heard that !t hath been sa!d by them of old t!me" Tho shalt not forswear thyself" bt shalt 0erform nto the Lord th!ne oaths$ 3) bt I say nto yo" wear not at allE ne!ther by hea7enE for !t !s 2od's throne$ 3( nor by the earthE for !t !s h!s footstool$ ne!ther by JersalemE for !t !s the c!ty of the /reat !n/. 36 shalt swear by thy head" becase tho canst not ma5e one?e!ther ha!r wh!te ortho blac5.

() Lesson I Cont!ned 3% t let yor commn!cat!on be" ea" yeaE ?ay" nay$ for whatsoe7er !s more than these cometh of e7!l. *erse #%. Jess e:0la!ns the e:0ectat!ons of ;oly l!7!n/ as fond !n the Law wh!ch ;e has come - not to set as!de - bt to flf!ll. ;e !ncldes the 0ro0hets to show that ;e acce0ts the ent!re Old Testament that ;e has come to flf!ll. ;!s cr!t!cs amon/ the scr!bes and Phar!sees st!ll wold cont!ne to accse ;!m of try!n/ to chan/e 2od's law" and actally brea5!n/ !t <abbath re/lat!ons come to m!nd=. They had added trad!t!ons and re/lat!ons of men where the tre !ntent of the Law was co7ered o7er. They wor5ed for the!r sal7at!on" wh!ch was and !s bac5wards. In the beat!tdes Jess had descr!bed those who were blessed becase they had real!Aed the!r s0!r!tal 0o7erty" had morned o7er the!r s!ns and re0ented. They had rece!7ed for/!7eness thro/h the sacr!f!ce of Jess" and a new des!re to 0lease 2od ot of /rat!tde for ;!s /!ft" also a des!re to share the!r fa!th and lo7e w!th others. Jess was also say!n/ that ;e ;!mself was flf!ll!n/ the law and the 0ro0hets" !n ;!s own l!fe" and lt!mately !n ;!s death" resrrect!on" and ascens!on. ;e came to flf!ll the Law 0erfectly" wh!ch no man had done. ;e also came to flf!ll the 0ro0hec!es concern!n/ the Mess!ah - the sffer!n/ ser7ant. *erse #&. The world >7er!ly> comes from >!n 7ery trth>. It can also be translated as >amen>. The root of th!s word means >conf!rmed> or >establ!shed as trth>. It !s also a solemn word" mean!n/ that >7er!ly> em0has!Aes a solemn trth. Therefore" Jess !ntrodces ;!s statement - that of a most ser!os and !m0ortant natre. ?ot nt!l th!s 0resent n!7erse !s chan/ed w!ll e7ery 0art of the Old Testament ha7e been flf!lled. Th!s !s frther em0has!Aed by the ment!on!n/ of the t!n!est 0arts of wr!t!n/ - the t!n!est letter or e7en the t!n!est hoo5 on a letter w!ll not d!sa00ear from the law nt!l all !t calls for has come to 0ass. In or lan/a/e" the e9!7alent e:am0les wold be dott!n/ the >!> and cross!n/ the >t>. ?ot nt!l the new hea7ens new earth w!ll necess!ty !ble be o7er. There w!ll and be no more s!n" or the death" or any of badthe th!n/ amon/ 2od's 0eo0le" for they shall be there w!th ;!m and ;!s on fore7er. Then all that 2od 0lanned shall ha7e been carr!ed ot" to the t!n!est deta!l. *erse #+. Th!s 7erse em0has!Aes the /reat !m0ortance 2od's commandments are !n the l!fe of the bel!e7er. 7en the least !n !m0ortance shold not be !/nored or ta/ht a/a!nst. One who does th!s w!ll be cons!dered least !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en. 4hoe7er does" teaches" and 0ract!ces them w!ll be called /reat !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en. The /reatest commandment was to lo7e the Lord w!th all yor heart" m!nd" and stren/th
(( Lesson I Cont!ned !n/dom r!/hteosness !s !n fll a/reement w!th the 0r!nc!0les as s0elled ot !n the Old Testament. ?ow ;e !s /o!n/ to contrast th!s w!th the !nter0retat!ons and trad!t!ons of men. Th!s 0o!nts d!rectly to rabb!s" scr!bes" and Phar!sees. *erse ,. 1 solemn 0rononcement - nless yor r!/hteosness e:ceeds that of the scr!bes and Phar!sees" yo w!ll most certa!nly ne7er enter the 5!n/dom of hea7en. rom here" Jess w!ll contrast the trad!t!onal !nter0retat!on as ado0ted by these rel!/!os leaders w!th what 2od !ntended. The nderstand!n/ that Jess wants ;!s hearers to real!Ae !s that 2od loo5s at the heart. One's deeds come from what !s !n the m!nd and heart. Therefore the r!/hteosness 2od re9!res !ncldes what !s w!th!n as well as one's act!ons. The rel!/!os leaders followed otward forms and l!0 ser7!ce - a 0erformance" not from the heart. L5e #6$#( - >o are those who @st!fy yorsel7es before men" bt 2od 5nows yor hearts.> They created the!r own r!/hteosness$ they were self-r!/hteos. In the ne:t 7erses" Jess !s /o!n/ to contrast the tre nderstand!n/ concern!n/ 6 commandments and the m!s!nter0retat!ons ta/ht by the scr!bes as be!n/ >correct>. *erse #. 4hen Jess ses the 0hrase" >o ha7e heard !t was sa!d by the men of lon/ a/o>" !t !nd!cates an oral trad!t!on 0assed down !n nwr!tten form. Th!s !s the 6th Commandment from the Law 0assed to Moses. o shall not 5!ll. Then the add!t!on - >4hoe7er 5!lls deser7es to be 0n!shed by death.> 4h!le th!s seems r!/ht" !t does not /o far eno/h. The law !s not a 0enal code. It lac5s teach!n/ a/a!nst the mental and s0!r!tal att!tdes" bel!efs" and emot!ons that 0rodce mrder. It also lac5s teach!n/ the 0os!t!7e ways that 0re7ent sch tho/hts or des!res. *erse . >t I say to yo"> be/!ns the contrast!n/ 0rononcement that Jess states as ;!s own" the tre nderstand!n/ from 2od. ;e warns a/a!nst the !nward att!tdes and feel!n/s sch as an/er" @ealosy" and hatred that are the be/!nn!n/ of the otward act of mrder. Jess says that to enterta!n these feel!n/s toward another !s worthy of death. To e7en call someone a name" sch as >bloc5head> shold be condemned to death by the s0reme cort. omeone who calls another an >!d!ot> shold be cast !nto the hell of f!re. efore 2od sch 0ersons deser7e not only 0hys!cal death bt also !ncldes eternal death. Jess 0o!nts to the e7!l d!s0os!t!on of the heart" from wh!ch the e7!l deed comes. The rel!/!os leaders only dealt w!th the otward deed. The 0os!t!7e commandment" lo7e thy ne!/hbor as thyself" !s the second /reatest" and !ts 0ract!ce 0re7ents the an/er" @ealosy" and hatred w!th!n" wh!ch lead to otward e7!l deeds. The f!rst mrder

(6 Lesson I Cont!ned s0ran/ from the @ealos an/er of Ca!n towards 1bel. Ob7!osly the  nd /reat commandment !s not 0oss!ble w!thot the # st. - Lo7e 2od. Only then can one 0ract!ce lo7!n/ one's ne!/hbor. *erses 3"). >Therefore> !nd!cates that what follows !s a lo/!cal reslt. These 7erses also /o from /eneral to s0ec!f!c. Th!s !s also shown by ;!s se of the s!n/lar >yo>. Tho/h th!s !s not clear !n n/l!sh" the conte:t demands !t. Jess !s tal5!n/ to each 0erson" that they mst each e:am!ne the!r own heart. They shold at all t!mes ha7e lo7e !n the!r heart" es0ec!ally when worsh!00!n/ 2od. In th!s case" br!n/!n/ an offer!n/ to the altar. If the 0erson remembers an !sse of /r!e7ance h!s brother has a/a!nst h!m" he mst sto0 what he !s do!n/ and /o to be reconc!led w!th h!s brother. Then he may retrn and 0resent h!s offer!n/ to 2od. 4hether the 0erson feels the /r!e7ance !s @st!f!ed by fact or not !s not !m0ortant. If the other 0erson merely th!n5s that he has reason and brea5s the relat!onsh!0" !t !s st!ll r!/ht to stra!/hten the m!snderstand!n/ ot and be reconc!led. The t!me to do so !s always at the earl!est o00ortn!ty. *erses ("6. Jess 0roceeds to descr!be a case where a 0erson has already be/n to see5 le/al redress for a f!nanc!al debt. Jess ad7!ses the debtor to do h!s 7ery best to deal w!th the one he owes 0r!7ately and wor5 d!l!/ently to settle the matter !n a fr!endly and accommodat!n/ way. Otherw!se yo w!ll be ta5en before a @d/e who most l!5ely w!ll f!nd yo /!lty" and hand yo o7er to the off!cer" who w!ll throw yo !n 0r!son. m0hat!cally" Jess s//ests that yo w!ll rema!n there nt!l e7ery last 0enny !s 0a!d. Th!s s//ests that the debtor w!ll rema!n !n 0r!son" not be!n/ able to earn any money" and the debt w!ll ne7er be 0a!d. Jess' messa/e" beyond 0hys!cal c!rcmstances of each s0ea5s concern!n/ 2od's law"the from the s0!r!tal 7!ew0o!nt. 2od case" reads men's hearts. ach 0erson w!ll face @d/ment. To be r!/ht means the !nner d!s0os!t!on of the heart. If one carr!es hatred or resentment !n the!r heart" then the!r dest!nat!on w!ll not be @a!l" bt hell. To obey the 6th commandment" the nd commandment mst be obeyed f!rstE lo7e thy ne!/hbor. Th!s" as w!ll be seen" !s tre of all the other commandments. 4hat !s w!th!n !s the case of the otward act. *erses %"&. Jess e:0la!ns that adltery mst not only be cons!dered an otward act. ;e warns that what leads to brea5!n/ th!s @st commandment mst be ta/ht a/a!nst. 1nyone who loo5s at someone !n order to lst after them has already comm!tted adltery w!th that 0erson !n the!r own heart. Th!s descr!bes not @st !nnocent loo5!n/ bt see5!n/ ot and >loo5!n/ to lst after>. Th!s cold also be

(% Lesson I Cont!ned cons!dered a s!n for the s!n/le 0erson also. Ths" the !ntent of the heart !s cons!dered adltery by 2od" @st as hatred !n the heart toward another !s cons!dered mrder. *erses +"3,. Gs!n/ a most drast!c and dramat!c descr!0t!on of 0hys!cal selfmt!lat!on" Jess e:0la!ns the !m0ortance of do!n/ whate7er !s necessary to 0t ot of yor l!fe whate7er tem0ts yo to s!n. Th!s 0hys!cal l!fe !s not the end - yo are to a7o!d yor whole body be!n/ thrown !nto eternal hell. 7en someth!n/ so needfl to s as one eye and one hand !s not worth the sacr!f!ce of one's eternal dest!ny. ;ow rad!cal the !ma/es are That !s how deadly and ser!os s!n can be. It can and does destroy 0eo0le's l!7es" here" and also hereafter. Jess was only d!rect!n/ h!s l!steners to careflly th!n5 o7er the contrast$ wold !t be better to /o !nto eternal hell w!th a com0lete and nharmed body" or /o thro/h th!s l!fe ma!med and l!7e !n hea7en eternallyK The se of the eye !s ob7!osly t!ed to Jess' descr!0t!on of the loo5!n/ to lst. The hand to the an/er nto mrder that the r!/ht hand wold carry ot. *erses 3#"3. D!7orce$ the ser!osness of 2od's decree concern!n/ marr!a/e !s shown. The trad!t!onal 0ract!ce of d!7orce amon/ the Jews only re9!red the hsband to /!7e h!s w!fe a d!7orce cert!f!cate. The reasons allowed for th!s were based on any d!ssat!sfact!on" howe7er" m!nor. Jess em0has!Aes that a 0!ece of 0a0er cannot cancel a marr!a/e. Th!s had been started by Moses as a concess!on becase of men's s!nflness" as a way to 0rotect the re@ected w!fe. 2od's or!/!nal 0lan for marr!a/e !s what Jess mst forceflly rem!nd these 0eo0le of. ;e states that only the w!fe's !nf!del!ty !s /ronds for d!7orce. Otherw!se the w!fe w!ll be forced !nto adltery !f she has relat!ons w!th" or marr!es" another man. The man also wold be /!lty of adltery. 2od's !ntent!on was for one man and one woman to be @o!ned nt!l death. Gnfa!thflness tears that bond a0art 0hys!cally" emot!onally" and s0!r!tally. To d!7orce for anyth!n/ less" Jess e:0la!ns" !s 0tt!n/ h!s w!fe !n dan/er. efore0ts 2od"her a 0!ece of 0a0er not d!ssol7e marr!a/e. The hsband ot and ma5es does her s!tat!on schathat !n see5!n/ to sr7!7e she marr!es another man. efore 2od she and the other man are /!lty of adltery. Th!s stand on 2od's !ntent for marr!a/e forceflly d!scora/es d!7orce" also show!n/ the tre m!s!nter0retat!on of the law by the rabb!s. *erses 33-3%. Ta5!n/ an Oath. e7eral 0assa/es !n the Law concern oaths to the Lord$ Le7!t!cs #+$#E ?mbers 3,$E Deteronomy 3$#. The em0has!s !s !n each case to not swear falsely" to not brea5 the!r word" to not be slac5 !n carry!n/ ot the!r 7ow. To ma5e a 7ow and to swear an oath were synonymos. The ent!re 0o!nt !s trth. If someone ma5es a 7ow and adds an oath to em0has!Ae h!s !ntent" !t !s absoltely essent!al that the 7ow !s carr!ed ot. 2od made 0rom!ses conf!rmed w!th an oath
(& Lesson I Cont!ned Da7!d. 1nd to bel!e7ers !n the ?ew Testament !n ;ebrews 6$#& the 0rom!se and the oath" !t !s added that !t !s !m0oss!ble for 2od to l!e. The em0has!s" as 0assed down by the rabb!s" had chan/ed. ?ow an oath sworn to the Lord mst be 5e0t. If the Lord's name was not !nclded" the oath was cons!dered less !m0ortant" ma5!n/ !t alr!/ht to be less carefl or t!mely !n carry!n/ !t ot. o oaths had been sworn by hea7en" by the earth" by Jersalem" e7en by the Tem0le or by the altar. In effect" a l!cense to ma5e /reat boasts and 0retent!os 0rom!ses" w!thot necessar!ly carry!n/ them ot. Jess cts thro/h these 7ar!os class!f!cat!ons of oaths and the!r d!fferent 7ale. Jess 0o!nts ot that hea7en" earth" Jersalem" the Tem0le and altar were all 2od's own creat!on - ths all !n trth !n7ol7e 2od. They therefore mst be as b!nd!n/ as those that e:0ressly !nclded the name of the Lord. ome swore by the!r heads" mean!n/ that the!r head !s forfe!t !f they are not s0ea5!n/ the trth" or do not flf!ll the!r 0rom!se. Jess 0o!nts to the !nab!l!ty of a man to chan/e h!s ha!r color" whether wh!te or blac5 yes> wold be de0endable as wold the!r >no>. 1nyth!n/ frther s//ests an nderly!n/ des!re to dece!7e - wh!ch comes from the e7!l one. Th!s s//ests that !f a 0erson ses many oaths dr!n/ a con7ersat!on" they feel the need to 0ro7e the!r words to be tre by so do!n/. Jess does not forb!d ma5!n/ any oath" solemn 7ow or 0rom!se" !n 2od's ?ame. 1braham" Isaac" Jacob" and Jose0h made 0rom!ses w!th an oath. Jess condemns the hy0ocr!t!cal" nnecessary" boast!n/ ty0es of oaths common at that t!me. Do 0eo0le st!ll do th!sK 1re we st!ll s!nflK Trth !s st!ll trth. ?e:t" Betal!at!on.

(+ Lesson  Matthew ($3&-)&. Betal!at!on. 3&  e ha7e heard that !t hath been sa!d" 1n eye for an eye" and a tooth for a tooth$ 3+ bt I say nto yo" That ye res!st not e7!l$ bt whosoe7er shall sm!te thee on thy r!/ht chee5" trn to h!m the other also. ), 1nd !f any man w!ll se thee at the law" and ta5e away thy coat" let h!m ha7e thy cloa5 also. )# 1nd whosoe7er shall com0el thee to /o a m!le" /o w!th h!m twa!n. ) 2!7e to h!m that as5eth thee" and from h!m that wold borrow of thee trn not tho away. )3  e ha7e heard that !t hath been sa!d" Tho shalt lo7e thy ne!/hbor" and hate th!ne enemy. )) t I say nto yo" Lo7e yor enem!es" bless them that crse yo" do /ood to them that hate yo" and 0ray for them wh!ch des0!teflly se yo" and 0ersecte yoE )( that ye may be the ch!ldren of yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en$ for he ma5eth h!s sn to r!se on the e7!l and on the /ood" and sendeth ra!n on the @st and on the n@st. )6 or !f ye lo7e them wh!ch lo7e yo" what reward ha7e yeK do not e7en the 0bl!cans the sameK )% 1nd !f ye salte yor brethren only" what do ye more than othersK do not e7en the 0bl!cans soK )& e ye therefore 0erfect" e7en as yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en !s 0erfect. *erses 3&-). 1/a!n" >yo ha7e heard !t sa!d.> 2o!n/ bac5 to :ods we f!nd the 9ote" >eye for eye" tooth for tooth" hand for hand" foot for foot" brn for brn" wond for wond" str!0e for str!0e> <:ods #$)"(=. Deteronomy #+$# !ncldes >l!fe for l!fe>. These were laws to be carr!ed ot by c!7!l corts to 0re7ent 0eo0le from ta5!n/ re7en/e. Jst!ce was to be adm!n!stered as a 0bl!c res0ons!b!l!ty. The 0n!shments were to be done !n 0bl!c by the 0eo0le. The death 0enalty was carr!ed ot by 0bl!c ston!n/. lsewhere" cr!0tre forb!ds re0ay!n/ e7!l for e7!l" bt !nstead wa!t!n/ for Jeho7ah and ;e w!ll sa7e yo. (Rov? 20:22.) The Phar!sees on the contrary a00ealed to th!s law for the!r own 0r0oses - for 0ersonal retr!bt!on and re7en/e. The most !m0ortant lesson that Jess !s try!n/ to /et across !s to lo7e yor enem!es. The o00os!te !s to harbor hatred" resentment" ss0!c!ons" and an att!tde of 7!nd!ct!7eness. To trn the other chee5 !s a dramat!c act that trly shows the !nner calm" 0eacefl" and lo7!n/ att!tde of that 0erson. Th!s 0erson w!ll also not res!st the e7!l-doer bt w!ll act from a lo7!n/ d!s0os!t!on. The ne:t e:am0le 0!ctres a man be!n/ sed - to ta5e away h!s sh!rt to 0ay for a debt. ;e !s not to be resentfl and contest the s!t" bt to /!7e the sh!rt and the oter /arment also
6, Lesson  Cont!ned sold!ers that com0elled !mon of Cyrene to carry the cross for Jess e ha7e heard that !t hath been sa!d" Tho shalt lo7e thy ne!/hbor" and hate th!ne enemy. t I say nto yo" Lo7e yor enem!es" bless them that crse yo" do /ood to them that hate yo" and 0ray for them wh!ch des0!teflly se yo" and 0ersecte yoE that ye may be the ch!ldren of yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en$ for he ma5eth h!s sn to r!se on the e7!l and on the /ood" and sendeth ra!n on the @st and on the n@st. or !f ye lo7e them wh!ch lo7e yo" what reward ha7e yeK do not e7en the 0bl!cans the sameK 1nd !f ye salte yor brethren only" what do ye more than othersK do not e7en the 0bl!cans soK> The trad!t!onal add!t!on of >hate yor enemy> by the rabb!s had no bas!s from the Old Testament. The dro00!n/ of >as yorself> from >lo7e yor ne!/hbor> lessened !ts e:tent" allow!n/ w!de !nter0retat!on. ?e!/hbor !n th!s comb!nat!on d!d not e:tend beyond the Jew. The scr!bes and Phar!sees also drew a l!ne between themsel7es" the /ood and r!/hteos sons of 1braham" and the 0bl!cans" s!nners" and common rabble who ne!ther 5new nor attem0ted to follow the Law. In the d!7!s!7e and strat!f!ed soc!al strctre Jess came to brea5 down all these false and harmfl trad!t!ons. 1ll bondar!es of race" 0arty" descent" soc!o-econom!c class" a/e" se:" 0ol!t!cal 0os!t!on" 7ocat!on" etc. were set as!de. Jess was clearly and s!m0ly stat!n/ the fact that from 2od's 0o!nt of 7!ew e7eryone was the ne!/hbor of e7eryone else. Jess !llstrated th!s 0r!nc!0le !n the 0arable of the 2ood amar!tan. There was no need to as5 the 9est!on$ >4ho !s my ne!/hborK>
6# Lesson  Cont!ned The !llstrat!on that 2od deals w!th e7!l and /ood" @st and n@st" e9ally" by cas!n/ snr!se and ra!nfall on both" shows ;!s lo7e for man5!nd. *erse )&. Th!s smmar!Aes e7eryth!n/ sa!d ths far. >e ye therefore 0erfect" e7en as yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en !s 0erfect.> Le7!t!cs #+$ says" >o shall be holy" for I Jeho7ah yor 2od am holy.> 1lso" Deteronomy #&$#3E Le7!t!cs ##$))" ,$%. Jess was not ma5!n/ a demand that was 0oss!ble for anyone to actally ach!e7e. Perfect!on !s the /oal to be str!7ed for bt not ach!e7able !n th!s l!fe. It !s !n the e:erc!se of show!n/ lo7e for all that we str!7e to become more l!5e 2od. The lo7e !nd!cated shold be 0atterned after that of 2od - that of com0ass!on" 0at!ence" tenderness" 0ray!n/" hel0!n/" reach!n/ ot. Matthew 6$#-&. De7ot!on of the ;eart to 2od. # Ta5e heed that ye do not yor alms before men" to be seen of them$ otherw!se ye ha7e no reward of yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en.   Therefore when tho doest th!ne alms" do not sond a trm0et before thee" as the hy0ocr!tes do !n the syna/o/es and !n the streets" that they may ha7e /lory of men. *er!ly I say nto yo" They ha7e the!r reward. 3 t when tho doest alms" let not thy left hand 5now what thy r!/ht hand doeth$ ) that th!ne alms may be !n secret$ and thy ather wh!ch seeth !n secret h!mself shall reward thee o0enly. (  1nd when tho 0rayest" tho shalt not be as the hy0ocr!tes are$ for they lo7e to 0ray stand!n/ !n the syna/o/es and !n the corners of the streets" that they may be seen of men. *er!ly I say nto yo" They ha7e the!r reward. 6 t tho" when tho 0rayest" enter !nto thy closet" and when tho hast sht thy door" 0ray to thy ather wh!ch !s !n secretE and thy ather wh!ch seeth !n secret shall reward thee o0enly. %  t when ye 0ray" se not 7a!n re0et!t!ons" as the heathen do$ for they th!n5 that they shall be heard for the!r mch s0ea5!n/. & e not ye therefore l!5e nto them$ for yor ather 5noweth what th!n/s ye ha7e need of" before ye as5 h!m. *erse #. B!/hteosness !s not to be 0ract!ced !n 0bl!c" to attract attent!on. To do so br!n/s no reward from yor ather !n hea7en. The mot!7e of the heart !s the tre measre of a 0erson's r!/hteosness before 2od. Jess s0ea5!n/ abot the eth!cal 0ract!ces of the rel!/!on - !s more s0ec!f!cally$ /!7!n/ char!ty" 0rayer" and tre fast!n/.

6 Lesson  Cont!ned 4hen these th!n/s are done for 0bl!c attent!on" the attent!on !tself !s the reward - whate7er 0ra!se" honor" res0ect" or adm!rat!on yo rece!7e. It also shows that the 0erson !s not do!n/ these th!n/s to 0lease and /lor!fy 2od - therefore he or she !s hy0ocr!t!cal. !rst$ char!table /!7!n/ *erse . Th!s mst not be done as a 0bl!c show
63 Lesson  Cont!ned *erse 6. ?ow the r!/ht way to 0ray to or ;ea7enly ather. The em0has!s !s on 0ersonal" 0r!7ate commn!cat!on. Jess ment!ons a 0r!7ate room" w!th the door closed. Th!s 0o!nts to any 0lace where one can w!thdraw - whether corner or closet - to 0or ot one's heart w!thot an ad!ence" or threat of !nterr0t!on. Th!s 0ract!ce shold not become a bra//!n/ 0o!nt to con7!nce others of one's de7ot!on to 2od. To 0ray !n secret br!n/s the reward from the ather 4ho sees !n secret. These !nclde assrance of for/!7eness and mercy" 0eace of heart and m!nd" trst that 2od's w!ll !s the best for h!s l!fe. *erse %. The amont of words sa!d shold ne7er be the measre of be!n/ heard. Jess descr!bes 0a/ans as babbl!n/ on and on" th!n5!n/ that the more they say w!ll !m0ro7e the reslts. 1lso" Mar5 #$), ment!ons the scr!bes" >for a 0retense ma5e lon/ 0rayers.> Jess doesn't condemn lon/ 0rayers - e:ce0t when the mot!7e !s wron/. The Cathol!c rosary 0rayer 0r0ose comes to m!nd. *erse &. The total trth !s here. 2od already 5nows what we need e7en before we as5 ;!m. 4e don't need to /o !nto len/thy deta!ls of or s!tat!on or what we need. The 0o!nt !s m!rrored !n the 0!ctre of a ch!ld /o!n/ to the!r earthly 0arents to as5 for what they need. They already 5now" bt want that ch!ld to come to them" that they may show the!r !nt!mate lo7e and concern for the!r ch!ld. In the same way" or ;ea7enly ather also des!res ;!s ch!ldren to come to ;!m" 0or!n/ ot the!r heart to ;!m" that ;e may bless them as ;!s own. ?e:t" the Lord's Prayer.

6) Lesson I Matthew 6$+-#(. The 4ay 4e hold Pray. + 1fter th!s manner therefore 0ray ye$ Or ather wh!ch art !n hea7en" ;allowed be thy name. #, Thy 5!n/dom come. Thy w!ll be done !n earth" as !t !s !n hea7en. ## 2!7e s th!s day or da!ly bread. # 1nd for/!7e s or debts" as we for/!7e or debtors. #3 1nd lead s not !nto tem0tat!on" bt del!7er s from e7!l$ or th!ne !s the 5!n/dom" and the 0ower" and the /lory" for e7er. 1men. #) or !f ye for/!7e men the!r tres0asses" yor hea7enly ather w!ll also for/!7e yo$ #( bt !f ye for/!7e not men the!r tres0asses" ne!ther w!ll yor ather for/!7e yor tres0asses. *erse +. The Lord's Prayer. Introdct!on$ !t mst be em0has!Aed that Jess !s /!7!n/ an e:am0le" the manner !n wh!ch ;!s d!sc!0les shold 0ray. 1s follows from ;!s 0re7!os teach!n/" ;e !s not 0rescr!b!n/ these follow!n/ words to be re0eated a/a!n and a/a!n as a l!tr/!cal form. There!n !s the dan/er of em0ty formal!sm ;e has condemned. The 5ey always !s w!th!n the heart and m!nd of the one who 0rays. ;e does not forb!d the re0eat!n/ of these words" !f the de7ot!on of the worsh!00er !s tre. t" ;!s teach!n/ 0o!nts to these words as a model or 0attern of what or 0rayers shold !nclde. mmary$ the a00ro:!mately %, words of the 0rayer !nclde 3 0arts$ f!rst" call!n/ 0on 2od as or ;ea7enly ather"E second" three 0et!t!ons concern!n/ the /lory of 2od" ;!s ?ame" ;!s re!/n" ;!s w!llE th!rd" hman needs concern!n/ bread" debts" and enem!es. These encom0ass 0resent Or !n ;ea7en> also 0o!nts to the fact that!n weor arel!7es. not yet at ather home w!th

6( Lesson I Cont!ned the ather" bt 0!l/r!ms on the way to that etern!ty. ;!s des!re as well as ors !s for that t!me when we w!ll be to/ether. !rst Pet!t!on - ;allowed e Thy ?ame. The one who 0rays !s call!n/ 0on all creat!on" es0ec!ally hman!ty" to hold 2od's ?ame !n re7erence" to show honor" and res0ect" and e7en more" to e:alt and /lor!fy ;!s ?ame. 1ll th!s !s !n ac5nowled/ement of ;!m be!n/ the Creator of the n!7erse" from the most f!n!te to the !nf!n!te" 4hose lo7!n/-5!ndness 0ro7!des for and ssta!ns all l!fe on earthE 4ho also 0ro7!des for or sal7at!on - ;!s mercy and /race shown !n the /!ft of ;!s on. The call !s 0on e7eryone" e7erywhere" to also hold 2od's ?ame !n sch re7erence and also l!ft the!r 7o!ces !n 0ra!se to ;!m. *erse #,. econd Pet!t!on - They !n/dom Come. 1s Jess ta/ht" the 5!n/dom of hea7en came !nd!7!dally when a 0erson acce0ted ;!s atonement. Thro/h the ;oly 0!r!t's !ndwell!n/ they become a c!t!Aen" also acce0t!n/ the rle of the ather. 1s each new bel!e7er comes" they add to ;!s 5!n/dom. Gnt!l Jess comes a/a!n for ;!s" th!s 0rayer !s necessary as the 2os0el !s shared here and arond the world. Those who are not ;!s" are fer7ently wor5!n/ for the!r own 5!n/dom to come. Th!s 0et!t!on !m0l!es res0ons!b!l!ty on or 0art - to s0read the messa/e !n any way at or d!s0osal" at any o00ortn!ty that comes to s. It also !m0l!es or des!re to become better c!t!Aens. That we may 5now !ncreas!n/ly of the /reatness of or ather !n all ;!s ways and es0ec!ally abot the /lory of ;!s sal7at!on thro/h the 0erfect l!fe and sbst!tt!onary death of or a7!or. Th!rd Pet!t!on - Thy 4!ll e Done" In arth 1s It Is In ;ea7en. Ob7!osly" becase of s!n" 2od's w!ll on earth !s not e7en be!n/ attem0ted e:ce0t by bel!e7ers. In com0lete contrast" ;!s 4!ll !s obser7ed and obeyed constantly and cont!nally !n ;ea7en. The bel!e7ers shold ardently be 0ray!n/ for the ather's w!ll to s0read !ts !nflence and obed!ence on earth" wor5!n/ toward the 0erfect!on !n ;ea7en. Th!s w!ll f!nally ta5e 0lace !n the new hea7ens and new earth. oth Testaments record the many 0eo0le that attem0ted to do 2od's w!ll !n the!r l!7es. The only 0erfect e:am0le was Jess ;!mself. They also show that obed!ence to 2od's w!ll !s rewarded. 1/a!n" Jess !s the best e:am0le of that also. *erse ##. ?ow be/!n the 0et!t!ons for hman needs. 1s follow!n/ the h!/h call!n/ of the 0re7!os three" now the necess!t!es !n man's attem0ts to carry them ot. Da!ly read$ the 0ort!on of food needed for any one day. Th!s !ncldes moderat!on and hm!l!ty. Moderat!on - not as5!n/ of l:ry or o7erabndance. ;m!l!ty !s fond !n the as5!n/" not for orsel7es alone" bt for >s>. The 0o!nt !s trst!n/ or ;ea7enly ather so that we need not fear or worry abot tomorrow. 2od !s ssta!n!n/ the ent!re n!7erse at all t!mes" and ;e can 0ro7!de for or 0hys!cal needs.

66 Lesson I Cont!ned *erse #. 4e mst cont!nally 0ray for for/!7eness" for the s!m0le reason that we cont!ne to s!n" e7ery day. Part of that s!n effects other 0eo0le. The 0ower to bel!e7e and the 0ower to for/!7e are the /!ft of 2od thro/h /race <nmer!ted fa7or=. e!n/ /ratefl for fa!th and ;!s for/!7eness" we mst e:erc!se both. The e7!dence of the l!fe of or s0!r!t w!th the ;oly 0!r!t see5!n/ to 0lease the ather and follow ;!s 4!ll. G0on rece!7!n/ these /!fts" we mst share them - we mst for/!7e those that s!n a/a!nst s. If we hold someth!n/ a/a!nst another that 1nd lead s not !nto tem0tat!on" bt del!7er s from e7!l...> y 0rayer we mst be cont!nally watchfl and carefl !n 0hys!cal necess!t!es. 4e mst e:erc!se de d!l!/ence to a7o!d /!7!n/ !n to or own wea5nesses" no matter what comes at s. 1/a!n" the 0lral >s> tells s to always !nclded others !n or 0rayers. *erse #3 cont!ned - >or th!ne !s the 5!n/dom" and the 0ower" and the /lory" for e7er. 1men.> There has been d!s0te abot these words becase they are not !n some of the oldest manscr!0ts. It !s /enerally a/reed that they do offer a f!tt!n/ close to the 0rayer" and a/ree w!th the whole tenor of the 0rayer and the teach!n/ abot 2od !n both Testaments. 1s Chr!st teaches s how to 0ray" these words well smmar!Ae the awe of the one who 0rays" 0on commn!cat!on and commn!on w!th 2od$ for ;!s !s the 5!n/dom" the 0ower" and the /lory - fore7er >1men> concldes the 0rayer w!th s!ncer!ty and con7!ct!on. 4hat 2od has 0rom!sed" ;e w!ll carry ot. *erses #)"#(. The 0rayer now o7er" Jess adds these words to frther e:0la!n 7erse #
6% Lesson I Cont!ned Matthew 6$#6-#. #6  Moreo7er when ye fast" be not" as the hy0ocr!tes" of a sad contenance$ for they d!sf!/re the!r faces" that they may a00ear nto men to fast. *er!ly I say nto yo" They ha7e the!r reward. #% t tho" when tho fastest" ano!nt th!ne head" and wash thy faceE #& that tho a00ear not nto men to fast" bt nto thy ather wh!ch !s !n secret$ and thy ather wh!ch seeth !n secret shall reward thee o0enly. #+  Lay not 0 for yorsel7es treasres 0on earth" where moth and rst doth corr0t" and where th!e7es brea5 thro/h and steal$ , bt lay 0 for yorsel7es treasres !n hea7en" where ne!ther moth nor rst doth corr0t" and where th!e7es do not brea5 thro/h nor steal$ # for where yor treasre !s" there w!ll yor heart be also. *erse #6. ast!n/ was a 0ersonal cho!ce to absta!n from food for one or more s0ec!f!c rel!/!os reasons. One was to show sorrow o7er some s!n that had been confessed - an act of hm!l!at!on. 1nother was lamentat!on o7er defeat !n battle" loss of a lo7ed one" and so forth. O7erwhelm!n/ /r!ef or an:!ety does natrally case loss of des!re for food - a natral reason for those fasts of cho!ce. ome fasts were obser7ed by the nat!on for !m0ortant rel!/!os e7ents. 2od's law only re9!red one yearly fast" on the day of atonement. The 0ract!ce had !ncreased o7er the years. They were commonly from snr!se to snset. If yo follow the!r ment!on thro/h the Old Testament" some were for se7en days
6& Lesson I Cont!ned of a ch!ld. 1 0erson st!ll has the cho!ce to absta!n from eat!n/ for rel!/!os 0r0oses - sorrow" or o7er a destrct!7e s!tat!on" or to concentrate !n 0rayer. <ast!n/ ths 0re7ents !nterr0t!on or d!stract!on.= t ne!ther shold e7er be done for 0bl!c not!ce. *erses #+",. 4here !s yor treasre /atheredK !rst Jess tells the 0eo0le how fool!sh !t !s to /ather earthly treasre becase !t !s so 0er!shable. ;e ment!ons the moth that eats thro/h the f!nest of cloth!n/" rst that !n a s!m!lar way eats 0 metal - both become seless. These e:am0les be/!n the l!ne of tho/ht that all earthly th!n/s corrode" brea5 down" wear ot. Th!s !ncldes the effects of d!sease" 7!olent weather" natral d!sasters and so on. ?ot only that" bt also what other men can do to steal yor treasres" to affect yor f!nances. They can brea5 !nto yor home for yor /oods. They can cheat yo !n a deal" add ta:at!on" !nflat!on" ban5 fa!lre" etc. 4hen 0t !n th!s way" to trst !n earthly secr!ty seems nreasonable. The 0os!t!7e ad7!ce Jess /!7es !s a com0lete contrast to the 0re7!os s!tat!on. Treasres !n hea7en are not ssce0t!ble to earthly forces that destroy earthly th!n/s. ;ea7enly treasre !s reser7ed for s there. They are bless!n/s wh!ch we can ha7e only a foretaste of here on earth. 1mon/ them are for/!7eness" answered 0rayer" or name !n the Lamb's oo5 of l!fe" the ather's lo7e and constant care" Chr!st's lo7e" 0eace" @oy" and 7!ctory
6+ Lesson II Matthew 6$-3). The ye" 2od" and Mammon.   The l!/ht of the body !s the eye$ !f therefore th!ne eye be s!n/le" thy whole body shall be fll of l!/ht. 3 t !f th!ne eye be e7!l" thy whole body shall be fll of dar5ness. If therefore the l!/ht that !s !n thee be dar5ness" how /reat !s that dar5ness )  ?o man can ser7e two masters$ for e!ther he w!ll hate the one" and lo7e the otherE or else he w!ll hold to the one" and des0!se the other. e cannot ser7e 2od and mammon. (  Therefore I say nto yo" Ta5e no tho/ht for yor l!fe" what ye shall eat" or what ye shall dr!n5E nor yet for yor body" what ye shall 0t on. Is not the l!fe more than meat" and the body than ra!mentK 6 ehold the fowls of the a!r$ for they sow not" ne!ther do they rea0" nor /ather !nto barnsE yet yor hea7enly ather feedeth them. 1re ye not mch better than theyK % 4h!ch of yo by ta5!n/ tho/ht can add one cb!t nto h!s statreK & 1nd why ta5e ye tho/ht for ra!mentK Cons!der the l!l!es of the f!eld" how they /rowE they to!l not" ne!ther do they s0!n$ + and yet I say nto yo" That e7en olomon !n all h!s /lory was not arrayed l!5e one of these. 3, 4herefore" !f 2od so clothe the /rass of the f!eld" wh!ch today !s" and tomorrow !s cast !nto the o7en" shall he not mch more clothe yo" O ye of l!ttle fa!thK 3# Therefore ta5e no tho/ht" say!n/" 4hat shall we eatK or" 4hat shall we dr!n5K or" 4herew!thal shall we be clothedK 3 <or after all these th!n/s do the 2ent!les see5$= for yor hea7enly ather 5noweth that ye ha7e need of all these th!n/s. 33 t see5 ye f!rst the 5!n/dom of 2od" and h!s r!/hteosnessE and all these th!n/s shall be added nto yo. 3)  Ta5e therefore no tho/ht for the morrow$ for the morrow shall ta5e tho/ht for the th!n/s of !tself. ff!c!ent nto the day !s the e7!l thereof. *erses "3. Jess the eye as body that br!n/s l!/ht. Th!sdescr!bes allows the 0erson tothe see0art whatof !sthe ots!de and ma5e cho!ces as to act!on" and safety. The cond!t!on of the eye mst be healthy or else !ts 0oor cond!t!on w!ll not allow the 0erson to @d/e what !s ots!de and ma5e the best cho!ces. The worse the cond!t!on - the /reater the effect of dar5ness. 1lso" e7en !f the br!/htest snsh!ne !s w!thot" the d!seased eye wold /a!n no benef!t. Transfer th!s !dea to the s0!r!tal. If a 0erson's m!nd and heart are healthy" then the l!/ht of 2od can !llm!ne that 0erson's l!fe" /!d!n/ the!r cho!ces to f!t !n w!th 2od's w!ll. If they are not healthy" they w!ll be l!m!ted by the!r dar5ness" and the!r cho!ces w!ll be dar5" earthly" fll of s!n and self!shness. *erse ). Th!s !s a clear and conc!se statement of the !m0oss!b!l!ty of anyone to 0rse two o00os!te waysthe of l!fe. word ncerta!n der!7at!on= 0erson!f!es whole The world of Mammon earthly
%, Lesson II Cont!ned 0ro0erty" 0os!t!on" and 0leasres. 2od's call!n/ !s the o00os!te" the l!fe ded!cated to ser7!n/ 2od and h!s fellow man. 4hate7er th!s 0erson may ha7e mater!ally w!ll be sed for 2od's /lory" not the!r own. Jess em0has!Aes that !t !s !m0oss!ble for anyone to follow both 0aths. The 0ath chosen re7eals a worsh!0 - e!ther of 2od" or the !dol" Mammon. 7en !f a 0erson be/!ns by th!n5!n/ they can follow both 0aths" w!ll at some 0o!nt show lo7e for the one and hatred of the other. They w!ll become de7oted to the one and also loo5!n/ down on the other. 1n e:am0le of a dramat!c chan/e !n one 0erson's l!fe !s seen !n the contrast of Pal before and after con7ers!on to Chr!st. rom 0ersector and 0rod 0ossessor of fam!ly" 0os!t!on" mater!al comfort" to 0reacher" 0ersected" /!7!n/ 0 all worldly comforts for the sa5e of s0read!n/ the 2os0el. Ob7!osly" e7eryone has the same cho!ce. *erse (. Jess /oes on to show that the most !m0ortant cho!ce !s to see the most !m0ortant 0r!or!ty !n l!fe - to trst !n or ;ea7enly ather as The Creator and sta!ner of the n!7erse" 4ho cares for each 0art" and more s0ec!f!cally" ;!s hman ch!ldren. ;e holds all l!fe !n ;!s hands. The 9est!on$ are yo /o!n/ to s0end most of yor t!me worry!n/ abot yor l!fe" what yo're /o!n/ to eat or dr!n5 or wearK To do so !s to m!ss the s0!r!tal l!fe" l!7!n/ for 2od and trst!n/ ;!m for the rest. e!n/ an:!os !s a bad hab!t" wh!ch Jess says to sto0. The word an:!os !nd!cates be!n/ d!stracted. *erse 6. Jess now ses a new e:am0le to show how needless and nreasonable worry !s$ the b!rds we see fly!n/ !n the a!r. They ha7e no ab!l!ty to sow" rea0" or /ather !nto barns" yet 2od 0ro7!des food for them. 1re 0eo0le of more 7ale than they or notK The b!rds cannot trly 0lan ahead - bt do wor5 hard to f!nd food" ma5e nests" m!/rate" etc. ?o t!me !s wasted worry!n/. Men do also wor5 at 0ro7!d!n/ food" shelter" and other necess!t!es" bt some s0end mch of that t!me worry!n/" d!stracted from l!fe's tre 7ales. Jess does not cr!t!c!Ae ma5!n/ 0ro7!s!on for the ftre" bt the selessness of an:!ety. *erse %. Th!s !s 0o!nted ot !n a say!n/ - by all yor an:!ety" can yo !ncrease yor l!fes0an by e7en the smallest d!stanceK The word
%# Lesson II Cont!ned beat!fl co7er!n/. It mst be noted that no man cold 0rodce cloth!n/ as beat!fl as 2od's creat!on" nor cold any man create a flower. *erse 3,. The follow!n/ ar/ment" or 0roof$ 2od 0ro7!des flowers for the 0lants of the f!eld for a season" then when dead and dr!ed" they are sed to heat a frnace. ;ow mch more !m0ortant are yo men" tho/h yor fa!th !s smallK ecase yo are ;!s ch!ldren" ;e w!ll srely 0ro7!de what yo need. To worry abot cloth!n/ !s a s!/n of l!ttle fa!th. That th!s cold be tre wh!le Chr!st !s w!th them shows the!r slowness of m!nd and heart to bel!e7e and acce0t the s0ernatral 0resence" 0ower and lo7e of the on of 2od amon/ men. *erse 3#. 1 smmary of the fool!shness and self!shness of worry!n/ and frett!n/ abot what one !s /o!n/ to eat" dr!n5" or wear. *erse 3. or 2ent!les" these th!n/s are the!r h!/hest 0rs!ts !n l!fe cra7!n/ the f!nest" most sat!sfy!n/ mater!al th!n/s. or them" th!s !s natral becase they don't 5now 2od and the s0!r!tal real!t!es of ;!s care. Those who 5now 2od as ather shold not be worr!ed abot these same concerns - becase the!r ;ea7enly ather not only 5nows what they need bt also cares" and w!ll 0ro7!de. The bel!e7er mst rest !n those 0rom!ses" trst!n/ that 2od w!ll flf!ll them. Th!s lea7es no 0lace for dobt" concern" an:!ety" or worry!n/. ;e 5nows e7en before we as5. *erse 33. o" what !s or f!rst 0r!or!ty as bel!e7ers that w!ll 0lace s !n the 0ro0er hab!ts of l!7!n/ and att!tde" so that we lea7e no 0lace for an:!etyK >t see5 ye f!rst the 5!n/dom of 2od" and h!s r!/hteosnessE and all these th!n/s shall be added nto yo.> ee5 means a d!l!/ent and 0r0osefl search" ded!cated to f!nd!n/" w!thot d!stract!on or hes!tat!on. The /oal !s 2od as 5!n/ !n one's l!fe" wh!ch natrally and necessar!ly !ncldes ;!s r!/hteosness. 4e enter ;!s 5!n/dom by /race thro/h fa!th. Thro/h Chr!st we are for/!7en and acconted r!/hteos. et" s!nce we are st!ll s!nfl and wea5" we mst str!7e to become" thro/h the necessary hel0 of the !ndwell!n/ 0!r!t" to become more l!5e the on. 4e are to lo7e and see5 to follow 2od and ;!s w!ll !n or l!7es. 4e are also to share or fa!th and for/!7eness" and lo7e" and /oods w!th or fellow man. In sch a l!fe" wor5!n/ ot or sal7at!on" all th!n/s needfl" !n abndance" w!ll be 0ro7!ded by or ;ea7enly ather" 4ho w!shes to bless ;!s ch!ldren. *erse 3). The concls!on - !t !s 0o!ntless to be an:!os for tomorrow. Ta5e care todayfor of what today demands" for the ne:t day w!ll ha7e eno/h demands or com0lete attent!on.

% Lesson II Cont!ned 1 toch of hmorK >ff!c!ent nto the day !s the e7!l thereof.> In other words" >each day has eno/h troble all by !tself.> Lamentat!ons 3$"3$ >;!s com0ass!ons fa!l not. They are new e7ery morn!n/E /reat !s thy fa!thflness> Matthew %$#-##. ;ow the B!/hteos 1re to Treat The!r ellow Man. # Jd/e not" that ye be not @d/ed.  or w!th what @d/ment ye @d/e" ye shall be @d/ed$ and w!th what measre ye mete" !t shall be measred to yo a/a!n. 3 1nd why beholdest tho the mote that !s !n thy brother's eye" bt cons!derest not the beam that !s !n th!ne own eyeK ) Or how w!lt tho say to thy brother" Let me 0ll ot the mote ot of th!ne eyeE and" behold" a beam !s !n th!ne own eyeK ( Tho hy0ocr!te" f!rst cast ot the beam ot of th!ne own eyeE and then shalt tho see clearly to cast ot the mote ot of thy brother's eye. 6  2!7e not that wh!ch !s holy nto the do/s" ne!ther cast ye yor 0earls before sw!ne" lest they tram0le them nder the!r feet" and trn a/a!n and rend yo. %  1s5" and !t shall be /!7en yoE see5" and ye shall f!ndE 5noc5" and !t shall be o0ened nto yo$ & for e7ery one that as5eth rece!7ethE and he that see5eth f!ndethE and to h!m that 5noc5eth !t shall be o0ened. + Or what man !s there of yo" whom !f h!s son as5 bread" w!ll he /!7e h!m a stoneK #, Or !f he as5 a f!sh" w!ll he /!7e h!m a ser0entK ## If ye then" be!n/ e7!l" 5now how to /!7e /ood /!fts nto yor ch!ldren" how mch more shall yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en /!7e /ood th!n/s to them that as5 h!mK *erse #. The 0ass!n/ of @d/ment. Jess !s not condemn!n/ the tho/htfl form!n/ of an o0!n!on concern!n/ a 0erson's words or deeds" or e7en e:0ress!n/ th!s o0!n!on. The ma!n !dea !s a/a!nst the self-r!/hteos" condemn!n/ s0!r!t that" w!thot lo7e or mercy" see5s the harm of others. The common 0ract!ce
%3 Lesson II Cont!ned w!ll be rewarded. Jd/ment or reward can ta5e 0lace by hman act!on" bt w!ll certa!nly come from 2od. *erses 3-(. Th!s !s an !llstrat!on of the 5!nd of m!ndset that chooses to @d/e others. The contrast !s between two th!n/s - a beam and a mote trsted !n themsel7es that they were r!/hteos and who des0!sed all others.> brothers>. *erse 6. In the follow!n/ 7erse" the reference !s to do/s and ho/s. 1mon/ the Jews" !t was common to see street do/s that 0rowled arond" es0ec!ally for /arba/e and rbb!sh d!scarded !n the street. They were sa7a/e and f!lthy. It was cons!dered a s0ec!al crse to be de7ored by do/s
%) Lesson II Cont!ned 7alable" holy" and lo7!n/ messa/e of al7at!on. *erses %"&. 1fter descr!b!n/ all of the res0ons!b!l!t!es man has !n relat!on to 2od and h!s fellow man" Jess now /!7es s the way that w!ll /!7e s 2od's hel0" /!dance" 0ower" and w!sdom to enable s to wor5 at accom0l!sh!n/ a fr!tfl and holy l!fe. ;e as5s s to do three th!n/s$ as5" see5" and 5noc5. 1nd the 0rom!ses$ !f yo as5 !t w!ll be /!7enE !f yo see5" yo shall f!ndE !f yo 5noc5" !t shall be o0ened. 1s5!n/$ sally one !n need a00roaches someone that !s able to flf!ll that need. In th!s case" a s!nner as5s h!s 0ersonal 2od - One that can res0ond to h!s need. Ths fa!th of the ch!ld of 2od !n h!s ;ea7enly ather. Th!s !s e:0ressed !n 0rayer. ee5!n/$ th!s /oes a ste0 frther" bt may !nclde as5!n/. It re9!res act!on" mo7ement. To try to l!7e !n 2od's w!ll" we mst 0ray for /!dance" and then act ot what we 5now and wor5 at f!nd!n/ ot more on or 0ath. noc5!n/$ th!s !ncldes as5!n/" see5!n/" then 5ee0!n/ at !t 0erse7erance. One 5noc5s nt!l the door !s o0ened. The 0rom!se !s e:act and certa!n as to the res0onse$ /!7en" fond" o0ened. Jess now !llstrates the messa/e w!th a d!rect" natral" and e7eryday e:am0le. *erses +-##. ;ow do earthly fathers act toward the!r own ch!ldrenK If the ch!ld as5s for food" wold the 0arent /!7e someth!n/ !ned!ble" sch as a stoneK If the ch!ld as5s for meat
%( Lesson III Matthew %$#-3. The 2olden Ble. # Therefore all th!n/s whatsoe7er ye wold that men shold do to yo" do ye e7en so to them$ for th!s !s the law and the 0ro0hets. #3  nter ye !n at the stra!t /ate$ for w!de !s the /ate" and broad !s the way" that leadeth to destrct!on" and many there be wh!ch /o !n thereat$ #) becase stra!t !s the /ate" and narrow !s the way" wh!ch leadeth nto l!fe" and few there be that f!nd !t. #(  eware of false 0ro0hets" wh!ch come to yo !n shee0's cloth!n/" bt !nwardly they are ra7en!n/ wol7es. #6 e shall 5now them by the!r fr!ts. Do men /ather /ra0es of thorns" or f!/s of th!stlesK #% 7en so e7ery /ood tree br!n/eth forth /ood fr!tE bt a corr0t tree br!n/eth forth e7!l fr!t. #& 1 /ood tree cannot br!n/ forth e7!l fr!t" ne!ther can a corr0t tree br!n/ forth /ood fr!t. #+ 7ery tree that br!n/eth not forth /ood fr!t !s hewn down" and cast !nto the f!re. , 4herefore by the!r fr!ts ye shall 5now them. #  ?ot e7ery one that sa!th nto me" Lord" Lord" shall enter !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7enE bt he that doeth the w!ll of my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en.  Many w!ll say to me !n that day" Lord" Lord" ha7e we not 0ro0hes!ed !n thy nameK and !n thy name ha7e cast ot de7!lsK and !n thy name done many wonderfl wor5sK 3 1nd then w!ll I 0rofess nto them" I ne7er 5new yo$ de0art from me" ye that wor5 !n!9!ty. *erse #. The 2olden Ble - the /!de by wh!ch one can @d/e the best corse of act!on !n any s!tat!on w!th another 0erson. >4hate7er yo want 0eo0le to do for yo" do so also for them...> Do nto others as yo wold ha7e them do nto yo. In the conte:t of what has /one before" Jess !s e:0la!n!n/ the e:0ected res0onse of e7ery bel!e7er who has acce0ted 2od's sal7at!on and has become ;!s ch!ld. That ch!ld !s e:0ected to share whate7er they ha7e rece!7ed from 2od w!th the!r fellow man - e7en to the 0o!nt of lo7!n/ the!r enem!es. Th!s !s not s//ested as be!n/ 0oss!ble a0art from 2od's lo7e" only !n res0onse to ha7e rece!7ed !t nto o7erflow!n/. To flf!ll th!s command !s only 0oss!ble w!th /!dance" stren/th" and 0ower" from 2od. 1s one w!shes for the!r ne!/hbor to lo7e them" so one mst act !n a lo7!n/ manner towards that ne!/hbor. The ot flow!n/ of 2od's lo7e mst 0ass thro/h the bel!e7er to all those arond them. Chr!st has already e:0la!ned that th!s mst also !nclde one's enem!es" so the !dea of ne!/hbor !ncldes e7eryone. The hman rle !s to treat others e:actly as they treat yo. If they treat yo well" be ss0!c!os" as there mst be an lter!or
%6 Lesson III Cont!ned brea5 th!s trad!t!on ta5es stren/th and lo7e beyond what comes natrally. *erses #3"#). ?ow Jess /oes on to r/e ;!s l!steners the false 0ro0het>" >l!5e a lamb bt s0eech l!5e a dra/on>. 1n a/ent of dar5ness w!th the a00earance of an an/el of l!/ht. 1ny messa/e that leads away from the trth as recorded !n the !ble mst be re/arded as false. These l!es may be 0o0larE they may seem lo/!cal or reasonable accord!n/ to 0o0lar bel!ef or modern cltre. :am0les$ e7olt!on wh!ch den!es the CreatorE s!tat!on eth!cs and label!n/ what !n 2od's 7!ew !s a s!n as only an alternate cho!ce" a d!sease" or natral cond!t!on!n/ - wh!ch blames the 0arents or the en7!ronment. These l!es try to destroy the consc!ence and the reco/n!t!on of s!n for what !t !s and does. It allows a 0erson to blame the!r cho!ces and cond!t!on on anyth!n/ bt themsel7es. Th!s destroys any chance they wold ha7e had to real!Ae the!r need of a a7!or. Th!s !n trn 0shes 0eo0le on the w!de 0ath to destrct!on. ecase th!s !s the !ntent!on of the false 0ro0het" they are descr!bed w!th a 7!olent ad@ect!7e - ra7enos. Th!s s//ests mal!ce" cnn!n/" w!thot mercy" attac5!n/ and de7or!n/ !ts 0rey. 4e mst be on /ard a/a!nst any sch 0eo0le - whether 0reachers" sc!ent!sts" doctors" 0ol!t!c!ans" etc. that s0ea5 d!stort!ons or half trths that lead away from 2od's Trth.

%% Lesson III Cont!ned *erses #6-,. ;ow are we to reco/n!Ae these false 0ro0hetsK It w!ll not be by a00earance. The best way !s to @d/e what the!r l!7es 0rodce. Jess ses the e:am0les from 0lants to ma5e the 0o!nt easy to nderstand and 0!ctre. Th!s wold be fam!l!ar to e7eryone's natral e:0er!ence. The f!rst two e:am0les$ /ra0es are not 0!c5ed from thorns" or f!/s from th!stles. It !s most ob7!os that /ood fr!t ?oth!n/ !s more d!ff!clt than to conterfe!t 7!rte.> 4e ha7e seen th!s trth re7ealed !n the l!7es of se7eral tele7an/el!sts. The ctt!n/ down and be!n/ thrown !n to the f!re of the fr!tless trees !s ment!oned !n se7eral 0laces !n both Testaments. They all !nd!cate the f!nal @d/ment where the w!c5ed w!ll be brned w!th n9enchable f!re that has been 0re0ared for them and also for the de7!l and h!s followers. Jess closes th!s tho/ht by rem!nd!n/ s to be aware of sch 0ersons' fr!t" whether the!r tal5 !s from 2od" and whether the!r l!7es reflect that. If not" we mst stay away from them. Th!s 0o!nt !s to be dr!7en home more forceflly !n the follow!n/ 7erses becase Jess s0ea5s of the f!nal @d/ment. The em0has!s !s the contrast between those who only say" and those that do. *erses #-3. The sayers are the ones that come before Jess say!n/ >Lord" Lord> and then bra/ abot all they ha7e done !n ;!s ?ame. Th!s alone won't allow entrance !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en. Those who ha7e trly entered 2od's 5!n/dom w!ll share the!r fa!th and be abot the ather's bs!ness. In other words they w!ll 0t !nto 0ract!ce the re7ealed w!ll of 2od !n the!r da!ly l!7es. The false 0ro0het" as !n the 0reced!n/ 7erses <#6-,=" !s a hy0ocr!te. 7en !f they 0rocla!m the trth" bt the!r l!7es do not match" the onloo5er can only conclde that that 0erson does not bel!e7e what they had s0o5en" or otherw!se wold follow that bel!ef

%& Lesson III Cont!ned !n the!r da!ly l!7es. Ths the onloo5er mst draw the concls!on that what the 0erson trly bel!e7ed was what the!r l!7es showed" and that what they sa!d was the l!e. These false 0ro0hets cold lead many astray. They cold be descr!bed as destroyers" bl!nd /!des" false w!tnesses" ra7enos wol7es. 4e remember that John the a0t!st and Jess" on many occas!ons" had o0enly accsed the scr!bes and Phar!sees of th!s. ecase of th!s dan/er" we mst e:am!ne orsel7es as well as others. Do we s0ea5 2od's trth and try to l!7e ot 2od's w!ll !n or l!7esK Or do we s0ea5 n!cely and then rle or own l!7es as !f we were the 5!n/ b!ld!n/ or own 5!n/domK In other words" do we - and others - tal5 abot lo7e and for/!7eness" and /!7!n/" and then act self!shly" nfor/!7!n/" nfr!endly" /reedy" and 0rodK In the descr!0t!on of the accsed" stand!n/ before the Jd/e" they address ;!m as >Lord" Lord.> Ths they are a00eal!n/ to ;!s ?ame as !f th!s 0ro7es that they had acce0ted ;!m and had commn!cat!on and commn!on w!th ;!m. They cla!med the!r deeds were done !n ;!s ?ame as !f ;e had a00ro7ed" wh!le actally they sed ;!s ?ame l!5e a ma/!c word for the!r own self!sh reasons$ to show off" to see !f !t wor5ed" to rece!7e attent!on or accla!m. 1s Jess had already ta/ht" th!n/s done from any sch mot!7es wold rece!7e no reward from 2od. Jess does not d!s0te the!r cla!m of do!n/ m!/hty wor5s !n ;!s ?ame. They may or may not be tell!n/ the whole trth or 0art of the trth. The 0o!nt !s that the!r hearts and m!nds d!d not belon/ to 2od. The!r deeds" tho/h /ood" came from self!sh and n/odly hearts and m!nds. 2od may ha7e honored the deed" @st becase ;!s on's ?ame was sed" bt ;e d!d not honor those who sed !t self!shly. The 7erd!ct follows - >1nd then w!ll I 0rofess nto them" I ne7er 5new yo$ de0art from me" ye that wor5 !n!9!ty.> tho/h Jess 5nows all abot these 0eo0le" ;e s0ea5s abot the!r ne7er com!n/ to ;!m by fa!th" acce0t!n/ ;!s lo7e and sal7at!on. They ne7er had fellowsh!0 w!th ;!m. They had ne7er been ;!s. They had ne7er srrendered the!r hearts and l!7es to ;!m. They had des0!sed the commandments of 2od. 7en th!s early !n ;!s m!n!stry Jess !s re7eal!n/ ;!mself as 2od's on
%+ Lesson III Cont!ned ( and the ra!n descended" and the floods came" and the w!nds blew" and beat 0on that hoseE and !t fell not$ for !t was fonded 0on a roc5. 6 1nd e7ery one that heareth these say!n/s of m!ne" and doeth them not" shall be l!5ened nto a fool!sh man" wh!ch b!lt h!s hose 0on the sand$ % and the ra!n descended" and the floods came" and the w!nds blew" and beat 0on that hoseE and !t fell$ and /reat was the fall of !t. The 0erson who has l!stened to what Jess 0reached and then 0ts !t !nto 0ract!ce !s l!5e the sens!ble man who b!lds h!s hose on roc5. Ths h!s hose w!thstood ra!n" flood" and w!nd. 1s before" Jess de0!cts two cho!ces that each 0erson !s faced w!th. y the!r cho!ce" they 0t themsel7es !n one of the two cate/or!es. In th!s !llstrat!on" both men are b!ld!n/ a hose. 4e can assme they were !n a s!m!lar locat!on. It has been s//ested that !t was !n a 7alley that had a watercorse that was dry most of the year. ;owe7er" !t had a stormy ra!n season w!th se7ere test!n/ and the 0oss!b!l!ty of flood. The sens!ble man mst ha7e 0lanned ahead by d!//!n/ down to roc5 to 0lace h!s hose's fondat!on. The fool!sh b!lder b!lt on the srface
&, Lesson III Cont!ned *erses &"+. &  1nd !t came to 0ass" when Jess had ended these say!n/s" the 0eo0le were aston!shed at h!s doctr!ne$ + for he ta/ht them as one ha7!n/ athor!ty" and not as the scr!bes. Matthew closes h!s record of the ermon by descr!b!n/ the effects of ;!s words on those who had l!stened. The 1m0l!f!ed ?ew Testament /!7es more forceflly the !dea of the word 'astonded'$ >aston!shed and o7erwhelmed w!th bew!ldered wonder.> The l!teral mean!n/$ >strc5 ot of the!r senses.> Th!s had more than a momentary !m0act. 4hy th!s dramat!c react!onK To 0t as!de the /reat 7ale of Jess' 0resence" d!/n!ty" and ser!osness" yet lo7!n/ manner can only be !ma/!ned. 4e mst cons!der the effects of ;!s words  they were clear" d!rect" and abot the most ser!os !sses of l!fe" death and etern!ty. ;e s0o5e w!th athor!ty" as one who s0ea5s from 2od" therefore s0ea5s only the trth. The sorce of ;!s words ;e clearly says came from ;!s ;ea7enly ather. ;!s words were also based on many 0assa/es of cr!0tre" wh!ch to some e:tent" ;!s hearers wold be fam!l!ar w!th. Th!s was !n contrast to the len/thy rambl!n/ of the scr!bes and Phar!sees" often abot tr!7!al!t!es and 7ar!os o0!n!ons of rabb!s and other 9est!onable sorces" often w!th m!slead!n/ reason!n/ and confs!on. Jess s0o5e the trth from the Creator of the Gn!7erse 4ho cannot l!e. ;e created e7eryth!n/ so that only ;e 5nows all of the Trth. Jess s0o5e the Trth on earth and now holds the worlds to/ether by the word of ;!s 0ower. There !s no f!rmer fondat!on" both now and fore7er more. 1men.

&# Lesson I* Matthew &$#-#%. er!es of arly M!racles. # 4hen he was come down from the monta!n" /reat mlt!tdes followed h!m.  1nd" behold" there came a le0er and worsh!00ed h!m" say!n/" Lord" !f tho w!lt" tho canst ma5e me clean. 3 1nd Jess 0t forth h!s hand" and toched h!m" say!n/" I w!llE be tho clean. 1nd !mmed!ately h!s le0rosy was cleansed. ) 1nd Jess sa!th nto h!m" ee tho tell no manE bt /o thy way" show thyself to the 0r!est" and offer the /!ft that Moses commanded" for a test!mony nto them. (  1nd when Jess was entered !nto Ca0er'na-m" there came nto h!m a centr!on" beseech!n/ h!m" 6 and say!n/" Lord" my ser7ant l!eth at home s!c5 of the 0alsy" /r!e7osly tormented. % 1nd Jess sa!th nto h!m" I w!ll come and heal h!m. & The centr!on answered and sa!d" Lord" I am not worthy that tho sholdest come nder my roof$ bt s0ea5 the word only" and my ser7ant shall be healed. + or I am a man nder athor!ty" ha7!n/ sold!ers nder me$ and I say to th!s man" 2o" and he /oethE and to another" Come" and he comethE and to my ser7ant" Do th!s" and he doeth !t. #, 4hen Jess heard !t" he mar7eled" and sa!d to them that followed" *er!ly I say nto yo" I ha7e not fond so /reat fa!th" no" not !n Israel. ## 1nd I say nto yo" That many shall come from the east and west" and shall s!t down w!th 1braham" and Isaac" and Jacob" !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en$ # bt the ch!ldren of the 5!n/dom shall be cast ot !nto oter dar5ness$ there shall be wee0!n/ and /nash!n/ of teeth. #3 1nd Jess sa!d nto the centr!on" 2o thy wayE and as tho hast bel!e7ed" so be !t done nto thee. 1nd h!s ser7ant was healed !n the selfsame hor. #)  1nd when Jess was come !nto Peter's hose" he saw h!s w!fe's mother la!d" and s!c5 of a fe7er. #( 1nd he toched her hand" and the fe7er left her$ and she arose" and m!n!stered nto them. #6 4hen the e7en was come" they bro/ht nto h!m many that were 0ossessed w!th de7!ls$ and he cast ot the s0!r!ts w!th h!s word" and healed all that were s!c5$ #% that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by Isa!ah the 0ro0het" say!n/" ;!mself too5 or !nf!rm!t!es" and bare or s!c5nesses. Intro - !t has been noted that Matthew has arran/ed h!s wr!t!n/ arond themes rather than a str!ctly chronolo/!cal accont. Ths the ermon on the Mont was an e:tended sam0le of Chr!st's 0reach!n/. ?ow Matthew be/!ns h!s record!n/ of se7eral early m!racles w!thot any chronolo/y. 1fter Chr!st's 0reach!n/ and teach!n/" Matthew shows s Chr!st's deeds. oth word and deed mst show what !s w!th!n - the trth of 2od" that ;e carr!es ot !n ;!s own l!fe$ one of lo7e" for/!7eness" heal!n/" and rel!ef" all to /lor!fy the ather.

& Lesson I* Cont!ned *erse #. 4hen Jess came down from the monta!n" lar/e crowds accom0an!ed ;!m. Those that heard ;!m d!d not want to !mmed!ately lea7e ;!s 0resence. L5e %$# ment!ons that ;e was on the way to Ca0ernam. 1t some 0o!nt the follow!n/ m!racle occrred. *erse . 1 le0er came 0 and 5nelt before ;!m" and sa!d" Lord" !f yo w!ll" yo can cleanse me. The word le0rosy comes from the 2ree5 'le0os' mean!n/ scale. Th!s descr!bes otwardly obser7able man!festat!on of the d!sease. 4hat be/!ns w!th 0a!n and nmbness" then cont!nes as the s5!n" !n s0ots" loses color" th!c5ens" and becomes scaly. ecase of the 0oor c!rclat!on of blood" the s0ots become o0en sores. 5!n arond the eyes swells and sa/s !n dee0 frrows. !n/ers or toes may dro0 off. There !s an n0leasant odor. Often" It affects the laryn:" ma5!n/ the 7o!ce hoarse. In scr!0tre" the le0er !s cons!dered ceremon!ally nclean. Th!s 0re7ents the le0er from ha7!n/ any soc!al or rel!/!os contact w!th other 0eo0le. Le0rosy was well 5nown to be conta/!os. 1lso !t was 5nown to be !ncrable. The rabb!s cons!dered cr!n/ a le0er as !m0oss!ble as ra!s!n/ the dead. The le0er was an otcast and loo5ed down 0on as re0ls!7e. It was also a common o0!n!on that the le0er was be!n/ 0n!shed w!th the d!sease becase of some e7!l" or 7!olent deed. They were cons!dered crsed by 2od" and to be a7o!ded at all costs. The sr0r!se here !s twofold. The le0er comes r!/ht 0 to Jess" and Jess does not see5 to mo7e away from h!m. The man dro0s to h!s 5nees" show!n/ com0lete sbm!ss!on and re7erence to Jess. L5e says !n ($# that he fell on h!s face" and that he was fll of le0rosy. ;e e:0resses com0lete fa!th !n Chr!st's ab!l!ty to cre h!m. ;e 0ts com0lete trst !n Chr!st's w!ll. Jess w!ll do what !s best for ;!m. ;e !ncldes the re9est for heal!n/ I w!llE be tho clean.> That there was heal!n/ 0ower !n ;!s toch !s most ob7!os. Mar5 ment!ons that Jess was >mo7ed w!th com0ass!on">
&3 Lesson I* Cont!ned m!racle. The most !m0ortant th!n/ was to show h!mself as cleansed
&) Lesson I* Cont!ned *erses ##"#. Jess here descr!bes the s!tat!on of the eternal state" !n 2od's 5!n/dom where 2ent!les from east and west of Israel w!ll be at the table w!th the /reatest 0atr!archs of Israel" e7en 1braham" Isaac" and Jacob. 1nd many natral Jews who were to be sons of the !n/dom of 2od" becase of the!r nbel!ef w!ll be cast ot nto the most d!stant dar5ness. Th!s !s as 0red!cted !n many 0assa/es of both Testaments. It has cont!ned to be tre" as 0eo0le from all nat!ons" races" creeds" and cstoms ha7e acce0ted Chr!st's al7at!on. The Jews ha7e cont!ned to ma!nta!n the!r race - and s!nce #+)&" the!r nat!on - !n nbel!ef. Tho/h many Jews ha7e come to 5now Jess as the!r Mess!ah" the ma@or!ty ha7e not" and also ha7e not rema!ned orthodo: !n the Jew!sh fa!th. et" 2od !s not f!n!shed w!th the Jews and the!r nat!on" as many cr!0tres 0ro0hecy concern!n/ the!r ftre There shall be wee0!n/ and /r!nd!n/ of teeth.> Th!s !s e:treme e:0ress!on of tter ho0elessness" the loss of e7eryth!n/ from earthly l!fe and the ho0e of hea7en" of all l!/ht" lo7e" en@oyment" com0an!onsh!0. The /r!nd!n/ of teeth comes from frstrat!on" an/er" 0a!n" and remorse" as well as the real!Aat!on that !t w!ll ne7er end. These words were d!rected toward all those w!th!n hear!n/ ran/e. These were de0!ct!ons of the lt!mate dest!nat!ons of all 0eo0le. 7eryone" whether Jew or 2ent!le" has a cho!ce. There was no 7!rte !n be!n/ born a Jew" no /aranteed sal7at!on. The only 7ale of e!ther was to ha7e fa!th !n 2od and the One ;e sent to s0read the 2os0el of al7at!on by word and deed before all men. 7eryone mst real!Ae that the cho!ce here and now wold be for all etern!ty. The descr!0t!on of the fate of the nbel!e7er shold wa5en e7en the dllest consc!ence to the !m0ortance of a7o!d!n/ sch a fate. The contrast of s!tt!n/ down at a ban9et w!th 1braham" Isaac" and Jacob shold 0ro7!de a 0!ctre of bless!n/" @oy" 0eace" harmony" fellowsh!0" and a /reat honor. Jess sed th!s e:am0le of fa!th to show that th!s man had chosen the correct 0ath of fa!th and wold !nher!t the eternal 5!n/dom of 2od. The de0!ct!on of the other fate was a d!re warn!n/ of the conse9ences of not ma5!n/ the r!/ht cho!ce" bt 0rs!n/ one's own /reedy" self-ser7!n/" 2odless" and e7!l ways. 7eryone has been warned. 7eryone has heard the descr!0t!on of th!s 7ery certa!n dar5 dest!nat!on. There w!ll be no e:cses" no a00eals" no delays" no 0ardon" no way ot. *erse #3. Jess then trns to the centr!on and tells h!m to /o home$ as he bel!e7ed" soman hashad !t been done for h!m. ;!s boy was that 7ery moment. 1s the bel!e7ed" so Jess 0erformed  cred by

&( Lesson I* Cont!ned s0ea5!n/ the word that the boy was healed. *erse #). They were now at Peter's home !n Ca0ernam. It seems l!5e th!s too5 0lace only a l!ttle t!me after the 0reced!n/ heal!n/. G0on arr!7al at Peter's home" Jess saw Peter's mother-!n-law la!d 0 w!th a se7ere fe7er. Ob7!osly Peter was marr!ed. Pal wold later ment!on that h!s w!fe went w!th Peter on h!s m!ss!onary @orneys ;e was wonded for or trans/ress!onsE ;e was br!sed for or !n!9!t!es.>

&6 Lesson I* Cont!ned ;!s lo7e for all 0eo0le !n need had no l!m!t" no e:ce0t!ons no bondar!es. ?or does ;e here" now" today. ;!s lo7e and care for s !s constant and more certa!n than anyth!n/ !n th!s world. 4e mst cont!ne to l!7e !n than5flness and /rat!tde and share th!s messa/e w!th others. 1men. ?e:t" D!sc!0lesh!0.

&% Lesson * Matthew &$#&-. D!sc!0lesh!0. #&  ?ow when Jess saw /reat mlt!tdes abot h!m" he /a7e commandment to de0art nto the other s!de. #+ 1nd a certa!n scr!be came" and sa!d nto h!m" Master" I w!ll follow thee wh!thersoe7er tho /oest. , 1nd Jess sa!th nto h!m" The fo:es ha7e holes" and the b!rds of the a!r ha7e nestsE bt the on of man hath not where to lay h!s head. # 1nd another of h!s d!sc!0les sa!d nto h!m" Lord" sffer me f!rst to /o and bry my father.  t Jess sa!d nto h!m" ollow meE and let the dead bry the!r dead. *erse #&. On another e7en!n/ Jess commands that ;e and ;!s d!sc!0les mst /o to the other s!de of the ea of 2al!lee. 1s at other t!mes" Jess" !n ;!s hman natre" needed rest" slee0" and 0rayer" to refresh and re/ro0. The d!sc!0les had these needs" e7en more than Jess d!d. *erse #+. efore the @orney" a certa!n scr!be came 0 and sa!d" >Teacher" I w!ll follow yo where7er yo /o.> Th!s /ro0 had sally been a/a!nst Jess. Th!s teacher had ob7!osly acce0ted Jess as h!s own teacher. 4e assme h!s s!ncer!ty !n ma5!n/ th!s statement d!rectly to Jess. In res0onse Jess mst let th!s man 5now the cost - the other s!de of all the m!racles" the lar/e crowds" the accla!m. *erse ,. Jess told h!m that fo:es ha7e dens !n the /rond" the b!rds ha7e nests" bt the on of man has nowhere to lay h!s head. These common an!mals had the!r own homes they cold retrn to for rest and safety. Jess" on the other hand" went from 0lace to 0lace. Pro/ress!7ely" Jess !s made more and more nwelcome !n 0lace after 0lace" nt!l there was no 0lace of safety. Glt!mately ;e was not allowed to e7en rema!n al!7e on earth. Th!s man mst cont the cost what he w!ll be called 0on to /!7e 0 - e7eryth!n/" e7en nto death. 4e are not told abot the scr!bes' res0onse. Th!s !s the f!rst se of the term 'on of Man' !n the ?ew Testament. Certa!n !m0l!cat!ons mst be ment!oned$ a /reat many boo5s and scholarly art!cles ha7e been wr!tten on th!s term. Th!s term !s f!rst fond !n Psalms &$). It f!rst refers to man - 0oss!bly referr!n/ to all of h!s offs0r!n/ son of man> <Ae5!el $# etc.=. The em0has!s !s on wea5ness" and fra!lty" and tter de0endence on 2od. Th!s !s not the em0has!s that we f!nd !n Chr!st's se of the term. Gndobtedly ;!s se comes from the 0ro0hecy of the Mess!ah !n Dan!el %$#3" >behold" w!th the clods of hea7en there was one com!n/" l!5e a son of man...> Th!s refers to Jess ascend!n/ to hea7en to s!t at the ather's r!/ht hand where ;e was /!7en 0ower" /lory" and athor!ty o7er all nat!ons" fore7er. The descr!0t!on !n Dan!el becomes the t!tle !n the 2os0els - both referr!n/ to the same 0erson

&& Lesson * Cont!ned - the One 4ho became a man to sa7e ;!s 0eo0le from the!r s!ns" wh!ch they had no 0ower to do themsel7es. In /eneral terms" !nd!cated by the conte:t !n se7eral 0assa/es" !t 0o!nts to Chr!st's hm!l!at!on$ born !n a man/er" ha7!n/ no tre or 0ermanent home on earth" the hatred" re@ect!on" betrayal" and f!nally the crel and 0a!nfl death by crc!f!:!on" then br!al !n someone else's tomb. In other conte:ts" the term !s sed !n Chr!st's e:altat!on$ the resrrect!on" ascens!on" the retrn to earth !n /lory w!th an/els" ;!s role as Jd/e. It !s certa!n that e7ery t!me Jess ses th!s t!tle" ;e refers to ;!mself. The Jews had trad!t!onally !dent!f!ed the 0rom!sed Mess!ah as the con9er!n/ hero who wold con9er the Bomans and ma5e Israel a 0owerfl nat!on. ecase of th!s" Jess d!d not se that term for ;!mself. It wold ha7e been m!s!nter0reted" and dera!led the m!n!stry ;e had come to 0erform. ;e was to be the sffer!n/ ser7ant 4ho came to /!7e ;!s l!fe for many. ;e came to re0resent man" to ta5e h!s 0lace - ths ;e !s n!9ely 'the' on of man. 1 man of sorrows and ac9a!nted w!th /r!ef" that leads to /lory and a crown. *erse #.man comes forward" one who has been one of Chr!st's 1 second followers. ;e now seems to des!re to become a closer d!sc!0le" a constant com0an!on. t there seems to be a re9est for a l!ttle t!me beforehand. ;!s father has recently d!ed" and he as5s 0erm!ss!on to /o home f!rst and ta5e care of the br!al. 1t that t!me !t was cstomary and necessary for br!al to ta5e 0lace 7ery soon after death. It was a dty of the res0ons!ble son to see to th!s ser7!ce. 1t f!rst /lance" th!s seemed reasonable. *erse . t Jess sa!d to h!m. >ollow meE and let the dead bry the!r dead.> 1t f!rst" th!s may seem harsh. e7eral other cons!derat!ons mst be ment!oned. Jess had already be/n enter!n/ a boat to tra7el to the other s!de of the ea of 2al!lee. There was no t!me to wa!t. o ;e !s say!n/ " !f yo w!sh to come" yo mst come now The second 0art s//ests that the man wold rece!7e no s0!r!tal benef!t from be!n/ !n7ol7ed !n a fneral ser7!ce. They were commonly no!sy becase of lod morn!n/
&+ Lesson * Cont!ned These t!es are also eternal. Those that are s0!r!tally dead can ta5e care of the!r own dead. or th!s man" the /reatest benef!t !n h!s ent!re l!fe wold be to be !n the 0resence of Jess as mch as 0oss!ble. Com0ared to all other corses of act!on" th!s was far /reater for that moment and for etern!ty. 4e are not told of the man's cho!ce. The lesson Jess ta/ht was the !m0ortant th!n/. Matthew &$3-%. The Tem0est. 3  1nd when he was entered !nto a sh!0" h!s d!sc!0les followed h!m. ) 1nd" behold" there arose a /reat tem0est !n the sea" !nsomch that the sh!0 was co7ered w!th the wa7es$ bt he was aslee0. ( 1nd h!s d!sc!0les came to h!m" and awo5e h!m" say!n/" Lord" sa7e s$ we 0er!sh. 6 1nd he sa!th nto them" 4hy are ye fearfl" O ye of l!ttle fa!thK Then he arose" and reb5ed the w!nds and the seaE and there was a /reat calm. % t the men mar7eled" say!n/" 4hat manner of man !s th!s" that e7en the w!nds and the sea obey h!m *erse 3. 1fter the two 0re7!os !nterr0t!ons" Jess f!nally /ot !nto the boat to cross the sea. ;!s d!sc!0les followed ;!m - no hes!tat!on" no 9est!ons. *erse ). Once on the @orney" there was a sdden and 7!olent storm. The wa7es were ro/h" be!n/ blown by the /sts of w!nd. The sea seemed to sha5e" and the boat was be!n/ swam0ed. The ea of 2al!lee !s located !n the northern 0art of the 7alley of the Jordan. It !s abot %N m!les w!de" and #3 m!les north to soth. It !s abot 6&, feet below the le7el of the Med!terranean ea. It !s srronded by h!lls" es0ec!ally h!/h on the east s!de. Mt. ;ermon !s the h!/hest - +",, feet. 4hen cool a!r comes rsh!n/ down between the cl!ffs coll!des the warm mo!st a!rsea abo7e the la5e" 7!olent w!ndsand reslt. Th!s!nto !n trn chrns 0 the fr!osly" blow!n/ and s0lash!n/ the water !nto any boat 0resent. Dr!n/ the tem0est" Jess was sond aslee0. ;e was at 0eace. ;e was ob7!osly 0hys!cally t!red" bt slee0!n/ w!thot worry or fear" com0letely trst!n/ !n the care of the ather. The w!nd" wa7es" the toss!n/ abot of the small f!sh!n/ boat" the water s0lash!n/ !nto the boat" had not awa5ened ;!m. !nally the d!sc!0les" tho/h e:0er!enced seamen" were !n des0erat!on. They were afra!d that the boat was /o!n/ to s!n5 and they wold not be able to sw!m to safety !n the 7!olent sea. It wold seem the!r last ho0e was Jess" yet they" at th!s t!me" cold not ha7e 5nown what ;e was /o!n/ to do. *erse (. They came and wo5e ;!m 0" say!n/" >Lord" sa7e s" we are

+, Lesson * Cont!ned 0er!sh!n/.> *erse 6. ;e sa!d nto them" >4hy are yo fr!/htened" O men of l!ttle fa!thK> ;ow cold they th!n5 they are !n dan/er of los!n/ the!r l!7es" s!nce they were ;!s chosen followers. 1s ;!s followers" they shold ha7e had assrance !n the!r hearts that ;e wold not let any harm come to them. 7en awa5ened !n the m!dst of the 7!olent storm" Jess !s calm and !n no hrry to 9!et the storm. ;e felt !t necessary to admon!sh them m!ldly for the!r fear !n ;!s 0resence. ;e was abot to /!7e them a demonstrat!on of ;!s d!7!ne 0ower and athor!ty that mst sol!d!fy the!r fa!th that ;e !s the on of 2od. >Then he arose" and reb5ed the w!nds and the seaE and there was a /reat calm.> ;e told the w!nds and the water to cease the!r commot!on. Gsally once the w!nds d!e down" !t ta5es the wa7es a lon/er 0er!od to sbs!de and become calm. ?ot so here. oth became calm at the same t!me. It was s0ernatral. *erse %. The d!sc!0les' res0onse$ they were amaAed. They real!Aed that ;!s 0ower was /reater than the!r 0re7!os nderstand!n/. They had seen ;!s athor!ty o7er demons" !llnesses" and ;!s char!smat!c 0ower o7er crowds. ?ow they ha7e e7en seen ;!s athor!ty o7er natral forces
+# Lesson * Cont!ned !nto the herd of sw!ne$ and" behold" the whole herd of sw!ne ran 7!olently down a stee0 0lace !nto the sea" and 0er!shed !n the waters. 33 1nd they that 5e0t them fled" and went the!r ways !nto the c!ty" and told e7ery th!n/" and what was befallen to the 0ossessed of the de7!ls. 3) 1nd" behold" the whole c!ty came ot to meet Jess$ and when they saw h!m" they beso/ht h!m that he wold de0art ot of the!r coasts. +$# 1nd he entered !nto a sh!0" and 0assed o7er" and came !nto h!s own c!ty. *erse &. G0on arr!7!n/ on the o00os!te s!de" !t was the contry of the 2adarenes. It was a re/!on of roc5y h!lls w!th ca7es sed as tombs. 1t th!s 0art!clar locat!on" the cl!ff came down 7ery close to the ed/e of the water. The d!str!ct named hersa was located abot 6 m!les d!a/onally across the sea from Ca0ernam. The h!ll of roc5s w!th many ca7es may st!ll be seen. 1 few m!les soth-east was the c!ty of 2adara" the ca0!tal of the d!str!ct. Th!s 0lace was mostly settled by 2ent!les" as the 5ee0!n/ of 0!/s test!f!es. 4hen Jess and ;!s d!sc!0les ste00ed ashore" they were met by two men. They came rnn!n/ down from the tombs and were clearly 0ossessed. They were a00arently act!n/ f!erce and 7!olent. Mar5 and L5e ment!on only one !n the!r acconts. Matthew ment!ons two. 1 0oss!ble e:0lanat!on !s that one stood ot as the leader" and the most memorable one that Jess dealt w!th. If th!s !s so" then ment!on!n/ the lesser wold not ha7e been seen as necessary. Matthew ment!ons both as a deta!l of /ood memory. In any case" the!r 7!olent beha7!or had made !t !m0oss!ble for anyone to 0ass by the tombs safely. 1 /reat nmber of demons controlled these men and terror!Aed any who came near. *erse +. G0on reco/n!A!n/ Jess" they sddenly be/an scream!n/ lodly$ >4hy do yo bother s" yo son of 2odK D!d yo come here to tortre s before the a00o!nted t!meK> They reco/n!Ae Jess as 2od's Jd/e" and they 5now they ha7e to face @d/ment and be condemned to se7ere 0n!shment for etern!ty. They fear that they are to be tortred 0rematrely. *erses 3,"3#. 4!th!n s!/ht" on a nearby h!lls!de" a lar/e herd of 0!/s was /raA!n/. The demons be//ed Jess to allow them to enter the herd" 5now!n/ ;e was /o!n/ to cast them ot of the men. Mar5 ment!ons the 0!/s' nmbered arond ",,,. They mst as5 0erm!ss!on. The!r reasons were not e:0la!ned" bt they were ob7!osly bent on destrct!on.

+ Lesson * Cont!ned *erse 3. o when Jess /a7e 0erm!ss!on" they came ot of the men and 0ossessed the 0!/s" cas!n/ them all to rn off the cl!ff !nto the sea where they all 0er!shed. That Jess 5new the!r 0lan seems ob7!os. 4hat else cold the demons do w!th the 0!/s to harm hmansK Th!s wold also test the 7ale of the 0!/s com0ared to the 7ale of two men. These men had been nearly tortred to the!r death and had done 7!olence to others" bt were now calm and !n the!r r!/ht m!nds" be!n/ freed by Jess. *erses 33"3). Those that 5e0t the 0!/s fled to the c!ty to tell e7eryth!n/ the fate of the 0!/s and the two men. They were ob7!osly close eno/h to obser7e Jess w!th the now calm men" and the 9!c5ly follow!n/ dramat!c and 7!olent 0ossess!on of the 0!/s" dr!7en to the!r own destrct!on. They feared they wold be held res0ons!ble for the loss of the ",,, 0!/s !n the!r care. They had to con7!nce e7eryone that !t was not them" bt th!s 7!s!tor" Jess" that had cased th!s terr!ble destrct!on. The release of the two men from the demons was only 0art of the story. To them" the f!nanc!al loss was the most !m0ortant fact. 1 /reat crowd of 0eo0le came ot to meet Jess - the whole c!ty" !nd!cat!n/ a /reat nmber. The!r mot!7e soon became clear. They feared any add!t!onal loss of 0ro0erty" so they be//ed ;!m to lea7e the!r d!str!ct. They ha7e no concern abot the two men now healed and bac5 to the!r former sel7es. They are not !m0ressed that Jess had athor!ty to cast the demons ot of the men. They don't reco/n!Ae that Jess cold hel0 them" that ;e cold hel0 the!r s!c5 and 0ossessed. They d!d not 0erce!7e ;!s lo7e and concern for the two men" wh!ch ;e wold also offer to them. They only reacted to what they saw as a threat to the!r 0ro0erty. *erse +$#. Jess d!d as they re9ested" and retrned to the boat. ;e crossed bac5 o7er the sea" to where they had left - Ca0ernam. Mar5 and L5e both ment!on that ;e d!d lea7e them a w!tness. The man who was demon-0ossessed was told to /o home to h!s fam!ly and tell e7eryone what a /reat th!n/ 2od had done for h!m.

+3 Lesson *I Matthew +$-&. The ParalyAed Man.  1nd" behold" they bro/ht to h!m a man s!c5 of the 0alsy" ly!n/ on a bed$ and Jess see!n/ the!r fa!th sa!d nto the s!c5 of the 0alsyE on" be of /ood cheerE thy s!ns be for/!7en thee. 3 1nd" behold" certa!n of the scr!bes sa!d w!th!n themsel7es" Th!s man blas0hemeth. ) 1nd Jess 5now!n/ the!r tho/hts sa!d" 4herefore th!n5 ye e7!l !n yor heartsK ( or whether !s eas!er" to say" Thy s!ns be for/!7en theeE or to say" 1r!se" and wal5K 6 t that ye may 5now that the on of man hath 0ower on earth to for/!7e s!ns"
!s ment!oned. It !s !ns!/n!f!cant com0ared to e7ent !s recorded !n Mar5 $#-# and L5e ($#%They descr!be the crowded hose" the for the!r 0aralyAed fr!end to Jess. The o0en!n/ of

the roof and the lett!n/ down of the man on a 0allet !n front of Jess. Matthew /oes r!/ht to the 0o!nt. 1nd loo5" they bro/ht ;!m a 0aralyAed man ly!n/ on a bed Ta5e cora/e" sonE yor s!ns are for/!7en.> Th!s !s an nsal case. The dramat!c way the man was 0laced !n front of Jess. The com0lete sr0r!se and s!lence of the ad!ence" and the s!lence of the fr!ends and the 0aralyAed man h!mself. Gsally the !ll 0erson or the!r fr!ends or fam!ly wold as5 Jess for hel0. ;ere no words were s0o5en. To Jess no word was necessary. ;e read the!r hearts. They ha7e come !n fa!th and 0lace themsel7es com0letely !n Jess' hands" trst!n/ ;!m w!th the!r fr!end. The 0aralyAed man also does the same. Jess addresses the man as 'son'" a term of endearment. ;e tells h!m to ta5e cora/e or be of /ood cheer. Then follows the

+) Lesson *I Cont!ned reason$ h!s s!ns are for/!7en. Jess 0erce!7ed that the /reatest 0roblem !n th!s man's l!fe was h!s e:treme /!lt concern!n/ h!s s!ns. Th!s was /!7!n/ h!m more 0a!n than h!s 0hys!cal cond!t!on. Jess ths addresses the most ser!os 0roblem f!rst. ome ha7e s//ested that there was a case and effect relat!onsh!0 between the s!ns and the 0aralys!s. !nce th!s !s not clearly stated" anyth!n/ else !s 0re s0eclat!on. L5e's 2os0el /!7es a descr!0t!on of the ad!ence that had con/re/ated arond Jess !n th!s hose. 1mon/ the /eneral 0bl!c were Phar!sees and scr!bes from many 7!lla/es of 2al!lee and Jdea. ome from as far as Jersalem. 4hen Jess 0rononces the 0aralyt!c's s!ns for/!7en" they reasoned w!th!n themsel7es that only 2od has the athor!ty to for/!7e s!n" therefore for Jess to ma5e that cla!m was blas0hemy. Only 2od !s able to read men's hearts and see the!r re0entance. That a man had sch ab!l!ty and athor!ty was nth!n5able. The!r ne:t ste0 !n reason!n/ !s that !t !s easy to say to someone that the!r s!ns are for/!7en" ma!nly becase no one can loo5 at that 0erson and see any chan/e. ?o one bt 2od can see !nto the!r heart" the trth. Therefore Jess cold not 0ro7e what ;e cla!ms to ha7e done. They can ob7!osly @d/e ;!m as a fa5e. *erses )-6. Jess 5new the!r tho/hts and 0rononces the!r th!n5!n/ as e7!l - choos!n/ to bel!e7e l!es rather than the trth. ;e then s0ea5s d!rectly to the!r false reason!n/. They cons!dered !t easy to say" >or s!ns are for/!7en.> That cannot be 0ro7en. t !f ;e sa!d" >2et 0 and wal5"> e!ther the man wold /et 0" or not. 7eryone cold see whether Jess has the 0ower to heal" and ths also 0ro7e that ;e had 0ower and athor!ty to for/!7en s!ns. Jess !s 9est!on!n/ the!r real mot!7es for com!n/. ;ad they not come to f!nd falt" to f!nd any way to accse ;!m and sto0 ;!s m!n!stryK In effect" Jess 0roceeds to show them 2et 0" ta5e yor bed" and /o home.> *erse %. 1nd he /ot 0 and went home. The man bel!e7ed and trsted Jess w!th h!s l!fe" so when Jess s0o5e" the man obeyed w!thot hes!tat!on. 4e can only !ma/!ne the aston!shed faces of the crowd" as they watched the man /et 0" ta5e 0 h!s bed" and lea7e. ?ow no one cold cast any dobt !n that crowded hose. The react!on of the accsers !s not recorded by any 2os0el wr!ter. 1s later e7ents 0ro7ed" they 5e0t s!lent abot th!s m!racle and became e7en more host!le toward Jess.

+( Lesson *I Cont!ned *erse &. The react!on of the rest of the ad!ence was a00ro0r!ate to what they had w!tnessed. They were awestrc5" aston!shed" astonded. The!r res0onse also !nclded the o7erwhelm!n/ des!re to /lor!fy 2od" for only from ;!m cold come sch m!raclos 0ower for /ood. 100arently" they at th!s t!me acce0ted the 0ower /!7en to 'a man'. They d!d not /ras0 the mean!n/ when Jess referred to ;!mself as the on of Man. They only /l!m0sed the d!7!n!ty and /lory of Jess as the n!9e and only One to e7er ha7e th!s 0ower and athor!ty w!th!n ;!mself as the 7ery on of 2od. Matthew +$+-#3. The Call of Matthew. +  1nd as Jess 0assed forth from thence" he saw Matthew" s!tt!n/ at the rece!0t of cstom$ and he ollow me. 1nd he arose" and followed h!m. #,  1nd !t came to 0ass" as Jess sat at meat !n many 0bl!cans and s!nners came and sat down w!th d!sc!0les.

a man" named sa!th nto h!m" the hose" behold" h!m and h!s

## 1nd when the Phar!sees saw !t" they sa!d nto h!s d!sc!0les" 4hy eateth yor master w!th 0bl!cans and s!nnersK # t when Jess heard that" he sa!d nto them" They that be whole need not a 0hys!c!an" bt they that are s!c5. #3 t /o ye and learn what that meaneth" I w!ll ha7e mercy" and not sacr!f!ce$ for I am not come to call the r!/hteos" bt s!nners to re0entance. *erse +. Becorded !n Mar5 and L5e also" after the heal!n/ of the 0aralyAed man" !s the call!n/ of Matthew. Th!s also too5 0lace !n Ca0ernam. 1s ;e was 0ass!n/ on from there" Jess saw a man named Matthew" s!tt!n/ at the ta: off!ce. Jess sa!d to h!m" follow me. Mar5 ment!ons that th!s was on the road near the seashore. The cstom hose" or booth" was there to collect tar!ff on /oods be!n/ carr!ed alon/ the h!/hway between yr!a and /y0t. Ths was Matthew occ0!ed when Jess s0o5e to h!m. ;!s res0onse - he /ot 0 and followed Jess. Matthew records what he d!d" ma5!n/ no cla!m for h!mself or what he was /!7!n/ 0. 4!thot dobt" we may assme that he had heard" or heard abot" 0oss!bly e7en w!tnessed Jess' m!n!stry !n Ca0ernam. The fact that he already had fa!th !n Jess and had /!7en h!s heart to ;!m !s 0ro7ed by h!s n9est!on!n/ res0onse to Jess' call. The se of the name Le7! !n Mar5 and L5e s//ests that he had two names" as was common at the t!me
+6 Lesson *I Cont!ned the name was later re0laced w!th Matthew" the 0bl!can. ;e wold ha7e both lan/a/e s5!lls and wr!t!n/ 0rof!c!ency. ;e a00ears to ha7e been hmble" and rarely s0o5e. ?o 2os0el records h!s say!n/ anyth!n/. Others are recorded as s0ea5!n/" Peter most fre9ently. That he was an acte obser7er" and record 5ee0er" lea7e s all !n h!s debt. In the follow!n/ e7ent" Matthew modestly does not ment!on that he !s the one who 0re0ared a /reat ban9et for Jess at h!s home" and h!s fellow 0bl!cans were !n7!ted. L5e records these deta!ls. *erse #,. Matthew ta5es !t 0 !n the hose. It has been s//ested that th!s was a ban9et !n Jess' honor as well as a farewell to Matthew's former l!fe. ;e !n7!tes all of h!s fellow ta: collectors" and 0eo0le of low re0tat!on It !s not those who are healthy that need a doctor" bt those who are !ll.> 1s the rel!/!os leaders" the Phar!sees were not res0ons!ble to lead" and teach" and hel0 those they cons!dered less than themsel7es. Jess descr!bed ;!mself as a 0hys!c!an" reach!n/ ot to those !n need" es0ec!ally s0!r!tally. In order to do th!s" ;e mst be close to them. *erse #3. Jess has a s//est!on for ;!s rel!/!os cr!t!cs$ >2o and learn what !s meant by$ I des!re mercy and not sacr!f!ce.> <rom ;osea 6$6.= To br!n/ sacr!f!ces was a hollow formal!sm" !f men were m!streat!n/ the!r fellows and ths d!sres0ect!n/ 2od and ;!s Law.

+% Lesson *I Cont!ned Lo7e thy ne!/hbor as thyself" shows lo7e and than5flness to 2od. Jess f!n!shes the tho/ht$ >or I d!d not come to call rel!/!os 0eo0le" bt s!nners.> The call !s to s!nners for re0entance and to acce0t Jess as Lord and a7!or. Tho/h the !n7!tat!on /oes ot to many" not all w!ll acce0t !t. Matthew $#) - >or many are called" bt few chosen.> al7at!on does not de0end on man's w!ll. It !s only by the /race of 2od and the /!ft of fa!th that anyone can acce0t the 2os0el and the eternal sal7at!on !t br!n/s
+& Lesson *I Cont!ned *erse #(. Jess e:0la!ns that there !s no morn!n/ at th!s t!me for ;!s d!sc!0les. ;e ses the e:am0le of a wedd!n/. Jess !s the br!de/room" and ;!s d!sc!0les are ;!s attendants. e7eral t!mes !n cr!0tre" th!s relat!on of br!de and br!de/room descr!bes that of the chosen 0eo0le and Jeho7ah" of the chrch and Chr!st. 1lways !t means the closest bond of lo7e. In call!n/ ;!s d!sc!0les ;!s attendants" Jess was descr!b!n/ the!r role at th!s t!me$ they were the /room's fr!ends and were to do e7eryth!n/ to arran/e for the necess!t!es of the fest!7!t!es. To be fast!n/ !n 0re0arat!on for a wedd!n/ was r!d!clos. Jess was 0rocla!m!n/ the 2ood ?ews to the 0eo0le do!n/ m!racles of heal!n/ and mercy" teach!n/ abot 2od's lo7e and for/!7eness. Only @oy and celebrat!on can be the res0onse. Then" Jess 0rononces the 0red!ct!on of ;!s nt!mely death. ;e !s to be ta5en away from them. Then they shall fast. They shall !ndeed e:0er!ence dee0 sorrow" bt not of lon/ drat!on. 4hat Jess was do!n/ was totally new" ne7er seen before !n the world - or e7er s!nce. 7eryth!n/ ;e bro/ht was trth" lo7e" l!fe" s0!r!t" 0eace" @oy" release" health and words of for/!7eness and sal7at!on. ;ow can th!s e7er relate to the s0erf!c!al and 0r!defl trad!t!ons of the self-r!/hteosK >They /o to/ether as well as$> Jess ses e:am0les from da!ly l!fe to em0has!Ae the d!fference. Th!n/s that anyone w!th 0ract!cal e:0er!ence wold 5now. *erse #6. 4!th cloth" es0ec!ally wool" !f a new 0!ece of nshrn5 cloth !s sewn to an old /arment" then the /arment !s washed" the new 0!ece w!ll shr!n5 and 0ll to 0!eces the cloth !t was sewn to. Th!s dama/es the /arment more than the or!/!nal tear or hole. *erse #%. 1 d!fferent e:am0le w!th the same messa/e. 4!ne was stored !n w!nes5!ns of shee0 or /oat. Old w!nes5!ns become dr!ed ot and st!ff. If new w!ne was 0t !n one" as the w!ne fermented !t wold 0t e:0and!n/ 0ressre on the s5!n and end 0 s0l!tt!n/ !t. The w!ne wold 0or ot and be wasted" and the s5!n wold be of no frther se. 7eryone 5nows better than that. ?ew w!ne mst ha7e a new w!nes5!n that !s fle:!ble and w!ll stretch as the 0ressre !ncreases. oth are therefore 0reser7ed. Jess cold not and wold not be forced !nto the old strat!f!ed man-made trad!t!ons of the Phar!sees. 4hat ;e came to earth to do was totally new" and d!rectly from 2od. It was and cont!nes to be 2ood ?ews. It mst ne7er be encmbered by le/al!st!c" r!tal!st!c" trad!t!ons of men
++ Lesson *I Cont!ned 0leases 2od" and therefore they are earn!n/ the!r own t!c5et to hea7en. There!n l!es the s!n of 0r!de. Th!s chan/es the focs on self rather than Jess. ?e:t" Ba!s!n/ of Ja!rs' Da/hter.

#,, Lesson *II Matthew +$#&-(. The Bler's Da/hter. #&  4h!le he s0a5e these th!n/s nto them" behold" there came a certa!n rler" and worsh!00ed h!m" say!n/" My da/hter !s e7en now dead$ bt come and lay thy hand 0on her" and she shall l!7e. #+ 1nd Jess arose" and followed h!m" and so d!d h!s d!sc!0les. , 1nd" behold" a woman" wh!ch was d!seased w!th an !sse of blood twel7e years" came beh!nd h!m" and toched the hem of h!s /arment$ # for she sa!d w!th!n herself" If I may bt toch h!s /arment" I shall be whole.  t Jess trned h!m abot" and when he saw her" he sa!d" Da/hter" be of /ood comfortE thy fa!th hath made thee whole. 1nd the woman was made whole from that hor. 3 1nd when Jess came !nto the rler's hose" and saw the m!nstrels and the 0eo0le ma5!n/ a no!se" ) he sa!d nto them" 2!7e 0lace$ for the ma!d !s not dead" bt slee0eth. 1nd they la/hed h!m to scorn. ( t when the 0eo0le were 0t forth" he went !n" and too5 her by the hand" and the ma!d arose. *erse #&. Th!s e7ent ta5es 0lace wh!le Jess was st!ll address!n/ the /ro0 abot fast!n/. 1n elder of the syna/o/e has come 0 to Jess and 5nelt before h!m. Mar5 and L5e ment!on h!s name as Ja!rs. Matthew's accont !s shorter than Mar5 and L5e's. It has + 7erses" com0ared to Mar5's ( and L5e's #%. Matthew ta5es 0 the story after the da/hter has d!ed. y 5neel!n/ before Jess" the man showed dee0 res0ect and s00l!cat!on. ;e a00ealed to Jess for hel0 far beyond what anyone else had. Ob7!osly he had arr!7ed at a dee0 fa!th !n who Jess was" for he was as5!n/ for a m!racle Jess had so far not 0erformed" namely ra!s!n/ someone from he dead. ;e e:0resses h!s fa!th by say!n/" >come and lay thy hand 0on her" and she shall l!7e.> The toch of Jess has the 0ower of 2od to l!fe. *erse #+. 1t once" Jess went w!th the man" alon/ w!th the d!sc!0les. *erses ,"#. 1n !nterr0t!on of the @orney. Tho/h Jess was !nterr0ted many t!mes dr!n/ ;!s m!n!stry" ;e e7ery t!me sed !t as an o00ortn!ty for reach!n/ ot and bless!n/ - e7en the one who !nterr0ted. 4hat an e:am0le to follow. o here" the woman came 0 from beh!nd" ob7!osly so that she wold not be not!ced" not w!sh!n/ to sto0 Jess as ;e wal5ed. he !s descr!bed as !n ser!os d!stress" ha7!n/ endred # years of bleed!n/" whether constant or 0er!od!c. ?o 0hys!c!an had been able to

#,# Lesson *II Cont!ned hel0 her. Mar5 ment!ons that she had s0ent all she had try!n/ to /et hel0. The !sse of blood also made her ceremon!ally nclean" and therefore ntochable" nor was she able to toch another" thereby ma5!n/ them nclean also. he was /o!n/ to only toch one of the tassels at the corner of ;!s oter robe Da/hter" be of /ood comfortE thy fa!th hath made thee whole.> Instantly she reco7ered her health. ;e endear!n/ly addresses her as >da/hter>. ;e ac5nowled/es her fa!th and tells her ;!s res0onse to her fa!th was to cre her affl!ct!on !nstantly. The em0has!s was on ;!s res0onse - not the toch!n/ of the tassel. Th!s !s to 0re7ent any s0erst!t!os 7ale !n cloth!n/. The acconts !n Mar5 and L5e ment!on that ;!s 0bl!c reco/n!t!on of her heal!n/ was for her benef!t" that she m!/ht a/a!n be 0rononced clean" and re-!ntrodced !nto re/lar soc!ety and rel!/!os l!fe. 1lso she now had a 0owerfl story to share" of what Jess had done for her" and cold be a bless!n/ to all she met. *erses 3"). The @orney cont!ned to the rler's hose. G0on a00roach they heard the no!sy crowd" wh!ch wold ha7e !nclded 0rofess!onal morners. ;ere also fltes were heard. Of necess!ty" br!al mst be done soon after death" and the morners had come w!th /reat commot!on" and lod wee0!n/ and wa!l!n/. The fact that the man was wealthy only bro/ht more 0eo0le and more no!se. Jess told them to lea7e. ?ot only was all th!s !ns!ncere" bt also !m0ro0er" and nnecessary. Jess tells them the /!rl !s not dead" bt aslee0. ;e s0ea5s from ;!s own 0o!nt of 7!ew" 5now!n/ what ;e was abot to do. rom ;!s 0ers0ect!7e" ;e cons!dered her aslee0 becase ;e was abot to wa5e her 0 - bac5 !nto the realm of the l!7!n/. In the same way ;e descr!bed LaAars as ha7!n/ fallen aslee0
#, Lesson *II Cont!ned *erse (. These e:tras were e:0elled. Jess /oes !nto the room where the dead ch!ld !s ly!n/. The 0arents" Peter" James" and John were the only others 0resent. Matthew records the e7ent !n few words. Jess entered !n" too5 her by the hand" and the /!rl /ot 0. The rler had as5ed Jess to merely toch her bt ;e ta5es her by the hand" and 7ery tenderly tells her that !t !s t!me to wa5e 0" to /et 0" as a 0arent wold awa5en the!r ch!ld e7ery morn!n/.
#,3 Lesson *II Cont!ned laborers !nto h!s har7est. *erse %. On the same day" after lea7!n/ the rler's hose" two bl!nd men were follow!n/ Jess. They were call!n/ ot to ;!m to ha7e mercy 0on them" and call!n/ ;!m on of Da7!d. Th!s t!tle had at th!s t!me become synonymos w!th Mess!ah - the earthly" nat!onal!st!c one to del!7er them from the Boman rle. Jess !/nores them" a00arently not want!n/ to ac5nowled/e that t!tle at that t!me" for what they meant by !t. *erse &. It was not nt!l ;e /oes !ns!de a hose that ;e /!7es them ;!s nd!7!ded attent!on. There has been some s0eclat!on abot the hose. The s!m0lest and most reasonable e:0lanat!on why Matthew /oes !nto no deta!l abot whose hose !t was !s becase that !s !ns!/n!f!cant. 4hat !s !m0ortant !s what Jess sa!d and d!d. 4hether !t was someone's home ;e has been !n7!ted !nto" or whether !t !s a hose lent to ;!m" or 0ro7!ded for Jess' se" ma5es no d!fference. The bl!nd men a00roach ;!m" and Jess as5s !f they bel!e7e ;e !s able to do th!s. They re0ly" >es" Lord.> *erse +. ;e toched the!r eyes" say!n/" let !t be done for them accord!n/ to the!r fa!th. a!th bro/ht !s fa!th e:erc!sed. *erse 3,. The!r eyes were o0ened. ;eal!n/ 0ower bro/ht !nstant s!/ht. 1s ;e had 0re7!osly done" Jess sternly warned them to 5ee0 !t 9!et. 1s before stated <&$)=" Jess d!d not want to be only tho/ht of as an enterta!ner - show!n/ s!/ns and wonders. ;e also d!d not want ;!s 0ower !n do!n/ m!racles to lead 0eo0le to 0sh ;!m toward earthly concerns - to be sed a/a!nst the Boman o00ressors as they bel!e7ed the Mess!ah was s00osed to do. The 0ath to the cross mst rema!n on !ts d!7!nely 0lanned t!metable. *erse 3#. t when they left" as one wold natrally e:0ect" they s0read the news. The!r e:c!tement and @oy made !t hmanly !m0oss!ble to h!de. The 0eo0le they cold now see wold also 9est!on them abot how th!s was 0oss!ble - sch a /reat m!racle. 4old we not ha7e done the sameK *erse 3. One /ro0 lea7es" another ta5es the!r 0lace. ?ow a demon0ossessed 0erson was bro/ht to ;!m. Th!s 0erson was nable to s0ea5 Demon 0ossess!on always descr!bes the cond!t!on of an e7!l s0!r!t

#,) Lesson *II Cont!ned ha7!n/ ta5en o7er control of a 0erson's body. Th!s s0!r!t can affl!ct and harm the 0erson" cas!n/ them to ha7e con7ls!ons" or to not be able to tal5 or see. They can also tal5 thro/h the 7o!ce of the 0ossessed 0erson. Th!s !s not to be confsed w!th 0hys!cal !llnesses or cond!t!ons" or e7en mental ones. Jess cold always s0!r!tally d!scern the 0resence of these s0!r!tal be!n/s" the a/ents of satan h!mself. *erse 33. 4hen th!s demon had been cast ot" the man was able to s0ea5. The crowd's react!on was tter amaAement" and e:0ressed the tho/ht that ne7er has anyth!n/ l!5e th!s been seen !n Israel. 4hether they had also seen the 0re7!os heal!n/ !s not clear bt wold certa!nly re!nforce th!s react!on. 4hat Jess d!d was totally new !n the world. Many atroc!t!es had been seen" bt One 4ho d!d m!racles of mercy" heal!n/" and tenderness had ne7er been seen. *erse 3). The en7!os rel!/!os leaders had the o00os!te react!on" only want!n/ to d!scred!t and accse Jess of the o00os!te mot!7e
#,( Lesson *II Cont!ned cond!t!on. 1s the 2ood he0herd" ;e w!shed to br!n/ them !nto ;!s fold. Jess des!res to share these tho/hts w!th ;!s d!sc!0les and let them 5now the!r role !n th!s m!n!stry. *erses 3%"3&. To ;!s d!sc!0les" Jess descr!bes the har7est as 0lent!fl. ;e has seen the /reat mlt!tdes !n /reat need of 2od's messa/e. t the laborers are few. t!ll /reat mlt!tdes need to hear 2od's messa/e" and st!ll those who labor for 2od !n s0!r!t and !n trth are few. 4hat Jess tells the d!sc!0les !s also or best ad7!ce as to what we mst do >Pray ye therefore the Lord of the har7est" that he w!ll send forth laborers !nto h!s har7est.> The se of the term har7est carr!es the mean!n/ of the necessary t!me to br!n/ !n the cro0s at the!r 0ea5 of r!0eness. It also 0o!nts to the necess!ty of no delay" that no 0art of the cro0 be lost. The state of the 0eo0le demanded !mmed!ate attent!on" or else they wold d!e !n the!r s!ns and be lost fore7er. The term" the lost hose of Israel" comes to m!nd. The har7est !s the Lord's. It !s trly ;!s des!re that 0eo0le shold come to ;!m and bel!e7e" that ;e w!shes to /!7e them lo7e" mercy" 0eace" for/!7eness" @oy" and eternal l!fe w!th ;!m. The 0assa/es of cr!0tre that teach th!s are fond thro/hot both Testaments. To l!st a few$ Bomans #,$#"#E ##$3E I Cor!nth!ans +$E I T!mothy #$#(E Be7elat!on 3$,-.

#,6 Lesson *III Matthew #,$#-#6. Char/e to the #. # 1nd when he had called nto h!m h!s twel7e d!sc!0les" he /a7e them 0ower a/a!nst nclean s0!r!ts" to cast them ot" and to heal all manner of s!c5ness and all manner of d!sease.  ?ow the names of the twel7e a0ostles are theseE The f!rst" !mon" who !s called Peter" and 1ndrew h!s brotherE James the son of Feb'edee" and John h!s brotherE 3 Ph!l!0" and artholomewE Thomas" and Matthew the 0bl!canE James the son of 1l'0hes" and Lebbe's" whose srname was Thad'desE )!mon the Canaan!te" and Jdas Iscar'!-ot" who also betrayed h!m. (  These twel7e Jess sent forth" and commanded them" say!n/" 2o not !nto the way of the 2ent!les" and !nto any c!ty of the amar!tans enter ye not$ 6 bt /o rather to the lost shee0 of the hose of Israel. % 1nd as ye /o" 0reach" say!n/" The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s at hand. & ;eal the s!c5" cleanse the le0ers" ra!se the dead" cast ot de7!ls$ freely ye ha7e rece!7ed" freely /!7e. + Pro7!de ne!ther /old" nor s!l7er" nor brass !n yor 0rsesE #, nor scr!0 for yor @orney" ne!ther two coats" ne!ther shoes" nor yet sta7es$ for the wor5man !s worthy of h!s meat. ## 1nd !nto whatsoe7er c!ty or town ye shall enter" !n9!re who !n !t !s worthyE and there ab!de t!ll ye /o thence. # 1nd when ye come !nto a hose" salte !t. #3 1nd !f the hose be worthy" let yor 0eace come 0on !t$ bt !f !t be not worthy" let yor 0eace retrn to yo. #) 1nd whosoe7er shall not rece!7e yo" nor hear yor words" when ye de0art ot of that hose or c!ty" sha5e off the dst of yor feet. #( *er!ly I say nto yo" It shall be more tolerable for the land of odom and 2omor'rah !n the day of @d/ment" than for that c!ty. #6 ehold" I send yo forth as shee0 !n the m!dst of wol7es$ be ye therefore w!se as ser0ents" and harmless as do7es. *erse #. Introdces the follow!n/ char/e. Jess calls them to/ether and /!7es them the d!7!ne 0ower to heal and cast ot e7!l s0!r!ts. *erses -). Th!s !s a l!st of the #. Then (-)" the char/e. They are f!rst told where to /o" what to say" and what to do. 1lso what 0ro7!s!on to be/!n w!th" and where they are to stay. 4hat be/!ns !n 7erse #6-)" cont!nes the char/e w!th added 0ro0het!c descr!0t!ons that w!ll only be flf!lled after Pentecost. They are warned abot the dramat!c d!fferent res0onses$ those that acce0t and those that w!ll not s!m0ly re@ect !t" bt also b!tterly 0ersecte those that carry the 2os0el to the 0eo0le. or some th!s wold lead to the!r death" e7en as the!r Lord was 0t to death. The!r res0onse mst be

#,% Lesson *III Cont!ned com0lete trst !n 2od" the stren/th to 0erse7ere" and conf!dence !n 2od's w!ll for them" whether !n l!fe or death. The!r reward w!ll be 5e0t for them !n hea7en. Matthew be/!ns w!th the l!st of the #. It !s natrally assmed that they had earl!er been chosen as 10ostles. L5e 6$# records that e7ent as ha7!n/ ta5en 0lace @st before the ermon on the Mont. The t!me !s now most l!5ely later dr!n/ the same smmer arond & 1.D. They are to be sent on a m!ss!onary @orney. The cho!ce of the nmber # s//ests a connect!on w!th the # brethren tr!bes of the Chosen Peo0le. 1s trly as Jess re0resents the ather and has ;!s 0ower and athor!ty" !n l!5e manner the # re0resent the on and are dele/ated ;!s 0ower and athor!ty. These become the 0roofs of the!r be!n/ the tre ambassadors of Chr!st. The #. . 3.

names of the # 10ostles$ !mon" called Peter" and 1ndrew" h!s brother. James and

). (. 6. %. &. +. #,. ##. #.

John" sons of Febedee. Ph!l!0 and artholomew
These names are l!sted for t!mes !n the cr!0tres. Matthew #,$-)E Mar5 3$#6-#+E L5e 6$#)-#6E 1cts #$#3" 6 - also ment!ons the re0lacement of Jdas by Matth!as. 1ll l!sts ha7e Peter f!rst and Jdas last. The most 0rom!nent and best 5nown as well as the f!rst called are the f!rst for. 2o!n/ down the l!st" less and less !s 5nown. It seems that the a0ostles frther down the l!st were called 0on by Jess later. ;owe7er" th!s !s a /eneral obser7at!on. ?o !nd!cat!on !n any l!st !s /!7en for the order of the names. The connect!on of the names by and !nto 0a!rs s//ests that these were the 0a!rs sent ot by Jess on th!s m!ss!onary tor. The !nd!7!dals$ what we 5now. #. Peter$ Or!/!nal name" !mon
#,& Lesson *III Cont!ned 2os0el" leader of the be/!nn!n/ chrch. Two e0!stles bear h!s name. . 1ndrew" also a f!sherman" and Peter's brother" who had bro/ht h!m to meet Jess. 3"). James and John" brothers" sons of Febedee. They are ment!oned many t!mes !n all the 2os0els. ecase of the!r f!ery natre" Jess called them >sons of thnder> My Lord and my 2od.> &. Matthew the 0bl!can. Deta!ls on h!m were 0re7!osly recorded <+$+=. +. James" son of 1l0haes. Mar5 #($), calls h!m James the less" mean!n/ yon/er" or shorter" or less !m0ortant than John's brother by the same name. Th!s des!/nat!on !s ne7er e:0la!ned. It has been s//ested that h!s mother was named Mary" one of Jess' s00orters who followed ;!m" and stood near the cross the Fealot>. Canannean - 1rama!c term !nd!cated an e:trem!st. 1 0arty called the Fealots who 0lotted and wor5ed toward rebell!on a/a!nst the hated Boman occ0at!on. #. Jdas Iscar!ot
#,+ Lesson *III Cont!ned treasrer and was also a th!ef !s recorded more than once. ;!s f!nal reason for betrayal seems to ha7e been com0lete frstrat!on and d!sa00o!ntment !n the fact that Jess was not trn!n/ !nto the 0owerfl and 7!ctor!os 0ol!t!cal leader that wold o7erthrow the Boman yo5e that the e:0ected Mess!ah was s00osed to do. Jess was do!n/ the o00os!te. ;e was mee5" ma5!n/ no !nc!t!n/ statements a/a!nst the Bomans. ;e was not ra!s!n/ an army or ma5!n/ 0lans to ta5e o7er anyth!n/. ;e was /o!n/ arond and heal!n/" and 0reach!n/ lo7e and for/!7eness - e7en toward one's enem!es. Jdas was only !nterested !n h!s own /a!n and !m0ortance r!/ht 0 to the end. It !s a remar5able test!mony that these men" 9!te normal" fall!ble" com0letely d!fferent !n o0!n!on and tem0eraments" were yet chosen by Jess. It !s also remar5able that by be!n/ w!th ;!m" they learned and matred and /rew stron/ !n the!r fa!th and were the fondat!on of ;!s Chrch. 1ll cred!t /oes to the ma@est!c 0resence" lo7!n/ heart" and s0!r!tal 0ower of Jess. ;!s 0rayer for them recorded !n John cha0ter #% shows ;!s lo7e and care for them to the ttermost. *erses ("6. These # were sent ot after the follow!n/ !nstrct!ons$ to the lost shee0 of the ;ose of Israel f!rstE don't /o to any dwell!n/ 0lace of 2ent!les or amar!tans. The 2os0el or!/!nated !n the death and resrrect!on !n Jersalem. The 2os0el mst s0read from there. Th!s was 2od's eternal 0lan" re7ealed !n Old Testament 0ro0hec!es" es0ec!ally Isa!ah )+$6E ()$#-3E 1mos +$##"#. Th!s was conf!rmed !n the ?ew Testament !n 1cts #$)%E #($#6-#&E 2alat!ans )$). The restr!ct!on was tem0orary and wold later be l!fted to s0read the 2os0el to all nat!ons. The offer was to the Jews f!rst" and th!s was Matthew's ad!ence. ;e em0has!Aes the 0r!7!le/es they ha7e had - all the Old Testament 0ro0hec!es concern!n/ the Mess!ah as well as the teach!n/ of the sacr!f!c!al system. They were the f!rst ones to hear and see Chr!st's wor5!n/ amon/ them and they were the f!rst to be offered entrance !nto 2od's 5!n/dom by fa!th !n ;!s on. *erses %"&. 1s they /o" they are to 0reach that the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s at hand. Th!s be/an w!th John the a0t!st" then Jess" now ;!s a0ostles. The messa/e was the new o00ortn!ty to acce0t 2od as the!r 0ersonal 5!n/" to re!/n !n the!r hearts and l!7es. Chr!st and now ;!s a0ostles were to 0rocla!m th!s and show 2od's lo7e and mercy and for/!7eness nto reconc!l!at!on by the follow!n/$ ;eal!n/ the s!c5" ra!s!n/ the dead" cleanse the le0ers" and cast!n/ ot the demons. 1s freely as they
##, Lesson *III Cont!ned no tho/ht of the!r own ad7anta/e - for fame or money. That th!s was accom0l!shed sccessflly !s recorded mostly !n Mar5" L5e" and the 1cts as they were>. 1 new staff or wal5!n/ st!c5 !s not needed e!ther. The /!7en reason$ the wor5er !s ent!tled to h!s s00ort. The obl!/at!on !s on those who rece!7e them and the!r messa/e of 2ood ?ews from 2od. Those 7!s!ted are to s00ly the!r 0hys!cal needs !n /rat!tde for the s0!r!tal bless!n/ they ha7e rece!7ed." cr!0tre teaches th!s !n both TestamentsE Deteronomy ($)E I Cor!nth!ans +$%"#). Pal records h!s o0!n!on 0o!ntedly !n I Thessalon!ans $+. 2od's 0eo0le w!ll 0ro7!de shelter and food for ;!s messen/ers. *erse ##. 4hene7er they enter a c!ty or 7!lla/e" they are to see5 for someone who !s deser7!n/ whose heart !s o0en and fears 2od. The f!rst 0lace they are !n7!ted !n !s to be the only 0lace they are to stay. It can be assmed that 0on arr!7!n/" the a0ostles wold f!rst 0reach !n the o0en - a street corner" the mar5et s9are" 0erha0s !n the local syna/o/e. 1mon/ the l!steners" !t wold soon become a00arent who was /ladly acce0t!n/ the!r messa/e. 1t that t!me and 0lace" there was l!ttle accommodat!on for tra7elers. There was a lon/ and res0ected trad!t!on of hos0!tal!ty. 7eryone who had to tra7el wold need th!s 5!nd of hel0 alon/ the way. Th!s has also come down to s as an e:0ected beha7!or for all Chr!st!ans Peace to yo>. Th!s was call!n/ 0on 2od's bless!n/ on that home and fam!ly. That they acce0ted the 7!s!tors w!th bel!e7!n/ hearts meant that 2od's 0eace wold be freely /!7en to them.

### Lesson *III Cont!ned On the other hand" !f the fam!ly d!d not rece!7e them w!th o0en hearts" bt w!th ss0!c!on and hes!tat!on" then let the bless!n/ be w!thheld$ >let yor 0eace retrn to yo.> *erse #(. If anyone w!ll not rece!7e yor words or e7en l!sten" don't waste yor t!me. 1s we wold say" w!0e yor hands of that 0lace. The s!/n of that t!me was to sha5e the dst off yor feet. The Jews had ado0ted the cstom" that before re-enter!n/ the ;oly Land from heathen terr!tory" they wold sha5e the dst off the!r sandals and cloth!n/ to remo7e the nclean d!rt wh!ch they felt wold also ma5e them and what they toched ceremon!ally nclean. y ;!s statement" Jess !s say!n/ that !f e7en a Jew!sh home or c!ty refses to hear the 2os0el" they were to be cons!dered nclean. To dramat!cally em0has!Ae the eternal conse9ences of sch a 0lace's re@ect!on of the 2os0el" Jess says the 0n!shment of sch a 0lace w!ll be worse by far than the 0n!shment reser7ed for the !nhab!tants of the w!c5ed c!t!es of odom and 2omorrah. Th!s also clearly lets the 10ostles 5now that they w!ll w!th certa!nty meet sch o00os!t!on and re@ect!on - and somet!mes worse. *erse #6. Th!s ma5es the tre 0!ctre clearer. Jess sa!d !t was l!5e send!n/ ot shee0 !n the m!dst of wol7es. t !t mst be remembered that !t !s Jess 4ho sends them ot. 1s shee0" they see5 to f!nd the lost shee0 of the hose of Israel. t there w!ll be dan/er. The others" called wol7es" are not !n char/e. 1s Chr!st's comm!ss!oned re0resentat!7es" they w!ll be nder ;!s 0rotect!on. To /o on the!r own !n the!r own stren/th" they wold be hel0less. They w!ll st!ll ha7e res0ons!b!l!ty to be$ >5een as the ser0ents and /!leless as the do7es.> The cat!on of a ser0ent as a hman 9al!ty 0o!nts to carefl awareness of one's srrond!n/s" and cat!on" common sense" and w!sdom !n dec!s!ons abot 0eo0le" 0lace" and t!me. One mst determ!ne what act!ons w!ll ach!e7e the best reslts. 17o!d dan/er and threat of confrontat!on" where only harm can reslt. The /!leless do7e was the symbol of 0r!ty" mee5ness" /entleness. o the!r act!ons and words are to be totally of a 0eacefl and 0os!t!7e character. They are to e:h!b!t 5!ndness" and mee5ness. 4e remember that the do7e was the form of the ;oly 0!r!t descend!n/ 0on Jess at ;!s ba0t!sm by John. The mst be carefl and 0re. Th!s manner was followed by Pal" as h!s letters re7eal" as well as h!s ad7!ce to others$ 1cts )$#6E I Thessalon!ans ($E ($#)"#(. ?e:t" the tho/ht cont!nes as Jess descr!bes the >wol7es>.

## Lesson *III Cont!ned Matthew #,-#%-). The Char/e Cont!ned. #% t beware of men$ for they w!ll del!7er yo 0 to the conc!ls" and they w!ll scor/e yo !n the!r syna/o/esE #& and ye shall be bro/ht before /o7ernors and 5!n/s for my sa5e" for a test!mony a/a!nst them and the 2ent!les. #+ t when they del!7er yo 0" ta5e no tho/ht how or what ye shall s0ea5$ for !t shall be /!7en yo !n that same hor what ye shall s0ea5. , or !t !s not ye that s0ea5" bt the 0!r!t of yor ather wh!ch s0ea5eth !n yo. # 1nd the brother shall del!7er 0 the brother to death" and the father the ch!ld$ and the ch!ldren shall r!se 0 a/a!nst the!r 0arents" and case them to be 0t to death.  1nd ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sa5e$ bt he that endreth to the end shall be sa7ed. 3 t when they 0ersecte yo !n th!s c!ty" flee ye !nto another$ for 7er!ly I say nto yo" e shall not ha7e /one o7er the c!t!es of Israel" t!ll the on of man be come. )  The d!sc!0le !s not abo7e h!s master" nor the ser7ant abo7e h!s lord. ( It !s eno/h for the d!sc!0le that he be as h!s master" and the ser7ant as h!s lord. If they ha7e called the master of the hose eel'Aebb" how mch more shall they call them of h!s hoseholdK 6  ear them not therefore$ for there !s noth!n/ co7ered" that shall not be re7ealedE and h!d" that shall not be 5nown. % 4hat I tell yo !n dar5ness" that s0ea5 ye !n l!/ht$ and what ye hear !n the ear" that 0reach ye 0on the hoseto0s. & 1nd fear not them wh!ch 5!ll the body" bt are not able to 5!ll the sol$ bt rather fear h!m wh!ch !s able to destroy both sol and body !n hell. + 1re not two s0arrows sold for a farth!n/K and one of them shall not fall on the /rond w!thot yor ather. 3, t the 7ery ha!rs of yor head are all nmbered. 3# ear ye not therefore" ye are of more 7ale than many s0arrows. 3 4hosoe7er therefore shall confess me before men" h!m w!ll I confess also before my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en. 33 t whosoe7er shall deny me before men" h!m w!ll I also deny before my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en. 3)  Th!n5 not that I am come to send 0eace on earth$ I came not to send 0eace" bt a sword. 3( or I am come to set a man at 7ar!ance a/a!nst h!s father" and the da/hter a/a!nst her mother" and the da/hter-!n-law a/a!nst her mother-!n-law. 36 1nd a man's foes shall be they of h!s own hosehold. 3% ;e that lo7eth father or mother more than me !s not worthy of me$ and he that lo7eth son or da/hter more than me !s not worthy of me.

##3 Lesson *III Cont!ned 3& 1nd he that ta5eth not h!s cross" and followeth after me" !s not worthy of me. 3+ ;e that f!ndeth h!s l!fe shall lose !t$ and he that loseth h!s l!fe for my sa5e shall f!nd !t. ),  ;e that rece!7eth yo rece!7eth meE and he that rece!7eth me rece!7eth h!m that sent me. )# ;e that rece!7eth a 0ro0het !n the name of a 0ro0het shall rece!7e a 0ro0het's rewardE and he that rece!7eth a r!/hteos man !n the name of a r!/hteos man shall rece!7e a r!/hteos man's reward. ) 1nd whosoe7er shall /!7e to dr!n5 nto one of these l!ttle ones a c0 of cold water only !n the name of a d!sc!0le" 7er!ly I say nto yo" he shall !n no w!se lose h!s reward. *erses #%"#&. eware of menE >the wol7es> w!ll do yo harm. The d!sc!0les mst watch ot for those w!th e7!l !ntent!ons. 4atch ot for tra0s" by the!r tr!c5 9est!ons" or accsat!ons to !nc!te yor an/erE nor do anyth!n/ to arose the!r an/er. They w!ll try to catch yo !n any 7!olat!on that w!ll allow them to hand yo o7er to local corts On My accont"> Jess !s say!n/ that whoe7er 0ersectes ;!s d!sc!0les !s 0ersect!n/ ;!m. Th!s !s Chr!st's 9est!on to al - >...why do yo 0ersecte MeK> Jess !s w!th those that are ;!s and carr!es them thro/h whate7er they face. *erses #+",. Jess frther descr!bes the reasons why they need not worry or fear what they shold say. The ather's 0!r!t w!ll re7eal to them !n that hor what to say. The natral react!on to be!n/ arrested and bro/ht before @d/es" /o7ernors" or 5!n/s !s fear. They ha7e athor!ty to condemn and mete ot 0n!shment. ocs!n/ on how to defend oneself" how to s0ea5 before them" wold ma5e anyone ner7os and confsed. 1s Jess 0re7!osly ta/ht !n the ermon on the Mont" worry !s 0o!ntless and seless" therefore to be sto00ed before !t starts. The role of the 0!r!t" then" !n that hor" !s to rem!nd them of the words of Jess. It !s the test!mony of the on of 2od that !s to be s0o5en. Th!s was

##) Lesson *III Cont!ned carr!ed ot as e7!denced by the record of Peter and John !n 1cts )$&#E +$," and of Pal !n 1cts #$3+--#. *erse #. ?ow Jess trns to the after effects of 0reach!n/ the 2os0el. ?ot @st d!7!s!ons between /ro0s$ those who acce0t the 2os0el" and those who re@ect !t. t also d!7!s!ons w!th!n the closest fam!ly relat!onsh!0s. rother w!ll del!7er 0 h!s brother to death" the father h!s ch!ld" and ch!ldren the!r 0arents. In effect" 5!ll!n/ them by trn!n/ them !n to be 5!lled. *erse . Th!s horr!ble reslt w!ll be becase of hatred" and all th!s to cont!ne down thro/h the centr!es e7en nt!l Chr!st's retrn. The world !n /eneral w!ll ha7e th!s att!tde towards Chr!st!ans becase of Jess. 1s Jess re7eals ;!mself thro/h the words and deeds of ;!s followers" so w!ll they be 0ersected and re@ected" e7en as ;e was. Th!s !s one s!de of the story. The other s!de !s that Jess w!ll see the bel!e7er thro/h nto sal7at!on" and that e7erlast!n/. It !s stated 0os!t!7ely$ the sa7ed w!ll endre to the end. Those that endre to the end w!ll be the sa7ed. The end of th!s l!fe means 0resence w!th the Lord. *erse 3. T!me mst not be wasted - so !f they do not acce0t yor messa/e !n one 0lace" /o 9!c5ly to the ne:t. The record of 1cts shows that th!s ad7!ce was followed <1cts #$#%E #3$)6"(#E #)$6",E #6$),E #%$#,"#)=. The ne:t statement of Chr!st has cased some contro7ersy. >e shall not ha7e /one o7er the c!t!es of Israel" t!ll the on of man be come.> The most lo/!cal concls!on seems to 0o!nt to Jess s0ea5!n/ 0ro0het!cally !n the near term and to a far ftre. In the near term$ the d!sc!0les' m!ss!on w!ll not be com0lete when Jess !s 5!lled" and come bac5 to l!fe and come to them as the Besrrected Lord. o also at the t!me !n the far ftre" of ;!s econd Com!n/ !n 2lory" the s!tat!on w!ll be s!m!lar" nbel!ef e7en !n many 0laces !n Israel. On the 0os!t!7e s!de there w!ll be a remnant amon/ the Jews. *erses )"(. 4hy wold the d!sc!0les be 0ersected" be!n/ less !m0ortant than JessK Jess e:0la!ns$ !nce a 00!l does not otran5 h!s teacher" or a sla7e h!s master" they shold be sat!sf!ed to share the lot of the!r teacher or master. If the Twel7e or all bel!e7ers are d!sc!0les of Jess" and ;e was re@ected and 5!lled" then those that follow ;!m w!ll be treated !n the same way. The fact that Jess has been called the tool of the

##( Lesson *III Cont!ned de7!l 8 eelAebb ear them not therefore$ for there !s noth!n/ co7ered" that shall not be re7ealedE ...> Th!s !ncldes the secrets !n men's hearts whether for /ood or for e7!l. The e7!l w!ll be 0n!shedE the r!/hteos w!ll be rewarded. 4hat Jess now s0ea5s to them 0r!7ately" they are to be bold and o0enly 0rocla!m 1nd fear not them wh!ch 5!ll the body" bt are not able to 5!ll the sol...> The '0syche' or sol" be!n/ the !n7!s!ble core of a 0erson" where the w!ll" affect!ons" consc!osness" and consc!ence dwell. In the be/!nn!n/" man was created$ h!s body from the elements of earthly matter" h!s sol from the breath of 2od" to become a l!7!n/ sol. Th!s 0art !ntr!cately related to the body" bt also ca0able of a relat!onsh!0 w!th 2od. The word 's0!r!t' <0nema= most often !s sed !n the ?ew Testament !n relat!on w!th that 0art of man that worsh!0s the Lord. 1lso" many t!mes" the two words - sol and s0!r!t - are sed !nterchan/eably. t when tal5!n/ abot w!nn!n/ others to Chr!st" !t !s always 'sol' w!nn!n/. 1lso" w!dely and cons!stently ta/ht !n cr!0tre !s the !mmortal!ty of the sol" whether nto sal7at!on or nto 0n!shment. One way to loo5 at !t !s that 2od" !n ma5!n/ man !n ;!s !ma/e" 0laced a 0ort!on of ;!s s0!r!t w!th!n the sol
##6 Lesson *III Cont!ned relat!onsh!0 and commn!cat!on w!th 2od" and that 0r!nc!0le w!ll cont!ne thro/h etern!ty. Chr!st's warn!n/ was a/a!nst th!n5!n/ that death of the body was the end of e:!stence. Death was not to be feared" and !t was not the end for the bel!e7er. Chr!st cont!nes$ any fear wold be 0ro0er when cons!der!n/ the 0ower of 2od - only ;e !s able to destroy t the 7ery ha!rs of yor head are all nmbered.> Creatres of so l!ttle 7ale as s0arrows are !nt!mately 5nown by the ather. To th!n5 abot the ha!rs on yor head be!n/ nmbered - we don't e7en ha7e the ab!l!ty to e7en try to cont ha!rs and 5ee0 trac5 of each one. ;ow mch h!/her abo7e or 0ny m!nds !s 2od's" that ;e !s aware of" at all t!mes" sch t!ny deta!lsK 7en more so" that ;e !s aware of all other deta!ls at the same t!meK 2od's m!nd !s nsearchable. If 2od 5nows s that !nt!mately" and that we are worth mch more than s0arrows" ;e also 5nows and cares for what can we 0oss!bly cla!m to be afra!d ofK That Jess descr!bes 2od as 'yor' ather to the d!sc!0les shows ;!s ac5nowled/ed relat!onsh!0 of the 10ostles as 2od's chosen ch!ldren. Many other assrances of 2od's care" /race" mercy" lon/sffer!n/" and tenderness are recorded !n many 7erses !n cr!0tre. ;ere are a few e:am0les$ Psalms +#$#)-#6E ##6E#(E Isa!ah )+$#6E ;osea ##$&E John #)$3E #%$)E Bomans &$&E I John )$#+E Be7elat!on 3$#. The f!nal reason for the!r bold 0roclamat!on !s stated !n 7erses 3"33. 4hoe7er confesses Jess before men" ;e w!ll also confess before ;!s ;ea7enly ather. The confess!on !s one of heartfelt fa!th !n Jess as the Chr!st" the a7!or. Jess w!ll !n trn cla!m that 0erson as ;!s own" ta5e h!s s!de" and 0lead h!s case. t whoe7er den!es ;!m before men" ;e w!ll deny before ;!s ;ea7enly ather.

##% Lesson *III Cont!ned *erses 3)"3(. To ma5e !t com0letely clear what the effects of ;!s com!n/ w!ll cont!ne to be" Jess states as fact$ >Th!n5 not that I am come to send 0eace on earth$ I came not to send 0eace" bt a sword.> The One 4ho br!n/s 0eace w!th 2od" mercy lo7e" sal7at!on" br!n/s a swordK y stat!n/ !t th!s way" !t forces one to th!n5" >;ow !s th!s 0oss!bleK> G0on reflect!on" !t becomes ob7!os that the effect of the /os0el w!ll force e7eryone to ma5e a cho!ce - acce0t Chr!st and face 0ersect!on" or re@ect Chr!st and wor5 a/a!nst those that are Chr!st!an. The sword !s sed as a symbol of d!7!s!on" an/er" trn!n/ one 0erson a/a!nst another e7en w!th!n fam!l!es$ ch!ldren a/a!nst 0arents" and !n-laws. *erse 36. Th!s 7erse smmar!Aes th!s 0red!ct!on$ a man's enem!es w!ll be members of h!s hosehold. Th!s fact had occrred many t!mes" as recorded !n the Old Testament" start!n/ w!th Ca!n 5!ll!n/ h!s brother 1bel. The eternal !m0ortance of one's cho!ce !s dramat!cally s0elled ot !n the ne:t 7erse. *erse 3%. The natral and emot!onal affect!on w!th!n a fam!ly !s reco/n!Aed. t when a 0erson !s offered sal7at!on !n Chr!st" the !ntellect and the w!ll mst ma5e a cho!ce. The most !m0ortant dec!s!on one ma5es !n l!fe mst be total comm!tment. Lo7e and loyalty to Jess mst o7err!de any natral fam!ly affect!on" ne7er a/a!n w!ll!n/ to /o alon/ w!th any other 0erson's des!res that wold ta5e away from Chr!st's /lory. *erse 3&. To frther lay down the lt!mate real!ty of a follower of Chr!st" we are to ta5e 0 or cross" as !f we" l!5e Jess" ha7e been condemned to death by the world for l!7!n/ a Chr!st!an l!fe. Th!s means ac5nowled/ment that be!n/ fa!thfl to Chr!st may br!n/ 0a!n 0ersect!on" e7en death" and acce0tance and w!ll!n/ness to follow Jess anyway. Th!s !n no way s//ests that any 0ersonal affl!ct!on shold be called >my cross to bear.> Th!s reference to the cross was not l!5ely to ha7e re/!stered w!th the d!sc!0les as a 0red!ct!on of Chr!st's death - bt merely an !llstrat!on of the ser!osness of one's cho!ce to ser7e the Lord. One's eternal l!fe !s at sta5e. *erse 3+. The se of the word >l!fe> !n th!s connect!on !s sed !n the sense of 'h!mself'. To /!7e h!s l!fe" he /!7es h!mself. ;e who tr!es to sa7e h!s l!fe shall lose !t. 4hoe7er loses h!s l!fe for Chr!st's sa5e" shall sa7e !t.

##& Lesson *III Cont!ned To s0end all yor t!me th!n5!n/ of yorself and b!ld!n/ yor own 5!n/dom here on earth" yo w!ll lt!mately lose !t all - yor earthly l!fe and eternal l!fe. To s0end all yor effort !n follow!n/ Chr!st" tho/h yo d!e" yo w!ll !nher!t eternal l!fe w!th Chr!st" a reward beyond anyth!n/ a self!sh s!nfl l!fe can offer. 1lso !nclded !n the tho/ht wold be the lo7e" 0eace" for/!7eness" and @oy a bel!e7er wold e:0er!ence st!ll on earth" !n relat!onsh!0 w!th the ather and Jess and fellow bel!e7ers. In add!t!on" the @oy !n s0read!n/ the 2os0el" and lead!n/ others to fa!th and sal7at!on. That !s f!nd!n/ tre and eternal" blessed l!fe" thro/h Chr!st. *erse ),. rther encora/ement. Jess e:0la!ns that the 10ostles are ;!s tre ambassadors - whoe7er rece!7es them !s !n effect rece!7!n/ ;!m" and frther" as Chr!st !s the ather's re0resentat!7e" they are also rece!7!n/ ;!m. That !n acce0t!n/ them and the!r messa/e they w!ll be acce0t!n/ the 2od of all creat!on. 4hat /reater call!n/ cold there be bt to re0resent the lo7e of 2od !n Chr!st" and thereby also the Creator ;!mself. Th!s same Creator 4ho showed s ;!s eternal lo7e by send!n/ ;!s on to d!e on the cross" that or s!ns m!/ht be for/!7en" and we m!/ht become ;!s ch!ldren" now and fore7er. *erse )#. To focs more on those that rece!7e$ The 0re7!os 7erse em0has!Aed who was rece!7ed. Th!s 7erse !ncldes a reward. ;e who rece!7es a 0ro0het becase of who he !s" or re0resents <2od=" !s !n effect welcom!n/ 2od" and therefore rece!7e the same reward as !f he was a 0ro0het. Jess /oes on to add that e7en 0ersons of lesser statre !n 2od's wor5 that are welcomed w!ll rece!7e the same reward as that 0erson$ here named a r!/hteos 0erson. The reason rema!ns that he who welcomes reco/n!Aes the 0erson as r!/hteos and for that reason rece!7es them. That 0erson" to be called r!/hteos" means a tre bel!e7er !n 2od. To welcome or rece!7e means to br!n/ !nto one's home and /rac!osly 0ro7!de hos0!tal!ty and encora/ement. Th!s o0en and /eneros ser7!ce w!ll be rewarded the same as those whom they ser7e. To frther em0has!Ae the !m0ortance 2od 0laces on e7en the smallest 5!ndness" !f /!7en to a d!sc!0le of Chr!st" Jess ment!ons a c0 of cold water. ;e descr!bes the d!sc!0les as these l!ttle ones. 1n endear!n/ term as ;e loo5s on them as st!ll be!n/ so yon/ and !mmatre !n the /reat wor5 they ha7e been chosen to do. It may also s//est what others see them as$ l!ttle accord!n/ to the world's measre. They w!ll not be 0owerfl" wealthy" or 0o0lar" bt rather !ns!/n!f!cant. et" !f reco/n!Aed as a d!sc!0le of Chr!st and /!7en water for that reason" they w!ll rece!7e the!r reward. It cold only be an act of lo7e and 5!ndness to /!7e to someone who they reco/n!Aed as a d!sc!0le" ths not /!7!n/ them any

##+ Lesson *III Cont!ned ad7anta/e" or e:0ect!n/ any retrn. 2od reads the heart" e7en !f the /!ft !s of the smallest 7ale. That 0erson shall not lose h!s reward. Certa!nly !t !s blessed to /!7e and the @oy of /!7!n/ !s reward !n !tself" bt 2od's bless!n/ !s eternal.

#, Lesson I Matthew ##$#-#+. John the a0t!st's Dobt. # 1nd !t came to 0ass" when Jess had made an end of command!n/ h!s twel7e d!sc!0les" he de0arted thence to teach and to 0reach !n the!r c!t!es.   ?ow when John had heard !n the 0r!son the wor5s of Chr!st" he sent two of h!s d!sc!0les" 3 and sa!d nto h!m" 1rt tho he that shold come" or do we loo5 for anotherK ) Jess answered and sa!d nto them" 2o and show John a/a!n those th!n/s wh!ch ye do hear and see$ ( the bl!nd rece!7e the!r s!/ht" and the lame wal5" the le0ers are cleansed" and the deaf hear" the dead are ra!sed 0" and the 0oor ha7e the /os0el 0reached to them. Is. 6#.# 6 1nd blessed !s he" whosoe7er shall not be offended !n me. %  1nd as they de0arted" Jess be/an to say nto the mlt!tdes concern!n/ John" 4hat went ye ot !nto the w!lderness to seeK 1 reed sha5en w!th the w!ndK & t what went ye ot for to seeK 1 man clothed !n soft ra!mentK behold" they that wear soft cloth!n/ are !n 5!n/s' hoses. + t what went ye ot for to seeK 1 0ro0hetK yea" I say nto yo" and more than a 0ro0het. #, or th!s !s he" of whom !t !s wr!tten" ehold" I send my messen/er before thy face" wh!ch shall 0re0are thy way before thee. ## *er!ly I say nto yo" 1mon/ them that are born of women there hath not r!sen a /reater than John the a0t!st$ notw!thstand!n/" he that !s least !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s /reater than he. # 1nd from the days of John the a0t!st nt!l now the 5!n/dom of hea7en sffereth 7!olence" and the 7!olent ta5e !t by force. #3 or all the 0ro0hets and the law 0ro0hes!ed nt!l John. #) 1nd !f ye w!ll rece!7e !t" th!s !s l!'@ah" wh!ch was for to come. #( ;e that hath ears to hear" let h!m hear. #6  t wherento shall I l!5en th!s /enerat!onK It !s l!5e nto ch!ldren s!tt!n/ !n the mar5ets" and call!n/ nto the!r fellows" #% and say!n/" 4e ha7e 0!0ed nto yo" and ye ha7e not dancedE we ha7e morned nto yo" and ye ha7e not lamented. #& or John came ne!ther eat!n/ nor dr!n5!n/" and they say" ;e hath a de7!l. #+ The on of man came eat!n/ and dr!n5!n/" and they say" ehold a man /lttonos" and a w!neb!bber" a fr!end of 0bl!cans and s!nners. t w!sdom !s @st!f!ed of her ch!ldren. Intro. !rst John's dobt !s con7eyed to Jess by some of John's d!sc!0lesE second Jess answers relat!n/ that Isa!ah's 0ro0hecy concern!n/ ;!m" ;e !s flf!ll!n/ - th!s to be bro/ht to John !n 0r!sonE th!rd Jess e:0la!ns to ;!s ad!ence the /reat role the

## Lesson I Cont!ned a0t!st had 0layed !n 0re0ar!n/ for ;!s com!n/. *erses #-3. Jess had f!n!shed !nstrct!n/ the # and then 0roceeded to teach and 0reach !n the nearby c!t!es. G0on hear!n/ re0orts of Chr!st's act!7!t!es" John !n 0r!son" sent word by h!s followers to 9est!on Jess. They are to as5 !f ;e !s the Com!n/ One or mst they loo5 for someone else. Matthew lea7es s to assme that the # do /o on the!r f!rst m!ss!onary tor. Mar5 6$#"#3 and L5e +$6 br!efly ment!ons !t. Matthew cont!nes to center h!s narrat!7e on Jess' act!7!t!es teach!n/ and 0reach!n/ !n the c!t!es of 2al!lee" as well as m!racles. John the a0t!st had been !m0r!soned earl!er by ;erod 1nt!0as !n the 0r!son 0art f the fortress named Machaers. It was abot ( m!les east of the Dead ea and #( m!les soth of !ts t!0. y be!n/ allowed 7!s!tors" John had learned abot Jess' act!7!t!es. 100arently he had acce0ted the /enerally held trad!t!on" am0ly 0ortrayed !n cr!0tre that the Mess!ah was to destroy the o00ressors and w!th /reat 0ower reestabl!sh the rle and rel!/!on of the formerly /lor!os nat!on of Israel nder Da7!d. 1ll th!s was 0ro0hes!ed abot Chr!st's econd Com!n/. ;e had also called Jess the Lamb of 2od" sent to ta5e away the s!ns of the world. 1s has often been obser7ed" many 0ro0hec!es concern!n/ Chr!st had ;!s two com!n/s stated one after the other" w!thot the /a0 of t!me that went between. Th!s has been descr!bed as see!n/ afar !nto the ftre two monta!n 0ea5s - each one re0resent!n/ Chr!st's com!n/" f!rst as a7!or" second as Jd/e and !n/. t from th!s 7!ew the 7alley between the two 0ea5s cold not be seen. It too5 the f!rst com!n/ 0ro0hecy flf!llments to re7eal the 7alley of the Chrch 1/e that comes before the follow!n/ 0ea5 of the econd com!n/ !n 2lory. 4e not!ce that John had concerns bt d!d not merely 9est!on and com0la!n to h!s followers" bt s!ncerely so/ht to nderstand by send!n/ the 9est!ons he had d!rectly to Jess. *erses )-6. Jess had no reb5e for John or h!s em!ssar!es. ;e as5ed them not to @st ta5e some lon/ or com0l!cated e:0lanat!on bac5" bt to re0ort the th!n/s they see and hear. Then ;e descr!bes the acts of lo7e and for/!7eness ;e has been 0erform!n/ thro/hot ;!s 0bl!c m!n!stry as well as the 0oor ha7!n/ the /ood news 0reached to them. The way Jess 0hrased the l!st of act!7!t!es wold certa!nly rem!nd John of the 0ro0hec!es of Isa!ah 3($("6 and 6#$# - >Then the eyes of the bl!nd shall be o0ened" and the ears of the deaf nsto00edE the lame man shall lea0 l!5e a hart" the ton/e of the dmb shall s!n/ for @oy...The 0!r!t of the Lord Jeho7ah !s 0on me" ano!nt!n/ me to 0reach the /ood news to the mee5.> It s//ests that John wold re/a!n h!s fa!th !n Jess as he real!Aed and remembered

# Lesson I Cont!ned th!s role of Mess!ah. Jess adds !n ;!s rec!tat!on the /reater m!racle of ra!s!n/ of the dead. 4hat /reater w!tness to the n!9e and 2od em0owered m!n!stry of ;!s Chr!st cold there beK The messa/e to John ends w!th a bless!n/ on those that are not re0elled by ;!m. Poss!bly a tender reb5e. The th!n/s that Jess d!d and sa!d shold be /reat occas!ons for attract!on" re@o!c!n/ and !ncreas!n/ fa!th !n ;!m. Jess !s /o!n/ to 0ra!se John and h!s m!n!stry and accse those who fond falt w!th h!s messa/e as herald" and also w!th Jess to whom he bore w!tness. 4e can only assme that the words of Jess con7eyed to John had the des!red reslt. *erse %. 4hen these messen/ers were lea7!n/" Jess be/an tal5!n/ to the crowds abot John. Gs!n/ the 0!ctre of a reed sway!n/ !n the w!nd - !s that what they had /one !nto the w!lderness to seeK ;e !s rem!nd!n/ them abot the stron/" nsha5eable character John had been - that's what they had /one to see. *erse &. 1 second 9est!on" a 0!ctre of a man !n soft cloth!n/  !s that what they had /one to seeK oft /arments 0o!nt to a soft 0erson" sed to soft l!7!n/" l:ry" and 0leas!n/ con7ersat!on. John was the o00os!te" w!th ro/h" drable cloth!n/" and stron/ s0eech. John wold ne7er be fond !n 5!n/'s 0alaces. John was !n fact !n 0r!son becase of h!s stern s0eech. The crowds had /one ot to see th!s hero s0ea5!n/ abot re0entance and trn!n/ to 2od. 4hat 0o0lar!ty he had was now nearly /one. *erses +"#,. Jess 0roceeds to clearly set forth the tre and /reat m!ss!on of the a0t!st. ;e was more than @st a 0ro0het. ;e was the 0ro0hes!ed one that Malach! 3$# says !s the herald" the one who wold 0re0are the way for the Mess!ah. ;!s role was to trn the hearts of the 0eo0le to 2od" to acce0t Chr!st's f!rst com!n/ as Immanel. *erse ##. Jess descr!bes how well John flf!lled h!s tas5. John was the 0ro0hes!ed one" born to h!s role accord!n/ to the cr!0tre. Jess solemnly declares h!s /reatness. ;e flf!lled h!s role !n three ways$ #.= ;e called the 0eo0le to re0entance" the only way to enter !nto the 5!n/dom of 2od. .= ;e 0o!nted ot Jess as the 0rom!sed Mess!ah and told h!s d!sc!0les to /o to ;!m. 3.= Th!s was 0art of becom!n/ the lesser" to recede and become the least !m0ortant. The herald annonced the Com!n/ One. 4hen ;e arr!7ed" the herald was no lon/er needed. To be /reat" one mst become hmble.

#3 Lesson I Cont!ned Th!s John d!d. rom h!s mother's womb" John had been f!lled w!th the ;oly 0!r!t" wh!ch certa!nly /a7e h!m the 0ower" /!dance" and f!nally the hm!l!ty" once h!s n!9e role was o7er. Jess then adds$ >yet he who !s least !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s /reater than he.> Th!s !s meant !n the sense that John's role be!n/ o7er and now !n 0r!son" he was nable to see and hear the /reat m!racles and the wonderfl words of Jess as ;e m!n!stered to the 0eo0le. o n!9ely blessed were those who were !n the 0resence of Jess$ that e7en the most n!m0ortant 0erson that entered !nto 2od's sal7at!on had w!tnessed the on of 2od flf!ll!n/ the 0ro0hec!es of Isa!ah - they were there. It !s !m0oss!ble for s to !ma/!ne what that mst ha7e been l!5e$ to ha7e heard the 7o!ce of Jess s0ea5" to see ;!s hands toch and heal" to e:0er!ence the !nf!n!te lo7e and com0ass!on !n ;!s face" @st to ha7e been !n ;!s 0resence...t one day *erse #. Jess cont!nes descr!b!n/ the h!story John the a0t!st be/an nt!l now$ the 5!n/dom !s 0ress!n/ forward w!th stron/ l!fe force <7!/orosly=. The m!n!stry Jess descr!bed of heal!n/ and 0reach!n/ was forcefl and 7!/oros - as had ne7er before been seen. Th!s had bro/ht many !nto fa!th !n Chr!st and thereby entrance !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en. Those who see and reco/n!Ae the Trth !n Chr!st ea/erly 0ress !n and ta5e hold. Th!s shows the reslt of ha7!n/ to choose - an act of the w!ll that mst be stron/ and dec!s!7e and 0ermanent. The Gtmost Proof of 2od's Plan ro/ht to Pass *erses #3"#). The com0lete Old Testament ;e who has ears let h!m hear.> In effect say!n/" !f yo ha7e heard what I sa!d" yo better careflly th!n5 abot !t and come to the r!/ht dec!s!on. To hear and not heed wold be the b!//est m!sta5e a 0erson cold ma5e !n the!r l!fe" for !t wold determ!ne the!r eternal dest!nat!on" as well as condemn them to a cont!ned l!fe of s!n" fear" an:!ety" and trmo!l. Jess sed th!s e:hortat!on
#) Lesson I Cont!ned re0eatedly !n Be7elat!on <$%"##"#%"+E 3$6"#3"E #3$+=. It seems that the Phar!sees had trned the att!tde of the 0bl!c both a/a!nst John and Jess. These leaders' host!l!ty and hatred was !ncreas!n/ a/a!nst Jess as ;e seemed to be !ncreas!n/ !n notor!ety and 0o0lar!ty. The!r !nflence d!d ha7e w!de ran/!n/ effects - they sed o0enly host!le cr!t!c!sm and 7ar!os accsat!ons. *erses #6-#+. Jess descr!bes how 0bl!c o0!n!on 7ac!llated. ;e com0ares that /enerat!on to ch!ldren !n the 0bl!c /ather!n/ 0laces t w!sdom !s @st!f!ed of her ch!ldren.> 4!sdom !s always shown to be tre. The 0reach!n/ of John was to trn the 0eo0le from the!r s!n to 2od" the re0entance that made way for the /ood news of sal7at!on. It d!d 0rodce the des!red reslt !n many 0eo0le who fond ho0e !n h!s messa/e - and es0ec!ally as he 0o!nted them to Jess as the 0rom!sed a7!or. The 0reach!n/ of Jess was to all 0eo0le as be!n/ worthy to hear the 2os0el of for/!7eness of s!n and sal7at!on. Jess not only bro/ht the 2ood ?ews bt ;e was and !s the 2ood ?ews of reconc!l!at!on w!th 2od. The fact of the chrch !s the 0roof that by

#( Lesson I Cont!ned 2od's /race" nnmbered !nd!7!dals thro/h the t!me s!nce ha7e seen the w!sdom !n acce0t!n/ that 2os0el. To 0t !t most s!m0ly$ the w!sdom of the /os0el !s seen !n the reslt!n/ bel!e7ers. The trth rema!ns stand!n/" the l!es retrn to dst. Matthew ##$,-). 4oes Prononced on C!t!es. ,  Then be/an he to 0bra!d the c!t!es where!n most of h!s m!/hty wor5s were done" becase they re0ented not$ # 4oe nto thee" Chora'A!n woe nto thee" ethsa!'da for !f the m!/hty wor5s" wh!ch were done !n yo" had been done !n Tyre and !don" they wold ha7e re0ented lon/ a/o !n sac5cloth and ashes.  t I say nto yo" It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and !don at the day of @d/ment" than for yo. 3 1nd tho" Ca0er'na-m" wh!ch art e:alted nto hea7en" shalt be bro/ht down to hell$ for !f the m!/hty wor5s" wh!ch ha7e been done !n thee" had been done !n odom" !t wold ha7e rema!ned nt!l th!s day. ) t I say nto yo" That !t shall be more tolerable for the land of odom !n the day of @d/ment" than for thee. Introdced by 'then' only !nd!cates an n5nown 0er!od of t!me after the 0reced!n/ 7erses. ;ere Jess !s center!n/ ;!s focs on the reslts of ;!s m!n!stry !n the 2al!lean c!t!es where most of ;!s m!/hty wor5s had been 0erformed. 'Be0roach' here !s cons!dered @st!f!able dennc!at!on. The ma@or!ty of the !nhab!tants of these c!t!es ha7e been shown the most br!/ht and 2odly l!/ht than any c!t!es !n all h!story" the on of 2od. These 0eo0le re@ected ;!m and ;!s offer of heal!n/" of re0entance and reconc!l!at!on" of eternal sal7at!on. They" and therefore where they l!7ed" rema!ned !n cont!nal s!n. *erse #. Jess 0rononces woe 0on ChoraA!n and ethsa!da" two towns located near Ca0ernam" say!n/ that !f the m!/hty wor5s done !n them had been done !n the Phoen!c!an
#6 Lesson I Cont!ned *erses 3"). Center!n/ a/a!n on Ca0ernam" th!n5!n/ !tself worthy of hea7en" w!ll descend !nto ;ades. Th!s had been !m0en!tent !n s0!te of all the wonderfl acts of for/!7!n/ lo7e" and the /os0el of the 5!n/dom of hea7en be!n/ offered so o0enly and freely. To se the word ;ades
#% Lesson  Matthew ##$(-3,. Jess Be7eal!n/ the ather. (  1t that t!me Jess answered and sa!d" I than5 thee" O ather" Lord of hea7en and earth" becase tho hast h!d these th!n/s from the w!se and 0rdent" and hast re7ealed them nto babes. 6 7en so" atherE for so !t seemed /ood !n thy s!/ht. % 1ll th!n/s are del!7ered nto me of my ather$ and no man 5noweth the on" bt the atherE ne!ther 5noweth any man the ather" sa7e the on" and he to whomsoe7er the on w!ll re7eal h!m. & Come nto me" all ye that labor and are hea7y laden" and I w!ll /!7e yo rest. + Ta5e my yo5e 0on yo" and learn of meE for I am mee5 and lowly !n heart$ and ye shall f!nd rest nto yor sols. 3, or my yo5e !s easy" and my brden !s l!/ht. Matthew !ntrodces th!s as$ >1t that t!me>" center!n/ on what Jess sa!d. L5e records <#,$#"#%"#"= that th!s was s0o5en after the retrn of the %, d!sc!0les who Jess had sent ot !n 0a!rs to the srrond!n/ towns ;e was abot to 7!s!t. Matthew felt that the Lord's res0onse was most !m0ortant. ;!s 0ra!se of the ather" re7eal!n/ ;!s w!ll" all lead!n/ to the tender !n7!tat!on. L5e's accont abot the d!sc!0les' sccess" !n cast!n/ ot demons" and 0reach!n/ the 2os0el w!th some measre of acce0tance" led to Jess' res0onse !n l!ft!n/ 0ra!ses to the ather. 4!th com0lete trst !n the ather we !ma/!ne Jess l!ft!n/ ;!s eyes to hea7en and say!n/$ >I than5 thee" O ather" Lord of hea7en and earth" becase tho hast h!d these th!n/s from the w!se and 0rdent" and hast re7ealed them nto babes.> Jess addresses ;!s 0ra!se to >ather> ac5nowled/!n/ ;!s e9al!ty w!th 2od. Jess then calls ;!m Lord of hea7en and earth" ac5nowled/!n/ 2od's so7ere!/nty !n ;!s deal!n/ w!th the whole n!7erse" and s0ec!f!cally !n th!s !nstance w!th men. Then there !s the contrast between h!d!n/ and re7eal!n/. That 2od does not re7eal ;!s sal7at!on to the w!se and edcated" reflects the tre att!tdes of those 0eo0le who cons!der themsel7es w!se !n the ways of the world. They ha7e e7eryth!n/ !n control to the!r sat!sfact!on. They ma5e all the!r own dec!s!ons and can lord !t o7er those who they th!n5 are below them. They are 0rod of the!r accom0l!shments" edcat!on" 0ros0er!ty" >be!n/ r!/ht>. They see no need to chan/e nor ac5nowled/e the conce0t of s!n. They ha7e no need of a sa7!or. They wor5 for the!r sal7at!on l!5e Phar!sees. On the other hand" those descr!bed as babes are the ones to whom 2od re7eals the 2ood ?ews abot ;!s lo7e and for/!7eness thro/h Jess. rom the s0!r!tal 0o!nt of 7!ew" >babes> wold be those who are aware of the!r de0endence on 2od" that !n themsel7es they are hel0less and lost !nthe s!n. They are o0en and and acce0tance w!th ;ea7enly ather 4ho lon/!n/ can and for w!llfor/!7eness ta5e care of

#& Lesson  Cont!ned them thro/h the sacr!f!ce of ;!s on. They w!ll trst !n the ather and l!7e !n /rat!tde for ;!s bless!n/s and /!7e ;!m the /lory. Of corse !t !s nderstood that anyone" re/ardless of !ntellect or edcat!on" wealth or 0ower" can be a babe !n s0!r!tal th!n/s !f they real!Ae the!r s!n" and the!r hel0lessness !n 0leas!n/ 2od. That only thro/h the 0erfect l!fe and sacr!f!c!al death of 2od's on" can they be reconc!led w!th 2od" become ;!s ch!ld" and !nher!t e7erlast!n/ l!fe !n 2od's 5!n/dom. 4!th 2od all th!n/s are 0oss!ble. Tho/h the ather hates s!n" ;e ta5es no 0leasre !n 0n!shment. The ather's /ood 0leasre !s fond !n ;!s mercy" /race" for/!7eness" and the /!ft of sal7at!on thro/h ;!s on. *erse %. >1ll th!n/s are del!7ered nto me of my ather...> The 2os0el recorded Chr!st's athor!ty o7er satan and h!s demons" o7er !llnesses and deform!t!es" o7er forces of natre" o7er l!fe and death" o7er ;!s d!sc!0les" o7er others to sa7e or to @d/e. ;e can d!scern the hearts of men. ;e !s 0erfect !n 5nowled/e and w!sdom" !n lo7e" 0eace" and @oy. ;e !s the Trth" the 4ay" and the L!fe" the L!/ht of the 4orld. 1ll these ;e offers to the 0en!tent s!nner" tho/h hmans can only ta5e !n a small 0art of ;!s 9al!t!es. Jess says that no one 5nows the on bt the ather. Only ;e can ta5e !n the whole wh!le we can ta5e !n only a small 0art. t we also become aware that !n Chr!st all the attr!btes are w!thot l!m!t or measre. Th!s br!n/s s to ac5nowled/e the nsearchable r!ches !n Chr!st" or bondless sorce of bless!n/" of secr!ty" and com0lete trst" both now and fore7er. Jess cont!nes$ >ne!ther 5noweth any man the ather" sa7e the on...> Only Jess 5nows the lo7!n/ heart of the ather and the nsearchable r!ches of ;!s mercy and /race and lo7e towards s. Therefore !t !s alone the on 4ho can re7eal the ather to man. It !s ;!s cho!ce - ;e !s w!ll!n/. ;e has come for th!s 0r0ose - to re7eal the ather and ;!s 0ro7!s!on for the sal7at!on of men thro/h the on. or all these th!n/s Jess has 0ra!sed the ather. *erses &-3,. 1s an ac5nowled/ment and reslt of all the 0reced!n/ 0ra!se Jess trns to those arond ;!m and o0ens ;!s heart to bless them" offer!n/ what 2od has 0ro7!ded by ;!s !nf!n!te /race$ 0eace w!th 2od" rest for the sol" for/!7eness" and reconc!l!at!on. Jess cont!nes to call ot these words$ >Come nto me" all ye that labor and are hea7y laden" and I w!ll /!7e yo rest.> Com!n/ to Jess means acce0tance of 4ho ;e !s and what. ;e offers" what fa!th and trst rece!7e$ for/!7eness" 0eace" lo7e" @oy and cont!n!n/ than5flness. The brden and wear!ness s//ests those 0eo0le ha7e tr!ed to

#+ Lesson  Cont!ned 0lease 2od by the!r best efforts. 4hether try!n/ to flf!ll the monta!n of re/lat!ons the Phar!sees 0romoted" or the!r own !nd!7!dal bel!efs" they ha7e fond no 0eace. They ha7e real!Aed the!r s!n and thereby the!r tter !nab!l!ty to scceed - wh!ch lea7es them ho0eless. 4hen the /!ft of sal7at!on thro/h the sacr!f!ce of Jess !s made 5nown to the lost and ho0eless" that !s the est ?ews that cold e7er be heard. y the /race of 2od" ;e has 0ro7!ded a way when we were !nca0able of do!n/ anyth!n/ by orsel7es. The 0rom!se of rest !ncldes many th!n/s - rest from ho0elessness" fear" an:!ety" ncerta!nty" and frstrat!on !n or own efforts. t !t also means rest to be for/!7en" to feel 2od's lo7e and acce0tance" to ha7e assrance of eternal sal7at!on" to 5now Chr!st's lo7e and l!fe thro/h the !ndwell!n/ ;oly 0!r!t. Jess /oes on$ >Ta5e my yo5e 0on yo" and learn of me...> The Jews cons!dered the yo5e the brden 7olntar!ly ta5en by each 0erson to carry - s0ec!f!cally re/ard!n/ the commandments. The Phar!sees ta/ht that sal7at!on was accom0l!shed by obey!n/ the!r le/al!st!c trad!t!ons wh!ch went way beyond the #, Commandments. Jess !s stress!n/ that after offer!n/ rest" the teach!n/ of ;!s 2os0el w!ll add no !m0oss!ble and hea7y brden 0on those who become ;!s followers. 1ll that !s re9!red !s s!m0le fa!th and trst !n ;!m. Th!s !s !n com0lete contrast w!th the!r former brden - hea7y-laden and weary from try!n/ to flf!ll the yo5e of the Phar!sees. Jess cont!nes$ >for I am mee5 and lowly !n heart...> Th!s hmble att!tde !s the o00os!te of the 0rod" those who lorded themsel7es o7er the mlt!tdes w!th the!r self-r!/hteosness. Jess !s mee5$ mean!n/ ;e !s at 0eace w!th 2od" at rest !n de0end!n/ on 2od's lo7e and care. ;e 0rom!ses that those who follow ;!m w!ll also f!nd rest for the!r sols. They w!ll f!nd the rest ;e /!7es. The former f!/re of the yo5e !s re!ntrodced stress!n/ !ts 5!ndness and l!/htness. The or!/!nal wooden frame 0laced 0on the sholders had the 0r0ose of d!str!bt!n/ the we!/ht to be carr!ed so that the brden wold be eas!er to carry. The yo5e mst be wellf!tt!n/ and comfortable" and the brden not too hea7y for !ts best se. Jess 0rom!ses that ;!s yo5e !s 5!ndness" ;!s brden !s l!/ht of sal7at!on" of 0eace" lo7e" and @oy. Th!s !s l!/ht !n the sense of we!/ht and l!/ht !n the sense of !llm!nat!on. It !s as 0l!ft!n/ as the !ntense !nner emot!on of /rat!tde and the than5s/!7!n/ for so /reat a sal7at!on. 1men. Matthew #$#-#). Lord of the abbath. # 1t that t!me Jess went on the sabbath day thro/h the cornE and h!s d!sc!0les were ahn/ered" and be/an to 0lc5 the ears of corn" and to eat.  t when the Phar!sees saw !t" they sa!d nto h!m" ehold" thy

#3, Lesson  Cont!ned d!sc!0les do that wh!ch !s not lawfl to do 0on the sabbath day. 3 t he sa!d nto them" ;a7e ye not read what Da7!d d!d" when he was ahn/ered" and they that were w!th h!mE ) how he entered !nto the hose of 2od" and d!d eat the showbread" wh!ch was not lawfl for h!m to eat" ne!ther for them wh!ch were w!th h!m" bt only for the 0r!estsK ( Or ha7e ye not read !n the law" how that on the sabbath days the 0r!ests !n the tem0le 0rofane the sabbath" and are blamelessK 6 t I say nto yo" That !n th!s 0lace !s one /reater than the tem0le. % t !f ye had 5nown what th!s meaneth" I w!ll ha7e mercy" and not sacr!f!ce" ye wold not ha7e condemned the /!ltless. & or the on of man !s Lord e7en of the sabbath day. +  1nd when he was de0arted thence" he went !nto the!r syna/o/e$ #, and" behold" there was a man wh!ch had h!s hand w!thered. 1nd they as5ed h!m" say!n/" Is !t lawfl to heal on the sabbath daysK that they m!/ht accse h!m. ## 1nd he sa!d nto them" 4hat man shall there be amon/ yo" that shall ha7e one shee0" and !f !t fall !nto a 0!t on the sabbath day" w!ll he not lay hold on !t" and l!ft !t otK # ;ow mch then !s a man better than a shee0K 4herefore !t !s lawfl to do well on the sabbath days. #3 Then sa!th he to the man" tretch forth th!ne hand. 1nd he stretched !t forthE and !t was restored whole" l!5e as the other. #) Then the Phar!sees went ot" and held a conc!l a/a!nst h!m" how they m!/ht destroy h!m. y !ntrodc!n/ what follows w!th >at that t!me>" !t !s s//ested that !t was connected w!th the 0re7!os teach!n/" bt w!th no deta!l of actal t!me. 1s sal" Matthew records the !m0ortant e7ent and teach!n/ of Chr!st" the !nc!dental chronolo/y be!n/ of l!ttle !m0ortance. Th!s e7ent was to /!7e Jess o00ortn!ty to !llstrate the harmfl and brdensome le/al!sm the Phar!sees tr!ed to !m0ose on the 0eo0le's sholders. In th!s !nstance" abbath rles. The only deta!l as to t!me and 0lace relate to the state of the /ra!n be!n/ r!0e" therefore near har7est t!me. The!r 0ath" 0oss!bly bac5 !nto 2al!lee from Jersalem" went thro/h th!s f!eld of stand!n/ /ra!n. It cold ha7e been barley or wheat. Matthew alone ment!ons that the d!sc!0les were hn/ry. Deteronomy 3$( allows a 0erson 0!c5!n/ heads of /ra!n" bt not the se of a scythe. The d!sc!0les be/an 0!c5!n/ and eat!n/ the heads of /ra!n. *erse . 100arently there were some Phar!sees also tra7el!n/ nearby. 4hether they were 0r0osely watch!n/ Jess and ;!s d!sc!0les to catch them !n some falt" we are not told. et" they were close eno/h to

#3# Lesson  Cont!ned obser7e th!s act!on and then 0roceed to accse Jess of allow!n/ th!s abbath-brea5!n/. ;e was allow!n/ wor5 to be done on the abbath. 1ccord!n/ to the rabb!n!cal trad!t!ons" wh!ch !nclded l!st!n/s of many cate/or!es of wor5$ one was that to 0lc5 heads of /ra!n was rea0!n/" to rb the /ra!ns loose !n order to eat them was thresh!n/. These d!sc!0les were 0r0osely do!n/ these 'wor5s' and to boot they were eat!n/ th!s !lle/al /a!n. or Jess to allow th!s was otra/eos accord!n/ to the!r rles. Jess 0roceeds to e:0la!n how the!r !m0os!t!on of m!nte re/lat!ons had co7ered o7er 2od's or!/!nal !ntent!on abot the abbath. *erses 3"). !rst ;e rem!nds them of the record from the Old Testament concern!n/ Da7!d and h!s men who ate the consecrated bread" for only 0r!ests to eat. These were the # loa7es that re0resented the # tr!bes" and symbol!Aed the da!ly fellowsh!0 of the 0eo0le w!th 2od. Th!s 0ro7!s!on was for the 0r!ests" re0resent!n/ ;!s care for them" and the!r de0endence on ;!m. Jess be/!ns w!th" >;a7e yo not read"> mean!n/ that these Phar!sees cla!m to be the edcated and a00ro7ed teachers of the cr!0tres" they shold be fam!l!ar w!th th!s 0art!clar e7ent !n Da7!d's l!fe before he became 5!n/. The e7ent was one of need. Da7!d and h!s men had been /!7en the bread to ma!nta!n l!fe. ;ere Jess was be!n/ accsed of brea5!n/ a rabb!n!cal rle that had reslted from a m!sa00l!cat!on of 2od's Law. ;ere was also a case of a 0hys!cal need to 0reser7e l!fe. Th!s 0r!nc!0le always o7er-rles" no matter what day !t !s. *erses ("6. Jess /oes on to be more s0ec!f!c abot the abbath. The abbath law concern!n/ rest d!d not actally a00ly to the 0r!ests. That was the!r bs!est day. They made all 0re0arat!ons and too5 0art !n the 0eo0le's worsh!0 of /od. That wold be l!5e accs!n/ a 0reacher of wor5!n/ on nday by 0reach!n/. Of corse the 0r!ests wold not be cons!dered /!lty. Th!s shows that the Phar!sees were !n effect 0lac!n/ certa!n s0ec!f!c trad!t!onal rles as not only e9al to 2od's wr!tten law" bt abo7e !t as !f the!r rles had to be enforced w!thot e:ce0t!on. Th!s wold not allow for 0hys!cal necess!ty or 0r!estly fnct!ons. ?ow that Jess has /!7en them two clear and cr!0tral e:am0les of the!r" error" ;e /oes frther to e:0la!n the s0!r!tal trth concern!n/ ;!mself. ;e !nd!cates that what ;e !s" !s far abo7e and beyond all that the Tem0le stood for" for ;e !s the flf!llment. ;!s athor!ty was from 2od. *erse %. Jess re7eals the!r bl!nd s0ot - the lt!mate flaw !n the!r

#3 Lesson  Cont!ned tho/hts and act!ons. They really d!dn't care abot the needs and sffer!n/ of others. They had no 0!ty or 5!ndness" mch less a hel0fl or lo7!n/ s0!r!t. The!r focs was catch!n/ others !n the wron/" accord!n/ to the!r 0etty rles. They also" es0ec!ally here" der!7e some sat!sfact!on !n now ha7!n/ someth!n/ a/a!nst Jess. Mercy !s 2od's 0art" not str!ct adherence e7en to sacr!f!ce. Th!s !s always tre and not to be forb!dden on the abbath. 1t th!s 0o!nt Mar5 records$ >The abbath was made for man" not man for the abbath.>
#33 Lesson  Cont!ned the!r tre lac5 of mercy and the!r e7!l !ntent!ons as o00os!n/ Jess. 4e can only !ma/!ne the tens!on !n that 0lace as Jess stands !n the!r m!dst w!th the !m0a!red man stand!n/ before ;!m. It wold not do to wa!t t!ll the ne:t day to heal the man. To 0ro7e not only that to do /ood on the abbath !s always r!/ht" bt also that ;e was re0resent!n/ the 7ery mercy of 2od" by 4hose 0ower and athor!ty ;e wold heal h!m. *erse #3. Then ;e sa!d to the man" ;old ot yor hand. ;e held !t ot" and !t was restored" sond as the other. Jess d!d not toch the man or h!s hand" nor d!d ;e tell the hand to be cred. ;e merely told the man to stretch !t ot. The man obeyed" the cre was com0leted. ch a m!racle srely en/endered fa!th !n the a7!or amon/ some of those 0resent. ?ot so w!th the Phar!sees. ?ot only was the!r athor!ty amon/ the 0eo0le 0rononced as of wron/ !ntent" bt also the!r 0r!de was !n@red. 1nd to com0ond the!r /!lt when faced w!th the clear 0resence of One from 2od
#3) Lesson I Matthew #$#(-#. The Chosen er7ant. #(  t when Jess 5new !t" he w!thdrew h!mself from thence$ and /reat mlt!tdes followed h!m" and he healed them allE #6 and char/ed them that they shold not ma5e h!m 5nown$ #% that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by Isa!ah the 0ro0het" say!n/" #& ehold my ser7ant" whom I ha7e chosenE my belo7ed" !n whom my sol !s well 0leased$ I w!ll 0t my 0!r!t 0on h!m" and he shall show @d/ment to the 2ent!les. #+ ;e shall not str!7e" nor cryE ne!ther shall any man hear h!s 7o!ce !n the streets. , 1 br!sed reed shall he not brea5" and smo5!n/ fla: shall he not 9ench" t!ll he send forth @d/ment nto 7!ctory. # 1nd !n h!s name shall the 2ent!les trst. *erse #(. rom the 0lace of confrontat!on w!th the Phar!sees Jess de0arts. ;e was well-aware of the!r !ncreas!n/ hatred and 0lott!n/ a/a!nst ;!m. ;e also wanted to cont!ne ;!s m!n!stry of heal!n/ and 0reach!n/ and teach!n/ those who wold come to ;!m. >Many followed ;!m" and ;e healed them all.> Phys!cal heal!n/ d!d not always mean that 0erson came to fa!th !n ;!m as a7!or. *erses #6"#%. >and char/ed them that they shold not ma5e h!m 5nown...> 1s 0re7!osly ment!oned <&$)E +$3,=" Jess d!d not see5 w!de accla!m as @st a healer or m!racle wor5er" someone merely to mar7el at as a s0ectacle. Th!s was the o00os!te reason for ;!s com!n/. It cold also s0ar5 a 0rematre ser!os confrontat!on w!th ;!s enem!es. To ma5e clear h!s tre m!ss!on Matthew 9otes Isa!ah )$#-) wh!ch beat!flly descr!bes the role of the Prom!sed Mess!ah as the ffer!n/ er7ant. It !s not a word for word translat!on" bt 7ery well carr!es the !ntended messa/e thro/h. There are 3 other 0ro0hec!es on th!s sb@ect !n Isa!ah$ )+$#-+E (,$)-+E ($#3-(3$#. *erse #&. The 7erses descr!be the chosen ser7ant as 2od's belo7ed on 4ho has the ;oly 0!r!t 0on ;!m. 1s ser7ant ;e has come to flf!ll the 0erfect w!ll of 2od. ;e has come to redeem man. ;e w!ll 0rocla!m the trth wh!ch leads to @st!ce accord!n/ to 2od's decree. !nners mst be con7erted by bel!ef !n Jess as a7!or. Th!s !ncldes 2ent!les. *erse #+. These words descr!be ;!m as the o00os!te of those who shot

#3( Lesson I cont!ned for attent!on" or lod 9arrel!n/ !n the streets" those who d!strb the 0eace o7er the!r self!sh need to be heard" of w!nn!n/ an ar/ment" or @st show!n/ off" be!n/ drn5" or try!n/ to case a r!ot. Jess !s ser!os" 9!et" and mee5" see5!n/ to hel0 others and 0rocla!m !n the most /entle way" the lo7e of 2od" ;!s mercy" and for/!7eness. *erse ,. These two f!/res$ br!sed reed" and smolder!n/ w!c5" certa!nly s//est 0eo0le that are wea5" ncerta!n" confsed" near /!7!n/ 0 all ho0e - eas!ly bro5en or 0t ot. Jess w!ll not brea5 the reed nor 0t ot the w!c5. Th!s m!/ht also s//est those of other than Jew!sh bac5/rond" who had ne!ther the cr!0tres nor the teach!n/s abot 2od. They were amon/ the lost that Jess came to resce. Th!s mst and w!ll be carr!ed on nt!l @st!ce !s 7!ctor!os !n 2od's redeemed n!7erse. *erse #. In Chr!st's ?ame shall the 2ent!les
#36 Lesson I cont!ned 3, ;e that !s not w!th me !s a/a!nst meE and he that /athereth not w!th me scattereth abroad. 3# 4herefore I say nto yo" 1ll manner of s!n and blas0hemy shall be for/!7en nto men$ bt the blas0hemy a/a!nst the ;oly 2host shall not be for/!7en nto men. 3 1nd whosoe7er s0ea5eth a word a/a!nst the on of man" !t shall be for/!7en h!m$ bt whosoe7er s0ea5eth a/a!nst the ;oly 2host" !t shall not be for/!7en h!m" ne!ther !n th!s world" ne!ther !n the world to come. 33  !ther ma5e the tree /ood" and h!s fr!t /oodE or else ma5e the tree corr0t" and h!s fr!t corr0t$ for the tree !s 5nown by h!s fr!t. 3) O /enerat!on of 7!0ers" how can ye" be!n/ e7!l" s0ea5 /ood th!n/sK for ot of the abndance of the heart the moth s0ea5eth. 3( 1 /ood man ot of the /ood treasre of the heart br!n/eth forth /ood th!n/s$ and an e7!l man ot of the e7!l treasre br!n/eth forth e7!l th!n/s. 36 t I say nto yo" That e7ery !dle word that men shall s0ea5" they shall /!7e accont thereof !n the day of @d/ment. 3% or by thy words tho shalt be @st!f!ed" and by thy words tho shalt be condemned. *erse . 1 demon-0ossessed man was bro/ht to Jess. ;e was 5e0t from see!n/ or s0ea5!n/. Jess healed h!m. *erse 3. The em0has!s !s on the react!on. 1ll the 0eo0le were amaAed. They then focsed on Jess - 4ho was ;eK Then the ne/at!7e 9est!on $ >rely th!s cannot be the on of Da7!dK> 4h!ch e:0ects a 0os!t!7e re0ly - 4ho else cold ;e be bt the on of Da7!d" the 0rom!sed one. 4ho else cold 0erform sch a 0owerfl wor5 of release and heal!n/K There was hes!tat!on !n @st com!n/ ot and say!n/ that th!s mst be the Mess!ah. That the!r /eneral nderstand!n/ of Mess!ah's role was to sa7e them from o00ress!on" 0hys!cal and nat!onal" mst be ment!oned. 7en Chr!st's d!sc!0les be/an w!th th!s 7!ew. The!r hes!tat!on may also be 0artly becase of the 0resence of the Phar!sees" who they 5new were a/a!nst ;!m. The!r react!on to the crowd's 9est!on was not lon/ !n com!n/. *erse ). They cla!m that Jess
#3% Lesson I cont!ned rel!/!os athor!t!es and leaders of the 0eo0le. That they wold stoo0 so low as to call ;!m the o00os!te of 4ho ;e was" that ;e was 'wor5!n/ w!th' ;!s /reatest enemy" only re7eals the e:tent of the!r des0erat!on and hatred. 4!thot retrn!n/ the!r an/er" or namecall!n/" Jess be/!ns to e:0la!n - !n easy-to-nderstand terms - how the!r accsat!on !s a/a!nst all lo/!c" reason" and common sense$ actally" !t's absrd. That the de7!l wold be destroy!n/ h!s own wor5 by send!n/ off h!s own wor5ers wold mean he !s brea5!n/ down h!s control and !nflence. ?o c!ty or hose or 5!n/dom can stand !f fact!ons w!th!n them are f!/ht!n/ each other. ?o 0erson wold choose sch a corse. It !s r!d!clos to cla!m that satan wold. *erse %. 100arently some of the d!sc!0les of the Phar!sees also cla!med to ha7e e:erc!sed th!s 0ower. Th!s was /enerally acce0ted as tre. They were 9!te w!ll!n/ to ta5e a share of the cred!t. Jess as5s by whom do the!r sons
#3& Lesson I cont!ned dama/e that satan's ser7ants had been do!n/. Jess cont!ned nt!l ;!s death on the cross and the resrrect!on /a7e ;!m the 7!ctory nto ascens!on and /lory at the r!/ht hand of the ather !n hea7en. 7ery bel!e7er !s another c!t!Aen ta5en from satan's !nflence o7er men" to become ch!ldren of 2od" !n ;!s 5!n/dom nto l!fe eternal. *erse 3,. The s!tat!on of all l!7!n/ !s to face the cho!ce between these two real!t!es$ 2od's 5!n/dom" or satan's. 4e are born w!th a s!nfl natre from 1dam" and therefore born nto satan's 5!n/dom. If and when we acce0t Chr!st" we are welcomed !nto 2od's 5!n/dom. Therefore Chr!st's 0rononcement$ >;e who !s not w!th me" !s a/a!nst me.> To be w!th Jess means a l!fe of /ather!n/  hel0!n/ others and br!n/!n/ others !nto the fold of bel!e7ers. To be ots!de of Jess" one has to loo5 ot for themsel7es. *erses 3#"3. The n0ardonable s!n$ Jess s0ea5s to the eternal @d/ment on what these Phar!sees ha7e done. To clar!fy" ;e e:0la!ns that e7ery s!n" wh!ch !ncldes both the /eneral cate/ory of blas0hemy and s0ea5!n/ a/a!nst Jess" shall be for/!7en. The 2ree5 term blas0hemy !nclded s0ea5!n/ a/a!nst 2od or man$ name-call!n/" slander" defamat!on" re7!l!n/" crs!n/" wron/fl se of holy th!n/s" and so on. 1ll these may be for/!7en. There !s one e:ce0t!on$ blas0hemy a/a!nst the ;oly 0!r!t - th!s w!ll not e7er be for/!7en$ not now" not !n the a/e to come. Th!s d!rectly 0o!nts to the fact that the Phar!sees ha7e del!berately 0lanned" and carr!ed ot" the cla!m that Jess !s cast!n/ ot demons by the 0ower of the de7!l. It !s by the 0ower of the ;oly 0!r!t that Jess casts them ot. The Phar!sees ha7e no e7!dence for the!r cla!m. The!rs was a w!llfl cho!ce to harden the!r hearts a/a!nst Jess" to try to destroy ;!m by the worst accsat!on 0oss!ble$ to attr!bte to satan the wor5s of 2od and ;!s 0!r!t. They ha7e chosen the!r 0ath and ad7anced a lon/ way down !t. The!r fate !s sealed. It !s no lon/er 0oss!ble for them to hear the 0rom0t!n/ of the 0!r!tE they ha7e not l!stened and w!ll not hear. The!r s!n !s nto death. The bel!e7er may /r!e7e the 0!r!t <0hes!ans )$3,=" res!st the 0!r!t <1cts %$(#=" and 9ench the 0!r!t
#3+ Lesson I cont!ned a 0erson's m!nd and heart. Loo5 at the fr!t tree. It !s 5nown by !ts fr!t. Jess says that to loo5 at the fr!t ;e 0rodces" one can only see /ood - heal!n/" releas!n/" mercy" lo7e" for/!7eness" and 0eace w!th 2od. To s//est that ;e !s bad ma5es no sense at all. 4hen one loo5s" on the other hand" at the fr!t of the Phar!sees" !t !s only bad$ blas0hemy" 0r!de" hate" 0lott!n/" en7y" etc. *erse 3). tra!/ht to the heart$ >o offs0r!n/ of 7!0ers.> 4e recall the same term sed by the a0t!st to descr!be th!s same /ro0. ;ow can yo s0ea5 what !s /ood or tre when yor hearts are e7!lK To sm 0" what !s bo!l!n/ 0 !n the heart w!ll o7erflow !nto the con7ersat!on. 4hat the Phar!sees had !n the!r hearts had now come forth !n the!r hatefl s0eech. *erse 3(. ;ere the heart !s l!5ened to the treasre bo: a 0erson has to 5ee0 the!r most 0rec!os 7alables !n. The same word was sed to descr!be the chests the w!se men bro/ht the!r /!fts !n. In th!s sense e7eryone has an !nner storehose. The /ood 0erson stores what /ood th!n/s that he can br!n/ ot. The e7!l one can only br!n/ ot what he has stored !n h!s heart" wh!ch !s also e7!l. *erse 36. It can only reslt from the !nd!7!dal's cho!ces" and each 0erson w!ll be held accontable. To not choose to bel!e7e !n 2od's lo7e and sal7at!on thro/h Jess" !s to re@ect the 0oss!b!l!ty of chan/e. They choose to rema!n !n the!r s!ns and ta5e the conse9ences. To say that e7ery careless word one s0ea5s w!ll be a/a!nst them on the day of @d/ment stron/ly s//ests the !m0ortance and !m0act words really ha7e on others. The word >careless> s//ests that what !s sa!d does no wor5" therefore !s seless" not be!n/ able to 0rodce any /ood reslt. Th!s /oes mch frther than words that are d!rectly harmfl and destrct!7e" sch as blas0hemy" l!es" slander" namecall!n/" and so forth. Th!s shold s//est to the Chr!st!an that or con7ersat!on shold always be for b!ld!n/ fa!th" for encora/ement" and l!ft!n/ 0 others$ words of 5!ndness" tender-hearted concern and lo7e. *erse 3%. ?ow Jess s0ea5s d!rectly to each 0erson !nd!7!dally by s!n/ 'yo'. >or by thy words tho shalt be @st!f!ed" and by thy words tho shalt be condemned.> These words re7eal the !nner d!s0os!t!on of the heart" whether the tre acce0tance and bel!ef !n

#), Lesson I cont!ned Chr!st" or l!es and self!shness and s!n and e7!l. or the bel!e7er" th!s w!ll determ!ne the reward. To the s!nner" nre0entant" the de/ree of 0n!shment.

#)# Lesson II Matthew #$3&-)(. Call!n/ for a !/n. 3&  Then certa!n of the scr!bes and of the Phar!sees answered" say!n/" Master" we wold see a s!/n from thee. 3+ t he answered and sa!d nto them" 1n e7!l and adlteros /enerat!on see5eth after a s!/nE and there shall no s!/n be /!7en to !t" bt the s!/n of the 0ro0het Jonah$ ), for as Jonah was three days and three n!/hts !n the whale's bellyE so shall the on of man be three days and three n!/hts !n the heart of the earth. )# The men of ?!n'e7eh shall r!se !n @d/ment w!th th!s /enerat!on" and shall condemn !t$ becase they re0ented at the 0reach!n/ of JonahE Jon. 3.( and" behold" a /reater than Jonah !s here. ) The 9een of the soth shall r!se 0 !n the @d/ment w!th th!s /enerat!on" and shall condemn !t$ for she came from the ttermost 0arts of the earth to hear the w!sdom of olomonE and" behold" a /reater than olomon !s here. )3  4hen the nclean s0!r!t !s /one ot of a man" he wal5eth thro/h dry 0laces" see5!n/ rest" and f!ndeth none. )) Then he sa!th" I w!ll retrn !nto my hose from whence I came otE and when he !s come" he f!ndeth !t em0ty" swe0t" and /arn!shed. )( Then /oeth he" and ta5eth w!th h!mself se7en other s0!r!ts more w!c5ed than h!mself" and they enter !n and dwell there$ and the last state of that man !s worse than the f!rst. 7en so shall !t be also nto th!s w!c5ed /enerat!on. *erse 3&. 1t th!s 0o!nt" e7eryth!n/ these men had attem0ted a/a!nst Jess had been defeated. The accsat!ons had been shown to be absrd and f!lled w!th hatefl !ntent. ;ere the scr!bes" the re7ered scholars and teachers of Law" alon/ w!th the Phar!sees
#) Lesson II Cont!ned *erses 3+"),. ;e answers them w!th e:actly what they are and what they mst e:0ect. 1n e7!l and adlteros /enerat!on. Jess labels them and the!r followers e7!l" always choos!n/ the!r own best !nterest. ;e labels them adlteros becase they had trned from the tre worsh!0 of 2od and /one after the!r own lsts and !ns!d!os rles and re/lat!ons. The s!/n ;e w!ll /!7e them w!ll be the s!/n of ;!s tr!m0h o7er s!n" the flesh" the de7!l" and death" at ;!s resrrect!on. It !s as 0ref!/red !n the record of Jonah - wh!ch Jess ob7!osly acce0ts as factal. 1s Jonah was 3 days and 3 n!/hts" as /ood as dead !n the belly of the sea-monster lessed be Jeho7ah yor 2od 4ho was 0leased to set yo on the throne of Israel...that yo may e:ecte @st!ce and r!/hteosness.> he also had bro/ht e:0ens!7e /!fts to h!m. 1t the @d/ment she also w!ll ar!se to condemn th!s /enerat!on. Contrasted w!th what she had done" these 0eo0le endred no hard @orney" /a7e 0 no comfort or treasre. One /reater than olomon was r!/ht there !n front of them. They also had the cr!0tres that conta!ned the 0ro0hec!es that s0o5e of ;!m. They not only /!7e noth!n/ bt 0lot to ta5e away Chr!st's l!fe. They had been !n7!ted" re0eatedly" offered the trth concern!n/ 2od's sal7at!on. They had seen the m!racles that cold only come from 2od and had been !n the 7ery 0resence of the on of 2od. et they ha7e re@ected ;!m and 2od.

#)3 Lesson II Cont!ned The 9een had left her home" based on stor!es and rmors concern!n/ olomon. These men had e7en heard the warn!n/ of John the a0t!st abot what the alternat!7e was to trn!n/ to 2od !n re0entance$ condemnat!on" @d/ment" and hellf!re. Jess had also ta/ht the 0os!t!7e and warned of the ne/at!7e. They st!ll chose the way to destrct!on by cont!n!n/ to 0lot ;!s destrct!on. *erses )3-)(. 1t f!rst" Chr!st's m!n!stry was /reeted by the mlt!tdes w!th enths!asm" aston!shment" and 0ra!s!n/ 2od. s0ec!ally cons!der!n/ the com0ass!on and 0ower shown !n the heal!n/ and cast!n/ ot of e7!l s0!r!ts. 1lso the 0os!t!7e teach!n/ and em0has!s on lo7e" for/!7eness" r!/hteos l!7!n/. 1ll these th!n/s lead to the cleans!n/ of the /eneral 0o0lat!on. ;ere Jess descr!bes th!s as an nclean s0!r!t /o!n/ ot of a man Crc!fy ;!m" Crc!fy ;!m.> The!r /!lt becomes the same as those that !nc!te them. Tho/ht th!s !s not a lesson on demon act!7!ty" se7eral th!n/s can be learned. It !s a role of demons" des!/nated by satan" to enter and control hmans for e7!l and destrct!7e 0r0oses. The demon !s restless when ots!de - and cannot f!nd 0eace !n deserts. It mst be !n a 0lace to !nflence hmans. Th!s !s why re0entance !s not eno/h. Con7ers!on !s necessary that the heart and m!nd are trned o7er to 2od so the >hose> !s not left em0ty bt clean. The f!/ tree that 0rodces only lea7es comes to m!nd$ a 0retens!on to fr!t-bear!n/" bt w!thot any fr!t. ch !s 0r!de and self-r!/hteosness. The Phar!sees dwelled on all the ne/at!7e le/al!st!c as0ects of the!r rel!/!on" wh!le Jess showed lo7e" com0ass!on" comfort" and for/!7eness. ;!s !s a sal7at!on reslt!n/ w!th wor5s based on 2od's /race and mercy. They were harsh" cold" demand!n/ str!ct obed!ence to all the!r rles. They loo5ed down 0on at all those who wold not follow the!r re9!rements <0bl!cans and s!nners=. Jess here !s e:0la!n!n/ that they and the!r followers are act!n/ l!5e a man who ends 0 0ossessed by & demons" all dr!7!n/ them !n the!r hatred and obst!nacy to do what satan wants them to - namely" 0ersecte Jess" and e7entally /et ;!m e:ected. 1nd yet for ;!m to try to teach them what was ha00en!n/ s0!r!tally was also try!n/ to reach them" that some may see and nderstand what was ha00en!n/ to them" reco/n!Ae the trth and come to fa!th !n ;!m.

#)) Lesson II Cont!ned Matthew #$)6-(,. The Mother and rothers. )6  4h!le he yet tal5ed to the 0eo0le" behold" h!s mother and h!s brethren stood w!thot" des!r!n/ to s0ea5 w!th h!m. )% Then one sa!d nto h!m" ehold" thy mother and thy brethren stand w!thot" des!r!n/ to s0ea5 w!th thee. )& t he answered and sa!d nto h!m that told h!m" 4ho !s my motherK and who are my brethrenK )+ 1nd he stretched forth h!s hand toward h!s d!sc!0les" and sa!d" ehold my mother and my brethren (, or whosoe7er shall do the w!ll of my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en" the same !s my brother" and s!ster" and mother. *erse )6. 4h!le ;e was st!ll s0ea5!n/ to the crowds" ;!s mother and brothers show 0. That they were stand!n/ ots!de certa!nly s//ests that Jess was !n a hose. That they had come !s stated w!thot any reason ment!oned. Mar5 3$#" s//ests that there was concern for ;!s /ett!n/ some rest" away from the crowds. 1lso" they may ha7e heard abot the accsat!ons and ne/at!7e att!tdes by the Phar!sees. *erse )%. omeone br!n/s the news to Jess. The hose was so 0ac5ed that they cold not /et thro/h the crowd. omeone near the door /ets the messa/e thro/h. Jess seems ne!ther sr0r!sed nor embarrassed" bt as was ;!s cstom" ;e ses the e7ent as an o00ortn!ty to teach a s0!r!tal trth. *erse )&. ;e answers w!th a 9est!on$ >4ho !s my motherK and who are my brethrenK> Th!s !s ;!s 0r!mary tas5$ not /!7!n/ !n to hman earthly concerns of ;!s hman" earthly fam!ly. The 9est!on s0ea5s to who ;!s s0!r!tal fam!ly !s" !n relat!on to 2od. ;e !nd!cates that bel!e7!n/" fa!thfl" s0!r!tal relat!onsh!0s are most !m0ortant" for they are eternal. Jess /oes on to show what ;e means by lett!n/ those 0resent d!sc!0les 5now" stretch!n/ ;!s hand o7er them" and call!n/ them ;!s mother and ;!s brothers. 4hether male or female" whate7er a/e or occ0at!on" nat!onal or!/!n" or former creed" they were now ;!s closest relat!ons. ;ow !s ;e sre of th!s" and how can they be sre alsoK *erse (,. 4hoe7er shall do the w!ll of my ather !n hea7en. 1nd the ma!n 0o!nt of 2od's w!ll re7ealed by Jess !s acce0tance and bel!ef !n 4ho ;e !s and what ;e has come to do. >4hoe7er> sets absoltely no l!m!ts. ;!s se of >My> ather clearly shows ;!s d!7!ne relat!onsh!0 w!th 2od" of lo7e" the bond eternal.

#)( Lesson II Cont!ned Matthew #3$#-#3. !n/dom Parables. # The same day went Jess ot of the hose" and sat by the sea s!de.  1nd /reat mlt!tdes were /athered to/ether nto h!m" so that he went !nto a sh!0" and satE and the whole mlt!tde stood on the shore. 3 1nd he s0a5e many th!n/s nto them !n 0arables" say!n/" ehold" a sower went forth to sowE ) and when he sowed" some seeds fell by the ways!de" and the fowls came and de7ored them 0$ ( some fell 0on stony 0laces" where they had not mch earth$ and forthw!th they s0rn/ 0" becase they had no dee0ness of earth$ 6 and when the sn was 0" they were scorchedE and becase they had no root" they w!thered away. % 1nd some fell amon/ thornsE and the thorns s0rn/ 0" and cho5ed them$ & bt other fell !nto /ood /rond" and bro/ht forth fr!t" some a hndredfold" some s!:tyfold" some th!rtyfold. + 4ho hath ears to hear" let h!m hear. #,  1nd the d!sc!0les came" and sa!d nto h!m" 4hy s0ea5est tho nto them !n 0arablesK ## ;e answered and sa!d nto them" ecase !t !s /!7en nto yo to 5now the myster!es of the 5!n/dom of hea7en" bt to them !t !s not /!7en. # or whosoe7er hath" to h!m shall be /!7en" and he shall ha7e more abndance$ bt whosoe7er hath not" from h!m shall be ta5en away e7en that he hath. #3 Therefore s0ea5 I to them !n 0arables$ becase they see!n/ see notE and hear!n/ they hear not" ne!ther do they nderstand. Introdct!on. They had a two fold 0r0ose - to re7eal and conceal. !nce Jess cont!ned to ha7e both bel!e7ers and nbel!e7ers !n ;!s ad!ence" ;e ta/ht the bel!e7ers trths that had not been made clear by ;!s 0bl!c m!n!stry or /eneral teach!n/. Those who had not acce0ted ;!m !n effect had re@ected all of the 0roof !n m!racles and teach!n/ that ;e was 2od's 0ro0het and Mess!ah. o ;e now sed 0arables to conceal any more trth for them to cont!ne to re@ect. On the other hand the 0arables wold re7eal many 5!n/dom trths that had not yet been ta/ht and were yet to be flf!lled. ;ere the 0resent m!:ed character" and e7ental flf!llment where the tre bel!e7ers rece!7e the!r reward. *erse #. Jess lea7es the hose and /oes to the seashore" thereby ma5!n/ !t 0oss!ble for more 0eo0le to /ather to hear ;!m.

#)6 Lesson II Cont!ned *erse . ch a lar/e /ro0 comes to/ether so that ;e sat !n a boat where ;e cold teach the crowd /athered alon/ the shore. They had come from all arond" st!ll fasc!nated by ;!s re0tat!on and ;!s s0ea5!n/. y be!n/ !n a boat" ;e cold face a mch lar/er /ro0 than !n the more cram0ed sett!n/s. It was the cstom for the s0ea5er to s!t and the ad!ence to stand. *erse 3. Then ;e told them many th!n/s !n 0arables. 4e may assme that Matthew does not necessar!ly record all of them here. The f!rst Parable !s of the sower. ;e be/!ns by /ett!n/ the!r attent!on$ Lo" or Loo5" mean!n/ 0ay attent!on" I am be/!nn!n/ an !nterest!n/ story. In th!s case" a most fam!l!ar scene$ one e7eryone wold be totally fam!l!ar w!th. 1 sower went ot to sow. Th!s was cstomary for wheat and barley. *erse ). 1s the sower wal5ed thro/h the foot0ath thro/h the f!eld" !t was !ne7!table that some seed fell alon/ the 0ath. ?ot ha7!n/ been 0lowed" and ha7!n/ been hardened by many feet" the seeds rema!ned on the srface. Th!s allowed b!rds to come and eas!ly /obble them 0. *erse (. In Israel a cons!derable 0art of !ts t!llable so!l !s fond abo7e layers of roc5. Many roc5s ha7e to be remo7ed to clear an area. ;ere some seeds fell on roc5y /rond" where there was l!ttle de0th of so!l" so !t 9!c5ly s0ran/ 0" not ha7!n/ anywhere else to /o" no chance of f!rm roots. *erse 6. 4hen the sn came 0" they were scorched" ha7!n/ no root" they w!thered away. L5e adds that ha7!n/ no roots" the seeds had no mo!stre. *erse %. Those that fell amon/ thorns were soon cho5ed by the faster /row!n/ 0lants. *erse &. ome seeds fell !nto /ood so!l. They y!elded a /ood cro0" 7ary!n/ from a hndredfold" to s!:ty" and some to th!rty. 7en the /ood so!l d!d not 0rodce n!formly. 4hat Jess had warned before <##$#(=" ;e re0eats !n the ne:t 7erse. *erse +. ;e who has ears" let h!m hear. Those who ha7e a s0!r!tal

#)% Lesson II Cont!ned nderstand!n/ need to th!n5 careflly o7er these words and try to nderstand the!r s0!r!tal mean!n/. *erse #,. Ob7!osly the d!sc!0les d!d not yet clearly see why Jess was s0ea5!n/ to the mlt!tdes w!th these ty0es of stor!es. Th!s was not a new or no7el way of teach!n/. Others can be fond !n Jd/es +$%-#(" II amel #$#-#)E Ae5!el #%$#-#,. They wanted to 5now why now ;e was often ma5!n/ th!s form so 0redom!nant !n ;!s teach!n/. *erse ##. The myster!es of 2od's 5!n/dom are to be re7ealed only to the d!sc!0les" not to the cr!os crowds. 1 mystery here means th!n/s that wold ha7e rema!ned h!dden" had they not been re7ealed. One of these myster!es was the role of Jess !n h!story" how ;e wold br!n/ the be/!nn!n/ of the re!/n of 2od's 5!n/dom 0on earth. ?ow the s0ec!f!c way that th!s wold be accom0l!shed !s descr!bed !n th!s 0arable. These s0!r!tal trths wold ne7er ha7e been seen or nderstood accord!n/ to normal hman obser7at!on or th!n5!n/. Th!s was and !s a matter of 0re /race. Man also has a res0ons!b!l!ty what he does w!th what he !s /!7en. *erse #. Th!s !s em0has!Aed !n th!s 7erse. 1lso stand!n/ st!ll !s shown to be !m0oss!ble. One /oes !n e!ther of two d!rect!ons. Those who ha7e acce0ted Chr!st are on the 0ath to sal7at!on and w!ll cont!ne to be blessed. They w!ll /row and matre" ha7!n/ abndantly /rown !n lo7e" fa!th" and /race" 0eace" and @oy !n the Lord. or those that choose the other 0ath" what l!ttle 5nowled/e or srface nderstand!n/ of s0!r!tal th!n/s" not be!n/ 0ract!ced or added to !s soon for/otten. It w!ll seem to ha7e been ta5en away" no lon/er retr!e7able. ?ot to se the one /!7en talent !s to lose e7en that.
#)& Lesson II Cont!ned the!r fate !s sealed" the!r 0ath leads only to destrct!on" and 0n!shment. Th!s had been 0art of the h!story of the nat!on of Israel. 4hen they ha7e re@ected the l!/ht of 2od's 4ord" they are /!7en o7er to the dar5ness wh!ch they ha7e chosen" and deser7e" The!r 0n!shment !s that they w!ll hear bt not nderstand and then face @d/ment. ?e:t" the lf!llment of Isa!ah 6$+"#,.

#)+ Lesson III Matthew #3$#)-)3. Isa!ah 6$+"#,. #) 1nd !n them !s flf!lled the 0ro0hecy of Isa!ah" wh!ch sa!th" y hear!n/ ye shall hear" and shall not nderstandE and see!n/ ye shall see" and shall not 0erce!7e$ #( for th!s 0eo0le's heart !s wa:ed /ross" and the!r ears are dll of hear!n/" and the!r eyes they ha7e closedE lest at any t!me they shold see w!th the!r eyes" and hear w!th the!r ears" and shold nderstand w!th the!r heart" and shold be con7erted" and I shold heal them. #6 t blessed are yor eyes" for they see$ and yor ears" for they hear. #% or 7er!ly I say nto yo" That many 0ro0hets and r!/hteos men ha7e des!red to see those th!n/s wh!ch ye see" and ha7e not seen themE and to hear those th!n/s wh!ch ye hear" and ha7e not heard them. #&  ;ear ye therefore the 0arable of the sower. #+ 4hen any one heareth the word of the 5!n/dom" and nderstandeth !t not" then cometh the w!c5ed one" and catcheth away that wh!ch was sown !n h!s heart. Th!s !s he wh!ch rece!7ed seed by the ways!de. , t he that rece!7ed the seed !nto stony 0laces" the same !s he that heareth the word" and anon w!th @oy rece!7eth !tE # yet hath he not root !n h!mself" bt dreth for a wh!le$ for when tr!blat!on or 0ersect!on ar!seth becase of the word" by and by he !s offended.  ;e also that rece!7ed seed amon/ the thorns !s he that heareth the wordE and the care of th!s world" and the dece!tflness of r!ches" cho5e the word" and he becometh nfr!tfl. 3 t he that rece!7ed seed !nto the /ood /rond !s he that heareth the word" and nderstandeth !tE wh!ch also beareth fr!t" and br!n/eth forth" some a hndredfold" some s!:ty" some th!rty. )  1nother 0arable 0t he forth nto them" say!n/" The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5ened nto a man wh!ch sowed /ood seed !n h!s f!eld$ ( bt wh!le men sle0t" h!s enemy came and sowed tares amon/ the wheat" and went h!s way. 6 t when the blade was s0rn/ 0" and bro/ht forth fr!t" then a00eared the tares also. % o the ser7ants of the hoseholder came and sa!d nto h!m" !r" d!dst not tho sow /ood seed !n thy f!eldK from whence then hath !t taresK & ;e sa!d nto them" 1n enemy hath done th!s. The ser7ants sa!d nto h!m" 4!lt tho then that we /o and /ather them 0K + t he sa!d" ?ayE lest wh!le ye /ather 0 the tares" ye root 0 also the wheat w!th them. nt!l the har7est$ and !n the t!me of 3, Let both /row to/ether

#(, Lesson III Cont!ned har7est I w!ll say to the rea0ers" 2ather ye to/ether f!rst the tares" and b!nd them !n bndles to brn them$ bt /ather the wheat !nto my barn. 3#  1nother 0arable 0t he forth nto them" say!n/" The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e to a /ra!n of mstard seed" wh!ch a man too5" and sowed !n h!s f!eld$ 3 wh!ch !ndeed !s the least of all seeds$ bt when !t !s /rown" !t !s the /reatest amon/ herbs" and becometh a tree" so that the b!rds of the a!r come and lod/e !n the branches thereof. 33  1nother 0arable s0a5e he nto themE The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e nto lea7en" wh!ch a woman too5" and h!d !n three measres of meal" t!ll the whole was lea7ened. 3)  1ll these th!n/s s0a5e Jess nto the mlt!tde !n 0arablesE and w!thot a 0arable s0a5e he not nto them$ 3( that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by the 0ro0het" say!n/" I w!ll o0en my moth !n 0arablesE I w!ll tter th!n/s wh!ch ha7e been 5e0t secret from the fondat!on of the world. 36  Then Jess sent the mlt!tde away" and went !nto the hose$ and h!s d!sc!0les came nto h!m" say!n/" Declare nto s the 0arable of the tares of the f!eld. 3% ;e answered and sa!d nto them" ;e that soweth the /ood seed !s the on of manE 3& the f!eld !s the worldE the /ood seed are the ch!ldren of the 5!n/domE bt the tares are the ch!ldren of the w!c5ed oneE 3+ the enemy that sowed them !s the de7!lE the har7est !s the end of the worldE and the rea0ers are the an/els. ), 1s therefore the tares are /athered and brned !n the f!reE so shall !t be !n the end of th!s world. )# The on of man shall send forth h!s an/els" and they shall /ather ot of h!s 5!n/dom all th!n/s that offend" and them wh!ch do !n!9!tyE ) and shall cast them !nto a frnace of f!re$ there shall be wa!l!n/ and /nash!n/ of teeth. )3 Then shall the r!/hteos sh!ne forth as the sn !n the 5!n/dom of the!r ather. 4ho hath ears to hear" let h!m hear. *erses #)"#(. In the case of that /enerat!on" th!s 0ro0hecy of Isa!ah" the c0 of 2od's wrath >!s be!n/ flf!lled>. The destrct!on of the nat!on 0artly e:0er!enced at that t!me of the e:!le" !s now be!n/ f!lled 0 by the nat!on's ma@or!ty of 0eo0le that re@ect the!r Mess!ah. The re@ect!on !s each !nd!7!dal's cho!ce. John the a0t!st and now Jess" called for re0entance and trn!n/ to 2od for for/!7eness and heal!n/. 2od calls them to trn and ;e wold heal them. The descr!0t!on !n 0on the 0ro0hecy f!ts a/a!n" the att!tdes

#(# Lesson III Cont!ned and act!ons of the scr!bes and Phar!sees and all those that follow them. They ha7e closed the!r m!nds to the s0!r!tal trth of what Jess has sa!d and done" no matter how m!raclosly or ob7!osly as from 2od. The effects are as descr!bed$ no matter what they see or hear" they ha7e closed off the!r 0erce0t!on and nderstand!n/. The!r hearts ha7e become nfeel!n/" the!r eyes are closed" they are hard of hear!n/. 2od 0n!shes them by allow!n/ them to ha7e the!r own way. In re@ect!n/ 2od" 2od also re@ects them. 4hat they ha7e sown" they also shall rea0. The se of 0arables allows them to stay on the!r chosen 0ath of re@ect!n/ 2od's messen/er" Jess Chr!st. They loo5 and l!sten bt w!thot any nderstand!n/ of the s0!r!tal trth. *erse 6. The o00os!te w!ll be tre for Chr!st's d!sc!0les$ the!r eyes are blessed by see!n/" the!r ears becase they hear. 2od's fa7or rests 0on them. They hear and see 2od's trth by fa!th. These stor!es /!7e stron/ 7!sal !ma/es" easy to remember" to 0onder o7er. The!r day by day t!me w!th Jess /!7es them am0le o00ortn!ty to as5 ;!m abot the dee0er and s0!r!tal mean!n/. omet!mes Jess e:0la!ned before they as5ed" somet!mes after they as5ed. 4hat 7ale were the lessons they were to learn *erse #%. Jess solemnly declares a new !ns!/ht. Many 0ro0hets and r!/hteos 0ersons
#( Lesson III Cont!ned 3.= The 0reocc0!ed heart 1mon/ the thorns> s//ests 7ery stron/ and ser!os des!res as 0art of th!s 0erson's heart" a l!fe mot!7ated by amb!t!on" wealth" 0ower" and 0o0lar!ty. The dece!tfl /lamor of r!ches cho5e the new messa/e !n th!s 0erson's l!fe. 1mb!t!on and worry /o to/ether !n cho5!n/ ot any chance of the 4ord of 2od to be f!rst !n th!s 0erson's l!fe. Th!s !s the 0reocc0!ed heart. ?o t!me !s /!7en to 0onder o7er and real!Ae the s0!r!tal trth of 2od's 4ord. 1ny tho/hts abot s0!r!tal th!n/s are soon 0shed ot by an:!ety concern!n/ the worldly ftre. ;!s des!res f!ll the heart w!th d!scontent" an:!ety" en7y" frstrat!on" and an/er. 'If only' he had what others had" he wold be set" content" ha00y. Th!s !s the whole focs of m!nd and heart. There !s no room for th!n5!n/ of others"

#(3 Lesson III Cont!ned mch less hel0!n/ them. ?o fr!t from the seed of the 4ord !s 0oss!ble here. *erse 3. The /ood so!l" clt!7ated and o0en" fert!l!Aed and 0re0ared !s l!5e the one whose heart !s o0en and 0re0ared to acce0t the 4ord of 2od. The messa/e !s acce0ted and be/!ns to /row. Th!s !s the heart that w!ll bear fr!t from the 4ord sown$ some one hndred t!mes" some s!:ty" some th!rty. Th!s 0erson !s rece0t!7e" ta5es !n the Messa/e and 0onders o7er !t !n h!s heart" where 0erce0t!on and nderstand!n/ /row. 1s the 4ord !s 0t !n 0ract!ce !n h!s l!fe !t bears fr!t" the show!n/ forth of sal7at!on" fa!th" lo7e" @oy" 0eace" com0ass!on. The descr!0t!on of d!fferent amonts of fr!t-bear!n/ also stron/ly s//ests that each !nd!7!dal whose l!fe bears fr!t w!ll be d!fferent. It also s//ests that accord!n/ to the seed of the 4ord they s0read" that a s!m!lar nmber of others w!ll be con7erted to Chr!st. The most !m0ortant 0o!nt rema!ns that each seed !n /ood so!l comes to fr!t!on" thereby draw!n/ others to Chr!st. *erse ). The Parable of the tares amon/ the wheat. Tho/h s!m!lar to the ower 0arable" there are ma@or d!fferences. ;ere the seed !s also all /ood" bt the e7!l one sows tares amon/ the wheat. The former 0arable em0has!Aes the rece0t!on of the seed !n the 7ar!os ty0es of so!l. Th!s 0arable's em0has!s !s on the act!ons of the sower toward the har7est. The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e the s!tat!on as descr!bed of th!s man's farm at the 0resent t!me. The cro0 be!n/ 0lanted and de7elo0!n/" then later at the har7est. The 0!ctre !s of m!:ed cro0s" wheat" and tares - tre bel!e7ers and nbel!e7ers. Th!s w!ll cont!ne thro/hot the chrch a/e. t !n the end there w!ll be a se0arat!on" both certa!n and f!nal. *erse (. The enemy !s descr!bed as snea5y and only e7!l !n !ntent. ;e does not want to be seen or not!ced. Therefore" he acts at n!/ht when e7eryone slee0s. 4hat he sows !s a weed that" when s0rot!n/" loo5s l!5e wheat. It !s called 'bearded darnel'. The reslt!n/ robb!n/ of so!l and mo!stre wold lessen the wheat's chances of fll /rowth and fr!t-bear!n/. Its s!m!lar!ty wold allow !t to /row nnot!ced nt!l dama/e was done" and remo7!n/ !t wold be d!ff!clt. Ths does satan always !m!tate 2od's wor5" bt only for destrct!on. *erse %. The amont of tares mst ha7e been way abo7e normal to br!n/ the ser7ants to 9est!on the owner. D!d he not sow /ood seedK Then how cold all these tares come 0K Th!s !s so nsal that they

#() Lesson III Cont!ned cannot !ma/!ne how th!s has ha00ened. 4here d!d the tares come fromK *erse &. There !s no 9est!on or dobt !n the owner's m!nd. >1n enemy has done th!s> The ser7ants' react!on !s natral. hold they 0ll ot the tares so no more dama/e !s done to the wheat cro0K *erse +. The ser7ants want to hel0 and s//est that they /o and 0ll 0 the tares before they hrt the wheat any frther. ;owe7er" the owner sa!d no. The dan/er of also 0root!n/ the wheat wh!le 0ll!n/ ot the tares was too /reat. Intertw!n!n/ of the roots wold certa!nly case dama/e when the tares were 0lled 0" and sch 0lants wold not matre" and bear fr!t. 1 0ercenta/e of the cro0 wold be lost. *erse 3,. The 0lan was to let both /row to/ether nt!l the har7est. Then the tares can be /athered ot" t!ed !n bndles and brned. Then the wheat can be /athered and sa7ed !n the barn. Then there w!ll be no dan/er to the cro0" and !f some wheat 0lants are also dama/ed" the!r fr!t rema!ns. Those who rea0 can eas!ly follow th!s d!rect!on. *erses 3#"3. The Mstard eed. Th!s symbol!Aes the otward /rowth of the 5!n/dom of hea7en. The follow!n/ one abot lea7en symbol!Aes the !nward /rowth. The otward 7!s!ble /rowth !s feled by the !n7!s!ble s0!r!tal /rowth. The mstard seed was the smallest seed trad!t!onally 0lanted !n /ardens !n Israel. It has been 5nown to /row 0 to #( feet tall" allow!n/ b!rds to come and nest !n !ts branches. Th!s descr!bes the small be/!nn!n/
#(( Lesson III Cont!ned Jess warn!n/ a/a!nst the lea7en of the Phar!sees. The!r teach!n/" !f ta5en !n and acce0ted" wold /row and do dama/e to the whole l!fe of that 0erson. *erses 3)"3(. That Jess was relat!n/ 0arables to the crowds was a flf!llment of 0ro0hecy from Psalms %&$. Th!s has already been d!scssed <#3$#,#%=. Matthew adds another 0ro0hecy to em0has!Ae that Jess" as the 0rom!sed Mess!ah" !s do!n/ e:actly what was recorded !n the Old Testament - s0ea5 myster!es from anc!ent t!mes !n !n the form of 0arables. *erse 36. 1n e:0lanat!on of the tares and the wheat. Once a/a!n Jess d!sm!ssed the crowds and went !nto the hose. ?ow !n 0r!7ate" the d!sc!0les as5 for the e:0lanat!on of the tares 0arable. *erse 3%. The ower of the /ood seed !s the on of Man. Th!s term on of Man from Dan!el %$#) was to be /!7en dom!n!on and /lory and royal 0ower. ;ere ;e !s the hmble farmer sow!n/ seed. The /ood seed !s the 4ord of 2od" the 5!n/dom of 2od" the messa/e of al7at!on. *erse 3&. The f!eld !s the world. The 2os0el mst be s0read arond the world" where7er 0eo0le are fond. 4here the /ood seed ta5es root" !n the hearts of men who acce0t the 2os0el they w!ll /row to bear fr!t. The tares are sons of the e7!l one" the!r /rowth only br!n/s destrct!on and harm. They are sowed by the de7!l. The har7est w!ll be the end of the a/e and the rea0ers are the an/els. *erses ),-). The tares w!ll be brned 0 w!th f!re n9enchable. They are offens!7e and 0er0etrate lawlessness" so shall the!r end be 0n!shment ne7er end!n/. Th!s !s descr!bed as a cleans!n/ of the 5!n/dom on the Jd/ment Day. 1 0ermanent se0arat!on. The tares to 0n!shment where there shall be wee0!n/ and the /r!nd!n/ of teeth" and all the tho/hts" feel!n/s" and emot!ons that /o w!th them. *erse )3. The r!/hteos w!ll be sh!n!n/ as the sn !n the 5!n/dom of the!r ather. ;a7!n/ rece!7ed /race on earth" now rece!7e /lory there. Jess adds the fam!l!ar warn!n/ to these l!steners. 1s they ha7e heard the e:0lanat!ons" they mst ser!osly 0onder o7er the!r mean!n/ and nderstand the s0!r!tal trths they 0ortray. It mst also be noted that the wheat and the tares descr!be the s!tat!on !n the n!7ersal chrch. That a m!:tre of tre bel!e7ers and

#(6 Lesson III Cont!ned nbel!e7ers !s common. That th!s !s to be e:0ected also means that !t !s not to be 7!olated. The lesson of 0ll!n/ ot the tares wold dama/e the wheat holds tre !n the chrch. :ce0t for e:tremes w!th!n chrch d!sc!0l!ne as descr!bed !n the ?ew Testament" the nbel!e7ers are to be left alone. 4e do not ha7e the ab!l!ty to read men's hearts" and try!n/ to @d/e e7eryone wold do more harm than /ood. That dec!s!on w!ll be left to Chr!st and ;!s an/els. 4e are to lo7e one another w!thot @d/!n/ them" that some by /race may be led to bel!e7e.

#(% Lesson I* Matthew #3$))-(&. ;!dden Treasre. ))  1/a!n" the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e nto treasre h!d !n a f!eldE the wh!ch when a man hath fond" he h!deth" and for @oy thereof /oeth and selleth all that he hath" and byeth that f!eld. )(  1/a!n" the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e nto a merchantman" see5!n/ /oodly 0earls$ )6 who" when he had fond one 0earl of /reat 0r!ce" went and sold all that he had" and bo/ht !t. )%  1/a!n" the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e nto a net" that was cast !nto the sea" and /athered of e7ery 5!nd$ )& wh!ch" when !t was fll" they drew to shore" and sat down" and /athered the /ood !nto 7essels" bt cast the bad away. )+ o shall !t be at the end of the world$ the an/els shall come forth" and se7er the w!c5ed from amon/ the @st" (, and shall cast them !nto the frnace of f!re$ there shall be wa!l!n/ and /nash!n/ of teeth. (#  Jess sa!th nto them" ;a7e ye nderstood all these th!n/sK They say nto h!m" ea" Lord. ( Then sa!d he nto them" Therefore e7ery scr!be wh!ch !s !nstrcted nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en" !s l!5e nto a man that !s a hoseholder" wh!ch br!n/eth forth ot of h!s treasre th!n/s new and old. (3  1nd !t came to 0ass" that when Jess had f!n!shed these 0arables" he de0arted thence. () 1nd when he was come !nto h!s own contry" he ta/ht them !n the!r syna/o/e" !nsomch that they were aston!shed" and sa!d" 4hence hath th!s man th!s w!sdom" and these m!/hty wor5sK (( Is not th!s the car0enter's sonK !s not h!s mother called MaryK and h!s brethren" James" and Joses" and !mon" and JdasK (6 1nd h!s s!sters" are they not all w!th sK 4hence then hath th!s man all these th!n/sK (% 1nd they were offended !n h!m. t Jess sa!d nto them" 1 0ro0het !s not w!thot honor" sa7e !n h!s own contry" and !n h!s own hose. (& 1nd he d!d not many m!/hty wor5s there becase of the!r nbel!ef. *erse )). The Parable of the ;!dden Treasre. ;ere a man was d!//!n/ !n a f!eld wh!ch was not h!s 0ro0erty" so that when he fond a treasre br!ed there" he co7ers !t 0. If he was leas!n/ the land he wold ha7e a r!/ht to be d!//!n/" bt wold not le/ally ha7e the r!/ht to 5ee0 the treasre. It was not ncommon dr!n/ that t!me
#(& Lesson I* Cont!ned f!nd!n/ !t. O7er@oyed" he sells all he has and bys the f!eld" and now le/ally 0ossesses the treasre fond there!n. The 0o!nt !s abot the 7ale of the 2os0el" be!n/ worth /!7!n/ 0 all one's own self!sh and s!nfl ways to 0ossess th!s lt!mate treasre of sal7at!on and l!fe eternal. Pal e:0ressed !t well !n h!s recont!n/ all the th!n/s he /a7e 0 from a hered!tary" soc!al" mater!al" and rel!/!os 0o!nt of 7!ew" all to /a!n Chr!st. Pal's confrontat!on w!th Jess was certa!nly sdden and ne:0ected. 2od ses !nd!7!dally s!ted ways to br!n/ the treasre of ;!s on before s. omet!mes
#(+ Lesson I* Cont!ned *erse (#. Jess as5s !f they ha7e nderstood all th!s. They answered" es. Th!s was the!r o00ortn!ty to as5 for more e:0lanat!on !f they needed to. They were sat!sf!ed !n the!r own m!nds. *erse (. ?ow Jess descr!bes the!r res0ons!b!l!ty as to what to do w!th th!s 5nowled/e and nderstand!n/. Th!s descr!bes the dt!es of e7ery Chr!st!an from the!r t!me nt!l now. The 'scr!be' refers bac5 to one tra!ned !n the Old Testament scr!0tres who then wold teach the scr!0tres to others. The scr!be of Jess !s one tra!ned !n the 2os0el of the 5!n/dom of ;ea7en" of for/!7eness" mercy" /race" and /lory. Th!s 0re0ared h!m to teach" and therefore s0read the 2os0el to others. ;e !s descr!bed as head of a hosehold and has the !m0ortant dty of 0ro7!d!n/ for that hosehold. ;e has a storehose of th!n/s to draw from. These !nclded th!n/s old" sch as the r!ches of the Old Testament" the 0rom!ses of 2od concern!n/ Mess!ah" and the e:am0les of fa!th" the Ten Commandments" as a /!de for r!/hteos l!7!n/ etc. 1lso" th!n/s new" the 2ood ?ews of Jess ;!mself. Th!s !nclded ;!s sal7at!on" reconc!l!at!on w!th 2od" the bless!n/s of the ;oly 0!r!t" and the 0rom!se of l!fe eternal. *erses (3"(). 1fter tell!n/ these 0arables" Jess left that 0lace and retrns to ?aAareth <;!s hometown= and be/an teach!n/ !n the!r syna/o/e. The 0eo0le were aston!shed. They certa!nly had heard of ;!s m!racles arond 2al!lee and now they 9est!on each other !n amaAement. 4here d!d ;e /et th!s w!sdom" and the 0ower to do these m!raclesK They wold not bel!e7e !t. They cold not !ma/!ne that !t came from 2od" not to someone they 5new" and had seen /row 0. ;e had not been wealthy" or edcated !n the Tem0le !n Jersalem. *erses (("(6. Isn't ;e @st the son of a car0enterK Isn't ;!s mother's name MaryK 1ren't James" Jose0h" !mon" and Jdas ;!s brothersK 1ren't all ;!s s!sters st!ll l!7!n/ hereK 4here d!d ;e /et all th!sK 100arently Mary's hsband" Jose0h" had d!ed somet!me after father!n/ ) sons and at least  da/hters. Jess was the son of a car0enter" bro/ht 0 !n that trade for a t!me of nrecorded drat!on. 4ho d!d ;e th!n5 !s" to act so h!/h and m!/hty" l!5e one so far abo7e themK Gnth!n5able" nbel!e7able" nacce0table. They 5new all the rest of ;!s fam!ly" and they had no sch as0!rat!ons" no 0ffed 0 0tt!n/ on of a!rs. o where d!d Jess /et off act!n/ l!5e ;e was better than themK

#6, Lesson I* Cont!ned *erse (%. The smmar!Aed reslt$ they too5 offense at ;!m. ecase of ;!s ord!nary" well-5nown" and hmble or!/!n they re@ected ;!m alon/ w!th ;!s w!sdom and m!racles. Jess reco/n!Aed th!s 0r!defl" self!sh" and nreasonable att!tde" say!n/ to them" >1 0ro0het !s not w!thot honor e:ce0t !n h!s hometown and !n h!s own fam!ly.> Than5flly we learn later of the fa!th of ;!s brothers
#6# Lesson I* Cont!ned been est!mated that the a0t!st had been 5!lled near the be/!nn!n/ of +. 1.D. Th!s was ;erod 1nt!0as" a son of ;erod the 2reat" tetrarch o7er 2al!lee and Perea from )-3+ 1.D. ;!s 0alace was !n Perea" far to the soth of Ca0ernam. Ths" news" tra7el!n/ more slowly !n those t!mes" was rather late !n reach!n/ h!m. It !s assmed th!s !s the reason for how lon/ !t too5 for news concern!n/ Jess' m!n!stry to reach h!m. It was the m!racles that most d!strbed h!m. ;e was a /!lt-r!dden s0erst!t!os mrderer" who had been tr!c5ed !nto 5!ll!n/ the a0t!st. ;!s !ma/!nat!on was so b!Aarre as to conclde that Jess was the a0t!st restored to l!fe. *erses 3-#. These 7erses record the story of ;erod's arrest of John thro/h e:ect!on and br!al. Matthew saw !t as a00ro0r!ate to record th!s here. *erses 3"). ;erod had John arrested" bond" and 0t !n 0r!son" becase John 5e0t tell!n/ h!m that !t was wron/ for h!m to now ha7e ;erod!as
#6 Lesson I* Cont!ned *erses 6-#,. The b!rthday 0arty" the danc!n/ of alome" the fasc!nat!on of ;erod" the oath to /!7e her whate7er she as5ed" the re9est of the a0t!st's head on a 0latter. ecase of the oath and the /reat nmber of !m0ortant d!nner /ests" he cold not lose face and bac5 down. ;e /a7e the order" and John was beheaded. ;!s head was 0t on a 0latter and /!7en to the /!rl" who then 0resented !t to her mother - the !ns!d!osly 0lott!n/ ;erod!as. The lsh ban9et" w!th the /reat men of h!s doma!n assembled to honor ;erod on h!s b!rthday. The 0erfect o00ortn!ty of ;erod!as to ent!ce her hsband !nto the fatefl oath. The da/hter was ob7!osly a/reeable" so she danced before the assembly. The style of dance was rhythm!c" and sedct!7e to the eye and ca0t!7ated ;erod's sensal!ty. Then the oath of reward" anyth!n/ she wold as5" th!n5!n/ she wold only as5 what any yon/ /!rl wold as5" certa!nly noth!n/ abo7e her stat!on. et" the mother was ready w!th the re9est for the a0t!st's head" 5now!n/ that he cold not refse nder th!s 0bl!c c!rcmstance. It mst be carr!ed ot !mmed!ately and the 0roof of death was !n the re9est. There was no o00ortn!ty to l!e or 0retend !t was done. 1lso" what wold ;erod!as do now !f he refsedK
#63 Lesson * Matthew #)$#3-#. eed!n/ (",,,. #3  4hen Jess heard of !t" he de0arted thence by sh!0 !nto a desert 0lace a0art$ and when the 0eo0le had heard thereof" they followed h!m on foot ot of the c!t!es. #) 1nd Jess went forth" and saw a /reat mlt!tde" and was mo7ed w!th com0ass!on toward them" and he healed the!r s!c5. #( 1nd when !t was e7en!n/" h!s d!sc!0les came to h!m" say!n/" Th!s !s a desert 0lace" and the t!me !s now 0astE send the mlt!tde away" that they may /o !nto the 7!lla/es" and by themsel7es 7!ctals. #6 t Jess sa!d nto them" They need not de0artE /!7e ye them to eat. #% 1nd they say nto h!m" 4e ha7e here bt f!7e loa7es" and two f!shes. #& ;e sa!d" r!n/ them h!ther to me. #+ 1nd he commanded the mlt!tde to s!t down on the /rass" and too5 the f!7e loa7es" and the two f!shes" and loo5!n/ 0 to hea7en" he blessed" and bra5e" and /a7e the loa7es to h!s d!sc!0les" and the d!sc!0les to the mlt!tde. , 1nd they d!d all eat" and were f!lled$ and they too5 0 of the fra/ments that rema!ned twel7e bas5ets fll. # 1nd they that had eaten were abot f!7e thosand men" bes!de women and ch!ldren. etween the e:ect!on of the a0t!st and Jess' w!thdrawal to a desolate 0lace" se7eral th!n/s too5 0lace$ John's br!al and h!s d!sc!0les' re0ort to Jess"E Jess' d!sc!0les retrn!n/ and re0ort!n/ from the!r m!ss!onary @orneyE and the news /!7en to ;erod 1nt!0as abot Jess' m!racles" reslt!n/ !n h!s remar5!n/ abot John be!n/ r!sen from the dead as the only 0oss!ble e:0lanat!on for th!s m!raclos 0ower. It has been est!mated that these e7ents too5 0lace !n the latter 0art of & and8or the be/!nn!n/ of + 1.D." abot a year before the crc!f!:!on. The 2reat 2al!lean m!n!stry !s com!n/ to a close. *erse #3. The re0ort from John's d!sc!0les abot the c!rcmstances lead!n/ 0 to and !ncld!n/ h!s brtal e:ect!on" death" and br!al" re9!red reflect!on and morn!n/. ;!s own d!sc!0les @st retrned from the!r m!ss!onary tor
#6) Lesson * Cont!ned *erse #). 4hen Jess came ot from where ;e had been on the slo0e of the h!ll" ;e saw th!s /reat crowd. Bather than th!n5 of ;!s own needs" ;e had com0ass!on for them and healed the!r s!c5. Th!s was the e:am0le for ;!s d!sc!0les and all bel!e7ers and the Chrch$ the needs of others mst always be 0laced before one's own. Mar5 ment!ons that ;e also s0ent t!me teach!n/ the 0eo0le
#6( Lesson * Cont!ned *erse ,. 1ll ate and were f!lled. Tho/h no descr!0t!on of how th!s too5 0lace !s recorded" a l!5ely e:0lanat!on !s that the mlt!0l!cat!on ha00ened !n Jess' hands. 1ny other e:0lanat!on !s !m0oss!ble - !t rema!ns a creat!7e wor5 of 2od" far beyond or ab!l!ty to e7en !ma/!ne how. 1ll were sat!sf!ed and the left-o7ers were /athered - twel7e bas5ets fll. ?oth!n/ was to /o to waste. The food cold be sed the ne:t day. *erse #. To record the e:tent of the m!racle we are now told that abot (",,, men ate - they were the ma@or!ty. ?ot many women" es0ec!ally w!th yon/ ch!ldren" cold lea7e home for sch an e:tended @orney I w!ll ra!se them 0 a Pro0het from amon/ the!r brethren" l!5e nto thee" and w!ll 0t my words !n h!s moth$ and he shall s0ea5 them all that I shall command h!m.> Th!s m!racle cased /reat amaAement and then e:c!tement" then emot!onal fer7or. John records !n #&$36 that they were l!5e a mob ready to ma5e Jess the!r 5!n/" bt !n the heat of the moment and for the wron/ reasons. Of corse" Jess 5new th!s and had to 0t a sto0 to !t 9!c5ly" for ;!s 5!n/dom was not of th!s world. Matthew #)$-33. On the 4ater.   1nd stra!/htway Jess constra!ned h!s d!sc!0les to /et !nto a sh!0" and to /o before h!m nto the other s!de" wh!le he sent the mlt!tdes away. 3 1nd when he had sent the mlt!tdes away" he went 0 !nto a monta!n a0art to 0ray$ and when the e7en!n/ was come" he was there alone. ) t the sh!0 was now !n the m!dst of the sea" tossed w!th wa7es$ for the w!nd was contrary. ( 1nd !n the forth watch of the n!/ht Jess went nto them" wal5!n/ on the sea. 6 1nd when the d!sc!0les saw h!m wal5!n/ on the sea" they were

#66 Lesson * Cont!ned trobled" say!n/" It !s a s0!r!tE and they cr!ed ot for fear. % t stra!/htway Jess s0a5e nto them" say!n/" e of /ood cheerE !t !s IE be not afra!d. &  1nd Peter answered h!m and sa!d" Lord" !f !t be tho" b!d me come nto thee on the water. + 1nd he sa!d" Come. 1nd when Peter was come down ot of the sh!0" he wal5ed on the water" to /o to Jess. 3, t when he saw the w!nd bo!steros" he was afra!dE and be/!nn!n/ to s!n5" he cr!ed" say!n/" Lord" sa7e me. 3# 1nd !mmed!ately Jess stretched forth h!s hand" and ca/ht h!m" and sa!d nto h!m" O tho of l!ttle fa!th" wherefore d!dst tho dobtK 3 1nd when they were come !nto the sh!0" the w!nd ceased. 33 Then they that were !n the sh!0 came and worsh!00ed h!m" say!n/" Of a trth tho art the on of 2od. Jess' f!rst act!on !s to ma5e the d!sc!0les /et !nto the boat and /o ahead of ;!m to the other s!de of the la5e. ;e wold then send the crowds away. ;e wold catch 0 w!th them somet!me later" 0resmably by wal5!n/ alon/ the shore. y send!n/ them away f!rst" some ha7e s//ested th!s was to 0re7ent the!r 0oss!ble tem0tat!on to /et ca/ht 0 !n the fer7or of the crowd to a false 0r0ose. Once they are off" ;e sends the crowd home" !t be!n/ late and /ett!n/ near dar5. *erse 3. Th!s 7erse re7eals 0oss!bly the stron/est mot!7e for send!n/ e7eryone away$ Jess wanted to be alone to 0ray to ;!s ather. ;e went bac5 0 the h!ll" and when !t became dar5 ;e was there alone 0ray!n/. rom the 0rayers that ha7e been recorded" we ha7e a /ood !dea of the ran/e and !ntens!ty of them. John #% !s the lon/est" and !ncldes the follow!n/$ for ;!mself !n the wor5 ;e was /!7en to do" for the a0ostles" and for the Chrch to come. ?ow th!s !s Jess' constant act!7!ty - !ntercessory 0rayer for ;!s 0eo0le. *erse ). ac5 w!th the d!sc!0les !n the boat. They were abot half way to the!r dest!nat!on -3 m!les of the f!7e" where they wold land. It was after dar5" the sea was /ett!n/ ro/h" the boat battered by wa7es" w!th a stron/ w!nd blow!n/ from the o00os!te d!rect!on they were /o!n/ !n. Th!s made any 0ro/ress most d!ff!clt. Certa!nly they were safely !n 2od's hands and !n Jess' 0rayers bt Jess was /o!n/ to retrn to them !n a most m!raclos way. *erse (. The forth watch
#6% Lesson * Cont!ned *erse 6. 4hen ;e came near eno/h that the d!sc!0les saw ;!m wal5!n/ on the sea" they were fr!/htened. Tal5 abot totally ne:0ected" n!ma/!nable" ne7er before heard of" or recorded !n hman h!story. Can they bel!e7e the!r own eyesK ?o" !t mst be some d!sembod!ed s0!r!t or /host. ?atrally they screamed w!th fear" for th!s cold only be an e7!l omen. *erse %. Jess at once s0o5e to them" >Ta5e cora/e" !t !s I" no lon/er fear.> ;e s0ea5s reassrance that all !s well" ;e !s there for them" there !s no lon/er any reason to be afra!d. Th!s br!n/s a dramat!c react!on from all of them bt e7en more so to Peter. *erse &. 7er !m0etos" Peter wants to e:0er!ence th!s m!racle h!mself" as5!n/ Jess to b!d h!m to come to ;!m on the water. ;e trsts Jess and wants to be close to ;!m. The se of the word >!f> means >s!nce> !n th!s conte:t. ;e as5s 0erm!ss!on" 5now!n/ !f /!7en wold !nclde the 0ower to wal5 on the water also. Th!s showed com0lete trst and fa!th !n Jess. *erse +. Jess' res0onse" w!thot any sr0r!se or reb5e" !s s!m0ly" 'Come.' Peter then ste00ed ot of the boat and be/an wal5!n/ on the water toward Jess. It mst be remembered that there was a stron/ w!nd w!th accom0any!n/ batter!n/ wa7es. ?ot nt!l they ste00ed !nto the boat d!d the w!nd sto0. *erse 3,. Peter was d!stracted by the w!nd and too5 h!s eyes off Jess. ;e /ot scared by the force of the w!nd" and be/an to s!n5. ;e cr!ed ot" Lord sa7e me. Tho/h he became afra!d of the w!nd and wa7es" !n h!s 0l!/ht he cr!ed ot to Jess" from trst to dobt" bac5 to trst. Th!s was Peter's 0attern of beha7!or on many occas!ons. *erse 3#. Jess !mmed!ately /rabbed Peter" say!n/" >O tho of l!ttle fa!th" wherefore d!dst tho dobtK> ;e was st!ll so mch l!7!n/ by h!s 0hys!cal senses" and emot!onal react!ons. ;e was st!ll a babe !n s0!r!tal nderstand!n/ and /ras0!n/ the trth of Jess' 0ower" athor!ty" and m!ss!on. *erse 3. 4hen they were !n the boat" the w!nd ceased. Ob7!osly Jess st!lled the storm. Pre7!osly he had st!lled a storm that was abot to s!n5 a boat ;e was !n. ;e cold ha7e st!lled these w!nds at any

#6& Lesson * Cont!ned t!me" ha7!n/ 0ower o7er the forces of natre. Jess' reason for wal5!n/ on the water was to be w!th them" to comfort them" and case the!r fa!th to be stren/thened. Indeed" as the e7ent ends" the d!sc!0les' react!on seems com0letely natral. 4hat they ha7e seen was not hmanly 0oss!ble" or !ma/!nable. They reach the only concls!on that cold e:0la!n th!s e:0er!ence - ;e !s the on of 2od They fell at ;!s feet" !n aston!shed awe" and worsh!00ed ;!m. They had heard the w!tness of the ather's 7o!ce at ;!s ba0t!sm" and also the declarat!ons of demons" s0!r!t be!n/s who 5new who ;e was. They had seen the m!racles of heal!n/" and heard the words that ;e had s0o5en abot the 5!n/dom of hea7en" and for/!7eness. Matthew #)$3)-36. 2ennesaret. 3)  1nd when they were /one o7er" they came !nto the land of 2ennes'aret. 3( 1nd when the men of that 0lace had 5nowled/e of h!m" they sent ot !nto all that contry rond abot" and bro/ht nto h!m all that were d!seasedE 36 and beso/ht h!m that they m!/ht only toch the hem of h!s /arment$ and as many as toched were made 0erfectly whole. *erse 3). They com0leted the!r cross!n/" land!n/ !n the area 5nown as 2ennesaret. It was a fert!le 0la!n soth of Ca0ernam. It had abot a 3 m!le coastl!ne and was densely 0o0lated abot #.( m!les !nland. 1mon/ the!r cro0s were walnts" 0alms" f!/s" ol!7es" and /ra0es. efore /o!n/ on to Ca0ernam" ;e 0ases here to br!n/ bless!n/s to the 0eo0le of th!s re/!on. *erses 3("36. 4hen some of the men reco/n!Aed Jess
#6+ Lesson *I

Matthew #($#-,. Def!lement. # Then came to Jess scr!bes and Phar!sees" wh!ch were of Jersalem" say!n/"  4hy do thy d!sc!0les trans/ress the trad!t!on of the eldersK for they wash not the!r hands when they eat bread. 3 t he answered and sa!d nto them" 4hy do ye also trans/ress the commandment of 2od by yor trad!t!onK ) or 2od commanded" say!n/" ;onor thy father and mother$ and" ;e that crseth father or mother" let h!m d!e the death. ( t ye say" 4hosoe7er shall say to h!s father or h!s mother" It !s a /!ft" by whatsoe7er tho m!/htest be 0rof!ted by meE 6 and honor not h!s father or h!s mother" he shall be free. Ths ha7e ye made the commandment of 2od of none effect by yor trad!t!on. % e hy0ocr!tes" well d!d Isa!ah 0ro0hesy of yo" say!n/" & Th!s 0eo0le draweth n!/h nto me w!th the!r moth" and honoreth me w!th the!r l!0sE bt the!r heart !s far from me. + t !n 7a!n they do worsh!0 me" teach!n/ for doctr!nes the commandments of men. #,  1nd he called the mlt!tde" and sa!d nto them" ;ear" and nderstand$ ## ?ot that wh!ch /oeth !nto the moth def!leth a manE bt that wh!ch cometh ot of the moth" th!s def!leth a man. # Then came h!s d!sc!0les" and sa!d nto h!m" nowest tho that the Phar!sees were offended" after they heard th!s say!n/K #3 t he answered and sa!d" 7ery 0lant" wh!ch my hea7enly ather hath not 0lanted" shall be rooted 0. #) Let them alone$ they be bl!nd leaders of the bl!nd. 1nd !f the bl!nd lead the bl!nd" both shall fall !nto the d!tch. #( Then answered Peter and sa!d nto h!m" Declare nto s th!s 0arable. #6 1nd Jess sa!d" 1re ye also yet w!thot nderstand!n/K #% Do not ye yet nderstand" that whatsoe7er entereth !n at the moth /oeth !nto the belly" and !s cast ot !nto the dra/htK #& t those th!n/s wh!ch 0roceed ot of the moth come forth from the heartE and they def!le the man. #+ or ot of the heart 0roceed e7!l tho/hts" mrders" adlter!es" forn!cat!ons" thefts" false w!tness" blas0hem!es$ , these are the th!n/s wh!ch def!le a man$ bt to eat w!th nwashen hands def!leth not a man. *erses #". On one of these days
#%, Lesson *I Cont!ned the tr!0 from Jersalem re0resent!n/ the establ!shment of the!r rel!/!on. That th!s 0start had been teach!n/ and act!n/ contrary to the!r 0rononcements cold not be tolerated. It had been obser7ed and re0orted that Jess' d!sc!0les d!d not 0ract!ce the trad!t!on of the elders" the re/lat!ons by rabb!s from the 0ast concern!n/ r!tal r!ns!n/ of the hands before meals. The cla!med !ntent was the e:0lanat!on of what 2od's Law meant as a00l!ed to e7eryday l!fe. The effect$ !n many cases these @d/ments went far beyond what was demanded !n the Law and obfscated the or!/!nal !ntent of that law. 1ll the r!tal cleans!n/s related most s0ec!f!cally to the 0r!ests !n the!r Tem0le dt!es. In relat!on to the 0eo0le /enerally they were also re9!red !n s0ec!f!c cond!t!ons when they ma5e a blood offer!n/ to the Lord. The rabb!s had 0rescr!bed hand r!ns!n/ for all the 0eo0le and w!th e7ery meal. Th!s was a stretch" an !m0os!t!on far beyond the !ntent of the Law. 1 br!ef h!story as to how th!s had come abot. 4hen the nat!on had been con9ered" the Tem0le destroyed" and the 0eo0le de0orted to abylon" !t bro/ht those that feared 2od to a star5 real!Aat!on. They and the nat!on had trned away from Jeho7ah and th!s was the!r 0n!shment. The!r only ho0e of reconc!l!at!on and another chance to re/a!n the!r land rested solely !n the!r trn!n/ w!th contr!te hearts bac5 to the!r 2od
#%# Lesson *I Cont!ned Law. 1nd !t ends 0 that they are see5!n/ the!r own self!sh ad7anta/e. *erse ). Jess w!ll now s00ly them w!th a /lar!n/ e:am0le. 2od sa!d" ;onor yor father and mother. The word 'honor' means to re/ard h!/hly" show res0ect and cons!derat!on. Th!s !s l!felon/ and to be shown e9ally to both. The other s!de - to crse 0arents !s worthy of death. <:ods #$#%E Le7!t!cs ,$+.= Th!s !s 2od's Law. *erses ("6. ?ow" what was the Phar!sees' ta5e on th!sK The 0roblem seems to ha7e come 0 re/ard!n/ when 0arents became old and needed the!r ch!ldren's hel0 to l!7e. The Phar!sees had made a way arond th!s 0art!clar way of 'honor!n/' the!r 0arents. If the 0arents as5ed the!r ch!ld for someth!n/ they needed" all the ch!ld had to do was say !t !s a /!ft or offer!n/ to 2od consecrated to 2od>. 1ccord!n/ to the Phar!sa!c trad!t!on" the ch!ld was released from the!r obl!/at!on to hel0 the!r 0arents !n the!r need. 1nd the!r say!n/ th!s d!d not obl!/ate them to /!7e the /!ft then or at any other t!me. They cold @st 5ee0 !t. Ths the 4ord of 2od was made nll and 7o!d for the sa5e of the!r trad!t!on. 1 9ote from the Talmd reads$ >To be a/a!nst the words of the scr!bes !s more 0n!shable than to be a/a!nst the words of the !ble.> Tal5 abot conce!t and self!m0ortance. It may also be obser7ed today that e7en amon/ many Chr!st!an chrches" the o0!n!ons and con@ectres of men are 0laced abo7e the clear teach!n/ of cr!0tre and the Commandments and clear teach!n/ of Jess" ;!mself. That these men wold ma5e th!s 0art of the!r teach!n/ wh!le 0ff!n/ themsel7es 0 as scholars of 2od's ;oly Law" and therefore the h!/hest of P!ety and B!/hteosness" was the clearest e:am0le of hy0ocr!sy. *erses %"+. Jess closes the case$ >o hy0ocr!tes> Then ;e 9otes a 0ro0het - who they were s00osed to be e:0erts abot" they shold ha7e 5nown and nderstood. 4hat Isa!ah sa!d was abot the!r ways of l!fe" the real!ty w!th!n the!r hearts. Isa!ah was tal5!n/ abot the /enerat!on of h!s day that these character!st!cs were tre abot other /enerat!ons thro/hot Israel's h!story" and once a/a!n dr!n/ the t!me of Chr!st. Jess descr!bed some of the ways these rel!/!os leaders 0ra!sed 2od w!th the!r l!0s" do!n/ th!n/s !n 0bl!c for a show of 0!ety. In fact they were see5!n/ 0ra!se of men. They ta/ht the 0rece0ts of men rather than 2od's trth. They bro/ht no benef!t to themsel7es or others by what they 0assed off as worsh!00!n/ the Lord.

#% Lesson *I Cont!ned *erse #,. 100arently" the Phar!sees and scr!bes were d!sm!ssed" be!n/ stron/ly reb5ed by Jess. ;e then calls the nearby crowd to come to ;!m. ;e has someth!n/ to say to them" an !m0ortant lesson to teach them" a s0!r!tal trth to !m0art. ;e be/!ns by tell!n/ them to l!sten careflly so they may nderstand the messa/e. *erse ##. The how and what a 0erson eats does not def!le that 0erson. It !s what one s0ea5s
#%3 Lesson *I Cont!ned The 0lant that bears fr!t thro/h Chr!st 1re yo also e7en yet w!thot nderstand!n/.> They ha7e been w!th ;!m closely for 9!te some t!me" ha7en't they yet /ras0ed the s0!r!tal lessons ;e has been teach!n/ themK *erses #%"#&. The deta!ls from the 0hys!cal s!de$ whate7er enters the moth /oes !nto the stomach" !s d!/ested" and e7entally 0asses ot of the body - no dama/e done. The heart !s not affected at all. 4hat !sses from the moth
#%) Lesson *II Matthew #($#-&. The Canaan!te 4oman. #  Then Jess went thence" and de0arted !nto the coasts of Tyre and !don.  1nd" behold" a woman of Canaan came ot of the same coasts" and cr!ed nto h!m" say!n/" ;a7e mercy on me" O Lord" tho on of Da7!dE my da/hter !s /r!e7osly 7e:ed w!th a de7!l. 3 t he answered her not a word. 1nd h!s d!sc!0les came and beso/ht h!m" say!n/" end her awayE for she cr!eth after s. ) t he answered and sa!d" I am not sent bt nto the lost shee0 of the hose of Israel. ( Then came she and worsh!00ed h!m" say!n/" Lord" hel0 me. 6 t he answered and sa!d" It !s not meet to ta5e the ch!ldren's bread" and to cast !t to do/s. % 1nd she sa!d" Trth" Lord$ yet the do/s eat of the crmbs wh!ch fall from the!r masters' table. & Then Jess answered and sa!d nto her" O woman" /reat !s thy fa!th$ be !t nto thee e7en as tho w!lt. 1nd her da/hter was made whole from that 7ery hor. *erses #". Jess w!thdraws from that area ;a7e mercy on me" O Lord" tho on of Da7!dE my da/hter !s /r!e7osly 7e:ed w!th a de7!l.> he w!th res0ect and re7erence calls ;!m Lord and Mess!ah <on of Da7!d=. 'constantly' !nd!cates cry!n/ cont!nosly - her ch!ld's cond!t!on !s se7ere and she !s des0erate. *erse 3. Jess !/nores her. 4e w!ll shortly see that th!s has a 0r0ose and a lesson. The d!sc!0les came" com0la!n!n/ abot th!s woman becom!n/ a n!sance. he 5e0t shot!n/ after them. Jess mst send her away. *erse ). ;e answered" >I am not sent bt nto the lost shee0 of the hose of Israel.> ;e refses to do what the d!sc!0les as5 - to send the woman away" and now s0ea5s to her. Ob7!osly a 2ent!le ;e now deals w!th her" show!n/ the d!sc!0les that ;e was to be a7!or of all 0eo0le. ;e challen/ed them" and her. *erse (.fall!n/ at ;!s feet and say!n/" >Lord hel0 me.> ;er he came

#%( Lesson *II Cont!ned des0erat!on was so e:treme that she only sa!d 'hel0 me'" mean!n/ herself and her da/hter as one. *erse 6. Jess d!d not !mmed!ately /!7e !n. ;e w!shed to test her fa!th. It wasn't 0ro0er to ta5e the ch!ldren's bread and throw !t to the do/s. These were 0et do/s 5e0t !n the hose. The bless!n/s of Israel shold not be /!7en to those ots!de the fam!ly. 1s !n other !nstances" Jess always had a 7ery !m0ortant reason for delay O woman" /reat !s thy fa!th$ be !t nto thee e7en as tho w!lt.> ;er da/hter was then healed. Jess has also 0ra!sed the fa!th of the centr!on" a sold!er of Bome <&$#,=. Matthew #($+-3+. ;eal!n/ and eed!n/. +  1nd Jess de0arted from thence" and came n!/h nto the sea of 2al!leeE and went 0 !nto a monta!n" and sat down there. 3, 1nd /reat mlt!tdes came nto h!m" ha7!n/ w!th them those that were lame" bl!nd" dmb" ma!med" and many others" and cast them down at Jess' feetE and he healed them$ 3# !nsomch that the mlt!tde wondered" when they saw the dmb to s0ea5" the ma!med to be whole" the lame to wal5" and the bl!nd to see$ and they /lor!f!ed the 2od of Israel. 3  Then Jess called h!s d!sc!0les nto h!m" and sa!d" I ha7e com0ass!on on the mlt!tde" becase they cont!ne w!th me now three days" and ha7e noth!n/ to eat$ and I w!ll not send them away fast!n/" lest they fa!nt !n the way. 33 1nd h!s d!sc!0les say nto h!m" 4hence shold we ha7e so mch bread !n the w!lderness" as to f!ll so /reat a mlt!tdeK 3) 1nd Jess sa!th nto them" ;ow many loa7es ha7e yeK 1nd they sa!d" e7en" and a few l!ttle f!shes.

#%6 Lesson *II Cont!ned 3( 1nd he commanded the mlt!tde to s!t down on the /rond. 36 1nd he too5 the se7en loa7es and the f!shes" and /a7e than5s" and bra5e them" and /a7e to h!s d!sc!0les" and the d!sc!0les to the mlt!tde. 3% 1nd they d!d all eat" and were f!lled$ and they too5 0 of the bro5en meat that was left se7en bas5ets fll. 3& 1nd they that d!d eat were for thosand men" bes!de women and ch!ldren. 3+ 1nd he sent away the mlt!tde" and too5 sh!0" and came !nto the coasts of Ma/'dala. *erse +. ?o t!me references !n any 2os0el ment!ons how lon/ Jess may ha7e @orneyed !n 2ent!le terr!tory" noth!n/ e7entfl eno/h to ment!on ha7!n/ occrred. 4e now ta5e 0 the story on ;!s retrn to the ea of 2al!lee. Th!s !s tho/ht to be the sotheastern" and less 0o0lated shore of the ea. There ;e cl!mbed a h!ll and sat down. *erses 3,"3#. The news of Jess' locat!on tra7eled 9!c5ly thro/hot that area. 1s the news tra7eled 0eo0le ha7!n/ ser!os needs started com!n/ to ;!m. r!ends and fam!l!es carry!n/ those that coldn't come by themsel7es$ the lame" bl!nd" cr!00led" the dmb" and many others. They all bel!e7ed that Jess cold and wold heal them. Jess healed them as hey were la!d at ;!s feet. Tho/h th!s was 2ent!le terr!tory Jess healed them. The record !s s!m0le. They had needs only Jess cold meet" and ;e d!d so !n 9!et" n9est!on!n/ com0ass!on. They came w!th ho0e and were aston!shed. The dmb s0o5e" the cr!00led were restored" the lame wal5ed" the bl!nd saw. These were ha00en!n/ cont!nosly" all arond. 4hat a s!/ht" what sonds The 0eo0le
#%% Lesson *II Cont!ned /one. ;e d!dn't want to send them away !n th!s cond!t!on" lest they colla0se on the way. ;e e:0ressed ;!s com0ass!on to ;!s d!sc!0les. ;e wants them to also see and ha7e com0ass!on for these 0eo0le. 1/a!n the d!sc!0les react on a 0rely 0hys!cal le7el. They are !n an n!nhab!ted area" they had not seen any 0oss!ble sorce for /ett!n/ eno/h bread for th!s crowd. 1s !n the 0re7!os" s!m!lar occas!on" they are at a loss as to what they can do. *erse 3). Jess as5ed them what they had$ se7en bread-ca5es and a few f!sh. Th!s shold rem!nd the d!sc!0les of the earl!er occas!on. Th!s also set the sta/e for all to real!Ae the absoltely m!raclos natre of the feed!n/ of
#%& Lesson *II Cont!ned 1nd he left them" and de0arted. Th!s t!me Matthew obser7es that the Phar!sees are now @o!ned by the addcees. The d!fferences between the two 0art!es ha7e already been noted. That they are now to/ether s0ea5s to what both now see as a ser!os threat a/a!nst the stats 9o - namely Jess. ;!s m!n!stry had become mch more w!dely 5nown" and es0ec!ally the m!racles. ;ere Matthew clearly states that the!r only mot!7at!on was to tem0t Jess" to /!7e ;!m a test" e:0ect!n/ ;!m to fa!l. 1nd !f ;e d!dn't" we can be sre they wold ascr!be whate7er ;e d!d to the s0ernatral 0ower of satan
#%+ Lesson *II Cont!ned con9er!n/ of death" resrrect!on" nto l!fe eternal at the r!/ht hand of 2od the ather. Indeed the addcees d!d not acce0t any resrrect!on. Jess lea7es them" no dobt s0eechless" to 0onder o7er what ;e told them. They had the chance to see the l!/ht and acce0t ;!m for 4ho ;e was" bt there !s no record !f any d!d so. ;e went ;!s way and they were left to /o the!r own. Matthew #6$(-#. The east of the Phar!sees and the addcees. (  1nd when h!s d!sc!0les were come to the other s!de" they had for/otten to ta5e bread. 6 Then Jess sa!d nto them" Ta5e heed and beware of the lea7en of the Phar!sees and of the addcees. % 1nd they reasoned amon/ themsel7es" say!n/" It !s becase we ha7e ta5en no bread. & 4h!ch when Jess 0erce!7ed" he sa!d nto them" O ye of l!ttle fa!th" why reason ye amon/ yorsel7es" becase ye ha7e bro/ht no breadK + Do ye not yet nderstand" ne!ther remember the f!7e loa7es of the f!7e thosand" and how many bas5ets ye too5 0K #, ne!ther the se7en loa7es of the for thosand" and how many bas5ets ye too5 0K ## ;ow !s !t that ye do not nderstand that I s0a5e !t not to yo concern!n/ bread" that ye shold beware of the lea7en of the Phar!sees and of the addceesK # Then nderstood they how that he bade them not beware of the lea7en of bread" bt of the doctr!ne of the Phar!sees and of the addcees. *erses ("6. ?ow ha7!n/ left the western shore of the ea of 2al!lee they tra7eled bac5 across to the ?ortheastern shore. They had for/otten to by 0ro7!s!ons
#&, Lesson *II Cont!ned *erse %. The d!sc!0les only 0!c5ed 0 on the word 'yeast' and be/an feel!n/ /!lty for not br!n/!n/ bread w!th them. They tho/ht Jess was warn!n/ them a/a!nst acce0t!n/ any bread from the Phar!sees or addcees" as a way of rem!nd!n/ them of what they for/ot. The tre s0!r!tal mean!n/ was not nderstood. They cold only /ras0 the normal hman" 0hys!cal mean!n/. *erses &-#,. Jess not!ced that they were only nderstand!n/ that ;e was tal5!n/ abot bread. ;e calls them men of l!ttle fa!th and 0roceeds to rem!nd them of the m!racle of feed!n/ the (",,," and the )",,," and the amont of lefto7ers that they had themsel7es 0!c5ed 0. ;ow cold they ha7e com0letely for/otten sch m!racles of feed!n/ sch mlt!tdes" and now th!n5 Jess !s worr!ed abot a l!ttle breadK 4hy do they e7en conce!7e that ;e !s now not able to am0ly 0ro7!de for the!r 0hys!cal needsK *erses ##"#. ;e e:0la!ns a/a!n what ;e sa!d re/ard!n/ the yeast of the Phar!sees and addcees. Only Matthew records th!s. The yeast of these /ro0s was the!r teach!n/. The!r teach!n/s wold act as yeast" !n7!s!ble at f!rst bt cont!n!n/ to /row !n !nflence nt!l !t affected the whole m!nd and l!fe of anyone that l!stened to them. Th!s shows the !ns!d!os natre of false teach!n/. Pal re0eatedly warns a/a!nst /!7!n/ any heed to any sch false doctr!ne. The way to 5ee0 safe !s to test any doctr!ne accord!n/ to cr!0tre" as to whether !t be of 2od or man.

#&# Lesson *III Matthew #6$#3-,. Peter's Confess!on$ Chr!st's Be0ly. #3  4hen Jess came !nto the coasts of Caesare'a Ph!l'!00!" he as5ed h!s d!sc!0les" say!n/" 4hom do men say that I" the on of man" amK #) 1nd they sa!d" ome say that tho art John the a0t!stE some" l!'@ahE and others" Jerem!ah" or one of the 0ro0hets. #( ;e sa!th nto them" t whom say ye that I amK #6 1nd !mon Peter answered and sa!d" Tho art the Chr!st" the on of the l!7!n/ 2od. #% 1nd Jess answered and sa!d nto h!m" lessed art tho" !mon ar @ona$ for flesh and blood hath not re7ealed !t nto thee" bt my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en. #& 1nd I say also nto thee" That tho art Peter" and 0on th!s roc5 I w!ll b!ld my chrchE and the /ates of hell shall not 0re7a!l a/a!nst !t. #+ 1nd I w!ll /!7e nto thee the 5eys of the 5!n/dom of hea7en$ and whatsoe7er tho shalt b!nd on earth shall be bond !n hea7enE and whatsoe7er tho shalt loose on earth shall be loosed !n hea7en. , Then char/ed he h!s d!sc!0les that they shold tell no man that he was Jess the Chr!st. 1s before" Jess had been teach!n/ by word and deed abot the !n/dom of hea7en to the d!sc!0lesE abot lo7e" for/!7eness" and com0ass!on for others" whether Jew or 2ent!le. ?ow ;e !s s0end!n/ more t!me alone w!th the d!sc!0les and 0re0ar!n/ them abot ;!s com!n/ sacr!f!ce on the cross. ;e be/!ns re7eal!n/ to them who ;e !s$ the sffer!n/ ser7ant" the Mess!ah" the 0ro0het l!5e nto Moses. 1s the ;!/h Pr!est" ;e w!ll soon b e offer!n/ 0 ;!mself for the sal7at!on of s!nners. *erse #3. Th!s was not the fam!l!ar Caesarea" bt a 0lace that the tetrarch Ph!ll!0 had reno7ated and b!lt 0 and then named !n honor of Caesar 1/sts Caesarea of Ph!ll!0 was added to d!st!n/!sh !t from the /reater sea0ort w!th the same name. It was located near one of the streams that ran !nto the Jordan B!7er. Mt. ;ermon was !n the bac5/rond nearby - o7er +",,, ft. h!/h" and co7ered w!th snow most of the year. Th!s less 0o0lated and 0!ctres9e re/!on was Jess' cho!ce for 0rayer and !nstrct!on$ a 0lace of 0r!7acy and 9!etness. 1t th!s 0lace" Jess 0oses the 9est!on to them abot what they ha7e heard the 0eo0le say!n/ abot who they th!n5 ;e !s. ;e already had !n m!nd the second 9est!on. Th!s was 0relde. ;e was lead!n/ them to the trth abot ;!mself. The t!me had come to be/!n ma5!n/ all th!n/s clear to them. *erse #). 1s we'7e heard before" some tho/ht ;e was John the a0t!st

#& Lesson *III Cont!ned bro/ht bac5 to l!fe. Others tho/ht ;e was l!@ah" and one /ro0 e7en tho/ht Jess m!/ht be forernner of the Mess!ah" !m0l!ed !n Malach! )$(. Others ment!oned Jerem!ah as a 0oss!b!l!ty. Others that ;e was one of the 0ro0hets r!sen a/a!n t yo.> Th!s was d!rect and 0ersonal" the >yo> - be!n/ 0lral - !nclded all the d!sc!0les. Peter chooses to answer for the /ro0 as s0o5esman. *erse #6. >Tho art the Chr!st" the on of the l!7!n/ 2od.> !mon Peter's whole name !s recorded to em0has!Ae the !m0ortance of the words he s0o5e. >The Chr!st> !nclded be!n/ The 1no!nted One" Med!ator" Pro0het" ;!/h 0r!est" eternal !n/. >on of 2od> means the n!9e relat!onsh!0 w!th 2od from the be/!nn!n/. The l!7!n/ 2od - the sorce of all l!fe. *erse #%. Jess answers Peter !n a /reatly a00rec!at!7e and than5fl way. ;e calls h!m >lessed>" real!A!n/ that th!s s!m0le" com0letely hman man had been shown the trth by ;!s ather. ;e calls h!m ar-Jonah 1nd I say also nto thee" That tho art Peter" and 0on th!s roc5 I w!ll b!ld my chrch...> Jess w!ll b!ld ;!s chrch. Jess w!ll do the b!ld!n/ and the chrch w!ll always be only ;!s and that fore7er. The 0resent statement !s the d!rect reslt of the 0re7!os one by Peter - that Jess !s the Chr!st" the on of the l!7!n/ 2od. That !s the fondat!on of the chrch" Jess Chr!st. That Peter confesses th!s ma5es Peter
#&3 Lesson *III Cont!ned shows" he bro/ht a /reat many !nto the chrch" all 0on the fondat!on of h!s 0rocla!m!n/ the 2os0el of Jess Chr!st. o also the other a0ostles" and all that follow after. 1ll were sed !n b!ld!n/ - /ather!n/ and nrtr!n/" matr!n/ and stren/then!n/ - ;!s chrch. ach bel!e7er can be descr!bed as a 'l!7!n/ stone'. It also mst be remembered that !t was the ;oly 0!r!t that re7ealed the trth abot Jess to Peter" and the same 0!r!t that em0owered h!m ...and the /ates of hell shall not 0re7a!l a/a!nst !t.> Th!s means that satan and h!s demons cannot o7er0ower or destroy Chr!st's followers" the chrch n!7ersal. *erse #+. These words are addressed to Peter as re0resent!n/ the /ro0" and by e:tens!on" the chrch. >1nd I w!ll /!7e nto thee the 5eys of the 5!n/dom of hea7en...> The doors were o0ened by 0reach!n/ the 2os0el" all those who acce0ted !t were bro/ht !n. Those who re@ected or ne/lected !t were 5e0t ot whatsoe7er> w!ll be 0erm!tted or forb!dden. There mst be rles of bel!efs and condct for the Chrch to ma!nta!n !ts 0r!ty and m!ss!on. or a member of the chrch to /o a/a!nst or do th!n/s not 0erm!tted" then they mst be d!sc!0l!ned. If they re0ented" they wold be welcomed bac5 !nto fellowsh!0. If not" they wold be banned. Peter
#&) Lesson *III Cont!ned Matthew #6$#-&. Chr!st !rst Pred!cts ;!s Death and Besrrect!on. #  rom that t!me forth be/an Jess to show nto h!s d!sc!0les" how that he mst /o nto Jersalem" and sffer many th!n/s of the elders and ch!ef 0r!ests and scr!bes" and be 5!lled" and be ra!sed a/a!n the th!rd day.  Then Peter too5 h!m" and be/an to reb5e h!m" say!n/" e !t far from thee" Lord$ th!s shall not be nto thee. 3 t he trned" and sa!d nto Peter" 2et thee beh!nd me" atan$ tho art an offense nto me$ for tho sa7orest not the th!n/s that be of 2od" bt those that be of men. )  Then sa!d Jess nto h!s d!sc!0les" If any man w!ll come after me" let h!m deny h!mself" and ta5e 0 h!s cross" and follow me. ( or whosoe7er w!ll sa7e h!s l!fe shall lose !t$ and whosoe7er w!ll lose h!s l!fe for my sa5e shall f!nd !t. 6 or what !s a man 0rof!ted" !f he shall /a!n the whole world" and lose h!s own solK or what shall a man /!7e !n e:chan/e for h!s solK % or the on of man shall come !n the /lory of h!s ather w!th h!s an/elsE and then he shall reward e7ery man accord!n/ to h!s wor5s. & *er!ly I say nto yo" There be some stand!n/ here" wh!ch shall not taste of death" t!ll they see the on of man com!n/ !n h!s 5!n/dom. Th!s was the 0lan for man's sal7at!on from before the fond!n/ of the world" !n the d!7!ne consels of the Tr!n!ty. Jess be/!ns to e:0la!n the 0lan to ;!s d!sc!0les" s!n/ clear and 0la!n lan/a/e. In th!s way" they w!ll 5now that 2od the ather's w!ll was to be carr!ed ot !n e7ery deta!l" and the!r fa!th shold /row stron/er to see the hand of 2od and the act!ons of Jess flf!ll e7ery 0ro0hecy. 1nd also that each and e7ery 0layer that too5 0art was flly res0ons!ble for the!r act!ons and w!ll be held accontable for them. *erse #. The 0lan !nclded /o!n/ 0 to Jersalem" sffer many th!n/s from the elders" ch!ef 0r!ests" and scr!bes" and be 5!lled" and on the th!rd day" be ra!sed 0. 1fter 2od had re7ealed to Peter that Jess was the Chr!st" now Jess had ac5nowled/ed to the d!sc!0les that ;e was the 0rom!sed Mess!ah. ;e mst br!n/ them to nderstand ;!s role as the ffer!n/ er7ant - the Mess!ah 4ho sa7es ;!s 0eo0le from the!r s!ns
#&( Lesson *III Cont!ned that lea7e themK 1nd 0oss!bly" worst of all" th!s mst ha00en !n Jersalem" and at the hands of the most 0owerfl leaders of the nat!on" the anhedr!n" the scr!bes" the Phar!sees" and the addcees be/an> !nd!cates that he !s not allowed to cont!ne. *erse 3. t Jess trns arond" fac!n/ Peter" and reb5es h!m say!n/" >2et thee beh!nd me" atan...> The sense !s >be /one> or >/et lost>. Peter's words" attr!bted as com!n/ from the e7!l one h!mself" were e:actly what satan des!red. They were a tem0tat!on and attem0t to trn Jess as!de from ;!s m!ss!on of sal7at!on. Jess d!d not need to h ear th!s" and es0ec!ally from ;!s own followers. Jess /oes on to e:0la!n to Peter
#&6 Lesson *III Cont!ned years. 7en today" !n some areas" Chr!st!ans are st!ll be!n/ 5!lled. *erse (. 4hat to the world !s a 0arado:" to the Chr!st!an !s of the h!/hest s0!r!tal trth. >or whosoe7er w!ll sa7e h!s l!fe shall lose !t$ and whosoe7er w!ll lose h!s l!fe for my sa5e shall f!nd !t.> *erse 6. To e:0la!n th!s from the worldly 0o!nt of 7!ew$ !ma/!ne a man who s0ends h!s l!fe b!ld!n/ 0 a 5!n/dom w!th e7eryth!n/ the world offers - fame and fortne" a /rand estate" a fleet of cars" hndreds of ser7ants. 1nd then he d!es. 7eryth!n/ !s left beh!nd. The sm total of the 7ale of h!s l!fe !s ,. ;e has left only eternal damnat!on. On the other hand" one who l!7ed for Jess or the on of man shall come !n the /lory of h!s ather w!th h!s an/elsE and then he shall reward e7ery man accord!n/ to h!s wor5s.> 2od has /!7en and w!ll cont!ne to /!7e /lory to ;!s on. ;e has /!7en ;!m a ret!ne of holy an/els. ;e also has /!7en ;!m the @ob of @d/e of The #.= .=

the wor5s of each of ;!s own for rewards. @d/ment w!ll be based on two th!n/s$ 4hat amont of l!/ht <5nowled/e= has been rece!7edK 4hat was done w!th the l!/ht rece!7edK
*erse &. Th!s !s a solemn declarat!on. 4hat ;e has @st 0rom!sed at the Ba0tre of the chrch !s yet !n the ftre. 4hat ;e now descr!bes !s the be/!nn!n/ of the chrch. The ma@or!ty of those there wold not see death nt!l they see ;!m com!n/ !n ;!s royal d!/n!ty. Th!s be/an at ;!s resrrect!on" then ;!s ascens!on nto the ather to s!t at ;!s r!/ht hand as !n/ of !n/s and Lord of Lords. It was !n /reat /lory that ;e ascended w!th a host of an/els !nto the hea7ens.

#&% Lesson I Matthew #%$#-#3. The Transf!/rat!on. # 1nd after s!: days Jess ta5eth Peter" James" and John h!s brother" and br!n/eth them 0 !nto a h!/h monta!n a0art"  and was transf!/red before them$ and h!s face d!d sh!ne as the sn" and h!s ra!ment was wh!te as the l!/ht. 3 1nd" behold" there a00eared nto them Moses and l!'@ah tal5!n/ w!th h!m. ) Then answered Peter" and sa!d nto Jess" Lord" !t !s /ood for s to be here$ !f tho w!lt" let s ma5e here three tabernaclesE one for thee" and one for Moses" and one for l!'@ah. ( 4h!le he yet s0a5e" behold" a br!/ht clod o7ershadowed them$ and behold a 7o!ce ot of the clod" wh!ch sa!d" Th!s !s my belo7ed on" !n whom I am well 0leasedE hear ye h!m. 6 1nd when the d!sc!0les heard !t" they fell on the!r face" and were sore afra!d. % 1nd Jess came and toched them" and sa!d" 1r!se" and be not afra!d. & 1nd when they had l!fted 0 the!r eyes" they saw no man" sa7e Jess only. +  1nd as they came down from the monta!n" Jess char/ed them" say!n/" Tell the 7!s!on to no man" nt!l the on of man be r!sen a/a!n from the dead. #, 1nd h!s d!sc!0les as5ed h!m" say!n/" 4hy then say the scr!bes that l!'@ah mst f!rst comeK ## 1nd Jess answered and sa!d nto them" l!'@ah trly shall f!rst come" and restore all th!n/s. # t I say nto yo" That l!'@ah !s come already" and they 5new h!m not" bt ha7e done nto h!m whatsoe7er they l!sted. L!5ew!se shall also the on of man sffer of them. #3 Then the d!sc!0les nderstood that he s0a5e nto them of John the a0t!st. Th!s e7ent had two ma!n 0r0oses. !rst" th!s was a messa/e from the ather" fll of assrance and lo7e toward Jess for the com!n/ e7ents lead!n/ to ;!s crc!f!:!on. It was also a br!ef 0!ctre of the /lory that wold follow. econd !t was a d!7!ne conf!rmat!on to the three d!sc!0les of 4ho Jess Is and the absolte trth concern!n/ the d!7!ne 0lan of the ather wh!ch Jess was carry!n/ ot. They wold later be three w!tnesses to th!s e7ent to the other d!sc!0les after the resrrect!on.
#&& Lesson I Cont!ned w!tness the e7ents to three. ach t!me ;e chose the same three" Peter" James" and h!s brother John. 1t the ra!s!n/ of Ja!rs' da/hter" here" and !n the 2arden of 2ethsemane were the three recorded. ?o e:0lanat!on !s /!7en. ;owe7er" se7eral obser7at!ons can be made. These three were amon/ Jess' f!rst d!sc!0lesE they were closer to Jess" and more sym0athet!c and nderstand!n/. To ha7e had more w!tnesses wold ha7e made the s!tat!on eas!ly become a to0!c of /eneral con7ersat!on these e7ents re9!red secrecy
#&+ Lesson I Cont!ned co7ered them. In cr!0tre th!s often !nd!cates the 0resence of 2od <:ods #3$#" #6$#," ),$3(E Be7elat!on #)$#)-#6. >...and behold a 7o!ce ot of the clod" wh!ch sa!d" Th!s !s my belo7ed on" !n whom I am well 0leasedE hear ye h!m.> 4!th the add!t!on of >hear ye h!m>" these words are !dent!cal to those s0o5en at Jess' ba0t!sm. 1t the former t!me" the a0t!st and Jess heard the words" bt whether anyone else d!d !s not ment!oned. ;ere Jess and the 3 d!sc!0les heard them. The d!sc!0les are told to 5ee0 l!sten!n/ to Jess and ta5e to heart ;!s words. The /reat assrance of the ather's lo7e !s shown !n ;!s call!n/ Jess >my on> and es0ec!ally !n call!n/ ;!m >elo7ed>. In II Peter #$#6"#% he mch later !n t!me wrote - >4e were eyew!tnesses of ;!s ma@esty" ... ;e rece!7ed honor and /lory from 2od the ather.> Th!s was a d!7!nely encora/!n/ and reaff!rm!n/ e7ent for the elo7ed on" bt also for the !ncreas!n/ and stren/then!n/ of fa!th !n the three w!tnesses. The 7o!ce from the clod mst ha7e been ne:0ected and startl!n/ to the d!sc!0les. It mst ha7e also been awesome !n sond
*erse &. 4hen they loo5ed 0 only Jess was !n s!/ht. y th!s t!me" the br!/ht clod and hea7enly 7!s!tors are /one. 7eryth!n/ !s bac5 to normal" as !s Jess. *erse +. Jess warns them on the way down the monta!n to not tell anyone what they ha7e seen nt!l after ;e !s ra!sed from the dead. Th!s means s0ec!f!cally the other d!sc!0les. Th!s e7ent w!ll only be correctly nderstood after the resrrect!on" as a necessary 0relde to !t. *erse #,. ;a7!n/ @st seen l!@ah !n the Transf!/rat!on" the d!sc!0les now ha7e a ma@or concern abot l!@ah's role !n the com!n/ of Mess!ah. The scr!bes teach
#+, Lesson I Cont!ned been 9!te confs!n/ !n the!r m!nds. They d!dn't nderstand the !dea of Mess!ah dy!n/. That the scr!bes were teach!n/ that l!@ah mst come f!rst cold be sed a/a!nst any who tho/ht that Jess was the Mess!ah also. *erses ##"#. Jess e:0la!ns that the scr!bes were correct. l!@ah !s /o!n/ to come to earth at the t!me 0ro0hes!ed to br!n/ a restorat!on. ;e was to be one of the two w!tnesses to Israel before the econd Com!n/ of Chr!st to earth
#+# Lesson I Cont!ned say nto yo" If ye ha7e fa!th as a /ra!n of mstard seed" ye shall say nto th!s monta!n" Bemo7e hence to yonder 0laceE and !t shall remo7e$ and noth!n/ shall be !m0oss!ble nto yo. # ;owbe!t th!s 5!nd /oeth not ot bt by 0rayer and fast!n/. Down from the monta!n and the br!ll!ant l!/ht and reassr!n/ words from the ather" we come to an earthly father cry!n/ ot for h!s sffer!n/ son. *erses #)"#(. 4h!le Jess and the three that were w!th ;!m were on the monta!n" a crowd had /athered. They were wa!t!n/ for them to retrn. rom th!s crowd a certa!n man came 0 to Jess and 5nelt down !n front of ;!m. It !s !m0l!ed that h!s son !s w!th h!m. Mar5 +$#) ment!ons that scr!bes were there also ar/!n/ w!th the other n!ne d!sc!0les abot the!r !nab!l!ty to heal the boy. The man be/s for 0!ty" descr!b!n/ h!s son's cond!t!on as se7ere sffer!n/ - fall!n/ !nto the f!re and !nto the water. ;e had to be watched constantly bt acc!dents cold not always be 0re7ented. 0!le0t!cs ha7e 7!olent con7ls!ons" foam!n/ at the moth" teeth/r!nd!n/. Th!s boy was nable to hear or s0ea5. 1ll th!s was cased by a demon that was controll!n/ h!m.
#+ Lesson I Cont!ned *erse #&. Jess reb5ed the demon" !t came ot of h!m" and from that 7ery moment the boy was cred. Mar5" !n +$,-%" records the deta!ls of the father's 0rayer for more fa!th" the boy's f!nal s0asms" then st!llness" and Jess l!ft!n/ h!m 0. *erse #+. Later" after the crowds had /one" the d!sc!0les /athered arond Jess w!th dee0 concern for the!r !nab!l!ty to hel0 the boy by cast!n/ ot the demon. *erse ,. !m0ly 0t$ becase of the!r l!ttle fa!th They shold ha7e cont!ned !n 0rayer and not /!7en 0 when the demon d!dn't lea7e !mmed!ately. Perse7erance was necessary. Jess /oes on to teach a lesson. ;e be/!ns by say!n/ that what ;e !s abot to say !s a 7ery ser!os trth. ;e contrasts the s!Ae of fa!th Mo7e from here to there" and !t shall mo7e...> The 0o!nt seems to be that e7en the smallest fa!th" when n!ted w!th 2od" br!n/s the !ne:hast!ble and !nf!n!te resorces of 2od's 0ower" lo7e" and w!sdom. Th!s br!n/s the 0otent!al to do /reat th!n/s - accord!n/ to 2od's 4ord" 4!ll" and 0r0oses. Th!s mst be nderstood f!/rat!7ely. The mstard seed symbol!Aes a small amont of fa!th w!th a 0erson. The monta!n symbol!Aes a lar/e amont of d!ff!clt!es or obstacles to do!n/ 2od's wor5. They are r!/htly 0erce!7ed as !m0oss!ble. Jess adds" >and noth!n/ shall be !m0oss!ble to yo.> ?o tas5 ass!/ned by Jess w!ll be !m0oss!ble when fa!th en@o!ns the trst and com0lete de0endence on 2od$ >w!th 2od all th!n/s are 0oss!ble> <#+$6=. *erse #. >;owbe!t th!s 5!nd /oeth not ot bt by 0rayer and fast!n/.> Th!s 7erse !s not fond !n the best manscr!0ts. Probably !nserted from Mar5 +$+. Matthew #%$-%. The nd Pass!on Pred!ct!on and the Tem0le Ta:.   1nd wh!le they abode !n 2al!lee" Jess sa!d nto them" The on of man shall be betrayed !nto the hands of men$ 3 and they shall 5!ll h!m" and the th!rd day he shall be ra!sed a/a!n. 1nd they were e:ceed!n/ sorry. )  1nd when they were come to Ca0er'na-m" they that rece!7ed tr!bte money came to Peter" and sa!d" Doth not yor master 0ay

#+3 Lesson I Cont!ned tr!bteK ( ;e sa!th" es. 1nd when he was come !nto the hose" Jess 0re7ented h!m" say!n/" 4hat th!n5est tho" !monK of whom do the 5!n/s of the earth ta5e cstom or tr!bteK of the!r own ch!ldren" or of stran/ersK 6 Peter sa!th nto h!m" Of stran/ers. Jess sa!th nto h!m" Then are the ch!ldren free. % ?otw!thstand!n/" lest we shold offend them" /o tho to the sea" and cast a hoo5" and ta5e 0 the f!sh that f!rst cometh 0E and when tho hast o0ened h!s moth" tho shalt f!nd a 0!ece of money$ that ta5e" and /!7e nto them for me and thee. *erses "3. t!ll !n 2al!lee" Jess and ;!s d!sc!0les cont!ned to tra7el" s0end!n/ more t!me a7o!d!n/ crowds" es0ec!ally concern!n/ the certa!nty of the com!n/ 0ass!on. ;e w!ll be treated l!5e a common cr!m!nal - to be del!7ered nto the hands of men. Men already ment!oned as elders" 0r!ests" and scr!bes were e7!l and corr0t. They wold not be sat!sf!ed nt!l ;e was 0t to death. 1nd on the th!rd day ;e shall be ra!sed 0. The d!sc!0les st!ll cold see no reason for Jess to be 5!lled" mch less that ;e acce0ted or chose to follow th!s 0ath. 1s nth!n5able ;!s death was" the ment!on of be!n/ ra!sed 0 the th!rd day was beyond the!r ab!l!ty to e7en ta5e !n" mch less nderstand. The!r res0onse !s recorded$ >1nd they were dee0ly sorry.> Mar5 +$3 adds" >They were afra!d to as5 ;!m.> *erse ). The Tem0le Ta:. 1fter a lon/ t!me of tra7el!n/" Jess and The Twel7e retrned to Ca0ernam where Jess had ;!s head9arters and where Peter also l!7ed. Ob7!osly learn!n/ of the!r retrn" the ta: collectors catch 0 w!th them. Th!s was not a Boman Ta:. Th!s ta: was for the ma!ntenance of the anctary. 7ery Israel!te , years and o7er was re9!red to 0ay half a she5el" abot two day's wa/es. The collectors a00roached Peter f!rst. ?o reason !s /!7en. Perha0s becase he was reco/n!Aed as leader of the #. They reco/n!Aed Jess as Peter's teacher. They as5 !f Jess 0a!d the >doble drachma> 4hat th!n5est tho" !monK of whom do the earth ta5e cstom or tr!bteK of the!r own ch!ldren"

con7ersat!on /oes to where ob7!os ;e as5s the 5!n/s of the or of

stran/ersK> Jess !s s//est!n/ that as the on of 2od" ;e !s not obl!/ed to 0ay th!s ta:. The 5!n/ and h!s re/!me are ma!nta!ned by

#+) Lesson I Cont!ned ta:!n/ others" somet!mes only fore!/ners. *erse 6. Peter answers" from fore!/ners. Jess re0l!ed" >Then are the ch!ldren free.> Peter was also a son by ado0t!on" therefore also free" or e:em0t from 0ay!n/ the ta:. *erse %. !nce th!s was one of 2od's holy laws" Jess d!d not want to case these collectors to s!n by ;e and Peter not 0ay!n/ them. Jess already 5nows where the money !s to come from. !mon mst /o to the sea and only throw !n a hoo5. The f!rst f!sh he hoo5s" he w!ll o0en !ts moth and f!nd a stater
#+( Lesson  Matthew #&$#-#). !ndness to Ch!ldren. # 1t the same t!me came the d!sc!0les nto Jess" say!n/" 4ho !s the /reatest !n the 5!n/dom of hea7enK  1nd Jess called a l!ttle ch!ld nto h!m" and set h!m !n the m!dst of them" 3 and sa!d" *er!ly I say nto yo" :ce0t ye be con7erted" and become as l!ttle ch!ldren" ye shall not enter !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en. ) 4hosoe7er therefore shall hmble h!mself as th!s l!ttle ch!ld" the same !s /reatest !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en. ( 1nd whoso shall rece!7e one sch l!ttle ch!ld !n my name rece!7eth me. 6  t whoso shall offend one of these l!ttle ones wh!ch bel!e7e !n me" !t were better for h!m that a m!llstone were han/ed abot h!s nec5" and that he were drowned !n the de0th of the sea. % 4oe nto the world becase of offenses for !t mst needs be that offenses comeE bt woe to that man by whom the offense cometh & 4herefore !f thy hand or thy foot offend thee" ct them off" and cast them from thee$ !t !s better for thee to enter !nto l!fe halt or ma!med" rather than ha7!n/ two hands or two feet to be cast !nto e7erlast!n/ f!re. + 1nd !f th!ne eye offend thee" 0lc5 !t ot" and cast !t from thee$ !t !s better for thee to enter !nto l!fe w!th one eye" rather than ha7!n/ two eyes to be cast !nto hell f!re. #,  Ta5e heed that ye des0!se not one of these l!ttle onesE for I say nto yo" That !n hea7en the!r an/els do always behold the face of my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en. ## or the on of man !s come to sa7e that wh!ch was lost. # ;ow th!n5 yeK !f a man ha7e a hndred shee0" and one of them be /one astray" doth he not lea7e the n!nety and n!ne" and /oeth !nto the monta!ns" and see5eth that wh!ch !s /one astrayK #3 1nd !f so be that he f!nd !t" 7er!ly I say nto yo" he re@o!ceth more of that shee0" than of the n!nety and n!ne wh!ch went not astray. #) 7en so !t !s not the w!ll of yor ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en" that one of these l!ttle ones shold 0er!sh. *erse #. Matthew abbre7!ates th!s !nc!dent. L5e records that st!ll on the way to Chr!st's abode !n Ca0ernam" the d!sc!0les were ar/!n/ amon/ themsel7es abot the!r stats !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en. Jess had as5ed what they had been tal5!n/ abot bt no one answered. !nally they came forward w!th the 9est!on 4ho then !s /reatest !n the 5!n/dom of hea7enK> 1maA!n/ that th!s self!sh concern comes so soon after Chr!st's nd

 ;!s death" when they were so sorrowfl. In 0at!ence and 0red!ct!on com0ass!on of and lo7e" Jess does not reb5e them bt ses

#+6 Lesson  Cont!ned the 9est!on to teach them a necessary s0!r!tal trth from 2od 4ho reads men's hearts. *erses -). ;ere Jess a/a!n shows ;!s dee0 lo7e for ch!ldren. ;e acce0ts them as embod!ments of the 7ery 7!rtes that e7eryone needs !n order to 0lease 2od and come to fa!th !n ;!mself as a7!or. That there was a ch!ld nearby says someth!n/ !n !tself. Jess calls the l!ttle ch!ld to stand !n the m!ddle of these /rown men. L5e ads that he stood bes!de Jess 4hoe7er becomes hmble l!5e th!s l!ttle ch!ld" he !s the /reatest !n the 5!n/dom of hea7en.> Th!s was also the e:am0le that Jess l!7ed ot !n ;!s m!n!stry$ teach!n/ the trth abot 2od's lo7e" heal!n/" encora/!n/" feed!n/" shar!n/" hel0!n/ !n e7ery way. On the other s!de" ne7er do!n/ anyth!n/ hrtfl or destrct!7e" ne7er tell!n/ others to do what ;e was nw!ll!n/ to do" ne7er as5!n/ for or demand!n/ 0ol!t!cal or other 0ower or athor!ty. Th!s l!st cold /o on" bt the 0o!nt be!n/" Jess was the er7ant of all" and had no amb!t!on to be /reat !n the ways of the world. The measre !n ;!s 5!n/dom was that the one /reatest !s the /reatest ser7ant$ to be acconted /ood and fa!thfl. *erse (. 1nyone who welcomes any born-a/a!n bel!e7er
#+% Lesson  Cont!ned *erse 6. er!os warn!n/. To not welcome" bt case one of these l!ttle ones to s!n w!ll br!n/ /reat condemnat!on. 1nyone
#+& Lesson  Cont!ned They a00eared w!th news of the resrrect!onE they watch o7er the redeemed and render ser7!ce to them !n many ways ;ow th!n5 yeK !f a man ha7e a hndred shee0" and one of them be /one astray" doth he not lea7e the n!nety and n!ne" and /oeth !nto the monta!ns" and see5eth that wh!ch !s /one astrayK> Th!s wold also ha7e bro/ht to m!nd the role of Jeho7ah be!n/ ;!s 0eo0le's he0herd <3rd Psalm=. 1s th!s role of the ather" so also the role of the on. Jeho7ah" and Jess" @st as the /ood she0herd always /oes after the wander!n/ shee0. Th!s !n trn shold be the role and des!re of the d!sc!0les" and not on who w!ll be the /reatest. *erse #3. >1nd !f so be that he f!nd !t...> - for not all lost shee0 are fond. o when a lost shee0 !s fond there shall be re@o!c!n/. The @oy of sa7!n/ a stray shee0 from dan/er and 0oss!ble death !s mch /reater than the feel!n/ of 0ossess!on of the ++. *erse #). Jess now relates th!s to the ;ea7enly ather 4ho does not w!ll that any l!ttle ones shold 0er!sh. or th!s wor5 ;e has sent the on to sa7e those that ha7e /one astray. It !s 2od's w!ll that all shold come to ;!m thro/h the 2os0el of ;!s on" and not 0er!sh bt be sa7ed. 1s an e:am0le" a stray!n/ member of a chrch Jess lays down /!del!nes for reconc!l!at!on. Th!s br!n/s the 'brother' bac5 !nto the lo7!n/ relat!onsh!0 that Chr!st mandates for the chrch. Matthew #&$#(-,. Chrch D!sc!0l!ne. #(  Moreo7er !f thy brother shall tres0ass a/a!nst thee" /o and tell h!m h!s falt between thee and h!m alone$ !f he shall hear thee" tho hast /a!ned thy brother. #6 t !f he w!ll not hear thee" then ta5e w!th thee one or two more"

#++ Lesson  Cont!ned that !n the moth of two or three w!tnesses e7ery word may be establ!shed. #% 1nd !f he shall ne/lect to hear them" tell !t nto the chrch$ bt !f he ne/lect to hear the chrch" let h!m be nto thee as a heathen man and a 0bl!can. #& *er!ly I say nto yo" 4hatsoe7er ye shall b!nd on earth shall be bond !n hea7enE and whatsoe7er ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed !n hea7en. #+ 1/a!n I say nto yo" That !f two of yo shall a/ree on earth as toch!n/ any th!n/ that they shall as5" !t shall be done for them of my ather wh!ch !s !n hea7en. , or where two or three are /athered to/ether !n my name" there am I !n the m!dst of them. *erse #(. 4hen a brother s!ns a/a!nst yo" /o and show h!m h!s falt wh!le yo are alone w!th h!m. The !ntent mst be to 0r!7ately ma5e the 0erson aware of the !n@ry !n the s0!r!t of brotherly lo7e. Then that for/!7eness !s as5ed for and /!7en - ths the two are reconc!led. >...If he shall hear thee" tho hast /a!ned thy brother.> To ha7e the r!/ht att!tde when d!sc!0l!n!n/ another" one mst f!rst 0ract!ce self-d!sc!0l!ne. One mst e:am!ne oneself and honestly real!Ae one's own falts and fa!l!n/s before 0o!nt!n/ ot another's. Th!s br!n/s hm!l!ty. One on one !s the f!rst ste0" bt !f the /r!e7ance !s not settled there" the ne:t ste0 mst be ta5en. *erse #6. If the one !n the wron/ w!ll not adm!t /!lt and re0ent" the ne:t ste0 !s to ta5e one or two others w!th yo. The case mst be ser!os eno/h to br!n/ !n others. If !t was fr!7olos - those as5ed wold refse to /o alon/. The lawfl 0o!nt !s 9oted from Deteronomy #+$#( >!n order that by the moth of two w!tnesses or three e7ery matter may be establ!shed.> The brother !s a/a!n confronted w!th h!s wron/" bt w!th 3 or ) !n a/reement w!th the one wron/ed" !t has mch /reater chance of con7!nc!n/ the s!nner of h!s wron/. If th!s does not scceed !n reconc!l!at!on" then the matter mst be ta5en before the whole assembly of the chrch. Then the w!tnesses can 7och for the offended brother's case" and h!s 0re7!os attem0ts at resolt!on. *erse #%. >1nd !f he shall ne/lect to hear them" tell !t nto the chrch...> The chrch certa!nly !ncldes the leader - 0reacher and deacons" bt also the whole con/re/at!on. Matters of chrch d!sc!0l!ne ha7e been handled" or m!shandled" all thro/h chrch h!story. The worst abses were when a small /ro0" 0rofess!onal

,, Lesson  Cont!ned cler/y" boards" elders" conc!ls" ta5e matters !n the!r own hands and d!sre/ard the rest of the membersh!0. Jess 0roceeds to descr!be the @d/ment of the whole assembly as be!n/ 0resented a/a!nst the offender - and he refses to l!sten" then only one f!nal ste0 mst be ta5en. ;e mst be treated as one who !s ncon7erted. Two e:am0les are /!7en$ a fore!/ner and a ta:-collector. They are ots!de the fellowsh!0 of the chrch of bel!e7ers. The !m0en!tent 0erson mst now be treated as one of these" ha7!n/ lost the r!/ht to chrch membersh!0. 4!th th!s drast!c re@ect!on !t !s also 0oss!ble that !t w!ll shoc5 the !m0en!tent to the real!Aat!on of the ser!osness of h!s s!n" and the 0a!n of los!n/ the lo7!n/ fellowsh!0 w!th th!s body of bel!e7ers. 1nd th!s cold br!n/ h!m to re0entance" and then he can be welcomed bac5 !nto fellowsh!0" and a brother !s bro/ht bac5 !nto the fold. Th!s also dramat!cally shows the ser!os need for chrch d!sc!0l!ne to ma!nta!n the h!/h standards of Chr!st!an l!fe demanded by Jess !n those who wold follow ;!m. ;e commanded s to lo7e one another. Th!s !s an act!on word" not @st a warm feel!n/ !n the tmmy. It !s someth!n/ yo do" and 0ract!ce" and wor5 at. omet!mes !t re9!res stron/ measres to 5ee0 a con/re/at!on to/ether that the bond of lo7e rema!ns !ntact. 4e ha7e all seen and heard of many cases where chrches ha7e bro5en a0art" s0l!t" and become !ntolerable becase no chrch d!sc!0l!ne !s 0ract!ced. There !s always the dan/er of sett!n/ 0 a l!st of rles that can become another form of le/al!sm. There shold not be str!ct re/lat!ons concern!n/ deta!ls of 0ersonal condct
,# Lesson  Cont!ned *erse #+. !m!lar to the 0reced!n/ 7erse$ act!on by a tre /ro0 of bel!e7ers
, Lesson I Matthew #&$#-3(. The Gnmerc!fl er7ant. #  Then came Peter to h!m" and sa!d" Lord" how oft shall my brother s!n a/a!nst me" and I for/!7e h!mK t!ll se7en t!mesK  Jess sa!th nto h!m" I say not nto thee" Gnt!l se7en t!mes$ bt" Gnt!l se7enty t!mes se7en. 3  Therefore !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en l!5ened nto a certa!n 5!n/" wh!ch wold ta5e accont of h!s ser7ants. ) 1nd when he had be/n to rec5on" one was bro/ht nto h!m" wh!ch owed h!m ten thosand talents. ( t forasmch as he had not to 0ay" h!s lord commanded h!m to be sold" and h!s w!fe" and ch!ldren" and all that he had" and 0ayment to be made. 6 The ser7ant therefore fell down" and worsh!00ed h!m" say!n/" Lord" ha7e 0at!ence w!th me" and I w!ll 0ay thee all. % Then the lord of that ser7ant was mo7ed w!th com0ass!on" and loosed h!m" and for/a7e h!m the debt. & t the same ser7ant went ot" and fond one of h!s fellow ser7ants" wh!ch owed h!m a hndred 0ence$ and he la!d hands on h!m" and too5 h!m by the throat" say!n/" Pay me that tho owest. + 1nd h!s fellow ser7ant fell down at h!s feet" and beso/ht h!m" say!n/" ;a7e 0at!ence w!th me" and I w!ll 0ay thee all. 3, 1nd he wold not$ bt went and cast h!m !nto 0r!son" t!ll he shold 0ay the debt. 3# o when h!s fellow ser7ants saw what was done" they were 7ery sorry" and came and told nto the!r lord all that was done. 3 Then h!s lord" after that he had called h!m" sa!d nto h!m" O tho w!c5ed ser7ant" I for/a7e thee all that debt" becase tho des!redst me$ 33 sholdest not tho also ha7e had com0ass!on on thy fellow ser7ant" e7en as I had 0!ty on theeK 3) 1nd h!s lord was wroth" and del!7ered h!m to the tormentors" t!ll he shold 0ay all that was de nto h!m. 3( o l!5ew!se shall my hea7enly ather do also nto yo" !f ye from yor hearts for/!7e not e7ery one h!s brother the!r tres0asses. *erse #. 'Then' !nd!cates that Peter's 9est!on comes 0 a short t!me after the 0re7!os teach!n/ abot for/!7eness <7erse #(=. Peter !s concerned abot how many t!mes he !s obl!/ated to for/!7e a brother who s!ns a/a!nst h!m. 1lso that he !s the one who mst ta5e the !n!t!at!7e to br!n/ abot a reconc!l!at!on. ;e as5s !f he can l!m!t h!s res0ons!b!l!ty to % t!mes. t after that he cold w!thhold h!s for/!7eness. *erse . Jess answers" be/!nn!n/ w!th Peter's se7en" then mlt!0ly!n/

,3 Lesson I Cont!ned !t by #," then another %. ;e mlt!0l!es the two 0erfect !bl!cal nmbers <#, and %=" then mlt!0l!es by another 0erfect %. Th!s clearly was not done to come 0 w!th another nmber l!m!t. The messa/e !s that the s0!r!t of for/!7eness mst ha7e no l!m!t" no calclated e:tent. or/!7eness mst always be /!7en. *erse 3. To !llstrate the 0r!nc!0le" Jess relates a 0arable. ;e !s /o!n/ to show that !n 2od's 5!n/dom of /race thro/h Chr!st" the 0r!nc!0le of 7erse  mst be 0ract!ced. In th!s 0art!clar" the for/!7en 0erson mst also always be w!ll!n/ to show for/!7eness to others. The e:am0le$ a 5!n/ w!shed to settle acconts w!th h!s h!/hest ser7ants. The!r dty was to collect the royal ta:es from h!s 7ar!os doma!ns at 0rescr!bed t!mes and del!7ers them to the royal treasry. *erse ). 4hen the 5!n/ be/an to settle acconts Lord" ha7e 0at!ence w!th me" and I w!ll 0ay thee all.> ;e doesn't ar/e" deny" or ma5e a thosand e:cses. ;e had noth!n/" and no 0oss!b!l!ty to e7er 0ay off the ent!re debt. ;e !s !n effect be//!n/ for mercy. *erse %. The heart of that ser7ant's master was mo7ed w!th 0!ty" and he let h!m /o free and for/a7e h!m the debt. 4hat mercy and com0ass!on to for/!7e h!m was certa!nly ne:0ected" bt showed the heart of the 5!n/.

,) Lesson I Cont!ned *erse &. The story chan/es focs from the 5!n/'s com0ass!on to the crel heart of the for/!7en ser7ant. Th!s ser7ant went ot" and came 0on one of h!s fellow ser7ants who owed h!m #,, denar!! O tho w!c5ed ser7ant" I for/a7e thee all that debt" becase tho des!redst me...> In the or!/!nal" the word order be/!ns w!th >all that debt>" then the w!c5ed ser7ant. Th!s em0has!Aes the s!Ae of the debt < m!ll!on on today's dollars=" alon/ w!th the /reat /eneros!ty and 0!ty of !ts for/!7eness. The ob7!os 9est!on$ shold he not also ha7e had mercy on h!s fellow-ser7ant as the 5!n/ had mercy on h!mK hold he not ha7e been cont!nally /ratefl for th!s mercyK D!d th!s not also obl!/ated h!m to a s!m!lar manner of treat!n/ othersK >es> can be the only correct answer. *erse 3). The 5!n/ was s0remely an/ry and handed h!m o7er to the 'tortrers' nt!l he shold 0ay the ent!re debt. The word tortrers occrs only here !n the ?ew Testament. They were cort off!c!als to

,( Lesson I Cont!ned tortre those fond /!lty of the most atroc!os cr!mes. The ent!re debt was so /reat that th!s !m0l!es that he w!ll ne7er be able to 0ay. Ths h!s 0n!shment w!ll only end w!th h!s death. *erse 3(. Jess e:0la!ns the s0!r!tal trth of the 0arable. >o l!5ew!se shall my hea7enly ather do also nto yo" !f ye from yor hearts for/!7e not e7ery one h!s brother the!r tres0asses.> Th!s answered Peter's 9est!on. The trth l!es !n the heart. The for/!7en s!nner" !n heartfelt /rat!tde" mst always be ready to for/!7e anyone who does h!m !n@ry" and case a reconc!l!at!on. Other 0r!nc!0les !nclde$ or debt of s!n !s always /reater than we can 0ayE Chr!st !n lo7e" mercy" and /race 0a!d !t all !n fll" ha7!n/ rece!7ed sch nmer!ted for/!7eness" so we also mst for/!7e !n trn" w!thot l!m!t or measre. The nfor/!7!n/ or nmerc!fl 0erson w!ll e:0er!ence condemnat!on and e7erlast!n/ 0n!shment. If and when the 9est!on !s as5ed" !s the 0erson who !n@res another" or the !n@red res0ons!ble to ta5e the f!rst ste0 toward reconc!l!at!onK The Chr!st!an answer !s$ each 0erson !s res0ons!ble. Th!s ends Chr!st's Bet!rement <2al!lean= M!n!stry Matthew #+$#-#. D!7orce. # 1nd !t came to 0ass" that when Jess had f!n!shed these say!n/s" he de0arted from 2al!lee" and came !nto the coasts of Jdea beyond JordanE  and /reat mlt!tdes followed h!mE and he healed them there. 3  The Phar!sees also came nto h!m" tem0t!n/ h!m" and say!n/ nto h!m" Is !t lawfl for a man to 0t away h!s w!fe for e7ery caseK ) 1nd he answered and sa!d nto them" ;a7e ye not read" that he wh!ch made them at the be/!nn!n/ made them male and female" ( and sa!d" or th!s case shall a man lea7e father and mother" and shall clea7e to h!s w!fe$ and they twa!n shall be one fleshK 6 4herefore they are no more twa!n" bt one flesh. 4hat therefore 2od hath @o!ned to/ether" let not man 0t asnder. % They say nto h!m" 4hy d!d Moses then command to /!7e a wr!t!n/ of d!7orcement" and to 0t her awayK & ;e sa!th nto them" Moses becase of the hardness of yor hearts sffered yo to 0t away yor w!7es$ bt from the be/!nn!n/ !t was not so. + 1nd I say nto yo" 4hosoe7er shall 0t away h!s w!fe" e:ce0t !t be for forn!cat!on" and shall marry another" comm!tteth adltery$ and whoso marr!eth her wh!ch !s 0t away doth comm!t adltery. #,  ;!s d!sc!0les say nto h!m" If the case of the man be so w!th h!s w!fe" !t !s not /ood to marry. ## t he sa!d nto them" 1ll men cannot rece!7e th!s say!n/" sa7e

,6 Lesson I Cont!ned they to whom !t !s /!7en. # or there are some enchs" wh!ch were so womb$ and there are some enchs" wh!ch were there be enchs" wh!ch ha7e made themsel7es of hea7en's sa5e. ;e that !s able to rece!7e

born from the!r mother's made enchs of men$ and enchs for the 5!n/dom !t" let h!m rece!7e !t.

Jess de0arts 2al!lee and /oes to the area across the Jordan from Jdea" 5nown as Perea. It has been s//ested that the a00ro:!mate t!me 0er!od was December + 1.D. to 10r!l 3, 1.D. The 2os0el wr!ters each select !nc!dents they cons!der most !m0ortant to record th!s t!me 0er!od. rom here Jess wold re-cross the Jordan and tra7el to Jer!cho and on to Jersalem Is !t lawfl for a man to 0t away h!s w!fe for e7ery caseK> !m0ro0er beha7!or> !n her" he may wr!te her a b!ll of d!7orce. Im0ro0er beha7!or> was a /eneral eno/h statement to allow d!fferent !nter0retat!ons. hamma! and followers !nter0reted !t as l!m!ted to !nf!del!ty or adltery. 1nother rabb!" ;!llel !nter0reted !t mch more broadly" center!n/ on the words 'f!nds no fa7or !n h!s eyes.' In th!s l!ne of tho/ht" fl!msy reasons were acce0ted as /ronds for d!7orce. Two e:am0les$ #.= !f she ser7ed her hsband sl!/htly brned food. .= If she tal5ed so lod at home that the ne!/hbors cold hear her. If Jess s!ded w!th e!ther" the followers of the other s!de wold be an/ered. The more l!beral 7!ews of ;!llel's followers were w!dely acce0ted. On the other s!de" the followers of hamma! demanded

,% Lesson I Cont!ned moral str!ctness. 1lso" the women wold ha7e stron/ o0!n!ons for the!r own r!/hts. Jess !s /o!n/ to answer$ no" only for !nf!del!ty. t f!rst ;e /oes bac5 to 2od's or!/!nal 0lan for man and woman. It !s bac5ward to tal5 abot how to /et ot of marr!a/e. *erses )-6. Jess reconts the 2enes!s accont of man and woman to become one flesh. ;e be/!ns by 9est!on!n/ theme as to whether they had not read 2enes!s #$% and $). Man and woman were created for th!s n!on. Jess 7!ewed th!s as a d!7!ne ord!nance. The concls!on$ >4hat therefore 2od hath @o!ned to/ether" let not man 0t asnder.> Th!s does not re9!re a marr!a/e ceremony or cert!f!cate. It does show the ser!osness and !m0ortance of marr!a/e as a n!on. *erse %. They contered w!th Moses' allowance for a d!7orce cert!f!cate 0t asnder> what 2od has @o!ned to/ether. They
,& Lesson I Cont!ned 0" then wr!te a d!7orcement cert!f!cate and mo7e on to the ne:t best offer. If th!s !s now not allowed" then where was a man's ad7anta/eK Th!s was" of corse" the e:act o00os!te att!tde that both 0artners !n a marr!a/e shold ha7e. Marr!a/e mst !nclde an nself!sh lo7e" a /!7!n/ and self-sacr!f!c!n/ s0!r!t. *erse ##. Jess e:0la!ns that not all men ha7e room !n the!r hearts or l!7es to 0ro0erly flf!ll the re9!rements of marr!a/e. It !s by the 2race of 2od that th!s !s 0oss!ble. 4!thot th!s d!7!ne hel0" a blessed marr!a/e !s !m0oss!ble. 4hat the d!sc!0les ha7e s//ested" that there are c!rcmstances where !t wold be better for a man not to marry" !s also 0oss!ble. Jess !s /o!n/ to ment!on three c!rcmstances where a s0ec!al /ro0 !s benef!c!al or necessary. *erse #. The f!rst /ro0 are born defect!7e !n the area of ab!l!ty to 0rocreate. The second are those 0hys!cally castrated by other men. The th!rd absta!n from marr!a/e by cho!ce of ded!cat!on to the !nterest of the 5!n/dom of hea7en. Th!s !s an !nd!7!dal cho!ce ;e that !s able to rece!7e !t" let h!m rece!7e !t.> ;e !s s//est!n/ to them that they mst th!n5 th!s whole matter o7er" not @st the 0r!nc!0les as stated" bt the tre" dee0 and s0!r!tal as0ects that mst be ta5en !nto accont as they ma5e the!r own cho!ces.

,+ Lesson II Matthew #+$#3-#(. Jess and the Ch!ldren. #3  Then were there bro/ht nto h!m l!ttle ch!ldren" that he shold 0t h!s hands on them" and 0ray$ and the d!sc!0les reb5ed them. #) t Jess sa!d" ffer l!ttle ch!ldren" and forb!d them not" to come nto meE for of sch !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en. #( 1nd he la!d h!s hands on them" and de0arted thence. It can be assmed that the o0en!n/ 'Then' refers to what too5 0lace after the 0reced!n/ teach!n/ abot marr!a/e wh!le st!ll !n the hose. 4!thot 9est!on" Jess lo7ed ch!ldren. In th!s !nstance" L5e #&$#( !dent!f!es them as !nfants" bro/ht for Jess to bless !n the!r 0arents' arms. There !s no way of 5now!n/ how many there were" or !f some were sl!/htly older. The d!sc!0les reb5ed them. Mean!n/" those who bro/ht the ch!ldren. 4e can !ma/!ne some of them stand!n/ at the doorway and attem0t!n/ to shoo them away. The!r messa/e$ the Master doesn't ha7e t!me to bother w!th l!ttle ch!ldren. ;e has mch more !m0ortant matters to be concerned w!th ffer l!ttle ch!ldren" and forb!d them not" to come nto meE for of sch !s the 5!n/dom of hea7en.> Jess acce0ts the att!tde of the 0arents !n com!n/ to ;!m. ;e reb5es the d!sc!0les for try!n/ to sto0 them. The messa/e" !n 0r!nc!0le" !s that all bless!n/s of sal7at!on belon/ to those l!ttle ch!ldren" and to sch that come to Jess !n hmble fa!th and trst belon/s the 5!n/dom of hea7en. *erse #(. The lay!n/ on of hands was the f!rst 0art of the 0rayer of bless!n/ Jess d!d 0on each one !n trn. Mar5 #,$#6 ment!ons that ;e too5 them !nto ;!s arms. It mst be reco/n!Aed that the 0arents mst ha7e had fa!th !n Jess to br!n/ the!r ch!ldren to ;!m for bless!n/. I Cor!nth!ans %$#) calls them >holy seed> and therefore members of ;!s chrch. These ch!ldren were not bro/ht for heal!n/" not s!c5 or dy!n/" bt for bless!n/ by more than a ;ealer or Phys!c!an. The bel!ef !s that l!ttle ch!ldren or bel!e7ers belon/ to Chr!st's chrch" then ba0t!sm" the s!/n of sch membersh!0" shold be adm!n!stered to them. 1s the ch!ldren matre the 0arents mst do all !n the!r 0ower to br!n/ them to the 0o!nt of !nd!7!dal acce0tance of 2od's sal7at!on thro/h Jess. Th!s does not mean all w!ll be sa7ed" !n the same way that the d!sc!0les !nclded Jdas. o some ch!ldren !n later years may re@ect Chr!st and 0er!sh.

#, Lesson II Cont!ned Matthew #+$#6-3,. Per!l of B!ches. #6  1nd" behold" one came and sa!d nto h!m" 2ood Master" what /ood th!n/ shall I do" that I may ha7e eternal l!feK #% 1nd he sa!d nto h!m" 4hy callest tho me /oodK there !s none /ood bt one" that !s" 2od$ bt !f tho w!lt enter !nto l!fe" 5ee0 the commandments. #& ;e sa!th nto h!m" 4h!chK Jess sa!d" Tho shalt do no mrder" Tho shalt not comm!t adltery" Tho shalt not steal" Tho shalt not bear false w!tness" #+ ;onor thy father and thy mother$ and" Tho shalt lo7e thy ne!/hbor as thyself. , The yon/ man sa!th nto h!m" 1ll these th!n/s ha7e I 5e0t from my yoth 0$ what lac5 I yetK # Jess sa!d nto h!m" If tho w!lt be 0erfect" /o and sell that tho hast" and /!7e to the 0oor" and tho shalt ha7e treasre !n hea7en$ and come and follow me.  t when the yon/ man heard that say!n/" he went away sorrowfl$ for he had /reat 0ossess!ons. 3  Then sa!d Jess nto h!s d!sc!0les" *er!ly I say nto yo" That a r!ch man shall hardly enter !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en. ) 1nd a/a!n I say nto yo" It !s eas!er for a camel to /o thro/h the eye of a needle" than for a r!ch man to enter !nto the 5!n/dom of 2od. ( 4hen h!s d!sc!0les heard !t" they were e:ceed!n/ly amaAed" say!n/" 4ho then can be sa7edK 6 t Jess beheld them" and sa!d nto them" 4!th men th!s !s !m0oss!bleE bt w!th 2od all th!n/s are 0oss!ble. % Then answered Peter and sa!d nto h!m" ehold" we ha7e forsa5en all" and followed theeE what shall we ha7e thereforeK & 1nd Jess sa!d nto them" *er!ly I say nto yo" That ye wh!ch ha7e followed me" !n the re/enerat!on when the on of man shall s!t !n the throne of h!s /lory" ye also shall s!t 0on twel7e thrones" @d/!n/ the twel7e tr!bes of Israel. + 1nd e7ery one that hath forsa5en hoses" or brethren" or s!sters" or father" or mother" or w!fe" or ch!ldren" or lands" for my name's sa5e" shall rece!7e a hndredfold" and shall !nher!t e7erlast!n/ l!fe. 3, t many that are f!rst shall be lastE and the last shall be f!rst. There !s no ment!on of t!me or 0lace here. Ob7!osly Jess and the d!sc!0les had left the hose where ;e had blessed the ch!ldren and were @orney!n/ !n Perea. Then" 9!te sddenly and sr0r!s!n/ly" a r!ch yon/ rler came 0 to ;!m w!th a most ser!os 9est!on teacher>" he as5s" >what /ood th!n/

## Lesson II Cont!ned shall I do that I may 0ossess e7erlast!n/ l!feK> Two th!n/s are not!ced !mmed!ately. !rst" he !s aware and d!strbed by someth!n/ lac5!n/ !n h!s l!fe !n relat!on to 2od. econd" by h!s standard he th!n5s !t mst be some '/ood wor5' that he mst do to earn sal7at!on. *erse #%. In answer!n/" Jess as5s h!m why come to ;!m w!th th!s 9est!on" wh!ch !s clearly wr!tten !n the ;oly cr!0tres who flf!lls the commandments of 2od !s the only One who !s /ood. *erses #&"#+. The yon/ man wants to 5now wh!ch ones. o Jess 9otes those of the second table. It has been s//ested that a re0eat!n/ of the f!rst table was !nd!s0ensable to the 5ee0!n/ of the second table. I John )$, - >;e who does not lo7e h!s brother whom he has seen cannot lo7e 2od whom he has not seen.> *erse , ;e re0l!ed that he has obser7ed all these th!n/s. Tho/h he cons!ders h!mself res0ectable and 7!rtos" he has no 0eace of m!nd or heart. ;e cold only th!n5 !t mst be @st one more th!n/ he needs to do. 1t least he had so/ht ot Jess for the answer. 1ccord!n/ to Mar5 #,$#" Jess lo7ed th!s yon/ rler 5neel!n/ !n front of ;!m. ;e had wor5ed hard at follow!n/ the commandments" and he was !nwardly str//l!n/ w!th h!s lac5 of 0eace. Jess also saw that one th!n/ f!rmly held h!m bac5 - h!s wealth. 4as he w!ll!n/ to lo7e h!s ne!/hbor as h!mselfK *erse #. The lt!mate challen/e$ >If tho w!lt be 0erfect" /o and sell that tho hast" and /!7e to the 0oor" and tho shalt ha7e treasre !n hea7en$ and come and follow me.> *erse . >t when the yon/ man heard that say!n/" he went away sorrowfl$ for he had /reat 0ossess!ons.> 4hat d!d he ha7e to /!7e 0K ;e was !m0ortant" e7en 0rom!nent" 7!rtos" of /ood re0tat!on" re7erent" and ea/er. t all these were t!ed to h!s /reat 0ro0erty and wealth. To /!7e 0 the wealth wold also ta5e h!s 0rest!/e and 0os!t!on" h!s 0r!de and re0tat!on. ;e cold not do so. Th!s was not to be nderstood as what 2od demands of all r!ch 0eo0le. To all 0eo0le blessed by wealth !t !s a test of the!r self!shness" or w!ll!n/ness to bless others. 1braham was as5ed to /!7e 0 h!s home and fam!ly and /o to a stran/e 0lace. ;e chose to bel!e7e 2od and com0letely trst !n ;!m w!th h!s l!fe and ftre. The r!ch yon/ rler was as5ed to /!7e 0

# Lesson II Cont!ned h!s wealth" bt h!s fa!th was not !n 2od" bt !n h!s wealth. ;!s wealth rled h!m !nstead of the o00os!te. *erses 3"). 1 most solemn declarat!on$ >That a r!ch man shall hardly enter !nto the 5!n/dom of hea7en.> To show how d!ff!clt !t !s" to the 0o!nt of !m0oss!b!l!ty" Jess descr!bes try!n/ to !ma/!ne a camel /o!n/ thro/h the eye of a needle. Th!s wold be eas!er. The 0o!nt ob7!osly that a r!ch man can ne!ther !nflence" by" wor5" or worm h!s way !nto sal7at!on. 1lso" as the r!ch yon/ rler" the hold of wealth on a 0erson's heart 0re7ents them from see!n/ the!r s!n" and need of a sa7!or. *erse (. The d!sc!0les were 0rofondly shoc5ed" and as5ed" >4ho then can be sa7edK> !nce they had obser7ed that all 0eo0le were e!ther r!ch" or wanted to be r!ch" who does that lea7e to be sa7edK The ;eart of man see5s 0ros0er!ty" and /lor!es !n !t !f sccessfl. 7eryth!n/ re7ol7es arond wor5s. The whole 0o!nt !s to trn the!r th!n5!n/ to show that sal7at!on was the /!ft of 2od" not of wor5s" lest any man shold boast. *erse 6. Jess states !t 0la!nly" loo5!n/ d!rectly at them$ >4!th men th!s !s !m0oss!bleE bt w!th 2od all th!n/s are 0oss!ble.> Only by /race" only by the /!ft of fa!th" be!n/ born a/a!n from abo7e. *erse %. Peter was rler" that !f hea7en. ;e now followed theeE

th!n5!n/ bac5 to what Jess had told the r!ch yon/ he /a7e 0 e7eryth!n/ he wold ha7e treasre !n wants to 5now" >ehold" we ha7e forsa5en all" and what shall we ha7e thereforeK> They had done what

Jess as5ed the yon/ man to do. 4old they ha7e treasre !n ;ea7enK *erse &. 4hat a /lor!os answer 1nother solemn declarat!on$ !n the restored n!7erse" when Jess w!ll be seated on ;!s throne of /lory" the # who followed ;!m w!ll also be seated on thrones" @d/!n/ the # tr!bes of Israel. 4hat a r!ch rewardE they w!ll be ele7ated to h!/h 0os!t!ons of athor!ty !n Chr!st's 5!n/domE th!s !s es0ec!ally seen when contrasted w!th what they ha7e /!7en 0. *erse +. Ptt!n/ Chr!st abo7e all 0hys!cal relat!7es and 0ossess!ons /!7es benef!ts an hndredfold. >or my name's sa5e> !s the same as >for my sa5e>. >1 hndredfold> means >many t!mes o7er>.
#3 Lesson II Cont!ned others w!th whate7er mater!al bless!n/s 2od 0ro7!des. 1lso" /!7!n/ 0 n/odly relat!7es" and br!n/ new relat!7es !nto the fam!ly of 2od. The clos!n/ words" >and shall !nher!t e7erlast!n/ l!fe.> 4hat bless!n/s are bestowed on 2od's ch!ldren !n th!s l!fe" they are only the foretaste of the fll measre they w!ll !nher!t !n the eternal a/e to come. *erse 3,. To sm !t 0" the contrast between what the world th!n5s and what 2od sees. Man loo5s on otward a00earance - wealth" edcat!on" 0os!t!on" 0rest!/e. 2od loo5s 0on the heart. Th!s can also ha00en !n the chrch. Many !n !m0ortant 0os!t!ons may not ha7e earned the s0!r!tal rewards of a 9!et" hmble 0erson who 0rays and wor5s to hel0 others. Matthew ,$#-#6. Parable of the Laborers !n the *!neyard. # or the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e nto a man that !s a hoseholder" wh!ch went ot early !n the morn!n/ to h!re laborers !nto h!s 7!neyard.  1nd when he had a/reed w!th the laborers for a 0enny a day" he sent them !nto h!s 7!neyard. 3 1nd he went ot abot the th!rd hor" and saw others stand!n/ !dle !n the mar5et 0lace" ) and sa!d nto themE 2o ye also !nto the 7!neyard" and whatsoe7er !s r!/ht I w!ll /!7e yo. 1nd they went the!r way. ( 1/a!n he went ot abot the s!:th and n!nth hor" and d!d l!5ew!se. 6 1nd abot the ele7enth hor he went ot" and fond others stand!n/ !dle" and sa!th nto them" 4hy stand ye here all the day !dleK % They say nto h!m" ecase no man hath h!red s. ;e sa!th nto them" 2o ye also !nto the 7!neyardE and whatsoe7er !s r!/ht" that shall ye rece!7e. & o when e7en was come" the lord of the 7!neyard sa!th nto h!s steward" Call the laborers" and /!7e them the!r h!re" be/!nn!n/ from the last nto the f!rst. + 1nd when they came that were h!red abot the ele7enth hor" they rece!7ed e7ery man a 0enny. #, t when the f!rst came" they s00osed that they shold ha7e rece!7ed moreE and they l!5ew!se rece!7ed e7ery man a 0enny. ## 1nd when they had rece!7ed !t" they mrmred a/a!nst the /oodman of the hose" # say!n/" These last ha7e wro/ht bt one hor" and tho hast made them e9al nto s" wh!ch ha7e borne the brden and heat of the day. #3 t he answered one of them" and sa!d" r!end" I do thee no wron/$ d!dst not tho a/ree w!th me for a 0ennyK #) Ta5e that th!ne !s" and /o thy way$ I w!ll /!7e nto th!s last" e7en as nto thee.

#) Lesson II Cont!ned #( Is !t not lawfl for me to do what I w!ll w!th m!ne ownK Is th!ne eye e7!l" becase I am /oodK #6 o the last shall be f!rst" and the f!rst last$ for many be called" bt few chosen. >or> !nd!cates that what follows !s at least one as0ect of the 0re7!os say!n/ to be !llstrated by the follow!n/ 0arable as to what w!ll be nfolded on @d/ment day. Th!s w!ll be shown by the reward /!7en the wor5ers by the owner of the estate. The owner re0resents 2od 4ho !s so7ere!/n o7er men's affa!rs. The 5!n/dom of hea7en or of 2od stresses the same tho/ht. al7at!on !s ;!s to /!7e. That the owner h!mself /oes ot to h!re the wor5men shows h!s 0ersonal care for h!s 7!neyard. ;e /oes ot early !n the morn!n/. *erse . ;e h!res a /ro0 to wor5 for a denar!s for the whole day. ;e sent them !nto h!s 7!neyard. There was a con7ersat!on and then a/reement. The denar
#( Lesson II Cont!ned e7en!n/" the end of the wor5 day. t contrary to the norm" he re9!res that those that came last mst be 0a!d f!rst. Then those ne:t" /o!n/ bac5wards" so that those h!red f!rst wold be 0a!d last. In th!s way" those h!red f!rst wold be 0resent as each later /ro0 was be!n/ 0a!d. The ones h!red last were /!7en a denar!s. 4hen !t came t!me for the f!rst /ro0" they lo/!cally assmed that they wold be 0a!d more s!nce they had wor5ed more than all the others. Then they were 0a!d the same wa/e that they had a/reed to. Ob7!osly all the other /ro0s are ha00!ly sr0r!sed to ha7e been 0a!d a fll day's wa/e for whate7er 0art of the day they had actally been wor5!n/. *erses ##"#. ?ot fa!r" sa!d the f!rst /ro0. ?ot only d!d they ha7e to wa!t for all of the rest to be 0a!d" bt now they were 0a!d the same as those who only wor5ed for one hor. They were not sat!sf!ed w!th th!s 5!nd of treatment. They e:0ress the !ne9!ty - they ha7e wor5ed hard e7en thro/h the swelter!n/ heat of the day. They /rmble a/a!nst the owner" who !s 0resent w!th them. 4hat they are really 0set abot !s h!s be!n/ way too /eneros to all those others" es0ec!ally those that wor5ed for only one hor. 4hy d!dn't he treat them /enerosly !n 0ro0ort!on to themK They are /o!n/ to be re0r!manded for three th!n/s they are do!n/ wron/. #.= They had be bar/a!ned w!th before they a/reed to wor5 the!r concern for money be!n/ the most !m0ortant 7ale. The others a/reed to wor5" trst!n/ the owner to be fa!r. .= They th!n5 that they" as only h!red day laborers" ha7e the r!/ht to 9est!on the owner's dec!s!on. 3. They are en7!os of the others who had been treated /enerosly. *erse #(. ;e e:0la!ns !t to one he addresses as 'r!end>. ;e has done h!m no !n@st!ce. ;ad they not a/reed for one denar!s for the dayK That was the bar/a!n. That's what he had done. ;e tells h!m to ta5e h!s 0ay and /o home. ?ow" he e:0la!ns that s!nce he !s the boss" he ma5es the dec!s!ons. It !s h!s money" and h!s !s the r!/ht to do w!th !t as he 0leases. Or !s th!s man only en7!os becase he has chosen to be /enerosK The man has no r!/ht or recorse. ;e mst @st /o on home. *erse #6. o the last shall be f!rst" and the f!rst last. The s0!r!tal lesson$ to do th!n/s for 2od" what yo are /o!n/ to /et
#6 Lesson II Cont!ned 1nother tho/ht - the /!ft of sal7at!on !s the same for all who acce0t !t. Th!s !s tre whether one !s con7erted as a ch!ld and !s a de7ot Chr!st!an wor5er the!r ent!re l!fe" or an old 0erson who acce0ts Chr!st a few moments before the!r death.

#% Lesson III Matthew ,$#%-#+. Th!rd Pred!ct!on of Pass!on and Besrrect!on. #%  1nd Jess /o!n/ 0 to Jersalem too5 the twel7e d!sc!0les a0art !n the way" and sa!d nto them" #& ehold" we /o 0 to JersalemE and the on of man shall be betrayed nto the ch!ef 0r!ests and nto the scr!bes" and they shall condemn h!m to death" #+ and shall del!7er h!m to the 2ent!les to moc5" and to scor/e" and to crc!fy h!m$ and the th!rd day he shall r!se a/a!n. *erse #. The th!rd and last 0red!ct!on of ;!s death and resrrect!on. The f!rst was !n #6$#" the second !n #%$. The f!rst 0red!ct!on !nclded ;!s sffer!n/ at the hands of the Jew!sh leaders. The second !nclded ;!s be!n/ del!7ered o7er to the anhedr!n and condemned to death. ?e:t" handed o7er to the 2ent!les who wold moc5 ;!m" scor/e ;!m" and ;e wold be crc!f!ed. >and the th!rd day he shall r!se a/a!n.> Jess was brea5!n/ the news to the d!sc!0les !n sta/es so as not to o7erwhelm them. 1s the e7ents drew nearer" ;e re7ealed more deta!ls also" so that they wold real!Ae that by 0red!ct!n/ the deta!ls" ;e not only fore5new what was to ha00en" bt also chose to follow that 0ath for the!r redem0t!on. Th!s annoncement too5 0lace on the!r way to Jersalem" most l!5ely thro/h Jer!cho. Tho/h there were many followers" Jess too5 the # as!de to !m0art th!s !nformat!on to them 0r!7ately. *erses #&"#+. >ehold> /ets the!r attent!on and lets them 5now that what !s abot to be sa!d !s 7ery !m0ortant. The ch!ef 0r!ests and scr!bes" 0ls the elders" com0ose the anhedr!n. 1 tr!al wold ta5e 0laceE ;e wold be condemned to death. !nce the Jews were not allowed to carry ot a death sentence" they wold ha7e to hand Jess o7er to the Boman athor!t!es" P!late the /o7ernor" to /et the death sentence carr!ed ot. The Bomans wold moc5 ;!m. The scor/!n/ wold ta5e 0lace before the crc!f!:!on. Then the 0os!t!7e cl!ma: of ;!s resrrect!on. Mar5 #,$3 descr!bes how 0AAled" shoc5ed" and !n dee0 an:!ety" the # were. They cold not /ras0 what Jess tells them. It !s nth!n5able" nreasonable" the worst th!n/ that cold e7er ha00en. Matthew ,$,-&. The Mother's est!on. ,  Then came to h!m the mother of Feb'edee's ch!ldren w!th her sons" worsh!00!n/ h!m" and des!r!n/ a certa!n th!n/ of h!m. # 1nd he sa!d nto her" 4hat w!lt thoK he sa!th nto h!m" 2rant that these my two sons may s!t" the one on thy r!/ht hand" and the

#& Lesson III Cont!ned other on the left" !n thy 5!n/dom.  t Jess answered and sa!d" e 5now not what ye as5. 1re ye able to dr!n5 of the c0 that I shall dr!n5 of" and to be ba0t!Aed w!th the ba0t!sm that I am ba0t!Aed w!thK They say nto h!m" 4e are able. 3 1nd he sa!th nto them" e shall dr!n5 !ndeed of my c0" and be ba0t!Aed w!th the ba0t!sm that I am ba0t!Aed w!th$ bt to s!t on my r!/ht hand" and on my left" !s not m!ne to /!7e" bt !t shall be /!7en to them for whom !t !s 0re0ared of my ather. ) 1nd when the ten heard !t" they were mo7ed w!th !nd!/nat!on a/a!nst the two brethren. ( t Jess called them nto h!m" and sa!d" e 5now that the 0r!nces of the 2ent!les e:erc!se dom!n!on o7er them" and they that are /reat e:erc!se athor!ty 0on them. 6 t !t shall not be so amon/ yo$ bt whosoe7er w!ll be /reat amon/ yo" let h!m be yor m!n!sterE % and whosoe7er w!ll be ch!ef amon/ yo" let h!m be yor ser7ant$ & e7en as the on of man came not to be m!n!stered nto" bt to m!n!ster" and to /!7e h!s l!fe a ransom for many. Jess had ta/ht abot how to be h!/hly re/arded and rewarded by 2od de0ended on fa!th" hm!l!ty" and lo7!n/ others as yorself. et James and John" Febedee's sons" were st!ll see5!n/ the!r own !nterest !n ha7!n/ the h!/hest 0os!t!ons !n 2od's 5!n/dom" ne:t to Chr!st. Th!s also was !n contrast to the e:am0le of Jess ;!mself. *erse ,. >Then> !nd!cates th!s too5 0lace fa!rly soon after the 0re7!os 7erses. It has been s//ested that th!s mother was alome" s!ster to Mary" mother of Jess. he then was Jess' ant" her sons ;!s cos!ns. That her two boys came w!th her shows that they a/reed w!th her re9est. he comes and 5neels before Jess. he tells ;!m she has a fa7or to as5 of ;!m. he res0ectflly wa!ts for ;!m to !n9!re as to what !t was she wanted. ;er re9est shows her fa!th !n Chr!st ha7!n/ a 5!n/dom !s stron/" tho/h there !s no e7!dence of th!s ha00en!n/ any t!me soon. or her to as5 at the t!me s//ests that she acce0ted the common bel!ef at that t!me that Mess!ah wold defeat the Bomans and re-establ!sh the 5!n/dom of Israel !n tr!m0h. 4hether her be!n/ ;!s ant was 0art of her boldness" we do not 5now. !nce her sons were  of the #" and e7en  of the closest c!rcle of 3
#+ Lesson III Cont!ned do not 0erce!7e that the bel!e7er's way to /lory was thro/h sffer!n/" the way of the cross. The Old Testament !d!om of >dr!n5!n/ a c0> refers to e:0er!ence some act!7!ty to the fllest de/ree" as !f dr!n5!n/ the contents of a c0 com0letely. The!r re0ly that they were able seems far too bold. Tho/h loyal to Jess" ftre e7ents w!ll show that they were not ready at all. *erse 3. Jess tells them that they w!ll dr!n5 ;!s c0" 0red!ct!n/ the martyrdom of James <1cts #$=E John" ban!shed to the !sland of Patmos
, Lesson III Cont!ned lo7e" and /!7e ;!s l!fe as a sbst!tt!on sacr!f!ce" a ransom for all those who wold acce0t !t ;a7e mercy on s" O Lord" tho on of Da7!d.> 1s ment!oned 0re7!osly <+$%-3#=" on of Da7!d was a reco/n!Aed name of Mess!ah. To be bl!nd meant a l!fe of be//!n/ by the roads!de. They were des0erate for mercy" a way ot of de0end!n/ on the 0!ty of

# Lesson III Cont!ned 0assers-by. *erse 3#. The crowd warned them to be 9!et. They d!d not want the!r @orney to be !nterr0ted" es0ec!ally by these two bl!nd be//ars. They were of no !m0ortance at all. These men 5new that the!r only ho0e was !n the mercy of Jess 4ho they reco/n!Aed as the Mess!ah by call!n/ ;!m on of Da7!d. o" they shoted all the loder" so that the!r chance wold not 0ass by becase of the!r t!m!d!ty. *erses 3-3). ;a7!n/ heard them" Jess sto00ed and called them to come to ;!m. Once they had been /!ded to ;!m" ;e as5ed what they wanted ;!m to do for them. They wanted the!r eyes to be o0ened - to see. 1s always" Jess was mo7ed w!th com0ass!on. The!r affl!ct!on was remo7ed as ;e toched the!r eyes. The!r s!/ht re/a!ned" they followed ;!m. ?ow the!r fa!th !n Jess was rewarded 0hys!cally and also s0!r!tally. They @o!ned the crowd onward to Jersalem and the Passo7er. Matthew #$#-##. The Tr!m0hal ntry. # 1nd when they drew n!/h nto Jersalem" and were come to eth0ha/e" nto the mont of Ol!7es" then sent Jess two d!sc!0les"  say!n/ nto them" 2o !nto the 7!lla/e o7er a/a!nst yo" and stra!/htway ye shall f!nd an ass t!ed" and a colt w!th her$ loose them" and br!n/ them nto me. 3 1nd !f any man say a/ht nto yo" ye shall say" The Lord hath need of themE and stra!/htway he w!ll send them. ) 1ll th!s was done" that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by the 0ro0het" say!n/" ( Tell ye the da/hter of F!on" ehold" thy !n/ cometh nto thee" mee5" and s!tt!n/ 0on an ass" and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 1nd the d!sc!0les went" and d!d as Jess commanded them" % and bro/ht the ass" and the colt" and 0t on them the!r clothes" and they set h!m thereon. & 1nd a 7ery /reat mlt!tde s0read the!r /arments !n the wayE others ct down branches from the trees" and strewed them !n the way. + 1nd the mlt!tdes that went before" and that followed" cr!ed" say!n/" ;osanna to the on of Da7!d$ lessed !s he that cometh !n the name of the LordE ;osanna !n the h!/hest. #, 1nd when he was come !nto Jersalem" all the c!ty was mo7ed" say!n/" 4ho !s th!sK ## 1nd the mlt!tde sa!d" Th!s !s Jess the 0ro0het of ?aAareth of 2al!lee.

 Lesson III Cont!ned The Pass!on 4ee5 be/!ns here. It can be assmed that Jess and ;!s d!sc!0les arr!7ed at ethany before snset on r!day. On the abbath Crc!fy" crc!fy> *erses #". ethany was located on the eastern slo0e of the Mont of Ol!7es" abot two m!les east of Jersalem. They were com!n/ near eth0ha/e The Lord>" not as @st the!r lord. The owners wold ac5nowled/e ;!s cla!m as bel!e7ers !n ;!m. *erses )"(. Th!s flf!lled that wh!ch was s0o5en thro/h the 0ro0het$ >ay to the da/hter of F!on" Loo5 yor !n/ !s com!n/ to yo" mee5 and monted on a don5ey" e7en 0on a colt" the foal of a don5ey.> The da/hter of F!on !s Jersalem" Israel. Th!s 5!n/ !s not as other 5!n/s" bt has come only to benef!t the 0eo0le. ;e !s mee5 and /rac!os. ;e !s monted 0on a lowly an!mal" not a war horse. 1s 5!n/" ;e !s not the nat!onal rescer of the nat!on" bt ;e 4ho r!des to ;!s sacr!f!c!al death for the sal7at!on of !nd!7!dal 0eo0le" not the nat!on 0ol!t!cally. *erses 6"%. They followed ;!s !nstrct!ons and e7eryth!n/ ha00ened as Jess had told them. They bro/ht the an!mals - the don5ey and !ts colt. The owners had 9est!oned them" and acce0ted that >the Lord>

3 Lesson III Cont!ned needed them. 4hen they bro/ht them bac5" they la!d the!r oter /arments 0on them. Jess ta5es ;!s seat 0on the colt and be/!ns ;!s r!de. ;osanna to the on of Da7!d$ lessed !s he that cometh !n the name of the LordE ;osanna !n the h!/hest.> ;osanna means >sa7e now> or >sa7e" we 0ray>. One crowd came from ethany follow!n/ Jess" the other was a /ro0 that came ot from Jersalem as Jess a00roached and then went before ;!m l!ft!n/ the!r 7o!ces !n 0ra!se and s00l!cat!on of the One com!n/ !n the ?ame of the Lord 4ho !s th!sK> The 0roar bro/ht those who followed Jess to answer that ;e was the 0ro0het Jess from ?aAareth of 2al!lee. ;e was not only the 0ro0het" bt also was flf!ll!n/ 0ro0hecy. ;e was 2od's messa/e and messen/er to the 0eo0le.

) Lesson I* Matthew #$#-#%. Cleans!n/ the Tem0le. #  1nd Jess went !nto the tem0le of 2od" and cast ot all them that sold and bo/ht !n the tem0le" and o7erthrew the tables of the money chan/ers" and the seats of them that sold do7es" #3 and sa!d nto them" It !s wr!tten" My hose shall be called the hose of 0rayerE bt ye ha7e made !t a den of th!e7es. #)  1nd the bl!nd and the lame came to h!m !n the tem0leE and he healed them. #( 1nd when the ch!ef 0r!ests and scr!bes saw the wonderfl th!n/s that he d!d" and the ch!ldren cry!n/ !n the tem0le" and say!n/" ;osanna to the on of Da7!dE they were sore d!s0leased" #6 and sa!d nto h!m" ;earest tho what these sayK 1nd Jess sa!th nto them" eaE ha7e ye ne7er read" Ot of the moth of babes and sc5l!n/s tho hast 0erfected 0ra!seK #% 1nd he left them" and went ot of the c!ty !nto ethanyE and he lod/ed there. *erse #. Jess s0ent nday n!/ht at ethany a00ro7ed> sacr!f!c!al an!mals. If a 0!l/r!m bro/ht the!r own" they ran the r!s5 of the!r an!mals be!n/ re@ected by these same 0r!ests. The no!se of bs!ness" the an!mals and the!r e:crement all were /ross" s!nfl desecrat!on of what was ded!cated to 2od and holy. Money chan/ers sat at tables chan/!n/ fore!/n crrency for the Jew!sh co!ns that only were acce0ted !n the Tem0le for offer!n/s. P!/eons and do7es were also a7a!lable for those too 0oor to by a lamb. They were /rossly o7er char/ed - for e:am0le" be!n/ char/ed the e9!7alent of Q) for two do7es otherw!se worth ( cents. 1ll of th!s was wron/ becase of the cheat!n/ of the 0eo0le" bt that th!s was ta5!n/ 0lace w!th!n the Tem0le of 2od was nth!n5able. Jess dro7e them all ot" trn!n/ o7er the tables of the money chan/ers and the seats of those sell!n/ do7es. ;e e:0ressed !nd!/nat!on as Lord of the Tem0le and 2od's re0resentat!7e. *erse #3. ;e s0o5e ot by 9ot!n/ cr!0tre" say!n/" >It !s wr!tten" My hose shall be called the hose of 0rayer...> ;e then accsed them of the cr!me of trn!n/ !t !nto a robbers' den. Th!s was the 0lace of commn!on w!th 2od" 9!et de7ot!on" sacr!f!ce" and contem0lat!on of

( Lesson I* Cont!ned s0!r!tal trth. Jess 9otes Jerem!ah %$##" where the 0ro0het descr!bes the Jews of h!s day who were /reatly !n7ol7ed w!th all manner of /ross s!ns" yet were st!ll follow!n/ the otward forms of worsh!0. They tho/ht th!s wold somehow 0re7ent 2od's wrath from com!n/ 0on them. Jess sees the same th!n/ ha00en!n/ before ;!s eyes$ >;as th!s hose that !s called by My name" become a den of robbers !n yor eyesK> That the tem0le 0ol!ce made no mo7e to sto0 Jess shows that ;!s 0o0lar!ty w!th the crowds ;osanna to the on of Da7!d>" they became an/ry and 9est!oned Jess !f ;e heard what they were say!n/" as !f they shold hsh" becase they were do!n/ someth!n/ wron/K They ob7!osly d!dn't want anyone 0ra!s!n/ Jess" and also certa!nly not reco/n!A!n/ ;!m as the Prom!sed Mess!ah. Only they had the r!/ht and athor!ty to ma5e sch dec!s!ons and they were not abot to reco/n!Ae anyone as /reater than themsel7es. That ;e had also sto00ed the bs!ness that made them wealthy was certa!nly 0art of the!r an/er also. They want Jess to hsh the ch!ldren" bt th!s wold be wron/ from 2od's 0o!nt of 7!ew. Jess re0l!es" >es>" mean!n/ that ;e heard the ch!ldren" bt no" the ch!ldren were do!n/ a /ood th!n/. ;e 0roceeds to 9ote Psalms &$$ >Ot of the moth of babes and sc5l!n/s tho hast 0erfected 0ra!seK> ;e as5s !f they ha7e not read th!s cr!0tre. Ths 2od !s s!n/ the shots of these ch!ldren for ;!s own /lory" that they s0ea5 the trth !n call!n/ Jess the on of Da7!d. *erse #%. 1fter th!s ;e left them and went ot of the c!ty" to ethany" and s0ent the n!/ht there. :actly where was not !m0ortant" so not ment!oned. Matthew #$#&-. Crs!n/ the !/ Tree. #&  ?ow !n the morn!n/" as he retrned !nto the c!ty" he hn/ered. #+ 1nd when he saw a f!/ tree !n the way" he came to !t" and fond

6 Lesson I* Cont!ned noth!n/ thereon" bt lea7es only" and sa!d nto !t" Let no fr!t /row on thee henceforward for e7er. 1nd 0resently the f!/ tree w!thered away. , 1nd when the d!sc!0les saw !t" they mar7eled" say!n/" ;ow soon !s the f!/ tree w!thered away # Jess answered and sa!d nto them" *er!ly I say nto yo" If ye ha7e fa!th" and dobt not" ye shall not only do th!s wh!ch !s done to the f!/ tree" bt also !f ye shall say nto th!s monta!n" e tho remo7ed" and be tho cast !nto the seaE !t shall be done.  1nd all th!n/s" whatsoe7er ye shall as5 !n 0rayer" bel!e7!n/" ye shall rece!7e. *erse #&. Mar5 records th!s e7ent as ha00en!n/ on two sccess!7e days Let no fr!t /row on thee henceforward for e7er.> The f!/ tree w!thered at once. Jess was to se th!s e7ent as the symbol of the nat!on of Israel - a showy bt fr!tless nat!on. They obser7ed the rel!/!os ceremon!es bt there was no heartfelt s0!r!tal worsh!0 ta5!n/ 0lace. Th!s was also seen !n the mar5et 0lace !n the Tem0le and the ch!ef 0r!ests and Phar!sees see5!n/ the death of the on of 2od. The nat!on that bore no fr!t wold also be crsed and destroyed for the!r re@ect!on of 2od's Mess!ah. *erse ,. 4hat Mar5 recorded as ha00en!n/ the follow!n/ day
% Lesson I* Cont!ned thrown !nto the sea. 4hate7er !s as5ed for !n 0rayer" bel!e7!n/" one shall rece!7e. The monta!n !nd!cated was the Mont of Ol!7esE the sea" the Dead ea" a d!stance of )",,, feet down. 1/a!n" a symbol!c f!/re. In 2od's w!ll there wold be noth!n/ /a!ned by sch a feat. t !n the realm of mo7!n/ the hearts of men to be con7erted to fa!th !n Chr!st as recorded !n the oo5 of 1cts !n the thosands" cold certa!nly be descr!bed as mo7!n/ monta!ns by 0rayer and fa!th. 4!th man !t wold be !m0oss!ble" bt w!th 2od !t was and !s 0oss!ble.

Matthew #$3-%. 1thor!ty est!oned. 3  1nd when he was come !nto the tem0le" the ch!ef 0r!ests and the elders of the 0eo0le came nto h!m as he was teach!n/" and sa!d" y what athor!ty doest tho these th!n/sK and who /a7e thee th!s athor!tyK ) 1nd Jess answered and sa!d nto them" I also w!ll as5 yo one th!n/" wh!ch !f ye tell me" I !n l!5e w!se w!ll tell yo by what athor!ty I do these th!n/s. ( The ba0t!sm of John" whence was !tK from hea7en" or of menK 1nd they reasoned w!th themsel7es" say!n/" If we shall say" rom hea7enE he w!ll say nto s" 4hy d!d ye not then bel!e7e h!mK 6 t !f we shall say" Of menE we fear the 0eo0leE for all hold John as a 0ro0het. % 1nd they answered Jess" and sa!d" 4e cannot tell. 1nd he sa!d nto them" ?e!ther tell I yo by what athor!ty I do these th!n/s. It !s assmed that Jess was teach!n/ !n one of the lar/e and beat!fl 0ort!cos of the Tem0le. They were arond the !ns!de of the Tem0le walls" border!n/ the Cort of the 2ent!les w!th!n. 4h!le ;e was teach!n/" a /ro0 cons!st!n/ of the ch!ef 0r!ests and elders came 0 to ;!m w!th a 9est!on. They wanted to 5now who /a7e ;!m the r!/ht to do the th!n/s ;e had been do!n/. Th!s !nclded ;!s heal!n/" teach!n/" and cleans!n/ of the Tem0le. Ob7!osly they had not. ?e!ther had the anhedr!n. ;e had not been edcated !n the Tem0le by the lead!n/ scr!bes" no formal and accred!ted tra!n!n/. They tho/ht !f ;e adm!tted that ;e had no credent!als" the 0eo0le wold lose res0ect for ;!m. If ;e cla!med that ;e had athor!ty from 2od" ;e cold be accsed of blas0hemy by sr0!n/ athor!ty that only belon/ed to 2od. They are yet too t!m!d to accse or arrest ;!m more d!rectly. *erses )"(. Jess reco/n!Aed the!r tr!c5ery. ;e told them that ;e wold answer the!r 9est!on !f they answered ;!s f!rst. ;e wold tell them by what athor!ty ;e d!d these th!n/s. t f!rst" the ba0t!sm of John

& Lesson I* Cont!ned - d!d !t come from hea7en or from menK Th!s was e:actly the 0o!nt they had ra!sed. If they correctly answered from 2od" then that wold ha7e !nclded the athor!ty of Jess be!n/ also from 2od" for John !dent!f!ed Jess as /reater than he" the Lamb of 2od 4ho came to ta5e away the s!ns of the world. 4hy d!dn't they bel!e7e h!mK> If they answered 'from men'" then the /eneral 0bl!c" and es0ec!ally the rel!/!os 0!l/r!ms who had come for Passo7er" m!/ht case a r!ot a/a!nst them. The 0eo0le cons!dered John a 0ro0het from 2od. These leaders coldn't r!s5 !t. t they were not honest. They d!dn't say they refsed to answer" bt s!de ste00ed the whole !sse by cla!m!n/ they d!dn't 5now the answer. Jess e:0osed the!r d!shonesty by refs!n/ to answer the!r 9est!on as well. Matthew #$&-3. Two ons. &  t what th!n5 yeK 1 certa!n man had two sonsE and he came to the f!rst" and sa!d" on" /o wor5 today !n my 7!neyard. + ;e answered and sa!d" I w!ll notE bt afterward he re0ented" and went. 3, 1nd he came to the second" and sa!d l!5ew!se. 1nd he answered and sa!d" I /o" s!rE and went not. 3# 4hether of them twa!n d!d the w!ll of h!s fatherK They say nto h!m" The f!rst. Jess sa!th nto them" *er!ly I say nto yo" That the 0bl!cans and the harlots /o !nto the 5!n/dom of 2od before yo. 3 or John came nto yo !n the way of r!/hteosness" and ye bel!e7ed h!m notE bt the 0bl!cans and the harlots bel!e7ed h!m$ and ye" when ye had seen !t" re0ented not afterward" that ye m!/ht bel!e7e h!m. Jess now tells a 0arable to frther !llstrate what has @st ta5en 0lace !n re/ard to the Jew!sh leaders' att!tde toward the a0t!st. *erses &-3,. Jess as5s the crowd to th!n5 abot the follow!n/ s!tat!on. The father of two sons as5s the f!rst to /o and wor5 !n the fam!ly 7!neyard today. ;e sa!d" >I w!ll not.> 1 more modern re0ly m!/ht be" >I don't feel l!5e !t.> oth mean a refsal. or whate7er reason" he later re0ented and d!d /o to wor5. The father /oes to the second son w!th the same re9est. ;e rece!7es the o00os!te res0onse. The second son says" >I w!ll" s!r.> t he d!d not /o.

+ Lesson I* Cont!ned *erses 3#"3. ?ow the 0o!nt$ wh!ch of the two sons d!d what the father wantedK Jess was tal5!n/ d!rectly to the 0r!ests and elders who had earl!er 9est!oned ;!m. They had only one 0oss!ble answer <nless they refsed= and so they answered" >The f!rst.> Jess o0ens w!th a solemn declarat!on that what ;e !s abot to say !s certa!n s0!r!tal trth. Ta: collectors and 0rost!ttes are /ett!n/ !nto the 5!n/dom of 2od ahead of them. These 0bl!cans were des0!sed by the Jews and es0ec!ally the!r leaders" as tra!tors. They were 0laced !n the same class as s!nners of /ross !mmoral!ty" the women of !ll re0te. The!r l!7es showed that they had re@ected the call f 2od - !n effect l!5e the f!rst son" say!n/ he wold not /o. t then John the a0t!st had come 0reach!n/ re0entance and r!/hteosness. The ta: collectors and 0rost!ttes bel!e7ed h!m and re0ented. The r!/hteosness they saw !n the a0t!st and the words he 0reached o0ened the!r hearts to re0entance and bel!ef. Th!s mst ha7e ha00ened !n eno/h nmbers for Jess to ma5e th!s /eneral!Aat!on. On the other hand" these rel!/!os leaders showed by the!r s0eech and otward manners that they 0rofessed that they wold do whate7er 2od re9!red. It was as !f they were !n a constant bs!ness of act!n/ or ma5!n/ 0re0arat!ons to /o" bt ne7er actally /o!n/. Jess' 7erd!ct$ >They bt do not.> They had con7ers!on re@ected the a0t!st. They had donesay" so !n s0!te of the 0bl!c of so many 0bl!cans and 0rost!ttes. The!r hearts refsed to chan/e. 1nd now they were re@ect!n/ the /reater One !n front of them" and 0lott!n/ a way to /et r!d of ;!m. Do!n/ the w!ll of 2od was not any 0art of the!r th!n5!n/ or mot!7es. Jess was do!n/ the w!ll of ;!s ather. The w!ll of 2od for men !s to acce0t ;!s on as a7!or and Lord. These sons of Israel refsed to do th!s one th!n/ needfl to enter the 5!n/dom of ;ea7en. Matthew #$33-)6. Parable of the 4!c5ed ;sbandmen. 33  ;ear another 0arable$ There was a certa!n hoseholder" wh!ch 0lanted a 7!neyard" and hed/ed !t rond abot" and d!//ed a w!ne0ress !n !t" and b!lt a tower" and let !t ot to hsbandmen" and went !nto a far contry$ 3) and when the t!me of the fr!t drew near" he sent h!s ser7ants to the hsbandmen" that they m!/ht rece!7e the fr!ts of !t. 3( 1nd the hsbandmen too5 h!s ser7ants" and beat one" and 5!lled another" and stoned another. 36 1/a!n" he sent other ser7ants more than the f!rst$ and they d!d nto them l!5ew!se. 3% t last of all he sent nto them h!s son" say!n/" They w!ll re7erence my son. 3& t when the hsbandmen saw the son" they sa!d amon/ themsel7es" Th!s !s the he!rE come" let s 5!ll h!m" and let s se!Ae on h!s !nher!tance. 3+ 1nd they ca/ht h!m" and cast h!m ot of the 7!neyard" and slew h!m.), 4hen the lord therefore of the 7!neyard cometh" what w!ll he do nto those hsbandmenK

3, Lesson I* Cont!ned )# They say nto h!m" ;e w!ll m!serably destroy those w!c5ed men" and w!ll let ot h!s 7!neyard nto other hsbandmen" wh!ch shall render h!m the fr!ts !n the!r seasons. )  Jess sa!th nto them" D!d ye ne7er read !n the cr!0tres" The stone wh!ch the b!lders re@ected" the same !s become the head of the corner$ th!s !s the Lord's do!n/" and !t !s mar7elos !n or eyesK )3 Therefore say I nto yo" The 5!n/dom of 2od shall be ta5en from yo" and /!7en to a nat!on br!n/!n/ forth the fr!ts thereof. )) 1nd whosoe7er shall fall on th!s stone shall be bro5en$ bt on whomsoe7er !t shall fall" !t w!ll /r!nd h!m to 0owder. )(  1nd when the ch!ef 0r!ests and Phar!sees had heard h!s 0arables" they 0erce!7ed that he s0a5e of them. )6 t when they so/ht to lay hands on h!m" they feared the mlt!tde" becase they too5 h!m for a 0ro0het. Th!s 0arable stresses the re@ect!on and 5!ll!n/ of 2od's belo7ed on by the ent!re Jew!sh nat!on. The owner of an estate set as!de a 0art of !t for a 7!neyard. ;e 0re0ared e7ery necessary 0artE /rond 0re0ared" 7!nes 0lanted" a fence arond !t" a watchtower to /ard !t" a w!ne0ress to 0rocess the /ra0es. ;e then leased !t to tenants who wold do the wor5 and set as!de a 0ercenta/e of the 7!nta/e to 0ay for the se of h!s 0ro0erty. Once the terms were a/reed 0on" ;e went abroad. *erse 3). 4hen the t!me of har7est was near" the owner sent h!s ser7ants to collect h!s share of the fr!t from the share-cro00ers. They made the re9est !n h!s name. *erses 3("36. These tenants d!d not honor the!r @st re9est" bt shameflly 5!lled beat 0 and otherw!se those f!rst sent" and also a one" second" lar/er /ro0. Th!s m!streated was d!shonest" !lle/al" crel" and w!c5ed. Tho/h all these th!n/s were worthy of harsh 0n!shment" the owner dec!ded to /!7e them one more chance to do r!/ht. ;owe7er" !t mst be reco/n!Aed that no normal owner wold sffer sch treatment for th!s mch t!me" and 7!olent treatment of h!s men. Jess was descr!b!n/ the lon/sffer!n/ 0at!ence and lo7e for e7en these 7!olent" w!c5ed s!nners that only 2od !s ca0able of. *erses 3%-3+. The owner's f!nal res0onse. 100arently he had no more men to send. ;!s ser7ants were e!ther 5!lled or badly beaten" ths not able to retrn
3# Lesson I* Cont!ned et when these w!c5ed tenants saw the son" they started tal5!n/ abot what they cold do to h!m. They ha7e no shame or remorse" bt only the!r own self!sh ends. They reasoned accord!n/ to the!r shallow th!n5!n/. ;!m be!n/ the only he!r to the 7!neyard" !f they 5!lled h!m" there wold be no one else to come collect!n/. Therefore" they wold control - and essent!ally own - the 7!neyard. They d!sre/ard the fact that the owner !s st!ll there" tho/h far away. o they a/ree to the deed. They ta5e h!m ot of the 7!neyard and 5!ll h!m. *erses ),")#. 1ll has lead 0 to th!s. 4hat w!ll the owner of the 7!neyard do to these share-cro00ersK It was the common 0ract!ce of the t!me that teachers as5ed 9est!ons of the ad!ence" as well as rabb!s of the!r stdents. Th!s was to hold attent!on and !nterest" and br!n/ !n7ol7ement. The res0onse from the ad!ence was clear$ the owner w!ll br!n/ a dreadfl end to these scondrels. Then the owner w!ll lease the 7!neyard to other share-cro00ers" who w!ll do r!/ht by /!7!n/ h!m h!s de share. The answer was clear" correct" @st" and reasonable. et" those that /a7e !t had no !dea that Jess was abot to e:0la!n to them that" !ndeed" the w!c5ed share-cro00ers !n th!s 0arable re0resented them" and the 7!neyard re0resented Israel" and the owner re0resented 2od" and the son was Jess. *erses )")3. Jess 0roceeds to dr!7e the 0o!nt of the 0arable home. ;e be/!ns by s//est!n/ that w!th all the!r bra//!n/ abot the!r 5nowled/e of the cr!0tres" ha7e they ne7er read Psalms ##&$"3K ;e then 9otes the 0assa/e. It descr!bes a s!tat!on of re@ect!on of a stone" wh!ch became the cornerstone" the most !m0ortant stone !n the b!ld!n/. It was done by the Lord. The 0arable descr!bed the w!c5ed tenants as re@ect!n/ the owner's son" e7en 5!ll!n/ ;!m. Bather than !nher!t!n/ the 7!neyard" !t wold be ta5en away from them. These ch!ef 0r!ests" scr!bes" and other leaders" alon/ w!th the!r followers" as well as the nat!on wold be destroyed" and the 2os0el /!7en to the 2ent!les. Jess tells them d!rectly$ the 5!n/dom of 2od shall be ta5en away from yo and shall be /!7en to a nat!on that w!ll 0rodce !ts fr!t. *erse )). Jess /oes bac5 to the cornerstone meta0hor to descr!be the force of th!s stone. 1nyone who attem0ts to stand !n the way of the b!ld!n/ of ;!s chrch w!ll be dashed to 0!eces. 1lso to re@ect th!s cornerstone of the chrch" wh!ch !s to re@ect Chr!st" means that 0erson w!ll face Chr!st's @d/ment nto damnat!on and 0n!shment eternal.

3 Lesson I* Cont!ned *erse )(. ?ow the ch!ef 0r!ests and Phar!sees real!Aed that the 0arable was d!rected at them - that they were be!n/ 0ortrayed as the w!c5ed tenants. They had re@ected Jess and were !ndeed 0lott!n/ ;!s death. In 7erse )3" Jess made !t !m0oss!ble for them to d!scla!m ;!s !ntent!on. ;e made !t clear how the!r self!sh mot!7es wold br!n/ d!re conse9ences 0on them and the whole nat!on. To real!Ae the s0!r!tal !m0l!cat!ons and then choose to cont!ne the!r 0ath to destrct!on only shows the closed m!nded" 0r!defl" and w!c5ed hardness of the!r hearts. *erse )6. Bather than learn from the lesson" they wanted to arrest ;!m. t they remembered ;!s 0resent accla!m and /eneral 0o0lar!ty amon/ the /reat nmbers of 0eo0le" es0ec!ally the 0!l/r!ms from 2al!lee and those that w!tnessed the ra!s!n/ of LaAars. The /eneral 0o0lace cons!dered ;!m" at the 7ery least" as a tre 0ro0het from 2od. These 7olat!le crowds cold 9!c5ly become a/!tated and case a r!ot. That was the last th!n/ these men wanted. That wold case the!r leadersh!0 to be re@ected w!th 0oss!ble 7!olence a/a!nst them. Th!s wold 7ery l!5ely br!n/ Boman sold!ers. The sold!ers wold 9ell what cold be !nter0reted as an 0r!s!n/ w!th d!sastros reslts for the rel!/!os leaders and the nat!on. 4hat they wanted to do mst be careflly 0lanned" and carr!ed ot 9!etly.

33 Lesson * Matthew $#-#). Parable of the Marr!a/e east. # 1nd Jess answered and s0a5e nto them a/a!n by 0arables" and sa!d"  The 5!n/dom of hea7en !s l!5e nto a certa!n 5!n/" wh!ch made a marr!a/e for h!s son" 3 and sent forth h!s ser7ants to call them that were b!dden to the wedd!n/$ and they wold not come. ) 1/a!n" he sent forth other ser7ants" say!n/" Tell them wh!ch are b!dden" ehold" I ha7e 0re0ared my d!nner$ my o:en and my fatl!n/s are 5!lled" and all th!n/s are ready$ come nto the marr!a/e. ( t they made l!/ht of !t" and went the!r ways" one to h!s farm" another to h!s merchand!se$ 6 and the remnant too5 h!s ser7ants" and entreated them s0!teflly" and slew them. % t when the 5!n/ heard thereof" he was wroth$ and he sent forth h!s arm!es" and destroyed those mrderers" and brned 0 the!r c!ty. & Then sa!th he to h!s ser7ants" The wedd!n/ !s ready" bt they wh!ch were b!dden were not worthy. + 2o ye therefore !nto the h!/hways" and as many as ye shall f!nd" b!d to the marr!a/e. #, o those ser7ants went ot !nto the h!/hways" and /athered to/ether all as many as they fond" both bad and /ood$ and the wedd!n/ was frn!shed w!th /ests. ##  1nd when the 5!n/ came !n to see the /ests" he saw there a man wh!ch had not on a wedd!n/ /arment$ # and he sa!th nto h!m" r!end" how camest tho !n h!ther not ha7!n/ a wedd!n/ /armentK 1nd he was s0eechless. #3 Then sa!d the 5!n/ to the ser7ants" !nd h!m hand and foot" and ta5e h!m away" and cast h!m !nto oter dar5nessE there shall be wee0!n/ and /nash!n/ of teeth. #) or many are called" bt few are chosen. Th!s 0arable !s fond only !n Matthew. The last !n the ser!es of three
3) Lesson * Cont!ned feast for h!s son. 00er of the Lamb em0has!s !s on the was be!n/ /!7en by h!s sb@ects.

Th!s only h!nts at a reference to the Marr!a/e becase that !s not the em0has!s here. The /ests. The !m0ortance of the feast was that !t the 5!n/" and for h!s son. The !n7!ted /ests were

*erses 3"). The 5!n/ !s 0ortrayed as 7ery 0at!ent w!th them. They had all been !nformed well beforehand. ?ow he sends ot h!s ser7ants to smmon them" that the t!me had come. They were not ready or w!ll!n/ to sto0 what they were do!n/. They refsed. The 5!n/ sent more ser7ants to e:0la!n that e7ery 0re0arat!on had been made - e7eryth!n/ was ready. There were /eneros amonts of food - the best a7a!lable. Th!s was the th!rd !n7!tat!on. It has been s//ested that the f!rst call was the call!n/ ot d!rectly by 2od of 1braham" Isaac" Jacob" then to Moses and the 0eo0le of Israel. 1s !n the 4!c5ed Tenants' 0arable" the ser7ants re0resented the many 0ro0hets 2od sent to call ;!s 0eo0le to fa!th and obed!ence to ;!m. Th!s was the second call. The 0eo0le of Israel nder Moses /enerally re@ected 2od's call. The f!rst /ro0 of ser7ants were !/nored$ the 0ro0hets of the Old Testament. Then the th!rd call$ that all was ready" by the second /ro0 of ser7ants. Th!s s//ests John the a0t!st" Jess ;!mself" ;!s d!sc!0les. The focs of th!s 0arable !s on the /reat 0at!ence of the 5!n/ and the res0onses of the now thr!ce !n7!ted /ests. *erses ("6. Two react!ons are 0!ctred$ f!rst" !nd!fference to what was offered - a focs on 0ersonal" mater!al th!n/s$ one to h!s farm" another to h!s bs!ness. There was no 0erce0t!on of or !nterest !n the 5!n/'s offer of /reat bless!n/. econd" another /ro0 was 7!olently host!le" treat!n/ the messen/ers shameflly" 5!ll!n/ some of them. Th!s st!ll descr!bes the react!ons of most 0eo0le to the offer!n/ of the 2os0el of Chr!st. *erse %. The 5!n/'s 0at!ence has reached !ts end. ;!s an/er was brn!n/. ;e sent h!s troo0sE they destroyed those mrderers and set the!r c!ty on f!re. These /ests had the!r own c!ty. It re0resented Jersalem. Th!s was then the 0red!ct!on of the sla/hter of thosands and the destrct!on of the c!ty by the Boman 1rmy !n %, 1.D. The est!mate !s that more than a m!ll!on Jews were 5!lled. The Tem0le and the c!ty was brned to the /rond. The nat!on ceased to e:!st" !ts rema!n!n/ !nhab!tants d!s0ersed amon/ the 2ent!le nat!ons.

3( Lesson * Cont!ned *erses &-#,. ?ow" the 5!n/ trns h!s attent!on to f!ll!n/ the wedd!n/ hall. The wedd!n/ !s ready. The !n7!ted ones d!d not deser7e the honor. ;e /a7e d!rect!ons to h!s ser7ants to /o to the contry crossroads" and as many 0eo0le as can be fond" !n7!te to come to the wedd!n/. They obeyed and /athered all they fond" /ood and bad al!5e. The wedd!n/ hall was f!lled w!th /ests. Th!s descr!bes the re@ect!on of Jess by the Jews !n /eneral. Then other 0eo0le !n /reat nmbers
36 Lesson * Cont!ned and r!/hteosness !s also !m0arted to each
3% Lesson * Cont!ned 33 1nd when the mlt!tde heard th!s" they were aston!shed at h!s doctr!ne. *erse #(. arl!er on th!s same day Jess had descr!bed the Jew!sh leaders" !n 0arables" as enem!es of 2od" ;!s 0ro0hets" and ;!s on. Bather than cas!n/ them to re0ent and trn to 2od" they became more determ!ned to /et r!d of ;!m. ?ow they hatched a 0lot" to tra0 ;!m by tr!c5!n/ ;!m !nto say!n/ someth!n/ that wold 0t ;!m !n the wron/ no matter what ;e answered. *erse #6. These Phar!sees now sent some of the!r stdents and some of the ;erod!ans to confront ;!m. They 0oss!bly cons!dered the!r 9est!on!n/ wold be 7!ewed as more !nnocent" 0tt!n/ Jess off /ard by send!n/ these yon/ men. The Phar!sees cons!dered themsel7es 0bl!cly as the 5ee0ers of 2od's Law. The ;erod!ans were the worldly 0arty and owed the the!r alle/!ance to !n/ ;erod 1nt!0as whose fa7or w!th Bome !n lar/e 0art de0ended on 0ay!n/ the tr!bte der!7ed from the 0oll-ta:. oth /ro0s felt that Jess was a threat to the!r 0resent 0os!t!ons. They wanted th!n/s to rema!n as they were. Jess' recent Tr!m0hal ntry" as well as ;!s !ncreas!n/ 0o0lar!ty w!th the mlt!tdes now !n Jersalem" they both saw as a threat to the!r 0os!t!ons. These yon/ d!sc!0les of both /ro0s a00roach Jess w!th flattery" wh!ch they most l!5ely were careflly coached to say. They address ;!m as Master" and descr!be ;!m as teach!n/ 2od's way and be!n/ trthfl. They add that ;e !s not !nflenced by anyone's o0!n!on" and therefore !s !m0art!al. Then they 0ortray themsel7es as s!ncere see5ers of 2od's trth. *erse #%. The 9est!on$ >Is !t lawfl to /!7e tr!bte nto Caesar" or notK> If ;e answers to not 0ay the ta:" the ;erod!an stdents wold label ;!m as a rebel" a Fealot" a fomenter of str!fe w!th the Bomans. Th!s cold be sed for an accsat!on worthy of h!s arrest. If ;e sa!d to 0ay the ta:" then the Phar!see stdents cold accse ;!m of be!n/ a tra!tor to the Jew!sh 0eo0le and 2od - an act of blas0hemy. Th!s es0ec!ally s!nce the em0erors made cla!ms to t!tles that only belon/ to 2od. Th!s wold also 0set the many rel!/!os 0!l/r!ms 0resent. Th!s cold also lead to Jess be!n/ arrested !f there was the threat of a r!ot. *erse #&. Jess calls them hy0ocr!tes. They ha7e come to ;!m 0retend!n/ to want a trthfl answer to the!r 9est!on. The!r real !ntent!on was to tra0 ;!m" whether ;e answered 'yes' or 'no'. Th!s wold e!ther d!shonor ;!m amon/ the Jews" or label ;!m as rebel a/a!nst Bome. ;e

3& Lesson * Cont!ned saw the!r w!c5ed !ntent. *erse #+. ;e called for the co!n sed to 0ay the 0oll-ta: - a denar!s. It was commonly sed by Jews thro/hot the Boman m0!re and therefore eas!ly 0rodced by any 0!l/r!m 0resent. Once !n hand" Jess d!rects the onloo5ers to the co!n. The tens!on mst ha7e been /reat" e:0ect!n/ a yes or no answer. *erses ,"#. ;e as5s the crowd whose l!5eness and !nscr!0t!on !s on the face of the co!n. They re0l!ed$ >Caesar's.> Then th!s re0ly$ >Bender therefore nto Caesar the th!n/s wh!ch are Caesar'sE and nto 2od the th!n/s that are 2od's.> ;e clearly sa!d to 0ay the ta:. Caesar's rle 0ro7!des law and order" /ood roads" and other benef!ts. It !s @st to 0ay for these benef!ts. Jess 9al!f!es th!s yes by l!m!t!n/ what the em0eror was de to the money that bore h!s !ma/e. ;e was not to be acce0ted as d!7!ne" to be worsh!00ed as the em0eror 0ortrayed on the re7erse s!de of the co!n as a h!/h 0r!est on a throne. The f!nal 0art stressed that worsh!0" ser7!ce" and obed!ence were de to 2od. *erse . 4hat an ne:0ected answer ?o one cold ha7e e7er !ma/!ned sch a 0erfect answer. ?atrally they were aston!shed. Certa!nly those that as5ed the 9est!on most of all. Jess r!/htly d!7!ded the 4ord of Trth. ;e reco/n!Aed 2od's 0ro7!s!on for hman /o7ernment and the mater!al s00ort !t was de. ;e also r!/htly stated 2od's so7ere!/nty o7er all men and ;e only shold be worsh!00ed. They were left s0eechless and we !ma/!ne them 9!etly sl!00!n/ away. *erses 3"). On that same day a /ro0 of addcees a00roach Jess w!th a 9est!on. Th!s 0arty den!ed the !mmortal!ty of the sol and the resrrect!on of the body. They were focsed on worldly matters and ma!nta!n!n/ the!r 0ower" 0os!t!on and wealth. The!r 9est!on was an attem0t to r!d!cle what Jess and the Phar!sees bel!e7ed on th!s sb@ect. *erses (-&. To add we!/ht to the!r 0ro0os!t!on they be/!n w!th >Moses sa!d>. The!r 9est!on be/!ns w!th the law stated !n Deteronomy ($("6. Th!s st!0lates that !f a hsband d!es w!thot a male he!r" the brother or nearest 5!n mst marry the w!dow so that the f!rst ch!ld of th!s marr!a/e w!ll be conted as ch!ld of the deceased. Th!s was so the l!ne of the deceased wold be carr!ed on. 1n a00l!cat!on !n cr!0tre !s recorded !n Bth )$#-&. 4hether th!s law was st!ll obser7ed dr!n/ Chr!st's t!me !s not 5nown.

+ Lesson * Cont!ned Th!s law was bro/ht 0 here to try to show how absrd they cons!dered bel!ef !n the resrrect!on of the body to be. !nce !t !n7ol7ed se7en brothers" most commentators cons!der !t an absrd fabr!cat!on. On earth" only one l!7!n/ hsband at a t!me. The assm0t!on$ marr!ed l!fe cont!nes !n hea7en. The e:am0le ta5en to the e:treme$ se7en hsbands. *erse +. Jess 0o!nts ot that noth!n/ !n Deteronomy ($("6 s//ests that !t has any a00l!cat!on !n hea7en. 1lso they shold ha7e learned from those cr!0tres that teach the resrrect!on of the body. ;e also 0o!nts to the!r lac5 of fa!th !n the 0ower of 2od. *erse 3,. The ma!n 0o!nt$ the!r 0rem!se !s totally wron/" so also the rest of the!r ar/ment. The /lor!os resrrect!on body !s !mmortal. There w!ll be no marr!a/e - no necess!ty for ha7!n/ ch!ldren s!nce no one w!ll d!e. In th!s sense they w!ll be l!5e the an/els who do not marry. The addcees also do not bel!e7e !n an/els <1cts 3$&=" tho/h cr!0tre records the!r e:!stence <2enes!s #+$#"#(E &$#E 3$#=. *erses 3#"3. Jess 0roceeds to !nstrct these rel!/!os leaders of the h!/h 0r!estly 0arty concern!n/ what the cr!0tre clearly records abot the resrrect!on. !nce they cla!m to base the!r ar/ment on cr!0tre" Jess as5s" >;a7e ye not read that wh!ch was s0o5en nto yo by 2od...> 1s !f to say that they 9ote some cr!0tre w!thot 5now!n/ the whole of what cr!0tre says. They ha7e m!sa00l!ed what they do 5now. They need to 5now the rest. Jess refers to :ods 3$6 where 2od says" >I am the 2od of 1braham...;e !s not the 2od of the dead bt of the l!7!n/.> The 0resent tense means that 1braham" Isaac" and Jacob are al!7e and cont!ne !n 0ersonal relat!onsh!0s w!th 2od. Th!s certa!nly !m0l!es that the!r bod!es w!ll one day be resrrected and /lor!f!ed when ren!ted w!th sol and s0!r!t. *erse 33. The crowds were a/a!n astonded at Chr!st's teach!n/. These leaders who 0r0orted to be the most edcated and !m0ortant leaders of the Jew!sh nat!on" were be!n/ ta/ht by th!s n!m0ortant and na00ro7ed 2al!lean. ;e 5new the cr!0tres better than they d!d. ;e cold s0ea5 to the trth" !n s0!te of the a00arent 0arado: of the leaders' com0l!cated 9est!ons.

), Lesson *I Matthew $3)-),. The 2reatest Commandment. 3)  t when the Phar!sees had heard that he had 0t the addcees to s!lence" they were /athered to/ether. 3( Then one of them" wh!ch was a lawyer" as5ed h!m a 9est!on" tem0t!n/ h!m" and say!n/" 36 Master" wh!ch !s the /reat commandment !n the lawK 3% Jess sa!d nto h!m" Tho shalt lo7e the Lord thy 2od w!th all thy heart" and w!th all thy sol" and w!th all thy m!nd. 3& Th!s !s the f!rst and /reat commandment. 3+ 1nd the second !s l!5e nto !t" Tho shalt lo7e thy ne!/hbor as thyself. ), On these two commandments han/ all the law and the 0ro0hets. *erse 3). Jess had s!lenced the addcees concern!n/ the!r attem0t to r!d!cle bel!ef !n bod!ly resrrect!on" w!th the!r 9est!on abot thee w!fe of % brothers. ecase the Phar!sees bel!e7ed th!s doctr!ne" th!s mst ha7e 0leased them. t they d!d not want th!s to !ncrease Jess' 0o0lar!ty or !nflence w!th the mlt!tdes. Th!s t!me they d!d not send the!r stdents" bt a law e:0ert from the!r own ran5s. The 9est!on he as5s !s acce0ted by Jess as a worthwh!le one. *erses 3("36. These men and the rabb!s they re0resented de7oted mch t!me to len/thy debates abot the commandments - wh!ch were /reat or small" /o!n/ !nto ha!r-sl!tt!n/ le/al!st!c deta!l. They conted 6#3 commandments" )& 0os!t!7e" 36( ne/at!7e. The!r lt!mate 9est!on$ wh!ch was the most !m0ortantK *erses 3%-),. Jess' trthflly clear and beat!fl re0ly$ >Tho shalt lo7e the Lord thy 2od w!th all thy heart" and w!th all thy sol" and w!th all thy m!nd. Th!s !s the f!rst and /reat commandment. 1nd the second !s l!5e nto !t" Tho shalt lo7e thy ne!/hbor as thyself. On these two commandments han/ all the law and the 0ro0hets.> The com0lete dty of the moral and s0!r!tal law !s lo7e
)# Lesson *I Cont!ned The second commandment resembles the f!rst becase lo7e !s also re9!red. The ne!/hbor !s also a rece!7er of 2od's lo7e and therefore !s or e9al and worthy of or lo7e also. The Chr!st>" so that they may answer w!thot d!rectly aff!rm!n/ that Jess !s the Chr!st. They ne7er wold ha7e done that. They ta/ht that the e:0ected Mess!ah on of Da7!d>. ;e !s now /o!n/ to d!rect the!r th!n5!n/ beyond the !dea that Mess!ah was @st a s0ec!al man" born a d!rect descendant of Da7!d. The 0o!nt$ Da7!d's son !n the flesh !s also

) Lesson *I Cont!ned Da7!d's Lord. ;e !s flly man" and flly 2od. ;e be/!ns w!th what they 5now and w!ll a/ree w!th$ they sa!d to ;!m" Da7!d's. *erses )3-)(. The second 0o!nt$ Da7!d" s0ea5!n/ by !ns0!rat!on of the ;oly 0!r!t !n Psalms ##, where Da7!d calls ;!m Lord" how !s ;e h!s sonK The Lord 2od assred my Lord
# s0a5e to the ands!t to h!s d!sc!0les"  Then say!n/" TheJess scr!bes and mlt!tde" the Phar!sees !n Moses' seat$ 3 all therefore whatsoe7er they b!d yo obser7e" that obser7e and doE bt do not ye after the!r wor5s$ for they say" and do not. ) or they b!nd hea7y brdens and /r!e7os to be borne" and lay them on men's sholdersE bt they themsel7es w!ll not mo7e them w!th one of the!r f!n/ers. ( t all the!r wor5s they do for to be seen of men$ they ma5e broad the!r 0hylacter!es" and enlar/e the borders of the!r /arments" 6 and lo7e the 00ermost rooms at feasts" and the ch!ef seats !n the syna/o/es" % and /reet!n/s !n the mar5ets" and to be called of men" Babb!" Babb!. & t be not ye called Babb!$ for one !s yor Master" e7en Chr!stE

)3 Lesson *I Cont!ned and all ye are brethren. + 1nd call no man yor father 0on the earth$ for one !s yor ather" wh!ch !s !n hea7en. #, ?e!ther be ye called masters$ for one !s yor Master" e7en Chr!st. ## t he that !s /reatest amon/ yo shall be yor ser7ant. # 1nd whosoe7er shall e:alt h!mself shall be abasedE and he that shall hmble h!mself shall be e:alted. 4e can assme that Jess !s st!ll s0ea5!n/ !n the Tem0le. )$# ment!ons ;!m lea7!n/ the Tem0le. Th!s d!scorse to ;!s d!sc!0les and the attent!7e crowd was n!nterr0ted. Jess 0o!ntedly refers to the scr!bes and Phar!sees bt does not address them d!rectly. It can be assmed that they left. The scr!bes were reco/n!Aed as the e:0erts and teachers of the Old Testament cr!0tres. The Phar!sees cla!med to be fa!thfl followers of the!r teach!n/. Most scr!bes were Phar!sees bt not all Phar!sees were scr!bes. *erses #-3. It was common at that t!me that e7ery syna/o/e had a s0ec!al seat called >Moses' cha!r>" where the local or 7!s!t!n/ scr!be wold s!t to 0rocla!m the w!ll of 2od so re7ealed to Moses. Jess ad7!ses the 0eo0le to obey what they sa!d as lon/ as they s0o5e accord!n/ to the cr!0tres. 1s lon/ as they re0resented the Law of Moses" they were worthy of be!n/ l!stened to. Jess says th!s !n s0!te of th!s /ro0's re@ect!on and host!l!ty and 0lott!n/ a/a!nst ;!m. The /reat em0has!s !s on what condct they were /!lty of. ;e tells the 0eo0le not to do as they d!d. The!r act!ons were not tre to what they ta/ht and cla!med to bel!e7e. *erse ). Jess now descr!bes the hab!t carr!ed down from the anc!ent rabb!s" now added to by these scr!bes and Phar!sees. Th!s was the hab!t of add!n/ /reatly deta!led re/lat!ons - !n effect bry!n/ the tre !ntent of 2od's Law nder the brdensome st!0lat!ons. Jess 0o!nts ot that these men had become e:0erts at a7o!d!n/ brdens. They had ways to a7o!d obl!/at!ons that at t!mes they shared w!th others" for the!r own benef!t. They were not w!ll!n/ to remo7e brdens from the 0eo0le's sholders" bt refse to actally follow the!r own re/lat!ons. *erses (-%. 4hat they actally d!d was for the attent!on of the 0bl!c. They so/ht res0ect and 0ra!se for the!r 0os!t!on and 0!ety. Phylacter!es were leather bo:es made to hold sl!0s of 0a0er on wh!ch cr!0tre 0assa/es were wr!tten. One was to be fastened
)) Lesson *I Cont!ned were to be rem!nders of 2od's /lor!os deeds for ;!s 0eo0le. Th!s !s st!ll a 0ract!ce amon/ de7ot Jews today. Jess !s descr!b!n/ these men and w!den!n/ the!r stra0s so they wold be eas!ly seen !n 0bl!c - draw!n/ attent!on to themsel7es as es0ec!ally de7ot. They also enlar/ed and8or len/thened the!r robes' tassels for the same reason to be more eas!ly not!ced. They also wanted to be honored w!th the best seats at the ban9ets" and the ch!ef seats !n the syna/o/es" where they cold see e7eryone - bt more !m0ortantly" e7eryone cold see them and the!r 0rom!nent 0os!t!on. 7en !n the mar5et0lace" they wanted to be addressed w!th res0ect" as to the!r 0os!t!on !n soc!ety. They also des!red to be accorded the h!/h call!n/ of >rabb!>" an !m0ortant teacher of 2od's Law. These were the des!res and mot!7es of these rel!/!os leaders 0bl!c accla!m and honor. *erses &-#,. Jess now trns to stron/ly ad7!se a/a!nst all the e7!l of these men. ;!s followers are not to str!7e for h!/her ran5" to be o7er and abo7e the!r fellow bel!e7ers. They are to reco/n!Ae the One 4ho !s the!r Teacher" Jess ;!mself. 1lso" they are not to call any earthly leader the!r s0!r!tal father. Only One !s the!r s0!r!tal ather 4ho !s !n hea7en. They are not e7en to allow 0eo0le to call them leaders or /!des. One !s the!r leader" Chr!st. Teachers of the Law were commonly addressed as rabb!" or teacher. Members of the anhedr!n rabble that 5nows not the law>
)( Lesson *I Cont!ned recorded !n the l!7es of many !bl!cal characters as well$ ennacher!b
)6 Lesson *II Matthew 3$#3-36. The % 4oes. #3  t woe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes for ye sht 0 the 5!n/dom of hea7en a/a!nst men$ for ye ne!ther /o !n yorsel7es" ne!ther sffer ye them that are enter!n/ to /o !n. #) 4oe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes for ye de7or w!dows' hoses" and for a 0retense ma5e lon/ 0rayer$ therefore ye shall rece!7e the /reater damnat!on. #( 4oe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes for ye com0ass sea and land to ma5e one 0roselyteE and when he !s made" ye ma5e h!m twofold more the ch!ld of hell than yorsel7es. #6  4oe nto yo" ye bl!nd /!des" wh!ch say" 4hosoe7er shall swear by the tem0le" !t !s noth!n/E bt whosoe7er shall swear by the /old of the tem0le" he !s a debtor #% e fools and bl!nd$ for whether !s /reater" the /old" or the tem0le that sanct!f!eth the /oldK #& 1nd" 4hosoe7er shall swear by the altar" !t !s noth!n/E bt whosoe7er sweareth by the /!ft that !s 0on !t" he !s /!lty. #+ e fools and bl!nd$ for whether !s /reater" the /!ft" or the altar that sanct!f!eth the /!ftK , 4hoso therefore shall swear by the altar" sweareth by !t" and by all th!n/s thereon. # 1nd whoso shall swear by the tem0le" sweareth by !t" and by h!m that dwelleth there!n.  1nd he that shall swear by hea7en" sweareth by the throne of 2od" and by h!m that s!tteth thereon. 3  4oe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes for ye 0ay t!the of m!nt and an!se and cmm!n" and ha7e om!tted the we!/ht!er matters of the law" @d/ment" mercy" and fa!th$ these o/ht ye to ha7e done" and not to lea7e the other ndone. ) e bl!nd /!des" wh!ch stra!n at a /nat" and swallow a camel. (  4oe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes for ye ma5e clean the ots!de of the c0 and of the 0latter" bt w!th!n they are fll of e:tort!on and e:cess. 6 Tho bl!nd Phar!see" cleanse f!rst that wh!ch !s w!th!n the c0 and 0latter" that the ots!de of them may be clean also. %  4oe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes for ye are l!5e nto wh!ted se0lchres" wh!ch !ndeed a00ear beat!fl otward" bt are w!th!n fll of dead men's bones" and of all ncleanness. & 7en so ye also otwardly a00ear r!/hteos nto men" bt w!th!n ye are fll of hy0ocr!sy and !n!9!ty. +  4oe nto yo" scr!bes and Phar!sees" hy0ocr!tes becase ye b!ld the tombs of the 0ro0hets" and /arn!sh the se0lchres of the r!/hteos" 3, and say" If we had been !n the days of or fathers" we wold not ha7e been 0arta5ers w!th them !n the blood of the 0ro0hets. 3# 4herefore ye be w!tnesses nto yorsel7es" that ye are the

)% Lesson *II Cont!ned ch!ldren of them wh!ch 5!lled the 0ro0hets. 3 !ll ye 0 then the measre of yor fathers. 33 e ser0ents" ye /enerat!on of 7!0ers" how can ye esca0e the damnat!on of hellK 3) 4herefore" behold" I send nto yo 0ro0hets" and w!se men" and scr!bes$ and some of them ye shall 5!ll and crc!fyE and some of them shall ye scor/e !n yor syna/o/es" and 0ersecte them from c!ty to c!ty$ 3( that 0on yo may come all the r!/hteos blood shed 0on the earth" from the blood of r!/hteos 1bel nto the blood of Fechar!'ah son of erech!'ah" whom ye slew between the tem0le and the altar. 36 *er!ly I say nto yo" 1ll these th!n/s shall come 0on th!s /enerat!on. These are addressed to the scr!bes and Phar!sees. 1s 0re7!osly ment!oned" !t !s nowhere ment!oned that they are 0resent or ha7e retrned. Th!s was Chr!st's stern reb5e of the 7ery /ro0 that 5new best the cr!0tres" and shold ha7e 5nown and ac5nowled/ed those that s0o5e of ;!s com!n/ as the ffer!n/ er7ant. They shold ha7e been the f!rst to acce0t ;!m" bt they as a /ro0 had o0enly re@ected ;!m. They tr!ed to trn the 0eo0le and ;!s d!sc!0les away from ;!m. These were s00osed to be the 0eo0le of 2od" of the Law" the teachers of the 0eo0le !n the ways of 2od. Instead they were the o00os!te$ self!sh and fll of 0r!de and self-r!/hteosness. Jess stron/ly warned the 0eo0le a/a!nst the!r false leadersh!0 thro/h the 0rononcements of the!r /!lt and doom. *erse #3. The word hy0ocr!tes$ those whose 0b!c l!fe and 0r!7ate l!fe are o00os!teE a frad" dece!7er" 0honyE a wolf !n shee0's cloth!n/. The term >5!n/dom of hea7en>" 2od's re!/n !n hman hearts !n earth thro/h Chr!st" later to be 0erfected !n hea7en. Jess !s say!n/ that the leaders ha7e re@ected 2od's offer!n/ of sal7at!on thro/h Chr!st and are also try!n/ to 5ee0 others from acce0t!n/ Chr!st. The!rs was a doctr!ne of sal7at!on by wor5s
)& Lesson *II Cont!ned act!7!ty by the Jews. rom the be/!nn!n/ th!s was 0art of 2od's 0lan for the nat!on$ 2enes!s $#&E :ods #$)+E Le7!t!cs #+$3). The chosen nat!on was char/ed to be 2od's w!tnesses to the ent!re 0a/an world. The syna/o/es were o0en to 7!s!tors. The Old Testament had been translated !nto 2ree5. Those who trned to the Jew!sh rel!/!on of worsh!00!n/ the One Tre 2od" Jeho7ah" were called 0roselytes. They were to be fond !n a 7ar!ety of de/rees of acce0tance of the worsh!0 of 2od. ome s!m0ly attended syna/o/e and /a7e 0 the!r 0a/an worsh!0. Others were ba0t!Aed and /a7e 0 the!r 0a/an worsh!0. Others were ba0t!Aed and bro/ht sacr!f!ces" be!n/ c!rcmc!sed" and 0rom!sed to sbm!t to all the commandments" !ncld!n/ all the re/lat!ons of the rabb!s. They were acce0ted !nto the Jew!sh commn!ty and /!7en a new name. These men ob7!osly wanted the new con7ert to become @st l!5e them - a le/al!st!c" r!tal!st!c" ha!r-s0l!tt!n/ Phar!see" w!th fanat!cal Aeal for the!r sal7at!on by wor5s system. The!r enths!asm /o!n/ e7en beyond those men. Jess descr!bes the!r Aeal as >tw!ce as mch a son of hell as yo are yorsel7es.> >on of hell> meant beha7!or worthy of that dest!nat!on. *erses #6-. The ne:t woe. The rel!/!os leaders were trn!n/ the mean!n/ of 2od's trth 0s!de down. They 0retended to lead" wh!le be!n/ bl!nd to 2od's trth. The em0has!s !s that e7eryth!n/ that a 0erson swears by belon/s to 2od and therefore !s b!nd!n/. The Jews had sch r!d!clos and m!:ed 0 e:ce0t!ons" ths allow!n/ a 0erson to not meet the!r obl!/at!on. The sanctary and the altar /!7e 7ale and sacredness to the art!cles !n or on them. *erses 3"). 4oe to these rel!/!os leaders becase they s0ent carefl cons!derat!on on the t!th!n/ ord!nance to the 0o!nt of e7en ta5!n/ a tenth 0ort!on of the small aromat!c herbs they /rew !n the!r /ardens. They also re9!red the!r followers to do the same. The Law of Moses
)+ Lesson *II Cont!ned ne/lected" shold e9ally be obser7ed. Then Jess ses a colorfl say!n/ to ma5e the same 0o!nt. That they are bl!nd bl!nd Phar!see>. The !ns!de of the c0 mst be cleaned. 4hate7er !s done ceremon!ally to clean the ots!de of the tens!l w!ll ne7er effect the !m0ortant 0art" the !ns!de" wh!ch shold be 0r!ty of heart. If th!s !s done f!rst then the ots!de !s clearly seen as n!m0ortant. ?ot to nderstand th!s !s to be s0!r!tally bl!nd. The way Jess states th!s s//ests that th!s !s by cho!ce. *erses %"&. These 7erses also descr!be the contrast between the ots!de and the !ns!de. The focs of these hy0ocr!tes !s on otward a00earance" the r!tal and not the tre !ntent!ons of the heart. 4h!tewashed tombs" loo5!n/ beat!fl on the ots!de" only enclose dead men's bones and 0trefact!on. If anyone" the 0!l/r!ms com!n/ !nto Jersalem for Passo7er" toched e7en a hman bone" wold become ceremon!ally nclean. ecase of th!s !t was a trad!t!on to wh!tewash tombs w!th 0owdered l!me a few wee5s earl!er to set them off. Ob7!osly only rott!n/ cor0ses were w!th!n. 100ly th!s to yorsel7es" Jess s//ests. They 0t on the a00earance of be!n/ r!/hteos" bt w!th!n they are l!7!n/ a l!e" and /o!n/ a/a!nst the tre laws of 2od. rom 2od's 0o!nt of 7!ew !t !s the heart of man" the moral and s0!r!tal att!tde and mot!7at!on that matters. Jess !s obser7!n/ that these men's l!7es re7eal the!r d!sre/ard!n/ of the trth of 2od's Law. *erses +-3. The f!nal woe. 1/a!n hy0ocr!tes. They b!ld new strctres to embell!sh the 0laces where the 0ro0hets were br!ed. They also cla!m that !f they had l!7ed dr!n/ the t!me of these men of 2od they wold ha7e not ta5en 0art !n shedd!n/ the!r blood. et now before them was the /reatest 0ro0het 2od e7er sent and they were 0lott!n/ ;!s mrder. Th!s also s//ested that they ac5nowled/ed that the!r fathers were mrderers of the 0ro0hets. o now they were ready to r!se to the

(, Lesson *II Cont!ned same amont of /!lt as the!r forbears. They ha7e ta5en 0on themsel7es the res0ons!b!l!ty" and so also the /!lt and 0n!shment. *erse 33. 1/a!n f!/rat!7e lan/a/e to em0has!Ae the tre natre of these men. The!r natre w!ll condemn them as 0o!sonos sna5es. They certa!nly shall not esca0e be!n/ sentenced to hell. *erses 3)-36. Jess has descr!bed the t!meless h!story of 2od's deal!n/ w!th man. 4hoe7er ;e sends to s0ea5 for ;!m !s !ll-treated" beaten or 5!lled. The Old Testament records th!s ha00en!n/ o7er and o7er. Jess has told the 0resent scr!bes and Phar!sees that they are do!n/ the same th!n/ to ;!m" and w!ll rece!7e the same 0n!shment. Then !n these 7erses ;e 0red!cts how these same men w!ll treat ;!s own followers. ;e ses the terms 0ro0hets" w!se men" and scr!bes to em0has!Ae that the!r roles w!ll be e9al to those that 2od sent before. They w!ll be s0ea5!n/ and wr!t!n/ 2od's w!sdom !n Chr!st" wh!ch !ncldes 0ro0hecy. They w!ll also wr!te the ?ew Testament and teach !t to others. The three terms actally descr!be the same 10ostles !n the!r three-fold roles. These men w!ll be 5!lled" crc!f!ed" flo//ed and 0rsed from town to town. Jess ;!mself was abot to be crc!f!ed" as was Peter mch later. Pal was 0art of those who crelly treated Chr!st!ans before h!s con7ers!on. Pal h!mself was e:tremely m!streated many t!mes as recorded !n the boo5 of 1cts and h!s letters. Th!s was w!th!n 2od's 0r0ose !n s0read!n/ the 2os0el. 1 fa!th worth dy!n/ for !s a 0owerfl w!tness" es0ec!ally to those 2od !s call!n/. Th!s also !ncldes the rewards for the 0ersected" and the 0n!shment of the 0ersectors. They w!ll be e9ally /!lty as all the mrderers recorded !n the Old Testament" from the f!rst who slew 1bel" the to least" who 5!lled the 0ro0het Fechar!ah !n the Tem0le. 1ll th!s !n s0!te of the many warn!n/s from 2od they refse to re0ent. They therefore cla!m the!r 0lace !n the l!ne of mrderers from the be/!nn!n/. 1s a reslt the Jew!sh nat!on w!ll w!th!n that /enerat!on cease to e:!st. They w!ll also sffer eternal damnat!on. Matthew 3%-3+. Lament. 3%  O Jersalem" Jersalem" tho that 5!llest the 0ro0hets" and stonest them wh!ch are sent nto thee" how often wold I ha7e /athered thy ch!ldren to/ether" e7en as a hen /athereth her ch!c5ens nder her w!n/s" and ye wold not 3& ehold" yor hose !s left nto yo desolate. 3+ or I say nto yo" e shall not see me henceforth" t!ll ye shall say" lessed !s he that cometh !n the name of the Lord.

(# Lesson *II Cont!ned 1s Jess closes ;!s last messa/e /!7en !n 0bl!c" ;e shows /reat com0ass!on and the deadly ser!osness concern!n/ what w!ll ha00en as a reslt of ;!s re@ect!on. ;!s sadness !s addressed to Jersalem" the ca0!tal of Israel" !ts heart and center" the 0lace of the Tem0le where 2od was s00osed to be worsh!00ed !n s0!r!t and !n trth. To say !t tw!ce !nd!cates !ntense emot!on. ;ow tra/!cally sad !t was that th!s was the 0lace where 2od's messen/ers had been 5!lled. ;!s se of the word Jersalem !n fact re0resented the whole nat!on and ;!s m!n!stry e7erywhere ;e has /one. Jess then ses a s!m!le. ;e descr!bes what ha00ens when a storm a00roaches a ch!c5en yard. The hen s0reads her w!n/s ot and calls her ch!c5s to come so she can 0rotect them from harm nder her w!n/s. Jess says ;e saw what was com!n/ and tr!ed call!n/ them to ;!m to 0rotect them" bt they refsed to come to ;!m. The!r refsal has d!sastros reslts. The!r homeland w!ll be l!5e a deserted 0lace. 1fter ;!s death and resrrect!on" Jess w!ll not re7eal ;!mself !n 0bl!c lessed !s ;e 4ho comes !n the name of the Lord.> 4hether bel!e7er or not" all mst 0ay homa/e to ;!m" so ma@est!c and s0ernatral w!ll be ;!s a00ear!n/.

(3 Lesson *III Matthew )$#-#). The Last Th!n/s$ The e/!nn!n/. # 1nd Jess went ot" and de0arted from the tem0le$ and h!s d!sc!0les came to h!m for to show h!m the b!ld!n/s of the tem0le.  1nd Jess sa!d nto them" ee ye not all these th!n/sK 7er!ly I say nto yo" There shall not be left here one stone 0on another" that shall not be thrown down. 3  1nd as he sat 0on the mont of Ol!7es" the d!sc!0les came nto h!m 0r!7ately" say!n/" Tell s" when shall these th!n/s beK and what shall be the s!/n of thy com!n/" and of the end of the worldK ) 1nd Jess answered and sa!d nto them" Ta5e heed that no man dece!7e yo. ( or many shall come !n my name" say!n/" I am Chr!stE and shall dece!7e many. 6 1nd ye shall hear of wars and rmors of wars$ see that ye be not trobled$ for all these th!n/s mst come to 0ass" bt the end !s not yet. % or nat!on shall r!se a/a!nst nat!on" and 5!n/dom a/a!nst 5!n/dom$ and there shall be fam!nes" and 0est!lences" and earth9a5es" !n d!7ers 0laces. & 1ll these are the be/!nn!n/ of sorrows. +  Then shall they del!7er yo 0 to be affl!cted" and shall 5!ll yo$ and ye shall be hated of all nat!ons for my name's sa5e. #, 1nd then shall many be offended" and shall betray one another" and shall hate one another. ## 1nd many false 0ro0hets shall r!se" and shall dece!7e many. # 1nd becase !n!9!ty shall abond" the lo7e of many shall wa: cold. #3 t he that shall endre nto the end" the same shall be sa7ed. #) 1nd th!s /os0el of the 5!n/dom shall be 0reached !n all the world for a w!tness nto all nat!onsE and then shall the end come. *erse #. The Occas!on. 1 Tesday" a few days before ;!s death. 1 day fll and memorable at the Tem0le. ?ow !n late afternoon as they are lea7!n/" the d!sc!0les a00roach Jess to remar5 and call ;!s attent!on to the beaty and /rander of the Tem0le b!ld!n/s. 100arently they ha7e /otten the !m0ress!on that !n ;!s 0re7!os d!scorse where ;e descr!bes what d!saster was to befall Jersalem. 4old that !nclde the Tem0le - wold the!r hose of worsh!0 become a deserted 0lace. They are want!n/ to ma5e sre that th!s /lor!os and holy b!ld!n/ !s to be destroyed. Cold th!s be e7en 0oss!bleK *erse . ;!s answer dramat!cally descr!bes not only !ts desert!on bt also !ts com0lete destrct!on" to the 0o!nt that not one stone w!ll

(3 Lesson *III Cont!ned be left 0on another. They shall all be thrown down. 1ll that they see" Jess solemnly assres them that !t w!ll be le7eled. *erse 3. 1t some 0o!nt later" after ha7!n/ arr!7ed at the Mont of Ol!7es and s!tt!n/ down" the d!sc!0les a/a!n 0r!7ately come to Jess. They mst bel!e7e what ;e has told them" for now they w!sh to 5now when th!s w!ll ha00en. Poss!bly th!n5!n/ the e7ents were related !n t!me" they add what w!ll be the s!/n of ;!s com!n/" and the end of the a/e. They were loo5!n/ across the 7alley at the c!ty of Jersalem and the roof of the Tem0le of /old" the wh!te marble b!ld!n/s. Mar5 ment!ons that Peter" James" John" and 1ndrew end t!mes> s!/n. Jess 5new that many wold come as false Chr!sts and 0ro0hets to m!slead many for the!r own 0r0oses" always self!sh and destrct!7e. They /o a/a!nst the lo7e" for/!7eness" and trth of 2od's sal7at!on thro/h Chr!st. Th!s w!ll case lawlessness to !ncrease$ the brea5down of the fam!ly" res0ect for marr!a/e /one" char!ty" res0ect" and honor to 2od" also /one. 4e ha7e certa!nly seen th!s ha00en dr!n/ the 0ast centry and e7er !ncreas!n/. 1lso we ha7e seen the d!sasters reslt!n/ from so called Chr!st!an clts. 1nother common occrrence w!ll be wars and rmors of wars. These are to be e:0ected and shold not be 0sett!n/. Th!s ha00ens becase of nat!ons and 5!n/doms that foreshadow the econd Com!n/" tho/h there was to be a len/thy !nter7al between the two. They were !nterested !n ;!s econd Com!n/. Tho/h at th!s t!me !t mst be srm!sed that resrrect!on" that they had 9est!on /a7e now be/!ns.

they had l!ttle real nderstand!n/ abot ;!s death" and ascens!on. That ;e was /o!n/ to retrn to them" and a 0lace !n ;!s re!/n they seemed ready to acce0t. Th!s r!se to the !m0ortant teach!n/ of the Last Th!n/s that

*erses )-#. The e/!nn!n/ of !rth Pa!ns. Jess mst e:0la!n that what they assme w!ll ha00en !n a short t!me" and !n sccess!on" actally there are !nter7als wh!le they b!ld !n !ntens!ty and closeness. Jst as b!rth 0a!ns be/!n !n low !ntens!ty and lon/ !nter7als. 1s b!rth comes nearer" they are closer and closer to/ether" and /reatly !ncreas!n/ !n !ntense 0a!n. One w!ll r!se 0 a/a!nst another !n arms. Tho/h the Boman m0!re had e:0er!enced a lon/ era of 0eace" th!s was an e:ce0t!on. The amont of wars s!nce that 0er!od seems to be cont!nos w!th

() Lesson *III Cont!ned !ncreas!n/ de/rees of destrct!on. There !s no !nd!cat!on that th!s w!ll sto0. 1ny date-sett!n/ based on wars wold be wron/. 1lso d!strbance !n the 0hys!cal realm w!ll ta5e 0lace. Jess ment!ons earth9a5es and d!sasters that they case$ fam!nes" 0est!lence. These w!ll !ncrease !n fre9ency and !ntens!ty close to ;!s econd Com!n/. t these also actally /!7e no s!/n to calclate that e7ent. It does 0red!ct !ncreas!n/ b!rth 0a!ns fndamental!sts>" are d!sconted as beh!nd the t!mes and e7en !ntolerant. 1s the end comes nearer we can draw the concls!on that all these th!n/s w!ll ha00en closer to/ether" be more e:tens!7e and !ntens!7e" and destrct!7e. Many w!ll also ha00en at the same t!me" lead!n/ to the f!nal days of destrct!on !n the 2reat Tr!blat!on. *erse #3. The sa7ed w!ll endre to the end. Jst as the !nd!7!dal bel!e7er w!ll endre these th!n/s to the end of the!r l!fe" so also the chrch w!ll endre nt!l the end of the a/e. *erse #). Jess conf!rms that th!s /os0el of the 5!n/dom of 2od shall be 0reached !n the whole world as a test!mony to all nat!ons. Then shall come the end. That the 0roclamat!on of the /os0el wold e7entally reach all the nat!ons of the world" certa!nly !nd!cates hndreds of years" a 0er!od of t!me 5nown only to the ather" and then the end. 4hen the f!nal bel!e7er acce0ts Chr!st" then the Ba0tre of the com0leted Chrch" and shortly thereafter the 2reat Tr!blat!on be/!ns. Chrch h!story records the s0read of the 2os0el to many nat!ons"

(( Lesson *III Cont!ned st!ll today reach!n/ more and more areas !n the world. The wor5 cont!nes bt !s not o7er yet. Matthew )$#(-3#. The 2reat Tr!blat!on. #(  4hen ye therefore shall see the abom!nat!on of desolat!on" s0o5en of by Dan!el the 0ro0het" stand !n the holy 0lace"
(6 Lesson *III Cont!ned - then the end. *erses #("#6. ;ere ;e be/!ns w!th >?ow> to descr!be the deta!ls of what and when w!ll be the s!/ns of the soon com!n/
(6 Lesson *III Cont!ned *erse 3-(. Jess warns that there shall be false Chr!sts" cla!m!n/ they are from 2od and only they 5now the trth. They are not to be bel!e7ed. alse 0ro0hets w!ll cla!m that they 5now who the Chr!st !s" and 0erform /reat s!/ns and m!racles to fool" !f !t was 0oss!ble" e7en the elect. t of corse" that !s not 0oss!ble. ;!s followers are not to bel!e7e any re0ort or s!/ns that dece!7e. Jess here 0red!cts these th!n/s w!ll 0re0are ;!s followers for ;!s com!n/" wh!ch w!ll only re!nforce the!r fa!th !n ;!m. *erse 6. ome w!ll s//est that ;e !s !n the w!lderness or !n the !nner rooms" as !f ;e wold only re7eal ;!mself to a chosen few. They are to be re@ected. ;!s com!n/ w!ll not be !n a remote 0lace or a dar5 h!dden room. *erse %. 1s clear as l!/htn!n/ flash!n/ ot of the east across the s5y to the west" so shall be the Com!n/ of the on of Man. Chr!st's com!n/ !n the hea7ens w!ll be @st as 7!s!ble to those on earth. *erse &. 4here7er there !s a cor0se" there the 7ltres w!ll /ather. The f!/re !s the cond!t!on of the world of men. They ha7e reached the e:treme end - morally and s0!r!tally - to resemble the dead. The world's c0 of !n!9!ty !s fll. It !s then that Chr!st shall come to condemn that world. That w!ll be the f!nal t!me 2od's elect are 0ersected and 5!lled. *erse +-3#. 4hat follows ha7e the most s!/n!f!cant Old Testament references to th!s t!me" 0ls a few from the ?ew Testament. The !/ns of the econd Com!n/ Immed!ately after the tr!blat!on of those days" The sn shall be dar5ened" 1nd the moon shall not /!7e her l!/ht
(& Lesson *III Cont!ned s5y w!th 0ower and /reat /loryE
6, Lesson I Matthew )$3-(#. Last Th!n/s Cont!ned. 3  ?ow learn a 0arable of the f!/ treeE 4hen h!s branch !s yet tender" and 0tteth forth lea7es" ye 5now that smmer !s n!/h$ 33 so l!5ew!se ye" when ye shall see all these th!n/s" 5now that !t !s near" e7en at the doors. 3) *er!ly I say nto yo" Th!s /enerat!on shall not 0ass" t!ll all these th!n/s be flf!lled. 3( ;ea7en and earth shall 0ass away" bt my words shall not 0ass away. 36  t of that day and hor 5noweth no man" no" not the an/els of hea7en" bt my ather only. 3% t as the days of ?oah were" so shall also the com!n/ of the on of man be. 3& or as !n the days that were before the flood they were eat!n/ and dr!n5!n/" marry!n/ and /!7!n/ !n marr!a/e" nt!l the day that ?oah entered !nto the ar5" 3+ and 5new not nt!l the flood came" and too5 them all awayE so shall also the com!n/ of the on of man be. ), Then shall two be !n the f!eldE the one shall be ta5en" and the other left. )# Two women shall be /r!nd!n/ at the m!llE the one shall be ta5en" and the other left. ) 4atch thereforeE for ye 5now not what hor yor Lord doth come. )3 t 5now th!s" that !f the /oodman of the hose had 5nown !n what watch the th!ef wold come" he wold ha7e watched" and wold not ha7e sffered h!s hose to be bro5en 0. )) Therefore be ye also ready$ for !n sch an hor as ye th!n5 not the on of man cometh. )(  4ho then !s a fa!thfl and w!se ser7ant" whom h!s lord hath made rler o7er h!s hosehold" to /!7e them meat !n de seasonK )6 lessed !s that ser7ant" whom h!s lord when he cometh shall f!nd so do!n/. )% *er!ly I say nto yo" That he shall ma5e h!m rler o7er all h!s /oods. )& t and !f that e7!l ser7ant shall say !n h!s heart" My lord delayeth h!s com!n/E )+ and shall be/!n to sm!te h!s fellow ser7ants" and to eat and dr!n5 w!th the drn5enE (, the lord of that ser7ant shall come !n a day when he loo5eth not for h!m" and !n an hor that he !s not aware of" (# and shall ct h!m asnder" and a00o!nt h!m h!s 0ort!on w!th the hy0ocr!tes$ there shall be wee0!n/ and /nash!n/ of teeth. *erses 3"33. Lesson of the !/ Tree. 1n !nstrct!7e com0ar!son <0arable or lesson=. Tender branches and yon/ lea7es emer/!n/ !nd!cate s0r!n/ w!th the soon

6, Lesson I Cont!ned a00roach of smmer. Then" when the d!sc!0les see those th!n/s 0red!cted" related to the destrct!on of the Tem0le My words shall ne7er 0ass away"> certa!nly em0has!Aes the 0ower of the trth of Jess' 0rononcements. Tho/h the 0resent hea7ens and earth w!ll 0ass away" ;!s words w!ll rema!n. *erse 36. ?o one 5nows of that day and hor" bt the ather only. Th!s clearly states the s!nflness of e7eryone that has or w!ll try to 0red!ct the date of Jess' retrn. There ha7e been many o7er the centr!es and e7eryone was and w!ll be wron/. *erses 3%-3+. It w!ll ta5e 0lace as !n the days of ?oah. 4!th many years of warn!n/" so w!ll the econd Com!n/ of Chr!st come as sddenly as the flood. Jst l!5e when ?oah was b!ld!n/ the ar5 <2enes!s ($3-%$(=" he 0reached to the 0eo0le of the com!n/ destrct!on. They" howe7er" cont!ned to l!7e as they had always l!7ed$ eat!n/" dr!n5!n/" marry!n/" and /!7!n/ !n marr!a/e. ?ot e7!l !n themsel7es" these act!7!t!es were only wron/ when they became the total and mater!al!st!c 0rs!t and focs of one's ent!re l!fe. They 0rom!se secr!ty" they become self!sh ends" and they com0letely lea7e ot 2od and s0!r!tal th!n/s. The 0eo0le of ?oah's day d!d not awa5en to the!r 0er!l nt!l !t was too late. ?oah entered the ar5. The lood swe0t all the 0eo0le away. Jst as d!sastros w!ll be Chr!st's econd Com!n/ to the earth. *erses ),")#. These 7erses descr!be the s!tat!on when Jess retrns" the t!me of choos!n/ !s o7er. Jst as when ?oah entered the ar5" those left sffered sdden d!saster and death. Jess descr!bes two men !n a f!eld" one !s ta5en" one !s left" and two women /r!nd!n/ /ra!n" one

6# Lesson I Cont!ned !s ta5en" one !s left. Those ta5en are be!n/ /athered by the an/els as 2od's elect to be w!th Chr!st. Those left are the w!c5ed" the re@ecters of 2od's /race and mercy" and they w!ll" as those !n the lood" face e7erlast!n/ 0n!shment. *erse ). ?ot 5now!n/ the day or hor !s 2od's 0r0ose for s. !nfl and self!sh tendenc!es are to be a7o!ded - sch as date-sett!n/" or assm!n/ !t mst be far !nto the ftre. oth 0re7ent 0eo0le from be!n/ abot the Lord's wor5. ?ot 5now!n/ means be 0re0ared and watchfl e7ery day. e constantly on the alert" s0!r!tally focsed" lo!ns /!rded" lam0s brn!n/ be ready"> 7ery close to >be alert>. oth 0re0ared !n m!nd and heart at all t!mes !s what !s necessary. 1/a!n the statement$ no man w!ll 5now when" what day or hor. *erse )(. 4hat shold the >alert> and >ready> d!sc!0le be abot. >a!thfl> !s the answer and also >sens!ble>. Ths be/!ns the Parable of the a!thfl and 4!c5ed er7ants. The /ood ser7ant ta5es care of the other ser7ants when h!s master /oes on a @orney of ndeterm!ned len/th. *erse )6. 1 s0ec!al bless!n/ !s 0rononced 0on the fa!thfl ser7ant" who w!ll be do!n/ h!s dty !n car!n/ for those w!th!n h!s res0ons!b!l!ty
6 Lesson *III Cont!ned heart and m!nd of the fa!thfl d!sc!0le wa!t!n/ on Chr!st's com!n/. *erse )%. That d!sc!0le shall be rewarded to the de/ree and 0os!t!on he 0erformed !n h!s earthly l!fe" @st as the master !n the 0arable wold set the fa!thfl steward o7er all h!s 0ossess!ons. *erses )&-(#. The ne/at!7e s!de$ The w!c5ed ser7ant ta5es ad7anta/e of h!s master's absence. ;e w!ll m!streat h!s fellow ser7ants" and become slac5 and a drn5ard" d!sre/ard!n/ h!s res0ons!b!l!t!es. ;e says to h!mself" !n h!s heart" that h!s master !s /o!n/ to be /one a lon/ t!me - therefore" why not ha7e some fn
63 Lesson I Cont!ned *erse #. Th!s 0arable also stresses be!n/ 0re0ared cont!nally for the com!n/ of the r!de/room" Jess. 1s the >7!r/!ns> were 0led/ed to be ready for the br!de/room" so also all those who 0rofess Chr!st shold also feel the obl!/at!on to rema!n ready. The !nherent reason !s that at a certa!n t!me" the door w!ll be sht" and no more o00ortn!ty to /et ready. 1ccord!n/ to Jew!sh trad!t!on" and the /eneral descr!0t!on of these yon/ /!rls" !t can be assmed that th!s was the home of the /room br!desma!ds>= as well as all other 0re0arat!ons ha7e been com0leted. 1ll that rema!ned was for the br!de/room to arr!7e. There !s no e:0lanat!on as to why the nmber of /!rls was #," nor !s an e:0lanat!on necessary for the lesson. They ha7e lam0s" o!l conta!ners" w!th w!c5s that wold be held 0 to l!/ht the way. *erses -). !7e were fool!sh and too5 the!r lam0s w!th them bt too5 no o!l. The sens!ble ones too5 o!l !n the!r 7essels w!th the!r lam0s. The ten !ntend to meet the br!de/room and escort h!m to the fest!7!t!es. 1ll ha7e lam0s. 1ll e:0ect h!m before daybrea5 tho/h the actal t!me !s n5nown. That the ( too5 no o!l br!n/s the des!/nat!on >fool!sh> They were tho/htless" n0re0ared" w!thot the ob7!os necess!ty. The others were the o00os!te" therefore w!se" 0re0ared" tho/htfl. *erse (. ecase of the delay" they all fell aslee0. They wa!ted e:0ectantly for some t!me" then e:0er!enced e:hast!on" and fell aslee0. Th!s was natral. *erse 6. 1t m!dn!/ht there was a shot" >;ere comes the br!de/room 2o ot to meet h!m> omeone was watch!n/" or 0art of the br!de/room's 0arty annonced h!s arr!7al. *erses %"&. The fool!sh /!rls awo5e" tr!mmed the!r lam0s" bt the!r w!c5s brned what o!l was w!th!n the w!c5. Then" when the!r lam0s be/an /o!n/ ot" as5ed the others to share the!r o!l. The f!7e w!se /!rls' lam0s w!ll cont!ne brn!n/ and be ta5en ots!de to l!/ht the way for the br!de/room. *erse +. The sens!ble /!rls res0onded that they needed all they had. They mst /o ot to /reet the br!de/room and escort h!m to the home w!th the!r lam0s wor5!n/ 0ro0erly to cont!nally l!/ht the way. They had

6) Lesson I Cont!ned 0re0ared for the!r need. The others were ad7!sed to try to /o by some - tho/h at that t!me of n!/ht !t was h!/hly nl!5ely. *erse #,. o the fool!sh ones left to try to by some o!l. It was then that the br!de/room arr!7ed. The ready ones went !n w!th h!m and the door was sht. The others were sht ot. *erses ##"#. 4hen the fool!sh ones retrn and try to /et !n" the br!de/room declares solemnly that he does not 5now them. They are not nmbered amon/ the con7erted" therefore they are not ;!s own. Bead!ness means srrendered l!7es of lo7e and fellowsh!0. The fool!sh had only the a00earance w!thot the sbstance. They 0t forward otward membersh!0 w!thot chan/e of heart and l!fe" fa!th !n Chr!st. *erse #3. The sens!ble ones ha7e tre fa!th and trst !n Chr!st as the!r a7!or. The fool!sh ha7e the otward form w!thot the !nward con7!ct!on. The >o!l> stron/ly s//ests the 0resence of the ;oly 0!r!t. Those w!th ;!s 0resence wold be ready to /reet the r!de/room. Matthew ($#)-3,. Parable of the Talents. #)  or the 5!n/dom of hea7en !s as a man tra7el!n/ !nto a far contry" who called h!s own ser7ants" and del!7ered nto them h!s /oods. #( 1nd nto one he /a7e f!7e talents" to another two" and to another oneE to e7ery man accord!n/ to h!s se7eral ab!l!tyE and stra!/htway too5 h!s @orney. #6 Then he that had rece!7ed the f!7e talents went and traded w!th the same" and made them other f!7e talents. #% 1nd l!5ew!se he that had rece!7ed two" he also /a!ned other two. #& t he that had rece!7ed one went and d!//ed !n the earth" and h!d h!s lord's money. #+ 1fter a lon/ t!me the lord of those ser7ants cometh" and rec5oneth w!th them. , 1nd so he that had rece!7ed f!7e talents came and bro/ht other f!7e talents" say!n/" Lord" tho del!7eredst nto me f!7e talents$ behold" I ha7e /a!ned bes!de them f!7e talents more. # ;!s lord sa!d nto h!m" 4ell done" tho /ood and fa!thfl ser7ant$ tho hast been fa!thfl o7er a few th!n/s" I w!ll ma5e thee rler o7er many th!n/s$ enter tho !nto the @oy of thy lord.  ;e also that had rece!7ed two talents came and sa!d" Lord" tho del!7eredst nto me two talents$ behold" I ha7e /a!ned two other talents bes!de them.

6( Lesson I Cont!ned 3 ;!s lord sa!d nto h!m" 4ell done" /ood and fa!thfl ser7antE tho hast been fa!thfl o7er a few th!n/s" I w!ll ma5e thee rler o7er many th!n/s$ enter tho !nto the @oy of thy lord. ) Then he wh!ch had rece!7ed the one talent came and sa!d" Lord" I 5new thee that tho art a hard man" rea0!n/ where tho hast not sown" and /ather!n/ where tho hast not strewed$ ( and I was afra!d" and went and h!d thy talent !n the earth$ lo" there tho hast that !s th!ne. 6 ;!s lord answered and sa!d nto h!m" Tho w!c5ed and slothfl ser7ant" tho 5newest that I rea0 where I sowed not" and /ather where I ha7e not strewed$ % tho o/htest therefore to ha7e 0t my money to the e:chan/ers" and then at my com!n/ I shold ha7e rece!7ed m!ne own w!th sry. & Ta5e therefore the talent from h!m" and /!7e !t nto h!m wh!ch hath ten talents. + or nto e7ery one that hath shall be /!7en" and he shall ha7e abndance$ bt from h!m that hath not shall be ta5en away e7en that wh!ch he hath. 3, 1nd cast ye the n0rof!table ser7ant !nto oter dar5ness$ there shall be wee0!n/ and /nash!n/ of teeth. Three 0arts$ #.= 1 bs!nessman" before ta5!n/ a tr!0" d!str!bted h!s 0ro0erty amon/ h!s ser7ants
66 Lesson I Cont!ned *erse #+. 1 lon/ t!me ela0ses" then the boss retrns and came to settle acconts. 1ll the em0loyees 5new th!s day wold come" and they wold be held res0ons!ble. *erses ,-3. The one entrsted w!th ( came forward and 0rodced the or!/!nal ( and an add!t!onal ( talents. ;e was 0ra!sed as /ood and fa!thfl. ;a7!n/ been fa!thfl o7er a small amont" he was to be 0t !n char/e of a /reater amont. ;e !s also to share h!s boss's ha00!ness. ?e:t" the one who had been /!7en two came forward w!th two add!t!onal talents. ;e rece!7es the same commendat!on as the f!rst em0loyee - /ood and fa!thfl" /!7en more res0ons!b!l!ty" and the boss's ha00!ness. The f!rst man had as5ed the boss to loo5 at what he has done" to ta5e s0ec!al not!ce of the add!t!onal amont he has /a!ned. The boss !s 7ery 0leased say!n/" >:cellent> ;e has 0ro7en to be resorcefl and rel!able. The ne:t em0loyee has a s!m!lar e:0er!ence as the f!rst. *erses )"(. Then the t!me came for the th!rd em0loyee to ma5e accont for the one talent he had been entrsted w!th. Certa!nly the boss e:0ects a s!m!lar 0rof!t to h!s !n7estment here also. Th!s man be/!ns by /!7!n/ e:cses and blam!n/ h!s boss for h!s lac5 of mot!7at!on. ;e accses h!m of be!n/ hard - that he was nfa!r and crel. The f!/res of rea0!n/ where he d!d not sow" and /ather!n/ where he d!d scatter seed e:em0l!fy th!s !dea. ;e feels that th!s /!7es h!m the e:cse to fear what the boss wold do !f he lost the money" or d!dn't /a!n another talent. ;e feels what he d!d was lo/!cal and !n h!s own best !nterest - to retrn what he had been entrsted w!th - the one talent. *erse 6"%. The boss's res0onse !s nha00y" call!n/ h!m w!c5ed and laAy. If the man really bel!e7ed he was so 'hard'" he shold ha7e wor5ed hard to /et some 0rof!t - at least ban5 !nterest. The accsat!on of w!c5edness and laA!ness often /o to/ether$ 0ern!c!os and namb!t!os. The other two had been bsy at wor5. The other d/ a hole. *erses &-3,. The lesson$ the talent was ta5en from the th!rd man and /!7en to the one w!th #,. 7eryone who has" shall be /!7en more" and 0lenty. ;owe7er" from he who does not really ha7e" what he th!n5s he has shall be ta5en away. Th!s was an order /!7en and carr!ed ot. The 0o!nt relates to the /!fts and o00ortn!t!es for ser7!n/ 2od and what each 0erson does w!th them. The more effort /!7en br!n/s

6% Lesson I Cont!ned more o00ortn!t!es. 1lso more rewards shall be rece!7ed. ;owe7er" as for those who ha7e ne7er /!7en of themsel7es
6& Lesson L Matthew ($3#-)6. The econd Com!n/ !n 2lory" the Jd/ment of 1ll ?at!ons. 3#  4hen the on of man shall come !n h!s /lory" and all the holy an/els w!th h!m" then shall he s!t 0on the throne of h!s /lory$ 3 and before h!m shall be /athered all nat!ons$ and he shall se0arate them one from another" as a she0herd d!7!deth h!s shee0 from the /oats$ 33 and he shall set the shee0 on h!s r!/ht hand" bt the /oats on the left. 3) Then shall the !n/ say nto them on h!s r!/ht hand" Come" ye blessed of my ather" !nher!t the 5!n/dom 0re0ared for yo from the fondat!on of the world$ 3( for I was ahn/ered" and ye /a7e me meat$ I was th!rsty" and ye /a7e me dr!n5$ I was a stran/er" and ye too5 me !n$ 36 na5ed" and ye clothed me$ I was s!c5" and ye 7!s!ted me$ I was !n 0r!son" and ye came nto me. 3% Then shall the r!/hteos answer h!m" say!n/" Lord" when saw we thee ahn/ered" and fed theeK or th!rsty" and /a7e thee dr!n5K 3& 4hen saw we thee a stran/er" and too5 thee !nK or na5ed" and clothed theeK 3+ Or when saw we thee s!c5" or !n 0r!son" and came nto theeK ), 1nd the !n/ shall answer and say nto them" *er!ly I say nto yo" Inasmch as ye ha7e done !t nto one of the least of these my brethren" ye ha7e done !t nto me. )# Then shall he say also nto them on the left hand" De0art from me" ye crsed" !nto e7erlast!n/ f!re" 0re0ared for the de7!l and h!s an/els$ ) for I was ahn/ered" and ye /a7e me no meat$ I was th!rsty" and ye /a7e me no dr!n5$ )3 I was a stran/er" and ye too5 me not !n$ na5ed" and ye clothed me not$ s!c5" and !n 0r!son" and ye 7!s!ted me not. )) Then shall they also answer h!m" say!n/" Lord" when saw we thee ahn/ered" or ath!rst" or a stran/er" or na5ed" or s!c5" or !n 0r!son" and d!d not m!n!ster nto theeK )( Then shall he answer them" say!n/" *er!ly I say nto yo" Inasmch as ye d!d !t not to one of the least of these" ye d!d !t not to me. )6 1nd these shall /o away !nto e7erlast!n/ 0n!shment$ bt the r!/hteos !nto l!fe eternal. *erse 3#. The on of Man comes !n /lory w!th an/els. ;e s!ts 0on a /lor!os throne. Th!s !s a throne of Jd/ment of the !n/ of !n/s. The an/els are there to carry ot the @d/ments. They w!ll /ather the w!c5ed and cast them !nto the la5e of f!re. They w!ll also /ather the sa7ed ones from the for w!nds to enter the M!llenn!al !n/dom.

6+ Lesson L Cont!ned *erse 3. Th!s !s the /ather!n/ of all those st!ll al!7e on earth at Chr!st's retrn to earth. 1ll nat!ons means the /ather!n/ of 0eo0le from e7ery nat!on on earth" therefore e7eryone. They w!ll be @d/ed as bel!e7ers !n Jess Chr!st as a7!or" or not bel!e7ers. Th!s !s to be s!m!lar to a she0herd se0arat!n/ the shee0 from the /oats at the end of the day. *erse 33. The shee0 wold reco/n!Ae ;!s ?ame and come. o also those who trst !n Jess reco/n!Ae ;!s call and res0ond. The /oats do not res0ond" ha7!n/ chosen the!r own way. The shee0 are 0t on one s!de <;!s r!/ht=. The /oats are 0t on the left s!de. *erse 3). Then the 5!n/ w!ll welcome those blessed of the ather" to enter the 5!n/dom 0re0ared for them s!nce the fond!n/ of the world. Th!s !s a close and last!n/ fellowsh!0 w!th the!r a7!or and Jd/e and 5!n/. There !s no condemnat!on" only bless!n/. They w!ll enter the M!llenn!al 5!n/dom as 0re0ared for by 2od. That th!s was 0lanned from the fondat!on of the world for them means they were chosen. The!r /ood deeds" as ne:t enmerated" were the fr!t of 2od's /race and not the bas!s of 2od's /race. *erses 3("36. Jess now /!7es e:am0les of sch fr!t$ wor5s of lo7e" mercy" and /eneros!ty. ;n/ry - food" th!rsty - dr!n5" need of clothes cloth!n/" stran/er - hos0!tal!ty" s!c5 - loo5ed after" !n 0r!son 7!s!ted. Jess says >me> s!: t!mes. ach need was dealt w!th 0os!t!7ely" as th!n/s natral to da!ly l!fe. Those were e7!dence of he natral" da!ly" res0onse of these 0eo0le as the fr!t of tre d!sc!0les of Chr!st. *erses 3%-3+. The natral and n0retent!os res0onse of these fa!thfl followers shows the s!ncer!ty of the!r l!7es. They 9est!on Jess as to when they saw ;!m !n the 7ar!os cond!t!ons of need. They had not e7alated the!r act!ons so h!/hly or e7en remembered them. They had done them w!thot foretho/ht" or any lter!or mot!7es. They were n0re0ared for sch 0ra!se. They are here called >r!/hteos>. They had not consc!osly done anyth!n/ for reward. They had acted s0ontaneosly !n /ratefl and hmble res0onse to the sal7at!on they had rece!7ed thro/h Chr!st's sacr!f!ce on the Cross. *erse ),. The res0onse of the !n/ !s to e:0la!n that the!r deeds to e7en the least of the!r brothers
%, Lesson L Cont!ned as ha7!n/ been done for ;!m. That ;e ment!ons >e7en for the least"> !nd!cates the 7ale of e7ery bel!e7er. ome ha7e s//ested that all bel!e7ers were 0re7!osly ta5en from arth !n the Ba0tre that the >brothers> ment!oned here cold only mean Chr!st's fellow Jews. Therefore only those who had treated the Jews 5!ndly wold be allowed to enter !nto the M!llenn!m w!th Chr!st as the !n/ of the Jew!sh ?at!on and all of !ts 0rom!sed flf!llments of the co7enants w!th 1braham" Isaac" Jacob" and Da7!d. 4hy these 0eo0le cold not be bel!e7ers !n Chr!st !s not ment!oned. *erse )#. ?ow ;e deals w!th those on the left. They are called >accrsed ones>. They are told to de0art !nto the e7erlast!n/ f!re 0re0ared for the de7!l and h!s an/els. Th!s !s the eternal 0n!shment of the w!c5ed" all those !n assoc!at!on w!th the de7!l and h!s an/els. 1 0lace of e7erlast!n/ f!re and oter dar5ness. The torment !s of se0arat!on. They w!ll 5now that !t was the!r own cho!ce to re@ect the /race and mercy of 2od !n the offer of sal7at!on thro/h ;!s on" Jess the Chr!st. There !s n9enchable flame. There !s !m0enetrable dar5ness and /loom. *erses )")3. 4hy the w!c5ed are condemned !s la!d ot. The same cond!t!ons are stated" then >yo d!d not.> It shold be noted that these are s!ns of om!ss!on$ what was not done" wh!ch shold ha7e been. ?o theft !dolatry" mrder" adltery" etc. The w!c5ed now also as5" when d!d they see Jess as hn/ry or a stran/er" s!c5 or !n 0r!son" and they d!dn't ta5e care of ;!m. efore" the r!/hteos were aston!shed that they had rendered ser7!ce so natrally that !t was for/otten. The w!c5ed are aston!shed" th!n5!n/ of themsel7es as r!/hteos" or delded by the!r self!shness. *erse )(. Chr!st w!ll answer them" solemnly assr!n/ them that what they hadn't done for one of the least of these" they d!d not do for ;!m. M!streat!n/ or not treat!n/ well" anyone that belon/ed to Chr!st" !s cons!dered as treat!n/ Chr!st !n that same way. *erse )6. The!r fate w!ll be e7erlast!n/ 0n!shment. The r!/hteos w!ll ha7e e7erlast!n/ l!fe. Matthew's record of Chr!st's last d!scorse
%# Lesson L Cont!ned Matthew 6$#-(. Pred!ct!on of Crc!f!:!on. # 1nd !t came to 0ass" when Jess had f!n!shed all these say!n/s" he sa!d nto h!s d!sc!0les"  e 5now that after two days !s the feast of the 0asso7er" and the on of man !s betrayed to be crc!f!ed. 3  Then assembled to/ether the ch!ef 0r!ests" and the scr!bes" and the elders of the 0eo0le" nto the 0alace of the h!/h 0r!est" who was called Ca!'a0has" ) and conslted that they m!/ht ta5e Jess by sbt!lty" and 5!ll h!m. ( t they sa!d" ?ot on the feast day" lest there be an 0roar amon/ the 0eo0le. 1fter the 0re7!os e:0lanat!on of ftre @d/ment" Jess trns to e7ents close at hand. *erses #". ;e states that the Passo7er lamb !s to be eaten on the com!n/ Thrsday <#)th of ? san=" that !s after two days. Jess had already 0red!cted ;!s crc!f!:!on to the d!sc!0les more than tw!ce. ;ere he tells them on what day <r!day= the crc!f!:!on w!ll ta5e 0lace. That w!ll be when ;e !s handed o7er. Th!s also !nd!cates 2od's 0lan and ;!s a/reement to >lay down> ;!s l!fe for the sal7at!on of man5!nd. The whole 0r0ose of the Passo7er was to 0o!nt to the sacr!f!ce of Jess as the Lamb of 2od. The Jew!sh Leaders were /o!n/ to try to 0lan for Jess' death - bt not dr!n/ the Passo7er est!7al for fear of a r!ot. *erses 3-(. e7eral as0ects of Jess' m!n!stry had arosed @ealosy and en7y as well as threats to the!r leadersh!0 and athor!ty o7er the 0eo0le" to the ch!ef 0r!ests and elders of the 0eo0le. The!r res0onse was to meet !n the h!/h 0r!est's 0alace and 0lot by some tr!c5 to arrest Jess and /et ;!m 0t to death. The m!racles" the ra!s!n/ of LaAars" the Tr!m0hal entry" the cleans!n/ of the Tem0le" the 0o!nted 0arables a/a!nst them" all added to the 0erce!7ed need to /et r!d of Jess. The 0lot was not new. To 0lan to actally carry !t ot was now seen as necessary. The 0res!d!n/ off!cer" h!/h 0r!est" was Ca!a0has. ;e had been a00o!nted h!/h 0r!est by 2rats" 0redecessor of Pont!s P!late" !n the year #& 1.D. ;e was son !n law of 1nnas - the 0re7!os h!/h 0r!est. ;e may be descr!bed as sly" man!0lat!7e" and loo5!n/ ot for h!s own best !nterests. The meet!n/ 7ery l!5ely also !nclded scr!bes. The 0lot to el!m!nate Jess was by th!s t!me of lon/stand!n/
% Lesson L Cont!ned more away from the 0bl!c eye. Meet!n/s were not allowed w!th!n the tem0le com0le: at n!/ht. There wold be thosands of 2al!lean 0!l/r!ms !n the c!ty of Jersalem for the Passo7er. That many wold be followers of Jess led to these leaders to 0lan to wa!t nt!l they had left the c!ty to act. The ne:0ected offer of betrayal by Jdas wold chan/e the!r 0lans. Matthew 6$6-#3. 1no!nt!n/ at ethany. 6  ?ow when Jess was !n ethany" !n the hose of !mon the le0er" % there came nto h!m a woman ha7!n/ an alabaster bo: of 7ery 0rec!os o!ntment" and 0ored !t on h!s head" as he sat at meat. & t when h!s d!sc!0les saw !t" they had !nd!/nat!on" say!n/" To what 0r0ose !s th!s wasteK + or th!s o!ntment m!/ht ha7e been sold for mch" and /!7en to the 0oor. #, 4hen Jess nderstood !t" he sa!d nto them" 4hy troble ye the womanK for she hath wro/ht a /ood wor5 0on me. ## or ye ha7e the 0oor always w!th yoE bt me ye ha7e not always. # or !n that she hath 0ored th!s o!ntment on my body" she d!d !t for my br!al. #3 *er!ly I say nto yo" 4heresoe7er th!s /os0el shall be 0reached !n the whole world" there shall also th!s" that th!s woman hath done" be told for a memor!al of her. *erses 6"%.
%3 Lesson L Cont!ned *erses #,"##. Jess had to 0o!nt ot to ;!s d!sc!0les the m!s/!ded way they were th!n5!n/. They mst only loo5 at what th!s bel!e7!n/ woman had done for ;!m. There wold always be o00ortn!t!es for bel!e7ers to share and benef!t the 0oor. There was only a 7ery l!m!ted t!me for anyone to show ;!m s0ec!al cons!derat!on and honor. ;ow s0ec!al th!s act was Jess !s abot to re7eal. *erse #. Jess !s say!n/ that Mary" whether consc!osly aware of !t or not" had ano!nted Jess for ;!s soon com!n/ death and br!al. It was L5e who recorded that she also ano!nted ;!s feet and w!0ed them w!th her ha!r
%) Lesson L Cont!ned #& 1nd he sa!d" 2o !nto the c!ty to sch a man" and say nto h!m" The Master sa!th" My t!me !s at handE I w!ll 5ee0 the 0asso7er at thy hose w!th my d!sc!0les. #+ 1nd the d!sc!0les d!d as Jess had a00o!nted themE and they made ready the 0asso7er. ,  ?ow when the e7en was come" he sat down w!th the twel7e. # 1nd as they d!d eat" he sa!d" *er!ly I say nto yo" that one of yo shall betray me.  1nd they were e:ceed!n/ sorrowfl" and be/an e7ery one of them to say nto h!m" Lord" !s !t IK 3 1nd he answered and sa!d" ;e that d!00eth h!s hand w!th me !n the d!sh" the same shall betray me. ) The on of man /oeth as !t !s wr!tten of h!m$ bt woe nto that man by whom the on of man !s betrayed !t had been /ood for that man !f he had not been born. ( Then Jdas" wh!ch betrayed h!m" answered and sa!d" Master" !s !t IK ;e sa!d nto h!m" Tho hast sa!d. *erse #%. The f!rst day of the east of Gnlea7ened read" the d!sc!0les en9!red of Jess where they were to 0re0are the Passo7er s00er to be made ready. 7eryth!n/ mst be 0rchased and made ready accord!n/ to :ods #$3. The Lamb sacr!f!ced !n the tem0le" nlea7ened bread" b!tter herbs" and w!ne bro/ht to the 0lace. It mst now be Thrsday morn!n/" w!th no t!me for delay. *erse #&. Jess d!rects them to /o to the c!ty and a certa!n 0erson wold be carry!n/ a 0!tcher of water One of yo> to betray meant to hand ;!m o7er to athor!t!es. They cold not d!sbel!e7e what Jess sa!d" for ;e only s0o5e the trth.

%( Lesson L Cont!ned *erse . Th!s led the d!sc!0les to 9est!on the!r own hearts. Cold they really trst themsel7es to be e:em0t from th!s terr!ble 0oss!b!l!tyK Ths d!strbed w!th!n" one by one they be/an to say to Jess" >rely not I" LordK> The 9est!on !s 0hrased to e:0ected the des!red ne/at!7e res0onse wh!ch they each ho0e for. Jess does not !mmed!ately /!7e them 0eace. ;e wanted !t to s!n5 !n. ;e was the ;ost" they ;!s /ests" shar!n/ ;!s food at ;!s table. That anyone cold e7en th!n5 of 7!olat!n/ ;!s hos0!tal!ty was nth!n5able. Th!s 0o!nted to the e7!l character of the one" the tra!tor. Th!s /a7e Jdas an accrate 0!ctre of the ser!osness of h!s 0lan and the necessary conse9ences. Th!s warn!n/ also /a7e h!m a chance to chan/e h!s m!nd - !f he /oes onward from here" h!s /!lt !s the /reater. Tho/h Jess was flly !n control of the s!tat!on" !t mst ha7e /r!e7ed ;!m that Jdas cold choose to betray ;!m. Th!s was also a t!me of self-e:am!nat!on for the other d!sc!0les to test the!r own mot!7es" the!r alle/!ance and fa!thflness to the!r Lord. *erse ). Jess assres them that the cr!0tres concern!n/ the sacr!f!ce of the on of man w!ll be flf!lled. t woe to the man who betrays ;!m. It wold ha7e been better for that man !f he had ne7er been born. Th!s was to rem!nd the d!sc!0les that ;e mst d!e accord!n/ to the cr!0tres as the sacr!f!ce for the!r s!ns. Th!s went a/a!nst the trad!t!onal role of Mess!ah bel!e7ed by the Jew!sh 0eo0le to be the con9er!n/ hero. Th!s was actally based on the cr!0tres of Chr!st's econd Com!n/. 4hen ;e !s 5!lled" the d!sc!0les mst th!n5 bac5 to these words and real!Ae that all was accord!n/ to 2od's 0lan. 7en so" man's res0ons!b!l!ty rema!ns. ;e had" at e7ery 0o!nt" a chance to chan/e h!s m!nd and not /o thro/h w!th the 0lot" es0ec!ally here at Chr!st's d!rect warn!n/$ h!s damnat!on wold be eternal woe. *erse (. Jdas" who was !n the 7ery 0rocess of betray!n/ ;!m" ha7!n/ the 3, 0!eces of s!l7er on h!s 0erson" has the ner7e to also as5" >rely not I" Babb!K> 100arently he feels !t was necessary to !m!tate the others" otherw!se he wold st!c5 ot and 9est!ons wold be ra!sed. Perha0s he also tho/ht that Jess d!d not really 5now. ?ot!ce that he d!d not say >Lord> as the others d!d" bt the lesser t!tle of >Babb!>. Jess then sa!d to h!m" >o sa!d !t> In other words" >es>. John adds that Jess then sa!d to h!m to /o ahead and hrry 0 w!th h!s 0lans
%6 Lesson LI Matthew 6$6-3,. The Lord's 00er. 6  1nd as they were eat!n/" Jess too5 bread" and blessed !t" and bra5e !t" and /a7e !t to the d!sc!0les" and sa!d" Ta5e" eatE th!s !s my body. % 1nd he too5 the c0" and /a7e than5s" and /a7e !t to them" say!n/" Dr!n5 ye all of !tE & for th!s !s my blood of the new testament" wh!ch !s shed for many for the rem!ss!on of s!ns. + t I say nto yo" I w!ll not dr!n5 henceforth of th!s fr!t of the 7!ne" nt!l that day when I dr!n5 !t new w!th yo !n my ather's 5!n/dom. 3,  1nd when they had sn/ a hymn" they went ot !nto the mont of Ol!7es. The Passo7er becomes the Lord's 00er. *erse 6. 1 few more hors and the symbol of the bloody sacr!f!ce of a lamb w!ll ha7e ser7ed !ts 0r0ose nto the sacr!f!ce of Jess Chr!st on the cross" once and for all. The new symbols mst not re9!re shedd!n/ of blood" bt mst re0resent !t. oth are to 0o!nt to ;!m. The Lord's 00er mst 0o!nt bac5 to ;!s sacr!f!ce as the Passo7er 0o!nted forward to !t. Jess too5 a 0!ece of th!n/" flat nlea7ened bread" /a7e than5s" and started brea5!n/ !t !nto 0!eces. ;e /a7e a 0!ece to each of ;!s d!sc!0les" tell!n/ them that th!s bread re0resented ;!s body" wh!ch was to be bro5en for them. ;e was ta5!n/ the!r 0lace" and dy!n/ the death they deser7ed" that they may l!7e nto 2od. *erses %"&. Then ;e too5 the c0 and /a7e than5s. ;e /a7e !t to all" say!n/ to dr!n5. Th!s re0resented the blood of the new co7enant" wh!ch !s 0ored ot for many for the for/!7eness of s!ns. Th!s was to be 0ract!ced !n lo7!n/ remembrance of ;!s sacr!f!ce nt!l he retrns. Th!s !ncldes th!n5!n/ abot the de0th and breadth of ;!s sacr!f!ce" acce0t!n/ !t 0ersonally by fa!th" and 5ee0!n/ ;!m !n remembrance" !n l!7!n/ da!ly ho0e" watch!n/ for ;!s retrn !n /lory. The stress rema!ns on the w!ne as !t re0resents Chr!st's s0!lt blood not on the 7essel
%% Lesson LI Cont!ned *erse +. Th!s fr!t of the 7!ne was certa!nly fermented /ra0e @!ce" the 5!nd of w!ne sed at Passo7er. ;e therefore !s not only 0o!nt!n/ bac5ward to ;!s sacr!f!ce !n the Commn!on" bt also forward to the t!me that ;e w!ll be celebrat!n/ w!th ;!s chrch !n the 5!n/dom /!7en nto ;!m by the ather" an e7erlast!n/ 5!n/dom. *erse 3,. The cstom was at the close of the Passo7er to s!n/ hymns" most l!5ely Psalms ##(-##&. These were of 0ra!se and than5s/!7!n/ and trst!n/ !n 2od. Then they went ot" cross!n/ the broo5" edron" and entered the /arden /ro7e called 2ethsemane. It !s located near the foot of the Mont of Ol!7es. Matthew 6$3#-3(. Peter's Den!al oretold. 3# Then sa!th Jess nto them" 1ll ye shall be offended becase of me th!s n!/ht$ for !t !s wr!tten" I w!ll sm!te the she0herd" and the shee0 of the floc5 shall be scattered abroad. 3 t after I am r!sen a/a!n" I w!ll /o before yo !nto 2al!lee. 33 Peter answered and sa!d nto h!m" Tho/h all men shall be offended becase of thee" yet w!ll I ne7er be offended. 3) Jess sa!d nto h!m" *er!ly I say nto thee" That th!s n!/ht" before the coc5 crow" tho shalt deny me thr!ce. 3( Peter sa!d nto h!m" Tho/h I shold d!e w!th thee" yet w!ll I not deny thee. L!5ew!se also sa!d all the d!sc!0les. >Then> !nd!cates a la0se of t!me" th!s d!scorse ha00en!n/ after lea7!n/ the G00er Boom" on the way to 2ethsemane. Perha0s towards ## !n the e7en!n/. Th!s 7ery n!/ht all of them wold be ntre to the!r Lord. 1s shee0 of the floc5 scatter when the she0herd !s strc5 down. Th!s flf!lls the 0ro0hecy of Fechar!ah #3$#. It was 2od the ather who >s0ared not ;!s own on>
%& Lesson LI Cont!ned *erse 33. Peter now reacts to what Jess had sa!d 0re7!osly <7erse 3#=. ;e cla!ms that tho/h all the others may become ntre" he w!ll ne7er do so. That he bel!e7ed th!s at the t!me !s not 9est!oned. 4hat !s 9est!oned !s h!s 5nowled/e of h!s own wea5nesses. !rst he 9est!ons what Chr!st sa!d - that !t cold not be tre of h!m. econd" he 0laces h!mself abo7e h!s fellows as tho/h he cold bel!e7e the!r becom!n/ ntre bt not h!mself. Th!rd" th!s was a swell!n/ of h!s 0r!deE he was certa!nly better than all the rest. *erse 3). Th!s was a character flaw that Jess mst br!n/ to Peter's attent!on !n the most forcefl way ;e mst be bro/ht low to face h!s tre wea5ness" and /r!e7os s!n. Jess solemnly declares to h!m" that on that 7ery n!/ht" before the coc5 crows" he shall deny ;!m three t!mes. It was to ha00en before dawn. Three t!mes he w!ll be accsed of be!n/ Jess' follower" and three t!mes he w!ll deny !t. Th!s shows the 0ro0het!c off!ce of Chr!st - the deta!l of three t!mes and before morn!n/
%+ Lesson LI Cont!ned ) ;e went away a/a!n the second t!me" and 0rayed" say!n/" O my ather" !f th!s c0 may not 0ass away from me" e:ce0t I dr!n5 !t" thy w!ll be done. )3 1nd he came and fond them aslee0 a/a!n$ for the!r eyes were hea7y. )) 1nd he left them" and went away a/a!n" and 0rayed the th!rd t!me" say!n/ the same words. )( Then cometh he to h!s d!sc!0les" and sa!th nto them" lee0 on now" and ta5e yor rest$ behold" the hor !s at hand" and the on of man !s betrayed !nto the hands of s!nners. )6 B!se" let s be /o!n/$ behold" he !s at hand that doth betray me. *erse 36. Jess and ;!s d!sc!0les tra7eled to a 0lace called 2ethsemane. Th!s was ot of the eastern /ate of the c!ty" north of the Tem0le. The road crossed the broo5 called edron on to the Mont of Ol!7es. There an enclosed /ro7e of ol!7e trees was called the 2arden of 2ethsemane. There was also 0erha0s an ol!7e 0ress. It !s l!5ely that 0erm!ss!on had been obta!ned from the owner" s!nce Jess and ;!s d!sc!0les went there often" and s0ent the n!/ht. It was 0r!7ate" seclded" 9!et. ;e s//ests that the d!sc!0les s!t and rest somewhat near the entrance" wh!le ;e wold /o frther !n to 0ray. *erse 3%. ;e lea7es the &" ta5!n/ Peter and the two sons of Febedee w!th ;!m. Best was needed by all and !t was late. That Jess too5 Peter w!th the other two after h!s recent boast!n/ shows Jess' concern and for/!7!n/ lo7e. Th!s also shows that Jess needed hman com0an!onsh!0. It was then that the com!n/ e7ents be/an to o7er0ower ;!s hman sol. ;e be/an to be f!lled w!th sorrow and an/!sh. To face the bear!n/ of the s!ns of all man5!nd" the 0a!n" sffer!n/" and forsa5enness of that f!nal sacr!f!ce where e7en the ather wold trn away from ;!m" mst ha7e been o7erwhelm!n/. Th!s 0ls the betrayal" hatred" accsat!ons" condemnat!on of the rel!/!os leaders" crelty of the sold!ers and P!late" the crc!f!:!on !tself - to contem0late all th!s at once !s n!ma/!nable. *erse 3&. ;e e:0ressed ;!s be!n/ o7erwhelmed w!th sorrow to the 0o!nt of death. ;e as5ed them to stay w!th ;!m and rema!n awa5e w!th ;!m. Th!s feel!n/ wold not lea7e ;!m nt!l ;e" on the cross" cold say" >It !s f!n!shed.> ;e faced the tho/ht of sto00!n/. To face sorrow to the 0o!nt of death means that death wold be better than cont!n!n/ the 0ath of nalterable sffer!n/. et ;e" at e7ery 0o!nt" chose to cont!ne on

&, Lesson LI Cont!ned the 0ath to the cross" and or sal7at!on. That ded!cat!on and lo7e !s nfathomable to man5!nd" self!sh and s!nfl as we are. Th!s demands or cont!nal and ndy!n/ than5flness and fa!thfl /rat!tde for or ent!re l!7es" here and hereafter. *erse 3+. The a/ony becomes more !ntense. ;e /oes a l!ttle farther !nto the center of the /arden" and threw ;!mself face down to the /rond !n 0rayer to ;!s ather. ;e has left the three some small d!stance beh!nd. ;e says" >O my ather" !f !t be 0oss!ble" let th!s c0 0ass from me$ ne7ertheless" not as I w!ll" bt as tho w!lt.> The c0 relates to the tas5 of be!n/ man5!nd's a7!or and all that !t enta!ls. Jess as5s !f !t !s 0oss!ble ;e w!shes to be s0ared. t ;e closes w!th com0lete sbm!ss!on to the w!ll of the ather. L5e records that an an/el from hea7en came to stren/then ;!m 4atch and 0ray" that ye enter not !nto tem0tat!on...> They are admon!shed to watch o7er the!r s0!r!tal dec!s!ons" accord!n/ to the!r fa!th and e:0er!ence w!th ;!m. They were not able to do th!s. Jess adds >the s0!r!t !ndeed !s w!ll!n/" bt the flesh !s wea5.> In th!s 0art!clar n!/ht Jess had felt the e:treme need of 0rayer for stren/th" so mch more the d!sc!0les need stren/th to w!thstand the com!n/ tem0tat!on. ;man natre !s so t!ed to the flesh" and wea5 toward the call of the s0!r!t" bt stron/ was the 0ll of self-!nterest and 0reser7at!on of self. The d!sc!0les !n the!r s0!r!ts were ea/er to rema!n alert and on /ard" bt becase of the wea5ness of the flesh" they were not able to do so. *erse ). The second t!me" Jess went th!s c0 of sffer!n/ m!/ht 0ass ather's w!ll. The em0has!s here states that the foremost dty of the death on the cross.

away and 0rayed to the ather that from ;!m" and a/a!n bowed to the !s >Thy w!ll be done.> Th!s 0la!nly the on of 2od !s obed!ence" e7en to

&# Lesson LI Cont!ned *erses )3. 4hate7er the!r dee0est des!res the d!sc!0les were nable to rema!n awa5e. >1nd he came and fond them aslee0 a/a!n$ for the!r eyes were hea7y.> ?one" e7en the select three" were able to stay awa5e" watch and 0ray w!th Jess. *erse )). 1/a!n" by ;!mself" Jess was alone !n 0ray!n/ to the ather. ;!s dee0est concerns" wh!ch ended !n ;!s ded!cat!on and cho!ce to flf!ll the w!ll of the ather. *erse )(a. Then ;e comes to the d!sc!0les and says to them" >lee0 on now" and ta5e yor rest...> Jess be/an by as5!n/ ;!s d!sc!0les to stay awa5e and watch w!th ;!m" now !s com0ass!onately watch!n/ o7er them. ;e has faced ;!s fears and won the 7!ctory. ;e has reaff!rmed ;!s comm!tment to the ather's w!ll and been stren/thened thro/h 0rayer. Tho/h they fa!l ;!m" ;e ne7er fa!ls them. The t!me between these words and the ne:t !s n5nown" bt !t !s a short drat!on. 1t some 0o!nter later Jess cold see the l!/hts of the a00roach!n/ band of men. ;e then 5nows that the d!sc!0les mst be arosed. *erse )(b. >ehold" the hor !s at hand" and the on of man !s betrayed !nto the hands of s!nners.> >ehold> means >loo5>" 0ay attent!on to what's ha00en!n/. The betrayer !s here w!th those he betrayed ;!m to. *erse )6. >B!se" let s be /o!n/$ behold" he !s at hand that doth betray me.> Bather than wa5!n/ them 0 !n fear" and to rn away" Jess !s /o!n/ to /o ot of the /arden to meet them. ;e 5new who !t was" and why they had come. ;e chose to /o to them and follow the 0ath to the cross" as ;e 5new as the central 0r0ose of ;!s !ncarnat!on. It was as !f ;e was ea/er to flf!ll the tas5 the ather had /!7en ;!m to do. ?e:t" the arrest.

& Lesson LII Matthew 6$)%-(6. etrayal and 1rrest. )%  1nd wh!le he yet s0a5e" lo" Jdas" one of the twel7e" came" and w!th h!m a /reat mlt!tde w!th swords and sta7es" from the ch!ef 0r!ests and elders of the 0eo0le. )& ?ow he that betrayed h!m /a7e them a s!/n" say!n/" 4homsoe7er I shall 5!ss" that same !s heE hold h!m fast. )+ 1nd forthw!th he came to Jess" and sa!d" ;a!l" MasterE and 5!ssed h!m. (, 1nd Jess sa!d nto h!m" r!end" wherefore art tho comeK Then came they" and la!d hands on Jess" and too5 h!m. (# 1nd" behold" one of them wh!ch were w!th Jess stretched ot h!s hand" and drew h!s sword" and strc5 a ser7ant of the h!/h 0r!est" and smote off h!s ear. ( Then sa!d Jess nto h!m" Pt 0 a/a!n thy sword !nto h!s 0lace$ for all they that ta5e the sword shall 0er!sh w!th the sword. (3 Th!n5est tho that I cannot now 0ray to my ather" and he shall 0resently /!7e me more than twel7e le/!ons of an/elsK () t how then shall the cr!0tres be flf!lled" that ths !t mst beK (( In that same hor sa!d Jess to the mlt!tdes" 1re ye come ot as a/a!nst a th!ef w!th swords and sta7es for to ta5e meK I sat da!ly w!th yo teach!n/ !n the tem0le" and ye la!d no hold on me. (6 t all th!s was done" that the cr!0tres of the 0ro0hets m!/ht be flf!lled. Then all the d!sc!0les forsoo5 h!m" and fled. *erse )%. 4h!le Jess aroses the d!sc!0les and /oes ahead of them ot of the /arden" the a00roach!n/ crowd arr!7es. Jdas !s !n the lead. ;e had 0rom!sed to s0ec!f!cally !dent!fy Jess at a t!me and 0lace that wold be secret and 0r!7ate. Th!s was !n a remote area" late !n the n!/ht" !n the dar5" where no one wold be aware" or obser7e what was be!n/ done. 1 /ro0 of tem0le 0ol!ce" as well as a /ro0 of Boman sold!ers had been /athered. Members of the h!/h 0r!est's class and of the anhedr!n were also !n the /ro0. Lanterns" clbs" and swords were made ready and assembled. Jdas was correct that Jess and the d!sc!0les had retrned to th!s /arden as they had often done before. It had been a/reed that Jdas wold ste0 forward and !dent!fy Jess 0ersonally by /reet!n/ h!m w!th the 5!ss of res0ect" a trad!t!on st!ll 0ract!ced by many cltres. The tem0le 0ol!ce torches and lanterns> at a t!me when the

&3 Lesson LII Cont!ned moon was fll !nd!cates that these wold be necessary to search for someone that wold be try!n/ to h!de !n the shadows of the ol!7e /ro7e. >O7er5!ll> comes to m!nd. Jess went ot to meet them. They were 0re0ared to see5 ot and forceflly arrest a cr!m!nal" a re7olt!onary" a troble-ma5er" accsed of want!n/ to o7erthrow the Boman o00ress!on. Th!s was !n s0!te of the fact that there was absoltely no e7!dence to th!s effect" !n Jess' words or act!ons. In fact" all Jess sa!d and d!d e:em0l!f!ed the 7ery o00os!te. *erses )&")+. The /ro0 had been told that the one Jdas s!n/led ot and 5!ssed" they were to /rab. 1t the moment the /ro0 arr!7ed" and Jess went forward" Jdas went 0 to Jess and sa!d" >;ello" Babb!> and 5!ssed h!m dramat!cally" so that there wold be no dobt. Th!s 0rearran/ed s!/n" the /reet!n/ of fr!endsh!0 and affect!on" was the one they mst /rab" b!nd" and arrest. *erse (,. Jess for all they that ta5e the sword shall 0er!sh w!th the sword.> Th!s was not Peter's role" nor shold !t be for any Chr!st!an. Jess e:0la!ns that !f force or f!/ht!n/ was the way to con9er man's s!n" then ;e cold call on ;!s ather for # le/!ons of an/els to destroy th!s 0resent threat. t that was ne7er the 0o!nt. ;!s m!ss!on cold not be flf!lled !n that way. The 0ro0hec!es concern!n/ the a7!or" the Lamb of 2od" mst be flf!lled. Otherw!se man wold ha7e no way of reconc!l!at!on w!th 2od.

&) Lesson LII Cont!ned *erse ((. Jess then s0o5e to all those assembled a/a!nst ;!m. ;e wants them to th!n5 abot what they were do!n/" contrasted w!th what ;e had done. ;e had been teach!n/ 0eace and lo7e" for/!7eness and reconc!l!at!on w!th 2od" da!ly !n the Tem0le. ?ow loo5 how they had come after ;!m" l!5e ;e was a cr!m!nal" a th!ef. They had come w!th ser!os wea0ons" as !f they tho/ht they wold ha7e to se them" to force ;!m to come w!th them. ;e actally had come forward" show!n/ ;!mself to them. They d!d not need the lanterns and torches to search for ;!m h!d!n/ !n the shadows. 7en members of the anhedr!n were there
&( Lesson LII Cont!ned nto h!m" I ad@re thee by the l!7!n/ 2od" that tho tell s whether tho be the Chr!st" the on of 2od. 6) Jess sa!th nto h!m" Tho hast sa!d$ ne7ertheless I say nto yo" ;ereafter shall ye see the on of man s!tt!n/ on the r!/ht hand of 0ower" and com!n/ !n the clods of hea7en. 6( Then the h!/h 0r!est rent h!s clothes" say!n/" ;e hath s0o5en blas0hemyE what frther need ha7e we of w!tnessesK behold" now ye ha7e heard h!s blas0hemy. 66 4hat th!n5 yeK They answered and sa!d" ;e !s /!lty of death. 6% Then d!d they s0!t !n h!s face" and bffeted h!mE and others smote h!m w!th the 0alms of the!r hands" 6& say!n/" Pro0hesy nto s" tho Chr!st" 4ho !s he that smote theeK Jess was to /o thro/h both the rel!/!os
&6 Lesson LII Cont!ned *erses (+"6,a. Matthew trns to the Tr!al. The ch!ef 0r!ests and all the anhedr!n now assembled had one 0r0ose$ namely to f!nd any false test!mony a/a!nst Jess that wold allow them to demand Jess be 0t to death. Tho/h many false w!tnesses d!d come forward" none had stron/ eno/h test!mony nor d!d any two a/ree stron/ly eno/h for the 0r0ose. be le/al.y Jew!sh law two w!tnesses had to a/ree for a con7!ct!on to To sentence Jess to death and e:0ect the Jew!sh 0eo0le to acce0t that 7erd!ct" there had be to @st case. o also for the Bomans s!nce they only had the athor!ty to carry ot a death sentence. It was a /reat condemnat!on of the natre of s!nfl men that they 0resmed to @d/e and condemn the !nless One. There ne7er was any !ntent to /!7e Jess a fa!r hear!n/" or follow rles accord!n/ to rel!able w!tnesses or the laws of e7!dence. In fact" many Jew!sh laws were 7!olated$ #.= ?!/ht tr!als were !lle/al. .= There were not to be any e:ect!ons dr!n/ the east or Passo7er den of th!e7es> wh!ch showed the!r tre worldl!ness and /reed. They had been !dent!f!ed as hy0ocr!tes and 0osers" 0r!defl and ncar!n/" otwardly r!/hteos bt !nwardly fll of s!n. 4hat they called a tr!al was really a carry!n/ ot of the!r secret 0lot. They see5 false w!tnesses. They all condemn ;!m as deser7!n/ death. *erses 6,b"6#. !nally two came forward that a/reed !n the!r test!mony as to someth!n/ blas0hemos that they had heard Jess say$ >I am able to destroy the tem0le of 2od" and to b!ld !t !n three days.> Th!s 9ote relates to John $#+. Jess ne7er cla!med that ;e was /o!n/ to destroy the Tem0le. They cla!med th!s was blas0hemy a/a!nst 2od's ;oly Tem0le.

&% Lesson LII Cont!ned *erses 6"63a. That Jess rema!ns s!lent 0sets Ca!a0has. ;e !s 0res!d!n/ and e:0ects Jess to act as any other accsed 0erson. ;e /ets 0set to the 0o!nt of /ett!n/ 0 and demand!n/ that Jess answer these accsers. Th!s !s a ser!os char/e a/a!nst ;!m" srely ;e mst ha7e some defense. Jess says not a word. Th!s flf!lls Isa!ah )$#-)E (3$% <;e o0ened not ;!s moth=. Th!s was not to the ad7anta/e of the tr!al 0roceed!n/. *erse 63b. To the cr: of the matter" the h!/h 0r!est demands" by oath on the L!7!n/ 2od" Jess mst state clearly whether ;e cla!ms to be the Chr!st" the on of 2od. Jess had 0re7!osly on se7eral occas!ons sa!d so$ to the amar!tan woman" and when ;e had been called the on of Da7!d" and sa!d that as the on of man ;e wold @d/e all men <($3#-)6=. ;e had clearly been teach!n/ ;!s d!sc!0les that ;!s mess!ahsh!0 was as the ffer!n/ er7ant. Th!s was the 0ro7!dent!al o00ortn!ty to once and for all o0enly ac5nowled/e ;!s role as 2od's on. *erse 6). Jess re0l!ed" >o sa!d !t> mean!n/ that ;e a/rees w!th what the man had sa!d. ;e then 0roceeds to e:0la!n the mean!n/ - wh!ch /oes far beyond the 0resent e7ents" the hm!l!at!on and death" to the /reat /lory accom0l!shed. rom that t!me on ;e shall rea00ear as 2od's on at 2od's r!/ht hand" and com!n/ !n the clods of hea7en what frther need ha7e we of w!tnessesK behold" now ye ha7e heard h!s blas0hemy.> *erse 66. ;e /oes on to as5 the crowd what they th!n5 - ob7!osly be!n/

&& Lesson LII Cont!ned conf!dent that they cold only a/ree w!th h!m. It was abot 3 1.M. by th!s t!me. That a solt!on had a00eared /a7e them all a way ot" an end to the lon/ cam0a!/n to /et r!d of th!s 0start" d!sr0tor" rebel" cr!m!nal. They answered" >;e !s /!lty of death.> Th!s was a 7erd!ct" fond /!lty. 1ccord!n/ to the law" a day !nter7al shold ela0se before the sentence to be 0assed. Th!s /ro0 cold not ta5e that amont of t!me. It wold be too dan/eros to the!r 0r0ose. It wold /!7e Jess' followers a chance to or/an!Ae a re7olt" or 0rotest on ;!s behalf. Once !t !s day" the anhedr!n wold formally meet and 0ass sentence. To ha7e the sentence carr!ed ot" they mst con7!nce the Boman athor!ty to carry ot the e:ect!on. *erses 6%" 6&. Jess was then treated crelly by the Tem0le 0ol!ce and 0alace /ards. They s0at !n ;!s face and strc5 ;!m w!th the!r f!sts. Others sla00ed ;!m and sa!d that ;e" be!n/ the Chr!st" shold be able to tell them who sla00ed ;!m. Mar5 and L5e ment!on that they bl!ndfolded ;!m ;e was des0!sed and re@ected by men" wonded for or trans/ress!ons" br!sed for or !n!9!t!es.>
&+ Lesson LIII Matthew 6$6+-%(. Peter Den!es the Lord Three T!mes. 6+  ?ow Peter sat w!thot !n the 0alace$ and a damsel came nto h!m" say!n/" Tho also wast w!th Jess of 2al!lee. %, t he den!ed before them all" say!n/" I 5now not what tho sayest. %# 1nd when he was /one ot !nto the 0orch" another ma!d saw h!m" and sa!d nto them that were there" Th!s fellow was also w!th Jess of ?aAareth. % 1nd a/a!n he den!ed w!th an oath" I do not 5now the man. %3 1nd after a wh!le came nto h!m they that stood by" and sa!d to Peter" rely tho also art one of themE for thy s0eech betrayeth thee. %) Then be/an he to crse and to swear" say!n/" I 5now not the man. 1nd !mmed!ately the coc5 crew. %( 1nd Peter remembered the word of Jess" wh!ch sa!d nto h!m" efore the coc5 crow" tho shalt deny me thr!ce. 1nd he went ot" and we0t b!tterly. *erse 6+. Peter's story !s cont!ned from 7erse (& where he was !n the cortyard. 1 ser7ant /!rl comes 0 to h!m and s!m0ly states that he too had been w!th Jess of 2al!lee. Th!s was l!5ely the /ate-5ee0er who had adm!tted Peter at John's re9est" who she 5new to be a d!sc!0le of Jess. he was released !n chan/e of sh!ft" and now comes to the cortyard where she obser7es Peter" ob7!osly 9!te ner7os. L5e descr!bes her as f!:!n/ her eyes on h!m <$(6=. he ste0s e7en closer when she ma5es her statement - whether accsat!on of /!lt or not" Peter ta5es !t as a threat and re0l!es. *erse %,. Peter !s ta5en by sr0r!se and den!es !t" and cla!ms not to 5now what she !s tal5!n/ abot. The former bra7ado !s /one. ;e feels threatened. *erse %#. The second 9!c5ly follows. Peter lea7es the cortyard /ro0 and /oes ot near the /ate. There another /!rl sees h!m and says to those /athered there that he had been w!th Jess" now !dent!f!ed as from ?aAareth. ;a7!n/ left the /athered /ards and 0ol!ce" he was see5!n/ a way ot" bt before he reaches the /ate he !s a/a!n !dent!f!ed as a follower of Jess. Th!s was most l!5ely the /!rl who too5 the 0lace at the /ate of the /!rl that f!rst 0o!nted ot Peter as Chr!st's follower" and let her rel!ef 5now. L5e ment!ons a man who a/rees w!th th!s
+, Lesson LIII Cont!ned *erse %. Th!s t!me Peter ses an oath" say!n/ that he doesn't 5now the man. More threatened and frstrated" he ses an oath and calls Jess >the man> as !f he d!dn't 5now ;!s name. ;e was not allowed to lea7e so he retrns to the cortyard. *erse %3. 1bot an hor later" those stand!n/ arond the f!re came 0 to Peter and sa!d that certa!nly he !s one of Chr!st's followers" h!s manner of s0eech /!7es h!m away as be!n/ from 2al!lee also. ome were tal5!n/ abot h!m" some d!rectly to h!m. *erse %)"%(. !nally Peter be/an call!n/ down a crse on h!mself and to swear that he doesn't 5now the man. ;e a/a!n acts l!5e he doesn't 5now >the man> Jess. y say!n/ may 2od do th!s or that to h!m
+# Lesson LIII Cont!ned blood. % 1nd they too5 consel" and bo/ht w!th them the 0otter's f!eld" to bry stran/ers !n. & 4herefore that f!eld was called" The f!eld of blood" nto th!s day. + Then was flf!lled that wh!ch was s0o5en by Jerem!ah the 0ro0het" say!n/" 1nd they too5 the th!rty 0!eces of s!l7er" the 0r!ce of h!m that was 7aled" whom they of the ch!ldren of Israel d!d 7aleE #, and /a7e them for the 0otter's f!eld" as the Lord a00o!nted me. *erse #. The anhedr!n !s con7ened soon after daybrea5. The only 0r0ose was to ma5e off!c!al and le/al the fore/one 7erd!ct$ /!lty of blas0hemy" the sentence - death. Then" Jess mst be 9!c5ly ta5en before P!late to carry ot the sentence before any 0rotest can be monted. *erse . Th!s accom0l!shed" Jess was led away" a/a!n bond" and handed o7er to P!late the Boman /o7ernor. Only the Bomans held the r!/ht to e:ecte the death 0enalty. The 0lace was most lo/!cally the /o7ernor's hear!n/ rooms at the fortress of 1nton!a where the Boman /arr!son of sold!ers were hosed
+ Lesson LIII Cont!ned *erse (. It !s !m0l!ed that these men were !n the Tem0le" at the!r sal 0lace of /ather!n/ !n the Tem0le com0le:. Then Jdas threw the s!l7er 0!eces !nto the Tem0le - s//est!n/ that they were thrown !nto the sanctary or ;oly Place. 4hate7er h!s mot!7e" !t at least !s clear that he felt he mst retrn and /et r!d of th!s blood-money for the sa5e of h!s own consc!ence. ;e cold no lon/er l!7e w!th h!s act!on. ;e went off and han/ed h!mself. Only 2od 5nows the tre !ntents of th!s man's heart and the dest!nat!on of h!s sol. Most Chr!st!an scholars cons!der th!s s!c!de as a s!n" remorse - not re0entance nto fa!th and reconc!l!at!on and sal7at!on. *erse 6. The ch!ef 0r!ests d!d ha7e the eth!cs not to 0t the s!l7er !nto the Tem0le treasry" becase !t was money 0a!d for betrayal to the shedd!n/ of blood. Tho/h they had 0a!d th!s money to ha7e Chr!st betrayed" so they cold frther the!r 0lot to ha7e ;!m 5!lled" d!dn't bother them. Only that the money was retrned. ?ow they cla!med scr0los fa!thflness to 2od's law as to the se of th!s >blood money>. *erse &. o they sed !t to by a f!eld to be sed for the br!al of fore!/ners. It became thereafter 5nown as the !eld of lood. Th!s was a test!mony as to the sorce of the money. It was also s//ested that th!s 7alley was also the locat!on of Jdas' death. *erses +"#,. Jerem!ah #+ descr!bes Jdah and Jersalem shedd!n/ !nnocent blood. The Ch!ef Pr!ests and elders were 0rom!nent. 1 0otter !s ment!oned. The 7alley of ;!nnom !s ment!oned" where the Potter's !eld was located. It was chan/ed !n name to the *alley of la/hter wh!ch !s 7ery close to >The !eld of lood>. It becomes a well-5nown 0lace of br!al. The 0o!nt !s that the s!c!de of the betrayer and the 0rchase of th!s f!eld w!th h!s blood money were also 0ro0hes!ed. Matthew %$##-6. Jess efore P!late - Death entence. ##  1nd Jess stood before the /o7ernor$ and the /o7ernor as5ed h!m" say!n/" 1rt tho the !n/ of the JewsK 1nd Jess sa!d nto h!m" Tho sayest. # 1nd when he was accsed of the ch!ef 0r!ests and elders" he answered noth!n/. #3 Then sa!d P!late nto h!m" ;earest tho not how many th!n/s they w!tness a/a!nst theeK #) 1nd he answered h!m to ne7er a wordE !nsomch that the /o7ernor mar7eled /reatly.

+3 Lesson LIII Cont!ned #(  ?ow at that feast the /o7ernor was wont to release nto the 0eo0le a 0r!soner" whom they wold. #6 1nd they had then a notable 0r!soner" called arab'bas. #% Therefore when they were /athered to/ether" P!late sa!d nto them" 4hom w!ll ye that I release nto yoK arab'bas" or Jess wh!ch !s called Chr!stK #& or he 5new that for en7y they had del!7ered h!m. #+ 4hen he was set down on the @d/ment seat" h!s w!fe sent nto h!m" say!n/" ;a7e tho noth!n/ to do w!th that @st man$ for I ha7e sffered many th!n/s th!s day !n a dream becase of h!m. , t the ch!ef 0r!ests and elders 0ersaded the mlt!tde that they shold as5 arab'bas" and destroy Jess. # The /o7ernor answered and sa!d nto them" 4hether of the twa!n w!ll ye that I release nto yoK They sa!d" arab'bas.  P!late sa!th nto them" 4hat shall I do then w!th Jess wh!ch !s called Chr!stK They all say nto h!m" Let h!m be crc!f!ed. 3 1nd the /o7ernor sa!d" 4hy" what e7!l hath he doneK t they cr!ed ot the more" say!n/" Let h!m be crc!f!ed. )  4hen P!late saw that he cold 0re7a!l noth!n/" bt that rather a tmlt was made" he too5 water" and washed h!s hands before the mlt!tde" say!n/" I am !nnocent of the blood of th!s @st 0erson$ see ye to !t. ( Then answered all the 0eo0le" and sa!d" ;!s blood be on s" and on or ch!ldren. 6 Then released he arab'bas nto them$ and when he had scor/ed Jess" he del!7ered h!m to be crc!f!ed. The story of Jess be!n/ bro/ht before P!late that be/an !n 7erses #" now resmes. Matthew ta5es 0 h!s narrat!7e after the Jew!sh leaders ha7e bro/ht forth three accsat!ons$ #.= Jess 0er7erts the nat!on. .= ;e forb!ds Jews to 0ay tr!bte to Caesar. 3.= ;e cla!ms to be 5!n/
+) Lesson LIII Cont!ned 0eo0le was to ha7e the!r own 5!n/ and throw ot the Bomans. ?ow they were act!n/ !n Bome's fa7or and wanted one of the!r own to be 5!lled. Th!s was shoc5!n/ to P!late. t he had to /o thro/h the formal!ty of as5!n/. The answer$ >o sa!d !t.> Th!s was not an e7as!on bt an assert!7e a/reement. *erse #. Jess d!d not res0ond to the accsat!ons 0t forward by the ch!ef 0r!ests and elders. *erses #3"#). P!late 9est!ons Jess as to th!s lac5 of res0onse. Th!s was e:traord!nary to the /o7ernor. Certa!nly nl!5e any cr!m!nal" who wold 9!c5ly try to defend themsel7es a/a!nst e7ery s!n/le char/e. The other reason !s the com0lete contrast between the descr!0t!on of who Jess was and what ;e had done w!th the manner of man that stood before h!m. ;e was descr!bed as a 7!olent rebell!os troble-ma5er. Jess was so com0osed" 9!et" calm" and d!/n!f!ed. *erse #(. Matthew cont!nes w!th the attem0t by P!late to /et Jess released by call!n/ to m!nd a cstom to release a 0r!soner as 0art of the Passo7er celebrat!on. *erses #6"#%. Th!s was to be one 0!c5ed ot by the 0o0lace - P!late /!7es them the cho!ce of Jess or the notor!os cr!m!nal named arab'bas. Jess who !s called Chr!st !s ths com0ared to th!s robber and rebel already condemned to death for mrder
+( Lesson LIII Cont!ned r!/hteos man. Th!s act!on on her 0art to actally !nterr0t her hsband at th!s 0o!nt !n h!s 0bl!c off!ce shows des0erat!on. he was ob7!osly 0set and fearfl for her hsband !n deal!n/ w!th Jess. ?o frther deta!ls are recorded. ome cons!der th!s a d!7!nely re7ealed warn!n/ for P!late. ;e cold not off!c!ally a7o!d deal!n/ w!th Jess" tho/h he tr!ed re0eatedly to by 0rononc!n/ ;!m >not /!lty>. *erse #. The 9est!on !s re0eated" bt to P!late's sr0r!se they all say arab'bas. *erse . P!late was now des0erate. 4hat was he to do w!th Jess" a/a!n >who !s called Chr!st.> Jess had not been fond /!lty by h!m. y law he shold ha7e 0rononced Jess not /!lty and released h!m. The 0oss!b!l!ty of a r!ot mst ha7e seemed !mm!nent !f he d!d not ac9!esce to th!s assembled crowd. P!late re!nforced the contrast between Jess and arab'bas a/a!n by stat!n/ Jess as Chr!st Let ;!m be crc!f!ed.> *erse 3. P!late a/a!n stresses the fact that there has been no 0roof of any wron/do!n/ - noth!n/ e7!l" noth!n/ cr!m!nal. The crowd !/nored sch 0lease and only screamed the loder" >Let ;!m be crc!f!ed.> Th!s was l!5e a frenA!ed chant" o7er and o7er the same words. *erse ). ecase of the threat of a r!ot by the frenA!ed mob" he felt forced to /!7e !n or" !f a r!ot bro5e ot" he wold be held res0ons!ble by Bome and h!s @ob wold be /!7en to another. ;e too5 water and 0bl!cly washed h!s hands !n front of the crowd" say!n/" >I am !nnocent of the blood of th!s @st 0erson$ see ye to !t.> Th!s was not tre !n actal!ty s!nce he was to ac9!esce to the crowd's cry and order h!s sold!ers to scor/e Jess and then crc!fy ;!m. ;e shows the Jews that they are the trly /!lty ones. *erse (. Th!s records the ent!re crowd's re0ly that >;!s blood be on s" and on or ch!ldren.> 4!thot real!A!n/ !t at the t!me" that /enerat!on crsed themsel7es and the!r ch!ldren for re@ect!n/ the!r Mess!ah. *erse 6. Other deta!ls of these ste0s are recorded by John #+$#-#" wh!ch cl!ma:es !n the crowd cla!m!n/ to ha7e no 5!n/ bt Caesar. Matthew /!7es a br!ef rec!tat!on of P!late's f!nal act!on. ;e

+6 Lesson LIII Cont!ned released arab'bas" and had Jess flo//ed and handed ;!m o7er to be crc!f!ed. 1fter the flo//!n/" Jess was so !n@red that a man <!mon of Cyrene= was com0elled to f!n!sh carry!n/ Jess' cross.
+% Lesson LI* Matthew %$%-)). The Moc5ery and Crc!f!:!on. %  Then the sold!ers of the /o7ernor too5 Jess !nto the common hall" and /athered nto h!m the whole band of sold!ers. & 1nd they str!00ed h!m" and 0t on h!m a scarlet robe. + 1nd when they had 0latted a crown of thorns" they 0t !t 0on h!s head" and a reed !n h!s r!/ht hand$ and they bowed the 5nee before h!m" and moc5ed h!m" say!n/" ;a!l" !n/ of the Jews 3, 1nd they s0!t 0on h!m" and too5 the reed" and smote h!m on the head. 3# 1nd after that they had moc5ed h!m" they too5 the robe off from h!m" and 0t h!s own ra!ment on h!m" and led h!m away to crc!fy h!m. 3  1nd as they came ot" they fond a man of Cyre'ne" !mon by name$ h!m they com0elled to bear h!s cross. 33 1nd when they were come nto a 0lace called 2ol'/otha" that !s to say" a 0lace of a s5ll" 3) they /a7e h!m 7!ne/ar to dr!n5 m!n/led w!th /all$ and when he had tasted thereof" he wold not dr!n5. 3( 1nd they crc!f!ed h!m" and 0arted h!s /arments" cast!n/ lots$ that !t m!/ht be flf!lled wh!ch was s0o5en by the 0ro0het" They 0arted my /arments amon/ them" and 0on my 7estre d!d they cast lots. 36 1nd s!tt!n/ down they watched h!m thereE 3% and set 0 o7er h!s head h!s accsat!on wr!tten" T;I I JG T; I?2 O T; J4. 3& Then were there two th!e7es crc!f!ed w!th h!mE one on the r!/ht hand" and another on the left. 3+ 1nd they that 0assed by re7!led h!m" wa//!n/ the!r heads" ), and say!n/" Tho that destroyest the tem0le" and b!ldest !t !n three days" sa7e thyself. If tho be the on of 2od" come down from the cross. )# L!5ew!se also the ch!ef 0r!ests moc5!n/ h!m" w!th the scr!bes and elders" sa!d" ) ;e sa7ed othersE h!mself he cannot sa7e. If he be the !n/ of Israel" let h!m now come down from the cross" and we w!ll bel!e7e h!m. )3 ;e trsted !n 2odE let h!m del!7er h!m now" !f he w!ll ha7e h!m$ for he sa!d" I am the on of 2od. )) The th!e7es also" wh!ch were crc!f!ed w!th h!m" cast the same !n h!s teeth. The Moc5ery. efore Jess was led away" there was an !nter7al of t!me when the Boman sold!ers !ndl/ed the!r own brand of crelty. *erse %. These sold!ers were !n ser7!ce of the Boman /o7ernment" bt

+& Lesson LI* Cont!ned most l!5ely from yr!a. They wold be flent !n 1rama!c" also s0o5en by Jews" and fam!l!ar w!th Jew!sh cstoms. 100arently dr!n/ the t!me the Centr!on and h!s ) sold!ers were 0re0ar!n/ for the crc!f!:!on" the other sold!ers 0resent dec!de to ha7e some s0ort. There !s no ment!on of how many t!mes th!s wold ha7e been. It !s 0oss!ble those sold!ers that had ta5en 0art !n Chr!st's arrest were amon/ these. It was a common th!n/ to ma5e fn of condemned cr!m!nals" and !n th!s case these sold!ers wold be able to show the!r common contem0t for the Jews. ;ere was the!r >!n/> to ma5e fn of. *erses &-3,. !rst" they str!00ed ;!m and threw a scarlet robe arond ;!m ;a!l" 5!n/ of the Jews.> 1s they r!se 0" each then s0!ts !n ;!s face" the lt!mate form of s0!te. They also ta5e the st!c5 that re0resented ;!s sce0ter and h!t ;!m on the head" cont!nally dr!7!n/ the thorns !nto ;!s flesh. 1 5!n/ w!th no 0ower" not e7en to defend ;!mself. John ment!ons that they also sla00ed ;!m ehold The man> ;e ob7!osly wants the crowd to ha7e 0!ty on Jess' cond!t!on" ;!s ha7!n/ been brtal!Aed. ?o sch otcome. They cont!ne to cry to crc!fy ;!m. 4h!le P!late was st!ll try!n/ to release Jess" the crowd calls ot the lt!mate threat - they ha7e no 5!n/ bt Caesar. Therefore !f he releases th!s >5!n/>" he !s no fr!end of the em0eror. ;e 5nows these 0eo0le wold not hes!tate to so accse h!m and !nsre h!s remo7al from off!ce" or worse" h!s own e:ect!on as a reslt. o he s!ts down on the @d/ment seat of the tone Pa7ement called 2abbatha and 0rononces the sentence of death on Jess. Jess' own clothes are 0laced on ;!m a/a!n and ;e !s led away to be crc!f!ed. *erse 3. y cstom and law the condemned were re9!red to bear the!r own cross to the 0lace of e:ect!on ots!de of the c!ty. It !s assmed
++ Lesson LI* Cont!ned cross for 7ery lon/ certa!nly em0has!Aes the e:tent of ;!s ser!es of !n@r!es. 1s ;e was /!7!n/ way nder th!s load" the sold!ers sed the!r athor!ty to re9!s!t!on hel0 from the 0bl!c. In th!s moment" !mon" a man from Cyrene - !n L!bya - was com!n/ toward them. ;e was a Jew 7!s!t!n/ Jersalem for the Passo7er. Th!s was a cstom of Jews from th!s area" there e7en be!n/ a Cyren!an syna/o/e !n the c!ty <1cts 6$+=. It a00ears that he later l!7ed !n Bome w!th h!s w!fe and two sons$ 1le:ander and Bfs he cla!meth to be> at the re9est of the Jew!sh leaders. Dr!n/ the t!me of Jess' crc!f!:!on" two con7!cted cr!m!nals" one on each s!de" were also crc!f!ed. In th!s c!rcmstance" Jess was also cons!dered a cr!m!nal" be!n/ e:ected between two condemned robbers
3,, Lesson LI* Cont!ned *erses 3+"),. Those that 0assed by were not amon/ those that 0r0osely went to Cal7ary to obser7e the crc!f!:!on. These 0eo0le were @st 0ass!n/ by on the nearby road to Jersalem. Ob7!osly mch had been s0read abroad of the recent e7ents concern!n/ the act!7!t!es of Jess" and the ens!n/ tr!als and accsat!ons. These 0eo0le sto00ed only lon/ eno/h to obser7e the scene and offer the!r d!sda!n" the!r rde and crel moc5ery" and !rre7erence" actally shot!n/ blas0hem!es a/a!nst the on of 2od. They ha7e 0!c5ed 0 the m!s9ote$ the accsat!on of Jess" threaten!n/ to destroy the Tem0le and reb!ld !t !n three days. They moc5 ;!m by tell!n/ ;!m to come down from the cross !f ;e !s the on of 2od. They re@ect e7ery 0art of ;!s l!fe" ;!s m!racles" ;!s test!mony abot ;!mself" and the Trth of 2od !n ;!m. *erses )#-)3. The role of the ch!ef 0r!ests" the scr!bes" and elders. They moc5 ;!m say!n/ that ;e had sa7ed others bt ;e cannot sa7e ;!mself. They cla!m that ;e cla!ms to be the 5!n/ of Israel" bt they w!ll only bel!e7e !f ;e comes down from the cross. If ;e !s the on of 2od" then 2od shold now del!7er ;!m to 0ro7e !t. If ;e 0laced ;!s trst !n 2od then 2od shold del!7er ;!m. 4hate7er semblance of 0ro0er beha7!or was now 0t as!de and these men r!d!cle the One they once feared and en7!ed. To them" that Jess rema!ned on the cross 0ro7ed ;!s wea5ness. Therefore" ;e cold not be the on of 2od. L5e descr!bes them as trn!n/ 0 the!r noses at ;!m" sneer!n/ 4hat 5!nd of 5!n/ !s th!s manK> 1t no 0o!nt !n ;!s m!n!stry d!d ;e acce0t or !n any way say that ;e came to o7erthrow the Bomans. ;e had a/reed that ;e was the on of 2od - they had to acce0t the real!ty of ;!s m!racles tho/h they attem0ted to /!7e satan the cred!t. ;ere" they do not moc5 ;!m d!rectly" bt tal5 abot ;!m to each other. Th!s actally demonstrated the!r !nner coward!ce. They s//est that !f ;e was the on of 2od" 2od now has no frther !nterest !n ;!m" that ;!s trst !n 2od !s w!thot 0r0ose. Otherw!se" 2od wold del!7er ;!m from sffer!n/ and death. 1ccord!n/ to the!r reason!n/" th!s made ;!s cla!m of be!n/ 2od's on a l!e. *erse )). cr!0tre a/rees that at f!rst the two robbers 0!c5ed 0 what they heard the others shot!n/ at Jess. They re7!led ;!m !n the same way" say!n/ that !f ;e !s really the Chr!st" ;e mst sa7e ;!mself and them to 0ro7e !t. who wh!le be!n/ re7!led" d!d not re7!le !n retrnE wh!le sffer!n/" ne7er threatened" bt cont!ned to entrst ;!mself to ;!m 4ho @d/es r!/hteoslyE 4ho ;!mself bore or own s!ns !n ;!s body on the cross" that we m!/ht d!e to s!n and l!7e to r!/hteosnessE for by ;!s wonds yo were healed.>

3,# Lesson LI* Cont!ned The re0entance of one of the robbers !s recorded !n L5e 3$3+)3. Jess had 0re7!osly sa!d" !n L5e 3$)" >ather for/!7e them" for they do not 5now what they are do!n/.> Matthew %$)(-(6. Jess D!es on the Cross. )(  ?ow from the s!:th hor there was dar5ness o7er all the land nto the n!nth hor. )6 1nd abot the n!nth hor Jess cr!ed w!th a lod 7o!ce" say!n/" l!" l!" lama sabach'than!K that !s to say" My 2od" my 2od" why hast tho forsa5en meK )% ome of them that stood there" when they heard that" sa!d" Th!s man calleth for l!'@ah. )& 1nd stra!/htway one of them ran" and too5 a s0on/e" and f!lled !t w!th 7!ne/ar" and 0t !t on a reed" and /a7e h!m to dr!n5. )+ The rest sa!d" Let be" let s see whether l!'@ah w!ll come to sa7e h!m. (, Jess" when he had cr!ed a/a!n w!th a lod 7o!ce" y!elded 0 the /host. (#  1nd" behold" the 7e!l of the tem0le was rent !n twa!n from the to0 to the bottomE and the earth d!d 9a5e" and the roc5s rentE ( and the /ra7es were o0enedE and many bod!es of the sa!nts wh!ch sle0t arose" (3 and came ot of the /ra7es after h!s resrrect!on" and went !nto the holy c!ty" and a00eared nto many. () ?ow when the centr!on" and they that were w!th h!m" watch!n/ Jess" saw the earth9a5e" and those th!n/s that were done" they feared /reatly" say!n/" Trly th!s was the on of 2od. ((  1nd many women were there behold!n/ afar off" wh!ch followed Jess from 2al!lee" m!n!ster!n/ nto h!m$ (6 amon/ wh!ch was Mary Ma/'dalene" and Mary the mother of James and Joses" and the mother of Feb'edee's ch!ldren. The s!:th hor wold be or noon" the n!nth hor therefore 3$,, P.M. 1t noon there was a sdden and !ntense dar5ness. It was e:tens!7e$ >o7er all the land.> There !s no e:0lanat!on as to how !t ha00ened. It cold only be a s0ec!al occrrence bro/ht abot by 2od. ?o natral ecl!0se wold last for 3 hors. The mean!n/ has to do w!th the @d/ment of 2od 0on or s!ns. Th!s was also the t!me of Chr!st" or bst!tte" sffer!n/ the worst a/ony" !solat!on" and re@ect!on. *erse )6. !nally at abot 3 !n the afternoon" Jess ttered words that show what ;e has e:0er!enced$ >My 2od" my 2od" why has tho forsa5en meK> These are the f!rst words of Chr!st from the cross recorded by both Matthew and Mar5.

3, Lesson LI* Cont!ned Jess st!ll called ot >my 2od"> tho/h ;e felt the f!rst absence of any answer. Ths the a/ony of 2od forsa5!n/ ;!m. *erses )%-)+. The ;ebrew l! follows the 2ree5" wh!le the rema!n!n/ words are 1rama!c" correctly translated !n the second half of the 7erse 4a!t and see !f l!@ah comes to resce ;!m.> John #+$& records the f!fth cross tterance" >I am th!rsty.> It has been assmed that !t was a sold!er that f!lled the s0on/e w!th the chea0 w!ne" l!5ened to 7!ne/ar" that sold!ers commonly dran5. It was /ood to 9ench th!rst. Th!s was offered to Jess on a st!c5. *erse (,. 1nd Jess" ha7!n/ a/a!n cr!ed ot w!th a lod 7o!ce" y!elded 0 ;!s s0!r!t. ;e d!ed 7olntar!ly" /a7e ;!s l!fe" 0ored !t ot" la!d !t down It !s f!n!shed"> ather" !nto Thy hands I commend my s0!r!t">
3,3 Lesson LI* Cont!ned *erse (). The earth9a5e" 0ls all the other th!n/s that were ha00en!n/ arond Jess' death" cased the centr!on and h!s men to be fr!/htened. The e7ents were so dramat!c and nsal that they srm!sed that the only e:0lanat!on was that th!s was 2od's on. Otherw!se there was no natral or normal way to e:0la!n these e7ents. The dar5ness" earth9a5e" roc5s s0l!tt!n/" tombs o0ened. They had heard the Jew!sh leaders moc5 Jess as on of 2od. L5e records that the centr!on /lor!f!ed 2od and sa!d >Certa!nly" th!s was a r!/hteos man.> L5e also ment!ons that the crowd !n /eneral f!nally was dee0ly affected <3$)&= and were >sm!t!n/ the!r breasts>. *erses (("(6. 4atch!n/ from a d!stance were many women who had been m!n!ster!n/ to ;!s needs. They had followed ;!m from 2al!lee. 1mon/ them were Mary Ma/dalene" Mary the mother of James and Joses" and the mother of the sons of Feb'edee. John records the!r be!n/ near the cross at one 0o!nt <#+$(=. John also !ncldes Jess' mother who he was told to ta5e to h!s home
3,) Lesson L* Matthew %$(%-66. The r!al. (%  4hen the e7en was come" there came a r!ch man of 1r!mathe'a" named Jose0h" who also h!mself was Jess' d!sc!0le$ (& he went to P!late" and be//ed the body of Jess. Then P!late commanded the body to be del!7ered. (+ 1nd when Jose0h had ta5en the body" he wra00ed !t !n a clean l!nen cloth" 6, and la!d !t !n h!s own new tomb" wh!ch he had hewn ot !n the roc5$ and he rolled a /reat stone to the door of the se0lchre" and de0arted. 6# 1nd there was Mary Ma/'dalene" and the other Mary" s!tt!n/ o7er a/a!nst the se0lchre. 6  ?ow the ne:t day" that followed the day of the 0re0arat!on" the ch!ef 0r!ests and Phar!sees came to/ether nto P!late" 63 say!n/" !r" we remember that that dece!7er sa!d" wh!le he was yet al!7e" 1fter three days I w!ll r!se a/a!n. 6) Command therefore that the se0lchre be made sre nt!l the th!rd day" lest h!s d!sc!0les come by n!/ht" and steal h!m away" and say nto the 0eo0le" ;e !s r!sen from the dead$ so the last error shall be worse than the f!rst. 6( P!late sa!d nto them" e ha7e a watch$ /o yor way" ma5e !t as sre as ye can. 66 o they went" and made the se0lchre sre" seal!n/ the stone" and sett!n/ a watch. 1s before stated" Jess d!ed at three o'cloc5 !n the afternoon. 1ccord!n/ to Deteronomy #$3 !t was nlawfl to lea7e a dead body on a tree o7ern!/ht. Th!s wold be dobly wron/ as th!s was to ha00en on a abbath. Pls th!s was the abbath of the Passo7er wee5
3,( Lesson L* Cont!ned *erses (+"6,. Once there" he too5 the body" wra00ed !t !n a clean l!nen cloth" and la!d !t !n h!s own new tomb" wh!ch he had hewn ot of the roc5. 1 b!/ stone was rolled to close the entrance and he left. *erse 6#. Mary Ma/dalene and the other Mary were there" s!tt!n/ across from the tomb obser7!n/ all that was done. They saw the body 0laced !n the nsed
3,6 Lesson L* Cont!ned Jose0h's Tomb. They are to see that there !s no !nterference. 1 seal of e!ther clay or wa: a00l!ed to a cord w!th an off!c!al seal was !m0ressed !nto the malleable mater!al to 0ro7e that the stone co7er!n/ of the tomb was not d!strbed. Th!s was done !n the /ards' 0resence. 4hat had been !ntended to 5ee0 men from !nterfer!n/ w!th the tomb only wold 0ro7e that 2od was act!n/ !n the resrrect!on of ;!s on" and no hman act!on was !n7ol7ed. It wold be the men the Jew!sh leaders re9ested to /ard the 0lace that wold be the f!rst to re0ort the m!raclos scceed!n/ e7ents at Jose0h's Tomb. Matthew &$#-#,. The Besrrect!on. # In the end of the sabbath" as !t be/an to dawn toward the f!rst day of the wee5" came Mary Ma/'dalene and the other Mary to see the se0lchre.  1nd" behold" there was a /reat earth9a5e$ for the an/el of the Lord descended from hea7en" and came and rolled bac5 the stone from the door" and sat 0on !t. 3 ;!s contenance was l!5e l!/htn!n/" and h!s ra!ment wh!te as snow$ ) and for fear of h!m the 5ee0ers d!d sha5e" and became as dead men. ( 1nd the an/el answered and sa!d nto the women" ear not ye$ for I 5now that ye see5 Jess" wh!ch was crc!f!ed. 6 ;e !s not here$ for he !s r!sen" as he sa!d. Come" see the 0lace where the Lord lay. % 1nd /o 9!c5ly" and tell h!s d!sc!0les that he !s r!sen from the deadE and" behold" he /oeth before yo !nto 2al!leeE there shall ye see h!m$ lo" I ha7e told yo. & 1nd they de0arted 9!c5ly from the se0lchre w!th fear and /reat @oyE and d!d rn to br!n/ h!s d!sc!0les word. + 1nd as they went to tell h!s d!sc!0les" behold" Jess met them" say!n/" 1ll ha!l. 1nd they came and held h!m by the feet" and worsh!00ed h!m. #, Then sa!d Jess nto them" e not afra!d$ /o tell my brethren that they /o !nto 2al!lee" and there shall they see me. *erse #. ?ow after the abbath" at dawn on the f!rst day of the wee5" Mary Ma/dalene and the other Mary came to loo5 at the tomb. Mar5 adds alome <#6$#=. L5e adds Joanna" !nd!cat!n/ also others <)$#,=. 100arently there was a /ro0 of women that went to the tomb. They set ot from the c!ty wh!le !t was st!ll dar5" and arr!7ed after snr!se. Matthew ment!ons that they came to loo5 at the tomb. The women had obser7ed that Jose0h of 1r!mathea and ?!codems had only 9!c5ly wra00ed Jess' body w!th l!nen and a m!:tre of myrrh and aloes. The women wanted to 0ro0erly ano!nt and co7er the body as was the cstom. They had bro/ht the necessar!es on th!s morn!n/" the f!rst o00ortn!ty after the abbath. Mar5 ment!ons the!r concern abot who wold roll away the hea7y stone co7er!n/ the entrance.

3,% Lesson L* Cont!ned These women may be falted" as well as the d!sc!0les" for not actally bel!e7!n/ Chr!st's 0red!ct!on abot be!n/ ra!sed the th!rd day. They" howe7er" do show cora/e and lo7!n/ concern for Jess' body. They were at the cross" now at the tomb. 1s they came near" they saw that the stone had already been rolled away. *erse . Matthew now records an earth9a5e. 1n an/el of the Lord arr!7!n/ from hea7en - ste00ed forward and rolled away the stone" then sat 0on !t. The women saw only the reslt. The stone was mo7ed so that the women and later Peter and John cold enter the tomb and see that !t was em0ty. *erse 3. ;!s a00earance was l!5e l!/htn!n/" and h!s cloth!n/ wh!te as snow. Th!s was 0roof of h!s hol!ness and or!/!n. *erse ). That th!s ha00ened wh!le the /ard was st!ll there at th!s t!me !s here cont!ned. or fear of th!s an/el's a00earance" the /ards shoo5 and became as dead men. The earth9a5e made the earth and these men 9a5e" the men becom!n/ nconsc!os. Only some of them later dared to /o !nto the c!ty to re0ort what they had obser7ed" and e:0er!enced. *erses ("6. Betrn!n/ to the women. The an/el addressed them w!th a lo7!n/ rem!nder$ >ear not ye$ for I 5now that ye see5 Jess" wh!ch was crc!f!ed. ;e !s not here$ for he !s r!sen" as he sa!d.> There may ha7e been two an/els 0resent" as L5e and John re0ort. The an/el who s0ea5s tells them that they ha7e no need to wee0 bt mst re@o!ce. To cement the!r fa!th !n the fact of ;!s resrrect!on" the an/el adds that they shold come and see the 0lace where ;e lay. They are to obser7e the em0ty tomb and the l!nen banda/es left there" and the cloth that co7ered ;!s head folded !n a 0lace by !tself John ,$%=. *erse %. Then the an/el /!7es the women d!rect!ons to /o 9!c5ly and tell the d!sc!0les abot the resrrect!on of the!r a7!or. ;e !s to /o ahead of them !nto 2al!lee. They are to meet ;!m there. The d!sc!0les mst be !nformed that Chr!st's 0red!ct!on had been flf!lled" that ;e wold be ra!sed" and that ;e wold 0recede them !nto 2al!lee lo" I ha7e told yo.> Mar5 #6$% s0ec!f!cally d!rects them to tell the d!sc!0les and Peter.

3,& Lesson L* Cont!ned *erse &. ear from the s!/ht of the an/el" h!s br!/ht contenance" the earth9a5e" the @oy at hear!n/ the news of Chr!st's resrrect!on" all certa!nly the /reatest news - the con9er!n/ of death. The!r @oy was /reat so that they ran to br!n/ the re0ort to the d!sc!0les. L5e records that the!r re0ort was not bel!e7ed 1ll ha!l>" a 9!te normal and common /reet!n/" as !f noth!n/ m!raclos had occrred. They reco/n!Aed Jess" too5 hold of ;!s feet and worsh!00ed ;!m. ;e was real eno/h for them to toch. ;e a00eared to them most l!5ely becase they were the f!rst to come loo5!n/ for ;!m" to do ser7!ce to ;!m. *erse #,. ;e has a messa/e for them" of the same !m0ort as that of the an/el$ >e not afra!d$ /o tell my brethren that they /o !nto 2al!lee" and there shall they see me.> ;e 0l!fted the d!sc!0les 0os!t!on to that of >My brothers> rather than those that ran away. ;e ac5nowled/ed them as 0art of ;!s d!7!ne fam!ly" that were to share ;!s !nher!tance. They were those that he dearly lo7ed. Matthew &$##-,. 2ards r!bedE The 2reat Comm!ss!onE The Prom!sed Comfortor. ##  ?ow when they were /o!n/" behold" some of the watch came !nto the c!ty" and showed nto the ch!ef 0r!ests all the th!n/s that were done. # 1nd when they were assembled w!th the elders" and had ta5en consel" they /a7e lar/e money nto the sold!ers" #3 say!n/" ay ye" ;!s d!sc!0les came by n!/ht" and stole h!m away wh!le we sle0t. #) 1nd !f th!s come to the /o7ernor's ears" we w!ll 0ersade h!m" and secre yo. #( o they too5 the money" and d!d as they were ta/ht$ and th!s say!n/ !s commonly re0orted amon/ the Jews nt!l th!s day. #6  Then the ele7en d!sc!0les went away !nto 2al!lee" !nto a monta!n where Jess had a00o!nted them. #% 1nd when they saw h!m" they worsh!00ed h!m$ bt some dobted. #& 1nd Jess came and s0a5e nto them" say!n/" 1ll 0ower !s /!7en nto me !n hea7en and !n earth. #+ 2o ye therefore" and teach all nat!ons" ba0t!A!n/ them !n the name of the ather" and of the on" and of the ;oly 2host$ , teach!n/ them to obser7e all th!n/s whatsoe7er I ha7e commanded yo$ and" lo" I am w!th yo alway" e7en nto the end of the world. 1men.

3,+ Lesson L* Cont!ned *erse ##. 4h!le the women retrned to the c!ty" Matthew ta5es 0 the end!n/ to the e:0er!ence of the /ards. ome of them came bac5 to the c!ty to re0ort to the ch!ef 0r!ests all that had ta5en 0lace at the tomb. Only Matthew re0orted th!s. The /ards had been scattered. ome had cora/e eno/h to /o bac5 and re0ort to those whose athor!ty they" as Boman sold!ers" had been 0laced nder" the ch!ef 0r!ests. They reconted the bl!nd!n/ an/el!c l!/ht" the earth9a5e" the mo7ement of the stone" the brea5!n/ of the seal. *erses #-#). !c5ly" a meet!n/ was called to deal w!th th!s ne:0ected occrrence. The ch!ef 0r!ests called to/ether the elders to ma5e a dec!s!on as to how to deal w!th th!s re0ort. The!r re0ort mst ne7er be re0eated to anyone. The sold!ers were br!bed w!th a lar/e sm of money to /arantee the!r /o!n/ alon/ w!th the l!e. There mst not be any word of resrrect!on. They mst re0eat the l!e that the d!sc!0les of Jess had come dr!n/ the n!/ht" wh!le the /ards had been slee0!n/" and had stolen Jess' body. They were 0rom!sed 0rotect!on !f P!late heard of th!s and wanted to 0n!sh these sold!ers for the!r derel!ct!on of dty. They wold 0re7ent them from /ett!n/ !nto any troble. 4hether any bel!e7ed the sold!ers' re0ort we are not told" bt they all a/reed that !t wold only ha7e d!sastros conse9ences !f the /eneral 0bl!c heard abot e7en the 0oss!b!l!ty. o the /enerat!on of the false story they felt was essent!al to 0t the 0eo0le off trac5 from the trth. *erse #(. The solders too5 the money and d!d as they had been told. Tho/h !t was derel!ct!on of dty to fall aslee0 on dty" they tho/ht !t the!r best corse to acce0t the money" and the 0rotect!on of the anhedr!n a/a!nst any recorse by P!late. The false story was w!dely s0read amon/ the Jews" to the 7ery day Matthew wrote h!s 2os0el. The Jews wanted the world to bel!e7e that the d!sc!0les had stolen the body of Jess by n!/ht. ome" e7en today" st!ll acce0t th!s l!e. Th!s !s a ma@or flaw !n the story" howe7er. ;ow /ll!ble cold 0eo0le be to bel!e7e that # Boman sold!ers wold be aslee0 on dtyK Then that a handfl of d!sc!0les cold come and roll the stone as!de so 9!etly as not to alarm anyone. They cold not e7en be arosed by these men /o!n/ !n and carry!n/ ot the cor0se and /ett!n/ away. The f!nal ob7!os 9est!on" !f all of them were slee0!n/" how d!d they 5now what ha00enedK They already adm!tted they cold not see or hear what ha00ened" so they mst be @st ma5!n/ !t 0. The ob7!osness of the l!e shold also ma5e the trth more ob7!os.

3#, Lesson L* Cont!ned *erse #6. Matthew now records that Jess had /!7en d!rect!ons for the ele7en d!sc!0les to meet ;!m !n 2al!lee at a 0art!clar monta!n. Th!s !s not recorded anywhere as when th!s s0ec!f!c monta!n was ment!oned. 1t any rate !t was a seclded s0ot" yet near the fam!l!ar area near the!r homes. It !s 0oss!ble that th!s a00earance co!nc!des w!th or !s 0art of ;!s a00earance to the (,, brothers ment!oned by Pal !n I Cor!nth!ans #($6. 4hat ta5es 0lace here closes Matthew's 2os0el. or the accont of the ascens!on from the Mont of Ol!7es near Jersalem one mst trn to L5e )$(,"(# and 1cts #$)-##. *erse #%. 4hen ;e a00eared they saw and worsh!00ed. t some dobted 2o ye therefore" and teach all nat!ons" ba0t!A!n/ them !n the name of the ather" and of the on" and of the ;oly 2host>. They mst also teach them how to s0ea5 and act accord!n/ to all that ;e had commanded them. In 2od's 0lan !t was to the Jew f!rst /o> and share the!r fa!th and br!n/ others !nto the fold. Th!s was Chr!st's d!rect!on. ;e 0rom!sed ;!s stren/th and hel0" and becase ;e !s the only and /reatest ho0e for man5!nd" the only way of sal7at!on" and therefore ;e !s worthy of all fa!th" trst" and obed!ence. The command !ncldes ma5!n/ those that acce0t the 2os0el !nto d!sc!0les. Th!s /oes beyond con7ers!on. Th!s !ncldes learn!n/" /row!n/" and matr!n/ !n the!r fa!th. Th!s mst affect the heart" m!nd" and w!ll - and be 0ract!ced. 1ccord!n/ to Pal" !n the Old Testament" c!rcmc!s!on was a s!/n and seal of the r!/hteosness of Chr!st acce0ted by fa!th

3## Lesson L* Cont!ned ...teach!n/ them to obser7e all th!n/s whatsoe7er I ha7e commanded yo...> The early chrch re9!red that before a 0erson was adm!tted to chrch membersh!0" they mst /!7e e7!dence of re0entance and bas!c 5nowled/e of Chr!st!an 0r!nc!0les. 1fter ba0t!sm and chrch membersh!0 then the chrch was res0ons!ble to teach them all of the wonderfl words of Chr!st concern!n/ Chr!st!an 5nowled/e" bel!ef" and act!on. Th!s !nclded commands sch as lo7e the brethren" lo7e they ne!/hbor as thyself" 0rocla!m!n/ the 2os0el" 0rayer" hm!l!ty" a for/!7!n/ s0!r!t" and so on. Matthew closes h!s 2os0el w!th Chr!st's 0rom!se that they are to em0hat!cally 5ee0 !n m!nd the follow!n/$ >I am w!th yo alway" e7en nto the end of the world. 1men.> The /reat >I am> !s the one ma5!n/ th!s 0rom!se that can therefore be conted 0on as certa!n" accom0l!shed fact. That Jess /arantees ;!s own 0ersonal hel0 and watchfl /!dance" also /!7es /reat encora/ement and /arantees constant and cont!nal hel0 each day nt!l the Chrch 1/e closes. Th!s w!ll ha00en at the Ba0tre of the Chrch wh!ch !s !mm!nent and closer than e7er before. Maranatha 1men

3# !bl!o/ra0hy ?ew Testament Commentary :0os!t!on of the 2os0el 1ccord!n/ to Matthew by 4!ll!am ;endr!c5sen a5er oo5 ;ose" 2rand Ba0!ds" M!ch!/an" #+%3 orth Pr!nt!n/" #+%+. #,,3 0a/es. ;!s b!bl!o/ra0hy select # boo5s. 2eneral - abot 3,, add!t!onal boo5s. 1n :e/et!cal Commentary on the 2os0el 1ccord!n/ to a!nt Matthew y Be7erend 1lfred Plmmer" M.1." D.D. James am!ly Chr!st!an Pbl!shers" M!nnea0ol!s" M!nnesota )3+ 0a/es" no date !bl!o/ra0hy a00ro:!mately 3# t!tles - latest date #+,+ ?ew Testament Commentary by 4!ll!am ;endr!c5sen :0os!t!on of the 2os0el 1ccord!n/ to Mar5. a5er oo5 ;ose #+%(. <6+3 0a/es.= arnes ?otes on the Old and ?ew Testaments Matthew - Mar5. a5er oo5 ;ose" 1nn 1rbor" M!ch!/an. #+th 0r!nt!n/" #+%6. !rst 0bl!shed #&3 - newest ed!t!on by athor !n #&%6.

A Layman's Commentary On the Gospel of Matthew Composed In 45 Lessons

Author: .O.D. Johnston !u"lisher: Owen Johnston www.)i)lest"(ylessonsp(f.info T.O.D. ta"ght from the Gospel a%%or(ing to Matthew at 9aran 1aptist Ch"r%h on , &?@?.