Matthew Simplified – Page 2

Matthew Chapter 18 Simplified: Jesus reveals who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven

Published on January 2021July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Straight afterwards, Jesus’ disciples came to him and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Jesus called a child over to him and stood the child in their group.
“I’m honestly telling you,” said Jesus. “If you don’t change and become like little children, you won’t enter into the kingdom of heaven. So, whoever becomes as humble as this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child in my name, welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to start sinning, it would be better for that person to be hung with a heavy stone around their neck and drowned to the bottom of the sea. It’s a terrible shame the world has so much sin! Sin will inevitably come, but it’s a terrible shame for the person who causes the sin.
“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better to continue in life crippled or disabled then have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, rip it out and throw it away. It’s better to continue in life with one eye then have two eyes and be thrown into the fires of hell.
“Make sure you don’t purposely ignore these little ones. I’m telling you, their angels in heaven are always in front of my Father, who is in heaven. “The Son of Man has arrived to save the lost. What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep and one gets lost, won’t he leave the 99 on the mountain and go look for the lost one? And if he finds it, I’m telling you he’ll be happier about that one than the 99 who didn’t get lost. So, your Heavenly Father doesn’t want any of these little ones to die.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him about the fault in private. If he listens to you, you will have won your brother back. If he doesn’t listen to you, take one or two more people with you so there are two or three witnesses who can confirm what you say. If your brother still doesn’t listen to them, tell the church. If he doesn’t listen to the church, think of him as someone you wouldn’t associate with.
“I’m honestly telling you, whatever you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven and whatever you allow an earth will be allowed in heaven. I’m honestly saying again, if two of you agree something about anything here on earth and ask for it, it will be done for them by my Heavenly Father. If two or three people are together as my followers, I am also there.”

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often should I forgive my brothers who sin against me? Seven times?”
Jesus replied, “No, not just seven times but 70×7 times! Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wants to settle things with his servants. After he had begun settling, someone was bought to him who owed him a lot of money. The servant couldn’t afford to pay up. The king commanded that the servant, his wife and children and everything they had be sold to settle the debt.
“The servant fell down on his knees and begged, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you!’
“Feeling sorry for him, the servant’s boss freed the servant and forgave his debt.
“After leaving, the former servant came across one of his colleagues who owed him some money. He grabbed him and began choking him. ‘Pay me everything you owe me!’
“His colleague fell down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me and I will pay you!’
“But the former servant refused and had his colleague thrown into prison until he could pay up. The former servant’s other colleagues saw what happened and they were incredibly sad. They went and told the king what had happened.
“The king summoned the servant. ‘You evil servant. I forgave all your debts because you begged me. Wouldn’t it have been right for you to have compassion for your colleague like I had compassion for you?’
“The servant’s king angrily sent him to prison until he could pay everything he owed.
“So, my heavenly Father will do the same thing to you, if each of you doesn’t forgive your brother from your heart.”

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Continue exploring Matthew 18

If you’d like to read Matthew 18 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 18 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 18 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 18 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Matthew in more depth, here are some commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Matthew
Matthew (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Matthew (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Matthew Chapter 17 Simplified: Jesus meets with Moses and Elijah, casts out a demon and pays his taxes

Published on December 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Six days later, Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John to a tall mountain. Jesus transformed in front of them. His face shone brightly, and his clothes became a bright white. Moses and Elijah appeared next to him and the three of them together.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s a good thing we are here. If you want, I can set up three tents—one for each of you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was saying this, a bright cloud came over them and a voice said from the cloud, “This is my son, I love him, and I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell down on the ground, terrified. Jesus came over to them, touched them he told them to get up and not be scared. The disciples looked up. Only Jesus was in front of them.

As they walked back down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you just saw until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
His disciples asked him, “Why do the law teachers say Elijah needs to come first?”
“Elijah will come first and restore everything,” Jesus replied. “But I’m telling you that Elijah already came but they did not recognise him. They did whatever they wanted to him. The Son of Man will suffer from them in the same way.”
The disciples realised Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.

When they reached the crowd at the bottom of the mountain, a man knelt before Jesus. “Lord, be kind to my son! He suffers horribly from epilepsy. He often falls into the fire and into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”
“This generation has no faith and is perverted,” Jesus answered. “How long will I be with you? How long will I have to worry about you? Bring him to me.”
Jesus put the demon in his place. It left the boy, healing him straight away.
The disciples privately asked Jesus, “Why weren’t we able to cast out the demon?”
“Because you don’t have enough faith,” Jesus replied. “I’m telling you truthfully if you have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, you will be able to tell mountains to move from here to there and they would move. Nothing would be impossible for you. But this type of demon does not leave except through prayer and fasting.”

They were now staying in Galilee. Jesus said to his disciples, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed and handed over to the people. They will kill him, but on the third day be raised back to life.”
The disciples were deeply saddened to hear this.

They went to Capernaum and came across the temple tax collectors. The tax collectors asked Peter, “Your teacher doesn’t want to pay his taxes?”
“Yes, he does,” Peter replied. He went back into the house they were staying in.
Jesus was expecting Peter and asked him, “What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings receive payments and taxes from? From their own people or from strangers?”
“From strangers,” Peter replied.
“Then their own people are free not to pay,” Jesus said, “But we don’t want to offend them. Go fishing in the sea, and the first fish you catch will have a coin in its mouth. Give it to them to pay our taxes.”

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Continue exploring Matthew 17

If you’d like to read Matthew 17 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 17 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 17 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 17 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 16 Simplified: Jesus lets his disciples know what is about to happen

Published on December 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign in the sky.
“In the evening when the sky is red, you say good weather is coming,” Jesus replied. “And when the sky is red in the morning you say a storm is coming. You know how to tell the weather from the sky, but you don’t know how to tell the signs of the times.
An evil and cheating generation of people look for a sign, but they will not be giving a sign, except for Jonah’s sign.”
Jesus walked away from them.

Later, Jesus’s followers arrived at the shore, but they forgot to bring any bread.
Jesus warned them, “Be careful of the Pharisees and Sadducees’ yeast” The disciples talked together and said, “He said that because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Jesus overheard them. “You have almost no faith. Why are you talking about not bringing any bread? Don’t you remember the five bread loaves that fed 5000 people and how many leftovers there were? Or what about the seven loaves of bread for the 4000 people and how many leftovers there were then? Don’t you understand that when I told you to be careful about the Pharisees and Sadducees’ yeast, I wasn’t talking about bread?”
The disciples then understood that Jesus was not telling them to be careful of yeast in bread, but what the Pharisees and Sadducees were teaching.

Jesus travelled to Caesarea Philippi. He quizzed his disciples, “Who do people say is the son of man?”
“Some say John the Baptist,” they replied. “Others say Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the other prophets”
“Who do you say I am?” Jesus asked.
Simon Peter answered, “You are Christ, the son of the living God.”
“Bless you, Simon, son of John!” Jesus said. “A human did not reveal this to you. My Father in heaven did. I’m also naming you Peter (rock), and I will build my church on this rock and the gates of hell will not overpower it. I will give you the keys to the heavenly kingdom and whatever you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven and what you permit on the earth will be made permitted in the heaven.”
Jesus then told the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. From then on, he explained to his followers that he needed to go to Jerusalem and suffer at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed but raised from the dead on the third day.
Peter took Jesus aside and told him off for saying what he said. “This won’t happen, Lord. This won’t ever happen to you.”
“Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus said. “You are an obstacle to me. Your thoughts are human thoughts, not Godly thoughts.”
Jesus then said to all of his disciples, “If anyone wants me, they need to refuse themself and take up their cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life because of me will find it. What benefit is it for a person if they gain everything in the world but lose their life? What will a person give in exchange for their life? The Son of Man will come in the glory of his father with his angels, and then he’ll reward everyone for the actions they did. I’m telling you, there are some people standing here who will not die until they have seen the Son of Man become King.”

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Continue exploring Matthew 16

If you’d like to read Matthew 16 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 16 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 16 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 16 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 15 Simplified: Jesus offends the Pharisees and feeds thousands of people

Published on December 2020July 2023 by Dave1 Comment

A group of Pharisees and teachers from Jerusalem asked Jesus, “Why do your followers break the old traditions? They don’t wash their hands before they eat bread.”
“Why do you break God’s instructions because of your traditions?” Jesus answered. “God told you to honour your parents, and if you speak badly of your parents, you must die. But you say that if someone tells their parents they can’t help them out because they are giving to God, they aren’t honouring their parents. You have stopped following God’s instruction because of your traditions. Hypocrites! Isaiah was correct about you when he prophesied, ‘The people honour me with what they say, but their hearts are far away from me. They aimlessly worship me and give men’s instructions like they are from God.”
Jesus called to the crowds around him, “Listen up and try to understand! It’s what comes out of a man’s mouth, not what goes into it, that ruins a man.”
His followers asked him, “Do you know that the Pharisees are offended by what you’re saying?”
“Every plant that my Heavenly Father did not plant will be torn out,” Jesus replied. “Leave them. They are the blind leading the blind. When blind lead the blind, they will both fall into a hole.”
“Explain the story to us,” Peter said.
“You still don’t understand?” Jesus asked. “You don’t understand that everything going into the mouth goes into the stomach and eventually is pooed out? The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and these things ruin a person. Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lying and abuse comes from the heart. These things ruin a person. Eating without washing your hands doesn’t ruin a man.”

Jesus left from there and went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from the area approached him and cried out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David. My daughter is terribly possessed by demons.”
Jesus didn’t reply.
His disciples said, “Tell her to go away. She keeps yelling at us.”
“I was only sent for the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” Jesus said to the woman.
The woman bowed before him and said, “Lord, help me!”
“It’s not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
“Yes, Lord. But the dogs eat crumbs that fall from their owners table.”
“You have great faith, woman!” Jesus replied. “What you desire will happen.”
Her daughter was instantly healed.

Jesus left and went along the Sea of Galilee. He sat down on a hill. A big crowd of people came to him. They brought disabled, blind and mute people, among others, to him and he healed them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the disabled restored and walking, and the blind seeing. They praised the God of Israel.
Jesus called his disciples over. “I feel sorry for the crowds. They have walked with me for three days and haven’t had anything to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry because they might pass out on their way home.”
The disciples asked, “Where can we get enough bread in this deserted place to feed the crowds?”
“How much bread do you have?”
“Seven loaves and a few small fish.”
Jesus told the crowds to sit down. He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish. He prayed, then broke and handed the pieces of food to the disciples. The disciples handed it out to the crowd. Everyone ate until they were full. There were seven baskets full of leftovers. 4000 men, not including women and children, were fed.
Jesus sent the crowds home, got into a boat and travelled to the region of Magadan.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 15

If you’d like to read Matthew 15 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 15 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 15 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 15 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 14 Simplified: John’s head is served on a platter, Jesus feeds 5000 and walks on water

Published on November 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Herod, who was the ruler in the area, heard about Jesus.
He said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has come back to life because he has amazing powers!”

Herod had captured John and tied him up in prison because his brother Phillip’s wife Herodias asked him to.
John had been telling Herod, “It’s not lawful for you to be with her.”
Herod wanted to kill him, but he was worried the citizens would get upset because they thought John was a prophet. At Herod’s birthday party, Herodias’ daughter danced for him. Herod liked what he saw and promised to give her whatever she wanted. Her mother gave her a suggestion. Herodias’ daughter requested, “Give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter”
Herod didn’t like this request, because of what he had promised the citizens, and there were other people there at the party, but he commanded that it be done anyway. He sent orders to the prison to behead John. John’s head was put on a platter and given to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. John’s followers came and took his body and buried it. They went and told Jesus what had happened.

When he heard what had happened to John, Jesus left from there and went by himself in a boat to a secret place. The crowds followed him on foot from their towns. When he got back on the beach, he saw all the people and felt compassion for them and healed the sick.

In the late afternoon, his followers said to him, “This place is deserted, and it’s been a long time. Tell everyone to go back to the villages to get food.”
Jesus replied, “They don’t need to go away. Find something for them to eat.”
The followers told him, “We don’t have anything here except for five loaves of bread and two fish.”
“Bring them here,” Jesus said.
Jesus told the crowds to sit down on the grass. He held the five loaves of bread and two fish. He looked up to the heavens, said a prayer and broke the bread. He gave his followers the bread and his followers passed the bread out to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full. They took the leftovers and found there were 12 baskets full of food left. There were about 5000 men that ate, not including the women and the children.
As soon as they finished eating, Jesus told his followers to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the lake, so they couldn’t tell the crowd to go away.

Later, after sending the crowds away, Jesus went up a mountain alone to pray. It was now evening and he was alone. The boat was now in the middle of the lake and being tossed around by the wind and waves.

In the early hours of the morning, Jesus walked across the lake to the boat. His followers saw him walking on the water and were freaked out. They said, “It’s a ghost!” and screamed.
Jesus called to them, “Don’t be scared! It’s me. Don’t worry.”
Peter replied, “Lord if it’s you, tell me to come and meet you on the water.”
Jesus said, “Come.”
Peter got out from the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind blowing around him, Peter was scared and began to sink into the water. He cried out “Lord, save me!”.
Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of Peter. “You have hardly any faith. Why did you doubt?”
They both got into the boat and the wind stopped. Everyone in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You really are God’s son!”

They finished crossing the lake and came to the land of Gennesaret. The men there recognised Jesus. They sent messages to all the surrounding areas for the sick to be brought to him. The people begged Jesus to let them touch the fringe of his clothes. Those that did were cured.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 14

If you’d like to read Matthew 14 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 14 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 14 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 14 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 13 Simplified: Jesus tells more stories

Published on November 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus left the house and sat on the beach by the lake. A big crowd surrounded him, so he got into a boat. The crowd on the beach stood waiting. Jesus spoke to them in stories.

He said, “A farmer went out to plant some seeds. When he was throwing the seeds around, some fell on the road and were eaten by birds. Some seeds fell on rocks where there wasn’t much soil. The plants grew quickly, but the lack of soil caused them to get burnt and wither under the Sun. Other seeds fell on thorny bushes. When those plants grew, the thorny bushes choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced fruit; some 100, 60 or 30 times what was planted. If you have ears, listen!”

Jesus’ followers asked him, “Why are you speaking in abstract stories?”

Jesus answered, “You know the mysteries of the Heavenly Kingdom, but they don’t. Whoever has it, they’ll receive more until they have heaps. Whoever doesn’t have it, even what they have will be taken from them. I speak in stories because they look and listen, but don’t see or hear. They don’t understand. They are fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy when he said, ‘You will listen but not understand, and you will look but not recognise.’ These people’s hearts have become dull. They can hardly hear and their eyes are closed. They should look with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn so I can heal them.

“You are blessed because your eyes can see and your ears can hear. I’m telling you, many prophets and good men wanted to see what you can see, but couldn’t see it. They wanted to hear what you could hear but didn’t hear it.

“So, listen to what the story of farmer means: Everyone who hears the message about the kingdom but doesn’t understand has whatever was planted in their heart snatched away by the devil. This is like the seeds that fell on the road. The seeds that fell on the rocks, this is like whoever hears the message and immediately is happy to hear it, but no roots are formed, and so his happiness is temporary. If troubles come, he immediately falls away. The seeds that fell on the thorny bushes, this is like someone who has heard the message, but is choked by worries and riches and lies, and it becomes unproductive. The seeds that were planted in the good soil, however, is like someone who hears and understands the word. They produce lots of fruit, 100, 60 or 30 times what was planted.”

Jesus told them another story. “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who planted good seeds in his field. When everyone was asleep, his enemy came and planted weeds in the field and escaped. When the plants grew and produce fruit, the weeds also appeared. When the farmer’s servants asked him, ‘Didn’t you plant good seeds in your field? Why are there weeds?’

The master replied, “An enemy did this.”

“Do you want us to go and remove the weeds?” the servants asked.

“No, because you’ll pull up the wheat as well. Let them both grow until it’s harvest time. Then I will tell the harvesters to pull up the weeds, tie them together and burn them, and store the wheat in my barns.'”

Jesus told them another story. “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard, which a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all the seeds, it grows into a tree that birds can sit on.”

He told them another story. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast which a woman combined into a large amount of flour until it was evenly mixed.”

Jesus told these stories to the crowds and he didn’t speak to them without telling them a story so that what the prophet said might come true: “I will tell stories out of my mouth. I will tell secrets from the foundations of the world.”

After Jesus said goodbye to the crowds, he went back into the house.

His followers came to him and said, “Explain the story of the weeds in the field”.

Jesus answered, “The son of man is the one planting good seeds and the field is the world. The good seeds are the sons of the kingdom and the weeds are the sons of the evil one. The enemy who planted them is the devil, and the harvest is at the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. The weeds are gathered and burned. The same thing will happen at the end of the age. The son of man will send out his angels, and they will gather everything that causes sin and everyone who is evil. They’ll be thrown into the fiery furnace, where there will be crying and grinding of teeth. Those that are right with God will shine forth like the sun in their father’s kingdom. If anyone has ears, listen!

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that has been buried in a field. When a man finds the treasure, he happily sells everything he owns to buy the field.

“The kingdom of heaven is also like a trader looking for fine pearls. When the trade finds a very precious pearl he sells everything he has to afford it.

“The kingdom of heaven is also like a net that was thrown into the sea. It caught all the different types of fish and filled up. They pulled the nets onto the beach and collected the fish into their containers but threw bad fish back. This age will end just like that. The angels will separate the evil from people who have made themselves right with God. The evil people will be thrown into the furnace. There will be crying and grinding of teeth. Do you understand all this?”

They replied, “Yes.”

Jesus said, “Because of this, all the teachers who have been a follower of the kingdom of heaven are like house owners who bring out new and old treasures.

When Jesus had finished telling the stories, he left and went to his hometown. He taught the Jews there. They were amazed at what they had and asked, “Where does this wise man with his incredible powers come from? Is this the carpenter’s son? Is his mother named Mary? And his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? Aren’t his sisters here with us? Where does this man get these things?”

They were offended by him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is honoured everywhere except in his hometown and in his house.”

He didn’t do many miracles that because they didn’t believe in him.

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Continue exploring Matthew 13

If you’d like to read Matthew 13 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 13 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 13 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 13 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 12 Simplified: Jesus is accused of doing illegal things

Published on September 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus walked through some farms on the Holy Day. His followers were hungry, and they picked and ate the grain in the fields.
The Pharisees saw this and said to him, “Your followers are doing what is illegal on Holy Days!”
Jesus replied, “Didn’t you read what David did when he and his followers were hungry? He entered into the house of God and they ate sacred bread, which was illegal for him and his followers to eat because it was reserved for the priests. Haven’t you read in the law books that on the Holy Days the temple priests break the Holy Day laws but are still innocent? I’m saying now, however, that something more important than the temple is here.
If you had known that I want compassion, not sacrifices, you wouldn’t have accused my innocent followers. The Son of Man is Lord of the Holy Days.”

Jesus left from there and went into their place of worship. There was a man with a deformed hand at the temple. The Pharisees asked Jesus so they could catch him out, “Is it legal to heal someone on a Holy Day?”
Jesus replied, “Will any of you, if you owned a sheep that fell into a pit on a Holy Day, not rescue it? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep?! So it is legal to do good things on Holy Days.”
He then said to the man with the deformed hand, “Stretch out your hand.”
The man stretched his hand out and it was completely healed.

The Pharisees left the building and had a meeting. They discussed how they could kill Jesus. Jesus heard about this and left the area. A giant crowd followed him, and he healed them all, but he warned them not to snitch on him so that Isaiah the prophet’s prophecy might come true, which was:
‘See my chosen servant; my loved one who my soul delights in. I will put my Spirit in him and he will declare my justice to the everyone. He won’t shout or argue. No one will hear his voice in the streets. He won’t break a damaged reed or put out a smouldering candle until he has justice and victory. The non-Jewish people will trust in his name.’

A demon-possessed, blind and mute man was brought to Jesus. Jesus healed him, and the man could speak and see.
Everyone in the crowd was amazed and asked, “Is this David’s descendant?”
When the Pharisees heard about this miracle and said, “This man sends out demons probably because of Satan, the demon ruler!”
Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus went and said to them, “All kingdoms where the people can’t get along will be destroyed. All towns or houses where the members can’t get along will fall. If Satan casts himself out, then he is divided against himself. How would his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons in the name of Satan, in who’s name do your exorcists cast demons out? Because of this, they will judge you. However, if I cast out demons in the name of the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
How is anyone able to go into a strong man’s house and steal his things if they don’t tie the man up? Then they can steal everything from his house. Anyone not with me is against me, and anyone not joined with me is scattered. Because of all this, people, I’m telling you, every sin and abusive thing you say will be forgiven. But abuse against the Spirit will not be forgiven. If anyone speaks a word against the Son of Man, they will be forgiven. If anyone speaks against the Holy Spirit, they will not be forgiven, not now or in the future.
A good tree will be known by its good fruit. A bad tree will be known by its bad fruit. You bunch of snakes, how can you speak good things while being evil? What you think in your heart determines what you say. The good man gives good things from his treasures, while the evil man gives evil things from his treasures. I’m telling you, every careless word that people say, they will be held accountable on the day of judgement. You’ll be judged innocent or guilty by your words.”
Some of the teachers and Pharisees said, “We want to see a sign from you.”
Jesus said, “An evil and cheating generation want a sign. The only sign I’ll show you is Jonah the prophet’s sign. Jonah was inside a fish for three days and nights. In the same way the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and nights. The people of Ninevah will stand at judgement with this generation and judge it. They repented just from Jonah’s preaching, and you see someone greater than Jonah here. The Southern Queen will rise up and also judge this generation, because she came from far away to hear Solomon’s wisdom, but sees something greater than Solomon here.
When a dirty spirit has left a person, it goes through deserts looking for rest but can’t find anywhere to rest. It says ‘I will return to the house from where I came.’ When it returns, it finds the house empty, cleaned and sorted. Then it gathers seven other even more spirits and they all go stay in the house. The person is worse than when he started off. The same thing will happen to this evil generation.”

While he was speaking, his mum and brothers standing outside, waiting to talk to him.
Someone said to Jesus, “Look, your mum and brothers are waiting outside. They want to talk to you.”
“Who are my mum and brothers?” Jesus pointed to his disciples. “These are my family. Whoever does what my heavenly Father wants is family.”

Matthew Chapter 12 Summary

Jesus and his disciples walk through grain fields on the Holy Day. They eat the grain, which the Pharisees say is against the law. Jesus defends his followers, saying that their actions aren’t wrong and emphasises the value of compassion over blindly doing what the law says. At the temple, Jesus heals a man with a deformed hand on the Holy Day, bringing further criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus then leaves the temple and heals many others, bringing to completion one of Isaiah’s prophecies. Jesus is accused by the Pharisees of using demonic powers, but Jesus opposes this, speaking about unity and forgiveness. He explains that a good tree is known by its good fruit and that what you say reflects your heart. Jesus then tells off the Pharisees for demanding a sign and then predicts his death and reawakening. He then discusses the state of a person freed from an evil spirit, relating it to the state of the generation of people. Lastly, Jesus redefines his family as those who follow God’s will, not just his relatives.

Matthew Chapter 12 Bible Study Questions and Answers

How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees accusing his disciples of breaking the law?
Answer: Jesus defends his disciples, reminding the Pharisees about the time David and his followers ate sacred bread out of hunger, which was against the law. He highlights that he values compassion over adherence to the law.
What does Jesus mean when he says, “A good tree will be known by its good fruit”?
Answer: Jesus is saying that a person’s actions reflect their character. Good actions show a good character, while bad actions reveal a bad character.
How does Jesus redefine the concept of family?
Answer: Jesus redefines family as not just being about biological relatives but about spiritual ones. He points to his disciples and states that anyone who does what his Heavenly Father wants is his family.
How does Jesus’s healing of the man with a deformed hand consider the idea of doing good on the Holy Day?
Answer: Jesus heals the man to show that doing good acts, like healing, is not wrong even on Holy Days. It challenges the interpretations of the law by the Pharisees.
What is the significance of Jesus’s prediction of his death and reawakening in the context of faith?
Answer: Jesus predicts his death and reawakening as a sign for the unbelieving and critical Pharisees. It is the ultimate act of saving others and the base of Christian faith.

Matthew Chapter 12 Explained

In Matthew Chapter 12, we see Jesus navigating between holding to religious laws and the higher calling of mercy and love. This chapter opens with Jesus’s disciples picking grain on the Holy Day. The Pharisees, holders of religious tradition, accuse them of breaking the point of the Holy Day. But Jesus reinterprets the law, saying that mercy wins over sacrifices. He says that “The Son of Man is Lord of the Holy Days,” stating his divine authority over the religious laws.

When Jesus heals a man with a deformed hand on the Holy Day, he produces more anger from the Pharisees. He challenges them with the story of a sheep fallen into a pit, saying that it is legal to do good on the Holy Day. This discussion displays the compassion and love that is Jesus’s ministry.

The Pharisees accuse Jesus of performing miracles through demonic power, a claim that Jesus dismisses by saying that a divided house cannot stand, emphasising the importance of unity.

In his teaching about good and bad trees and their fruits, Jesus highlights the significance of integrity, saying that actions reflect one’s heart. The Pharisees, demanding a sign, are told off for their unbelief and lack of understanding. Jesus predicts his death and reawakening, referencing Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish.

The chapter ends with Jesus redefining the concept of family as not just biological but spiritual. This is a rethinking of what family means and invites us to view our relationships through the lens of shared spiritual commitment rather than just relatives. Matthew 12 challenges us to prioritise mercy, understand unity, exercise integrity, deepen our faith, and redefine our sense of community.

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Continue exploring Matthew 12

If you’d like to read Matthew 12 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 12 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 12 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 12 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 11 Simplified: Jesus talks about John the Baptist and tells off the towns who did not repent

Published on September 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

When Jesus had finished giving the twelve disciples instructions, he left to go preach and teach in their towns.
John the Baptist was in prison but heard about the works of Christ. He sent two of his own followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one we’ve been waiting for, or is there someone else coming?”
Jesus answered, “Go back and tell John what you hear and see. The blind see, the disabled walk, the diseased are cleaned, the deaf hear, the dead come back to life, and the poor hear the good news. People are blessed when they don’t doubt me.”
As John’s followers were leaving, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A plant shaken by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in nice clothes? Nice clothes are in the king’s palace. What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I’m telling you, John is better than a prophet. He was written about when it said: ‘Take note; I’m sending my messenger to you, who will prepare your path.’ I’m telling you, no one born of women is greater than John the Baptist. However, the lowest in the Heavenly Kingdom is better than John.
“From John the Baptist’s days until now, the Heavenly Kingdom is caught up in violence and the violent claim it’s theirs.
Because all the prophets and the law said so until John came and said otherwise. If you are willing to agree, John is Elijah, the one who is coming.
“If you have ears, listen! What will I compare this generation to? You’re like children sitting in the shops shouting to people, ‘We played music but you didn’t dance. We sang a sad song and you didn’t cry.’
“John arrived and didn’t eat or drink, so they said he was demon possessed! The Son of Man came and eats and drinks. They say ‘He’s a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is proven to be right by what it does.”

Then Jesus disgraced the town where most of his miracles happened, because they had not asked God for forgiveness for the bad things they did.
“Chorazin, you poor town! Bethsaida, you poor town! If the miracles had happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have dressed in rags and repented ages ago. I’m telling you, it will be better in Tyre and Sidon on Judgement day than for you. Capernaum, you won’t go up to heaven. You’ll go down to hell! If the miracles had happened in Sodom that happened to you, that town would still be there. I’m telling you, it will be better in Sodom than for you on judgement day.”
Jesus then said, “I agree with you, Father, Lord of everything, when you hid these things from the clever but revealed them to children. Yes, Father. For this is pleasing to you.
“Everything given to me was given by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father. No one knows the Father except the Son, and whoever the Son reveals himself to.
“If you are struggling, come to me and I will give you rest. Take my guidance and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest in your souls. For my guidance is easy and my burdens are light.”

Matthew Chapter 11 Summary

After instructing His disciples, Jesus went to teach in their towns. John the Baptist, in prison, sent followers to verify if Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus responded by explaining His works that fulfilled what the prophets said. He later praised John, but also stated that even the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John.

Jesus criticised the generation for their judgmental nature, comparing them to children playing in the market. Regardless of whether a person lived a simple life or enjoyed food and wine they found fault in them.

Jesus then told off the towns where He performed miracles but did not reconsider their ways, saying that they’d face severe judgement. He ended with a prayer, praising the Father for revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom to the humble and inviting the tired to find rest in Him.

Matthew Chapter 11 Bible Study Questions and Answers

What did Jesus mean by saying that John the Baptist is Elijah who was to come?
Answer: Jesus was saying that John was the prophesied one to come before the saviour, completing the role of Elijah in the Old Testament prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6).
How does Jesus’s invitation to the tired and troubled relate to our lives as Christians?
Answer: As Christians, we are invited to give our troubles to Jesus, trusting in His strength and finding rest in Him.
What does it mean when Jesus says the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John the Baptist?
Answer: It reflects the value and honour of being a part of the Kingdom of Heaven, showing that even the lowest status in God’s Kingdom is greater than the highest earthly honour.
Why did Jesus tell off the towns where He performed most of His miracles?
Answer: Jesus told them off because even though they saw His miracles, they didn’t reconsider their sin or turn towards God, showing unbelief and a hard heart.
What can we learn from the people’s different reactions to John the Baptist and Jesus?
Answer: This highlights the importance of being thoughtful in recognising the works of God, and not falling into judgement based on societal norms or expectations.

Matthew Chapter 11 Explained

Matthew Chapter 11 opens with Jesus continuing His ministry after giving instructions to His disciples. One of the key events is John the Baptist, from his prison, seeking clarification about Jesus’s status as the saviour. The answer Jesus gives is a direct reference to prophetic statements in Isaiah, presenting Himself as the expected saviour, as seen through His miracles.

Jesus’s praise of John the Baptist indicates the important role John played in preparing the way for the Messiah. Yet, Jesus says that those in the Kingdom of Heaven, no matter how insignificant, have a higher status. This statement could indicate the amazing grace offered in the new promise started by Jesus.

Jesus criticises His generation’s judgemental attitude, focusing on their frequent fault-finding, regardless of a person’s actions. They viewed John as too simple and Jesus as too luxurious, highlighting their unwillingness to accept the divine work happening around them.

Jesus then tells off the towns that failed to reconsider their ways despite seeing His miracles. He discusses the importance of their unbelief and their coming judgement. Comparing these towns to well-known old cities that did a lot of wrong makes their wrongdoing seem even worse.

Jesus finishes with an invitation to find rest in Him, offering comfort and support. This shows the heart of His mission – to provide spiritual rest to humanity with sin and religious legalism. It’s a reminder of the rest and peace that following Jesus brings. The main point of Matthew Chapter 11 is to show Jesus criticising people who don’t believe in Him, and inviting those who want peace and change to come to Him.

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Continue exploring Matthew 11

If you’d like to read Matthew 11 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 11 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 11 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 11 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 10 Simplified: Discipleship, Division, and Divine Care

Published on August 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus held a meeting with his twelve disciples. He gave them power to cast out unclean spirits and heal all sicknesses and diseases. The twelve disciples were Simon (also known as Peter) and his brother Andrew, James (Zebedee’s son) and his brother John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James (Alphaeus’s son), Thaddeus, Simon Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Judas is the one who betrayed Jesus.

Jesus sent these twelve off with instructions:
“Don’t go into any foreign regions or Samaritan towns. Instead, go to the lost sheep in Israel. Everywhere you go, announce ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is coming!’. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, clean the diseased, get rid of demons. You have received for free, now give away.
Don’t take gold, silver or copper with you in your pockets. Don’t take a backpack or spare clothes, shoes or a staff, because the worker is worthy of being provided for. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy and stay at their house until you leave the town. When you enter the house, greet everyone inside. And if the house is in fact worthy, let your peace be there. If it’s not worthy, take your peace with you. Whoever doesn’t take you in or hears what you have to say, leave their house, or the whole town, and brush their dust off your feet. I’m telling you, it will be better in Sodom and Gomorrah on judgement day than in a town like that.

“I’m sending you like sheep into a pack of wolves. So be as intelligent as snakes but as innocent as doves. Be careful of men, because they will send you to court or beat you up in their gathering. You will stand trial before governors and kings because of me, to be a witness for them and the foreigners. When they arrest you, don’t be scared that you won’t know what to say. The right words will be given to you at that time. You won’t be the ones speaking, but it will be the Spirit of the Father speaking through you.
“Brothers will kill their brother, and dads will kill their children. Children will betray their parents and kill them. You will be hated by everyone because of me. But whoever endures it all will be saved at the end. Whenever they hunt after you in a town, escape to the next town. I’m telling you, you will not reach all the towns in Israel before the Son of Man comes.

“A follower isn’t above the teacher. A servant isn’t above his master. It’s enough that the follower to become like the teacher and the slave like his master. If they named the master of the house ‘The Devil’, what are they going to name the members of the house? So don’t be scared of people. No secrets will stay hidden forever. Tell things in the light what I tell you in darkness, and declare from the rooftops what you hear.

“And there’s no need to be scared of murderers, because they can’t kill your soul. You should be scared of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Aren’t two birds really cheap to buy? One of them won’t fall down without the Father. Even the hairs on your head have been counted. So don’t worry. You are worth way more than lots of birds.

“Whoever admits they are my follower to others, I will admit them to my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny them to my Father in heaven.

“Don’t assume I came to bring peace on earth. I came with a sword, not peace. I came to set a man against his dad, a daughter against her mum and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A person’s enemies will be their family.

“If someone loves their mum or dad more than me, they are not worthy of me. If someone loves their children more than me, they are not worth of me. If someone doesn’t take up their cross and follow me, they are not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life because of me will find it.

“Whoever invites you in, invites me in, and because they invite me in, they also invite the one who sent me. Whoever invites in a prophet in the prophet’s name will receive the prophet’s reward. Whoever invites in a man who is right with God in that man’s name will receive the reward of the man who is right with God. Whoever gives a drink of cold water to these children, in the name of a follower, I’m telling you he will get his reward.”

Matthew Chapter 10 Summary

Jesus empowered his twelve disciples, giving them the ability to drive out unclean spirits and heal all illnesses. Jesus directed them towards the lost sheep of Israel and instructed them to announce the coming arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven. They were to heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, clean the diseased, and send out demons. They were told not to carry money or extra supplies, but to rely on generosity. Jesus highlighted the requirement for absolute dedication to Him, even at the cost of family peace. Lastly, Jesus reassured them of divine care and rewards for their faithfulness.

Matthew Chapter 10 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What can we learn about faith from the instructions Jesus gave to His disciples in this chapter?
Answer: The disciples were asked to step out in faith, relying solely on what God provides. This teaches us that as Christians, we need to trust in God’s care.

2. What does Jesus mean when He says He did not come to bring peace but a sword?
Answer: Jesus means that the gospel message may cause division, even within families, because not everyone will accept it. This is the ‘sword’ of division, rather than a physical weapon.

3. How does Jesus describe the ideal relationship between a follower and their Master?
Answer: Jesus suggests that followers should strive to be like their Master, being examples of their Master’s teachings and actions. However, followers should not expect to surpass their Master.

4. What can we understand from Jesus’ instructions to ‘shake the dust off your feet’?
Answer: This represents leaving behind those who reject the gospel message, and moving on to others who may be more open. It’s a symbolic act of judgement and separation.

5. How can the teaching about the value of sparrows apply to Christian living today?
Answer: Jesus reminds us that God cares for even the least important creatures. Therefore, we, being much more valuable than birds to God, can trust in His care and love, regardless of our situation.

Matthew Chapter 10 Explained

In Matthew 10, Jesus set His disciples to work, granting them miraculous powers as visible evidence of the divine power behind their mission. This marks an important moment in their ministry, as they move from just watchers to active participants in Jesus’s mission.

Jesus’s instructions to His disciples reflect the Christian life’s core values – faith that God provides, courage in the face of opposition, and a willingness to prioritise spiritual over material needs. The disciples were sent out with nothing, relying solely on God’s provision. This dramatic act of faith is a powerful reminder for contemporary Christians to trust in God’s ability to provide for our needs.

The theme of persecution in this chapter is thought-provoking. Jesus did not sugar-coat the realities of being His followers. He warned them of hostility and rejection, even from their families. This admission highlights that a Christian’s journey may involve suffering, a stark reminder to Christians today that their faith may demand sacrifices.

The mention of the ‘sword’ symbolises the division the gospel can bring. The decision to follow Christ can seperate believers from those who do not share their faith, sometimes leading to familial conflicts. Yet, Jesus urged His disciples to maintain their devotion to Him above all else.

Finally, Jesus reassures His disciples of their value in God’s eyes. His mention of sparrows – insignificant and inexpensive birds – serves to reassure His followers of God’s attentive care. The Christian’s worth is permanent, not based on material possessions or societal status. This should comfort and encourage modern-day believers facing difficulties or feeling undervalued.

In summary, Matthew 10 offers a picture of Christian discipleship, focusing on faith, courage, sacrifice, commitment, and God’s unwavering care.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 10

If you’d like to read Matthew 10 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 10 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 10 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 10 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 9 Simplified: Jesus heals all the sicknesses and diseases

Published on August 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus got into another boat and travelled across the Sea of Galilee to his hometown.
When he arrived, a disabled man lying on a bed was brought to him by some men. Seeing that the men believed he could heal the disabled man, Jesus said to the disabled man, “Be brave, son. Your sins have been forgiven.”
Some of the local teachers thought, “This man is speaking wrong things about God!”
Jesus knew the thoughts of the teachers. “Why are you thinking evil thoughts? Which is easier? To say ‘your failures are forgiven’ or ‘get up and walk’? You will know that the Son of Man has the power to forgive failures, here on earth.” He then said to the disabled man, “Pick up your bed and go home.”
The man got up and went home. The crowds were amazed and praised God, who had given power to men.

Continuing on, Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at a tax collector’s booth.
Jesus told him, “Follow me”.
Matthew got up and followed him. Jesus and his followers had dinner at Matthew’s house with many other tax collectors and bad people.
The Pharisees [Jews who believed a messiah was coming, but only for Jews] asked Jesus’ followers, “Why does your teacher eat with the tax collectors and dodgy people?”
Jesus overheard this and answered, “Sick people need a doctor, not healthy people. Go away and learn this: I want kindness, not sacrifices. I didn’t come to call people who are already right with God, but those that are not.
Followers of John came to Jesus and asked, “Why are we and some of the other Jews fasting, but your followers don’t?”
Jesus replied, “The wedding attendants can’t be sad while the groom is with them. The days will come when the groom will be taken away, and then they will fast. No one repairs clothing with a new patch, because the new patch will shrink and make the problem worse. No one pours new wine into old wineskins, in case the wineskins burst and the wine leaks out. They pour new wine into new wineskins and both keep well.”

As he was talking, a local leader came and knelt before him. “My daughter has died. Come and put your hand on her to bring her back to life?”
Jesus and his followers got up and followed the man.
A woman who had a constant period for 12 years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak.
‘If I can just touch his clothes I’ll be healed’, she thought.
Jesus turned around and said, “Be brave, daughter. Because you believed, you have been healed”.
The woman was healed that very moment.

Jesus arrived at the local leader’s house and saw the funeral musicians and a crowd making a commotion.
“Everyone go away,” he said. “The girl is not dead, she is just asleep.”
The crowd laughed at him. When the crowd had been moved outside, Jesus entered and took the girl’s hand. She woke up. The news of this event spread throughout the regions.

Jesus went from there and was followed by two blind men who cried out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
Jesus went indoors and asked the blind men. “Do you believe I am able to heal you?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of you believe, it will happen.”
They could see again. Jesus gave them strict instruction not to tell anyone. But they went anyway and told what had happened throughout the regions.

As Jesus and his followers were leaving. A demon-possessed mute man was brought to Jesus. When the demon was cast out, the man could speak.
The crowds were amazed and said, “We’ve never seen anything like this happen in Israel before.”
The Pharisees said, “He casts out demons using the power of the demon prince!”

Jesus went around all the cities and villages and taught in the churches. He told the good news of the coming kingdom, and healed all the sicknesses and diseases. He felt compassion for the crowds that he saw, because they were tired and lost like sheep without a shepherd.
He said to his followers, “There is a lot to harvest but there are not enough workers. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that he sends more workers.”

Matthew Chapter 9 Summary

Jesus shows his power by forgiving a disabled man’s sins and then healing his physical condition, leaving the crowd amazed. Jesus further invites Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, breaking societal expectations. He uses the story of a physician tending to the sick, saying that he came to help those most in need of spiritual healing. Jesus answers questions about fasting, comparing his followers’ joy in his presence to wedding guests’ joy with their groom. He performs more miracles, healing a woman suffering from a constant period, and bringing a local leader’s daughter back to life. Jesus then restores sight to two blind men and frees a demon-possessed man, allowing him to speak. Despite warnings from Jesus to keep quiet, the miracles become famous. Some Pharisees accuse Jesus of using demonic power, but this doesn’t deter him from his mission. He continues teaching and healing across various cities and villages, asking for more workers to assist in his spiritual ‘harvest’.

Matthew Chapter 9 Bible Study Questions and Answers

What does Jesus mean when he says he wants mercy, not sacrifice?
Answer: Jesus is focusing on the importance of care and kindness over just ceremonial acts. He values genuine care for others over formal religious practices that lack heart.
How does the call of Matthew reflect on Jesus’ teachings?
Answer: By inviting Matthew, a tax collector considered sinful by societal standards, Jesus demonstrates that his message is for everyone, especially those considered ‘lost’ or ‘sinful’. It highlights his mission of spiritual healing for all.
What do the miracles in this chapter reveal about Jesus’ power?
Answer: The miracles show Jesus’ power over physical ailments, life and death, and even spiritual entities, including demons. It shows that Jesus is not just a teacher but also carries power from God.
Why does Jesus ask his followers to pray for more workers in the harvest?
Answer: Jesus uses the idea of a harvest to represent the work of spreading God’s kingdom. He sees the large number of people who need to hear God’s message and encourages his disciples to pray for more workers to assist in this spiritual harvest.
How can Jesus’ discussion with the Pharisees teach us about taking criticism in our Christian walk?
Answer: Jesus handles the Pharisees’ criticism calmly and continues with his mission, teaching us to remain in our faith, even when faced with criticism or misunderstanding.

Matthew Chapter 9 Explained

In Matthew Chapter 9, we see an assortment of Jesus’ powers and teachings. He performs miraculous healings, demonstrating his power over physical and spiritual matters. This shows Jesus is not just a teacher but also a divine figure with the power to change people’s lives.

Firstly, Jesus heals a paralysed man, showing his power to forgive sins, which was a direct claim of godliness, causing some of the teachers to question his power. Yet, instead of falling back, Jesus proves his godly power by healing the man’s physical condition.

The call of Matthew, a tax collector, is an important moment. By inviting such a person, regarded as sinful, Jesus breaks societal conventions, showing that his message is for everyone and not just those automatically considered good people. It shows Jesus’ mission to bring spiritual healing to those most in need.

Jesus’ teachings on fasting hint at the joy his disciples find in his presence, comparing it to the joy of wedding attendants when the groom is present. He communicates the temporary nature of his time on earth, and that there will be a time for fasting when he is no longer with them.

Further, Jesus shows his power over life and death itself by bringing back to life a leader’s dead daughter, and his power and authority over spiritual entities by healing a demon-possessed man. Such acts are evidence of his godly authority and highlight the complete nature of his ministry – physical, spiritual, and emotional.

Criticism from the Pharisees does not cause Jesus to back off. Instead, he continues his journey, teaching, healing and sharing his message of God’s kingdom to all who would listen. He uses the idea of the harvest to show the extent of the task at hand, asking his disciples to pray for more workers to assist.

In essence, Matthew Chapter 9 portrays Jesus’ divine power and authority, care, and commitment to his mission of starting God’s kingdom on earth.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 9

If you’d like to read Matthew 9 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 9 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 9 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 9 in the Contemporary English Version.