Jesus Is Messiah

Matthew 16:13-28

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)

Jesus traveled west to the Roman port of Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast.    The disciples had been in contact with a lot of people, and Jesus asked who the people thought he was.  Some were like Herod and thought he was a reincarnation of John the Baptist.  Others thought he was Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the other prophets come back to life.

Jesus then asked the most important question, who the disciples thought he was.  Peter answered without hesitation, that he was the Messiah, God’s own son.

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:17-18)

Jesus said Simon Peter was blessed because he had heard when god stated that Jesus was his son at Jesus’ baptism, and had believed the miracles Jesus did when others did not.  It was God who had caused him to understand and believe.  Hence forth he would be known as Peter or Petros, the small rock.  Christ’s church would be built on Petra, the huge outcropping of rock and the gates of hell would never win against it.   Romans 9:33 and 1Corinthians 10:4 make it clear the church is founded on Christ, not on Peter.  Peter is a little rock alongside Christ.

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

Just as a father might give his keys to his son to unlock the house as a special privilege, Jesus would allow Peter to unlock the door to the kingdom.  Peter exercised that privilege on the day of Pentecost, explaining how people could be saved in Acts 2.  He exercised it again when he opened the door for the Gentiles in Acts 10.

Everyone who entered in through faith in that message would be saved and those who rejected it would be lost.  Jesus is in no way saying that Peter or the church were authorized to decide who could be saved.

“Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.” (Matthew 16:20)

Jesus forbade his disciples to tell people he was the Messiah.  He had a great deal to teach them and the Pharisees and Sadducees would seize any such claim to attack him, creating a distraction that would hamper their learning.  It was essential the disciples be fully trained before he ascended into heaven.

“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23)

Once the disciples were sure Jesus was the Messiah, he began to teach them about his impending persecution and crucifixion.  Peter rebelled at the thought, insisting that could not be allowed to happen.  He still didn’t understand that salvation was not possible without Christ dying on the cross.  Jesus rebuked Peter, pointing out that his attitude was Satanic, placing human logic and emotions ahead of God’s plan.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

For a person to be a Christian, it is necessary he give up his own ideas and plans, and concentrate on what Christ demands even though they are not popular with those around.  To insist on having things one own way will prevent one from being saved.  The earthly benefits of having things your way will not amount to much if it costs eternity in hell, no matter how much one gets on earth.  The world has the attitude that the man who dies with the most toys wins, but the reality is he died.  His toys will no longer have value to him.

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:27-28)

The Lord will return, and when he does every person will be rewarded according to what they have done.  Some of the disciples would not die until the Lord’s return.   After the crucifixion, when Jesus was questioning his love, peter attempted to divert attention by asking what John would do, in John 21:20-23.  “Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?   Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

“Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

The disciples clearly believed it was John who would remain until Christ’s return, although John was less sure that is what he meant.  

The Leaven Of The Pharisees And Sadducees

Matthew 16:1-12

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.” (Matthew 16:1)

In Matthew 12:38-39, the scribes and Pharisees had asked Jesus for some special sign for their own gratification, and Jesus had compared them to a girl who isn’t committed to one guy but wants them to compete for her attention.  This group was a mixture of Pharisees and Sadducees and were violently opposed to each other much like the present day Republican and Democratic parties.  Both groups were struggling for dominance and were afraid Jesus would upset the balance of power just as the Republican and Democratic parties fear the Tea party will draw moderate voters from both parties.  They were not looking for gratification but for something they could use to discredit and neutralize him.

“He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.  And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2-3)

They considered themselves as experts on the things of God.  Jesus said even ordinary farmers and sailors could look at the sky and make predictions about the weather.  Why couldn’t supposed experts in the field of what God said tell what was happening around them?  He then repeated what he had told the previous group.

“A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.” (Matthew 16:4)

People who only believe when they have a new sign are not committed anyway.  They will always go after the next big thing, and it is a waste of time trying to keep them.  If a woman only stays because of the fancy flowers and gifts, you would be better off without her, and if people only stay in the church for the excitement, the church would be better off without them.  God would not give some special sign to bribe them to stay a while longer.  Then Jesus walked away.  He didn’t waste more time talking to them.

“And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.  Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.” (Matthew 16:5-7)

In their rush to catch up with Jesus, the disciples forgot to pack any food.  When they caught him he warned them to look out for the leaven of the Pharisees, and they assumed he knew they forgotten the groceries and probably were blaming each other. 

“Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?  Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?  Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?  How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?” (Matthew 16:8-11)

Jesus reminded them that they had seen over five thousand fed with just enough for a little boy, and a few days later four thousand fed with only slightly more.  Couldn’t they understand that if he could do that, he wasn’t worried about having enough food.  He had been speaking figuratively when he referred to the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

“Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:12)

When they realized that he was speaking figuratively, they understood that he was warning them against the teachings and philosophy of either the Pharisees or the Sadducees, whose main interest was in preserving their own prestige rather than in what was right or pleasing to God.

Jesus’ Gifts and Power Are Not Limited

Matthew 15:21-39

“Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.  And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.” (Matthew 15:21-23)

When Jesus went into the area of present day Lebanon, a Canaanite woman began to call out to Jesus for help with her demon possessed daughter.   Like many ethnic groups, the Jews tended to associate only with their own people.    Jesus deliberately ignored her, acting just like most of the Jewish leaders would have done, to call attention to their wrong attitude.    Instead of asking him to heal her, the disciples became upset at her cries and asked him to send her away. 

“But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and cast it to dogs.

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.” (Matthew 15:24-27)

Instead of sending her away as the disciples asked, Jesus stopped to talk to her.  He told her exactly what the disciples expected, that his mission was to the nation Israel.   It was the standard attitude of the Jews that only Jews could receive the benefit of God’s promises.  Whether his message was solely for the Jews or not, her daughter needed healing and woman believed Jesus could help her. 

Jesus pointed out that it was not proper to take what was meant for one group and use it for someone else.  That he used the illustration of dogs emphasized the Jewish attitude that others were inferior.   The woman acknowledged that his statements were true, but as she pointed out, allowing others to benefit as well did not deprive the intended recipients. 

“Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” (Matthew 15:28)

Jesus complimented her on her faith, and gave her what she asked.  It was an important lesson for the disciples to learn that even if their primary ministry was to Israel, they could reach out to others as well.  It was the first recorded step in teaching the disciples that the gospel was not limited to Jews only.

“And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.  And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:29-31)

Jesus then returned to the coast of the Sea of Galilee, to one of the hills where he sat down to receive the people who followed him.  They brought all kinds of sick and injured people to him to be healed.   That he was able to heal every problem including problems that had existed since birth, the people were intrigued that he had such power and thanked God for giving it to him.

“Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?” (Matthew 15:32-33)

He had been there three days healing people and Jesus knew some of them had been there the whole time with nothing to eat.  Jesus was concerned about them, that they might faint or collapse on their way home.   It was a wilderness area with no nearby towns, and the disciples asked where they could buy food for so many people, completely forgetting how he had fed the five thousand men a few days before. 

“And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.  And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.   And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.  And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.” (Matthew 15:34-39)

When Jesus asked how much food they had, they had more than they had the first time.  He did exactly the same thing he had done the first time, and the entire multitude was satisfied, although it was smaller than the first time.  Again they had far more left over than they started with.  God doesn’t run out of power because he has done something before.

After sending the crowd away, Jesus and the disciples sailed  across the Sea of Galilee to Magdala, on the west coast, south west of Capernaum. 

The Attitude Matters More Than The Action

Matthew 15:1-20

”Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.” (Matthew 15:1-2)

Up to this point Jesus ministry had been in the region of Galilee and had been largely ignored by the religious leaders in Jerusalem, although many of the common people flocked to hear him.  When they finally took notice, it was over the same issue that the local leaders had challenged him on in Matthew 12:1-8.

In the passage in Matthew 12, the Pharisees had believed the disciples actually violated the law and Jesus pointed out that the Law provided for such things. The scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem were not concerned with whether the disciples had violated the law, but only that they had violated the traditions or standards the Pharisees had set.  They placed their own standards ahead of what God had said, and Jesus answered them accordingly.

“But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Mt 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.  But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” (Matthew 15:3-6)

He pointed out that their various schools of interpretation such as that started by Shamai in 47 BC or Hillel in 6 BC promoted traditions that were diametrically opposed to the law God had given.  While God commanded people to respect and honor their parents, the Pharisee’s traditional interpretations allowed him to disclaim such responsibility.  The parents owed the kids and anything the kids did to help them was just a gift rather than a responsibility, very similar to the attitude in America today.  If the child chose not to do his chores or help out, he was considered within his rights.  By taking that position, the Pharisees had placed their traditions ahead of God’s law. 

“Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:7-9)

In claiming to promote God’s standard by demanding people follow their tradition when it in fact contradicted God’s law was hypocritical.  As Jesus said, they talked like they were really serving God while in reality, they were disobeying him at every turn.  All their religious activities were a meaningless waste of time and energy.  The same Pharisaical attitude is prevalent today, with groups establishing their own standards and demanding other s keep them while ignoring what God has said.

“And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? ” (Matthew 15:10-12)

Jesus then told the crowd that eating food the wasn’t approved or drinking alcohol would not send anyone to hell.  It wasn’t what they put into their bodies that was the problem, but what came out.  The Pharisees were upset that Jesus so directly contradicted them. 

“But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” (Matthew 15:13-14)

Jesus said everything which wasn’t from God would be pulled up like a gardener pulling weeds.  The Pharisees who thought they were the spiritual leaders had no more understanding of what God wanted than they people they were trying to lead.  Instead of helping them avoid problems they would just lead them back into more of the same.  Because they are blind, the followers don’t realize the leaders are also bling and so follow eagerly, thoroughly expecting to escape the problems.

”Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?  Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” (Matthew 15:15-20)

As Jesus explained to the disciples, the problem is not the mere external actions a person does, but heart attitude that causes him to do them.  The actions themselves are quickly forgotten, but the attitude affect everything the person does. 

Two Fish And Five Biscuits

Matthew 14:13-36

“When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.  And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:13-14)

After Jesus heard about John’s execution, he sailed across the Sea of Galilee to a desert area.  When the people learned where he had gone, they followed him around the coast on foot.  Concerned that they had traveled so far to hear him, Jesus took time to heal their sick.

“And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.” (Matthew 14:15-17)

That evening the disciples came to Jesus, concerned because they were in the middle of the desert and there was no place close to get food.  They recommended he send the people away to find a place where they could get food.

Jesus said there was no need to send then away.  They should just feed them.  The disciples were concerned that they had only a small boy’s sack lunch.  They were sure that five biscuits or pieces of pita bread and a couple of sardines was not enough to feed the crowd.

“He said, Bring them hither to me.  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.  And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.  And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.” (Matthew 14:18-21)

Jesus instructed them to bring him the food and have the multitude sit down.   Because they believed in him, the disciples obeyed.  After praying, he started breaking the food into pieces which the disciples handed to the people.  When they finished, there was far more left over than they had started with, even though between five thousand and ten thousand people had eaten all they wanted. 

In all the years I have been a pastor, I have never seen a church dinner run short of food even when people who weren’t expected showed up and the ladies who fixed the food were worried about having enough.   I believe that on a much smaller scale, God has repeatedly done the same thing.   Unfortunately, believing that doesn’t always stop me form worrying.

“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.  And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” (Matthew 14:22-24)

After feeding the multitude, Jesus told the disciples to get into the ship and go to the other side while he sent the crowd home.  He then went up to mountains where he prayed privately until almost dark.  In the meantime, the ship had gotten well out into the sea and a storm had arisen that was impeding their progress.

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14:25-26)

Sometime between midnight and two in the morning, Jesus caught up with the ship, walking on the water.  The se was so rough no one was sleeping and when they saw him, the disciples thought it must be a ghost or spirit coming to get them and started yelling to drive him away.

“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:27-31)

Jesus identified himself to calm their fears and Peter asked permission to walk on the water to Jesus.  Jesus told him to come on and Peter climbed out and started walking toward him.  None of the other disciples dared to try.

Though the waves were not tossing him around and he was having no trouble walking, Peter got distracted by the violence of the wave and panicked, beginning to sink.  When he called for the Lord to help him, Jesus reached down and took him by the hand, pulling him up while standing on the water.   He asked him why he quit trusting him, because he had been doing fine.

“And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:32-33)

Immediately upon his entering the ship, the wind stopped and the disciples remembered what had happened in Matthew 8:24-27, when Jesus commanded the wind to stop.  This time they didn’t ask what kind of man could do this.  They knew he was the son of God.

“And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.  And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.” (Matthew 14:34-36)

Herod Assumes Jesus Is John The Baptist

Matthew 13:54-14:12

“And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?  Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?  And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him.

But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.  And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:54-58)  

When Jesus came into Capernaum and Nazareth, he went into the local synagogue to teach.  His teaching was so different from what they were used to they were amazed and questioned where he had learned those things.  After all, they knew his entire family, that they just ordinary working people.  How could a carpenter possibly know so much?   They concluded hw was just making things up and were angry that he expected them to believe it.

Many times the hardest people to reach are those who know you best because they think they know all about you.  People who know less about you find it easier to make a fair judgment.   Because they didn’t believe him, they didn’t bring people to be healed like happened in other towns, so he did less miracles there than in other places.

“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.  For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.  And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.  Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.  And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.  And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.  And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.  And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.” (Matthew 14:1-12)

When Herod the great died in 7 BC, his son Archelaus was named king.  Later, after repeated rebellions by the Jews, Palestine was divided between Herod’s thre sons, Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Philip in an effort to stabilize the region.  Their mother Marianne was a descendant of the Hasmonean priests and the Maccabees, so the boys were very familiar with Jewish customs and laws, and it was hoped the combination would reduce some of the antagonism against Rome.  Herod Antipas was king or tetrarch of the region of Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry.

Herod had an affair with his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias, and later married her in violation of Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21.  When John declared that the action was illegal, Herod had John arrested and imprisoned.  Because of John’s popularity among the people, Herod was afraid of the political consequences of having him killed. 

When Herod’s birthday came, Herodias’ daughter, Herod’s neice was sent in to dance and provide entertainment for Herod.  He was so enthralled by her dancing that he offered her anything she wanted.  Her mother instructed her to ask for John’s head in a covered dish.

Though he feared the political consequences, Herod was too proud to openly break his promise so he had John executed, shortly after Jesus began his ministry.  John’s disciples claimed and buried his body.  As stories of Jesus’ popularity and miracles spread, Herod heard them and concluded that God had resurrected John from the dead and was using him to do the miracles.   He didn’t interfere with Jesus’ ministry, probably because he figured it would be a waste of time and effort.  The people would just be more convinced he was a prophet.

More Parables About The Kingdom

Matthew 13:36-53

“Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.” (Matthew 13:36)

The unbelieving multitude simply accepted Jesus’ story as an interesting story.  His disciples recognized it as having greater meaning and asked Jesus to explain it.   In teaching today, those who have little or no interest still find stories interesting while those who are interested want to know more. 

“He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:37-43)

When first created all the plants were good for food according to Genesis 1:29, but as a result of sin, some became what we call weeds in Genesis 3:18.   In the same way all men were created by God and in that sense are sons of God, but sin has corrupted many and they now follow Satan.  As Jesus explains these are the tares. 

The harvest is the end of the world, when God comes back to claim those that his.  As Jesus explains, all those who follow Satan will be cast into everlasting fire, where they never die.  Those who belong to God will live with him in the heavenly kingdom.   Contrary to what many believe, Jesus said there will be a definite separation between the two groups.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46)

If a person believed the value of a buried treasure was large enough and was sure where it was, he might well give everything he owned to insure that no one else could claim it, selling everything he owned to buy the land.   Another person might do the same thing to obtain a valuable pearl or diamond, convinced that they will prove far more valuable than what he presently has.  Other people will think it foolish to pay so much because they don’t consider ti worth that much. 

If a person considers salvation and eternal life that valuable he will be willing to give whatever he has to get it.  In Luke 14:33, Jesus said anyone who was not willing to do so could not be saved.  “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”  Only those who recognize the value will be willing to do what is required.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50)

A net catches everything within the area it encloses including trash and undesirable fish.  When it is emptied, the good fish are cared for and saved while the trash and undesirable fish are disposed of.  Jesus reiterates that at the end of the world there will be a sorting process, and those who are not acceptable will be cast into everlasting fire. 

“Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things?

 They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:51-52)

Jesus then asked the disciples if they understood what he was telling them and they said they did.  He concluded by saying a person who really understood about the kingdom of heaven, about the Christian life would be like a person with a rich treasure.  When he goes in and checks it out, he not only finds things he had forgotten or didn’t know he had, but he also is able to enjoy the things he knew about.   A person who really understands what Christianity is will constantly find new and exciting things as well as being blessed by the old things he has learned in the past.

“And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.” (Matthew 13:53)