Tag Archives: Matthew

Matthew 2- Jesus The Nazarene

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But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:19-23

God works in mysterious ways, we heard this phrase a million times, but when you read the Bible you see how God works in ways we can’t even comprehend. Just when you think the fight is lost, God shows you He is in complete control. While Jesus time in Egypt was temporary and a fulfillment of prophecy, the time has come for Christ to come back home

Notice how accurate the Messianic prophecies are, the Christ would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), The Messiah would then go to Egypt (Hosea 11:1) , however when we reflect about the Christ being a Nazarene, its more of a cumulative case. This is why many were probably confused about the Messiah

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1

The word “Nazarene” in Hebrew means “Branch” , as we know Isaiah 11:1 is a prophecy of the Messiah, as the stem of Jesse is the line of David. The Messiah will come from the Line of David, as we see the genealogy of Christ  at the beginning of Matthew 1:6 “And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;”

Jesus the Nazarene is the Branch of Jesse. Again you can use the words Nazarene and Branch interchangeably. 

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Acts 26:9

It’s clear that the Apostles and early Chistians, identified the Messiah as Jesus of Nazareth. As we learned earlier Nazarene is actually a Messianic title. As we also remember Jesus was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-24) Just as the name Bethlehem had significant meaning , also the name Nazareth has significant meaning also

So as the disciple asked “Can anything good come out of Nazareth”? The answer is Yes, the Christ, Son of God came out of Nazareth to save us from our sins Amen!

Matthew 2- Rachels Weeping

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Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. Matthew 2:16-18

As we just went over Jesus’ flight to Egypt, this was the event that God was protecting him from. One of the most horrific events in the entire Bible, King Herod ordered the killing of all Jewish males 2 years old and under. This can only begin to show you how insane and dangerous King Herod was. This also shows you that Satan was not only defeated but was totally confused on how to stop the Messiah. Often we give Satan too much credit, when Satan knew all the prophecies yet still couldn’t figure out how to defeat God

Speaking of prophecies, this event is yet again another fulfillment of prophecy. Again Matthew continually demonstrates how Jesus fulfills all the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Over 300 hundred prophecies fulfilled by Christ, the mathematical probabilities are astronomical, yet Jesus fulfilled them all. How can anyone doubt that Jesus is The Messiah?

Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Jeremiah 31:15

When you analyze this prophecy by Jeremiah, at first glance it appears to make any sense, however when you break it down it’s very precise. The slaughter of the children is known as “Rachel’s Weeping” . Rachel is obviously the wife of Jacob, mother of Joseph. Rachel was buried near Bethlehem, hence the reference of location by the prophet Jeremiah. If that wasn’t enough for you , the Hebrew meaning of the name Rachel means “ewe” which is a baby lamb. Bethlehem is the city of the Passover Lamb and the slaughter was of children, it’s amazing the precise accuracy of this prophecy

And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. Exodus 1:15-16

It’s also interesting to reference the foreshadow of this event with Moses. The King of Egypt, ordered all the male Hebrew children to be murdered. Again Satan failed again to kill the Messiah. Satan knew Christ would come from Israel, but he didn’t know who or how. Many events in Moses’ life were a foreshadow of Jesus to come. This is an event that draws alot of similarities to Rachels Weeping

God is in complete control, even with all the evil in this world, Satan couldn’t kill the Messiah. Trust in the Lord and not in our own understanding Amen!

Matthew 2- Out of Egypt

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And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Matthew 2:13-15

When you study the entire Bible, its amazing all the shadows of Christ that are in the Old Testament. When we think about Egypt, of course we think about the Israelites being delivered from over 400 years of slavery in the Exodus. And then Jesus symbolically uses Egypt to demonstrate how Christ delivered us from the slavery of sin and death. (John 8) 

It’s interesting that Egypt became an intrical part of Jesus’ life here on Earth. As King Herod began looking to kill the newborn King, God warned Mary and Joseph to take Jesus to Egypt and hide out. The Apostle Matthew declares that his act fulfills the prophecy foretold by Hosea in the Old Testament

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.  Hosea 11:1

It’s amazing when you read this prophecy and realize that Jesus was being foretold about hundred of years before the Incarnation of Christ. Did Israel understand this prophecy was given to them? Probably not, much like when Isaiah foretold the Sign would be a Virgin would have a Son (Isaiah 7:14) How could anyone during that time period even comprehend these prophecies? Even today with all the knowledge, manuscripts, and commentaries we have today, many still ponder the exact meaning of these phrases.

The Apostle Matthew does an excellent job of tying together the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament with the fulfillment in the New Testament. Matthew clearly states that this event of Jesus going to Egypt was the fulfillment of Hosea 11:1. Same as he states the Incarnation of Christ is the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, you either believe the Bible or you don’t

But think of Jesus Christ as the greater Joseph, the greater Moses. Joseph went to Egypt as a slave and became King, Moses beacame the mediator between God and Israel and led them out of slavery of Egypt. But Christ is the greater Joseph or Moses, these men were just shadows of Jesus to come. 

For God so loved the world that He gave his Only Begotten Son! (John 3:16) Salvation is now possible through Christ Amen!

Matthew 2- The Magi

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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2:1-6

Some of the most mysterious characters in the Bible are the Magi or Wise Men. Who are these guys? Where did they come from? The Magi were from Persia , which is modern day Iran. So the Magi traveled about 900 miles on camelback to find the Christ child. Now it’s obvious the Magi were familiar with many of the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament, including Micah 5:2 which says the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. They were also familiar with the prophecy of Numbers 24:17 about the star as a sign of the Messiah

During their journey to Bethlehem , the Magi traveled through Jerusalem and met with King Herod, who heard about the coming of The Messiah, a King above all Kings. Herod instantly became threatened by Christ, and pretended to want to worship Jesus , however truly he just wanted to kill him. Which we will see later caused the horrific event known as “Rachel’s weeping”

The Magi were very intelligent , hence the name “Wise Man” they were known as your experts of the time, such as we look upon doctors or scholars today. The Magi were also a fulfillment of prophecy themselves as foretold by Isaiah “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. “ (Isaiah 60:3) “

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way Matthew 2:7-12

So how did the Magi find  Jesus? They followed the star , which was prophesied in Numbers 24:17, to the town of Bethlehem prophesied by Micah 5:2. It’s often tradition in our Nativity scenes, to have 3 wise men. Well first thing is we don’t know exactly how many Magi made the trip, we assume 3 because of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Secondly , by the time the Magi found Jesus, it says he was a “young child”, it was most likely the Magi visited Jesus at his house and not in the manger. It could have potentially been months, maybe years until the Magi reached Bethlehem and found Jesus.

The most significant point to get from this, is that the Magi were Gentiles coming to worship the Messiah, the New Covenant has now arrived through Jesus. Salvation is now possibly, not only to the Jews but also the Gentiles who put their faith in Christ! Amen!

Matthew 1- Incarnation of Christ

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Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18-20

Every year around Christmas time, the great debate begins among Christians, “Should we celebrate the birth of Christ”? While many Christians opt to celebrate Hanukkah instead, which wasn’t commanded by God either and has no relevance to the New Covenant. The  Incarnation of Christ is a central and essential doctrine of Christianity. If Christ didn’t become human there would be no atonement for your sins!

Mary was a virgin and she conceived the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. The Incarnation, much like the Triunity of God, is difficult for us to wrap our human minds around. Often people who can’t comprehend it, just reject it like the Triunity of God. Just because you can’t understand something doesn’t mean it’s not true. If God is truly the Creator of everything, don’t you think He will be a little complex? The reality is The Incarnation of Christ had to happen to save humanity, the Son of God had to become a man to pay for the sins of the world

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:21-25

The Apostle Matthew felt the Incarnation of Christ was so important, that he began his gospel writing with it. Why? Well because 700 years earlier the prophet Isaiah foretold The Messiah would come from a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) What will be the sign of the Messiah? God said “A virgin will give birth to a Son and he will be called Immanuel” Matthew goes on to give us further commentary that Immanuel means “God Is With Us”, think about that God became flesh and lived among Us (John 1:14)

And if there is any doubt God said His name will be Jesus (Yeshua) and He will save us from our sins. Christians have gotten so distracted around Christmas with arguments about paganism, that they forget or miss what happened in that manger in Bethlehem!

The sign was delivered by God, the Son of God becoming human to reconcile us back to The Father. The New Covenant is now upon us, Thank you Jesus! Amen!

Jesus Is Risen Part 2

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In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. Matthew 28:1-2

It amazes me how there are some Christians who like to argue the resurrection happened on the Sabbath. The scriptures are very clear here, it was on the first day of the week (Sunday) that the stone was rolled away!

Here we see the woman coming to see Jesus’s grave and a great earthquake happened due to an Angel descending down from Heaven. The Stone is Rolled Away! Jesus Is Risen, death is defeated! What an amazing event , we should be celebrating the resurrection every day not just Easter!

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. Matthew 28:3-4

Lets think about this, the Roman soldiers , who made a living torturing and terrorizing people, fell like dead men here! As I said before on Palm Sunday, Jesus didn’t come to just save Israel , Jesus came to save the entire world, including the Roman soldiers. Many Romans fell to their knees and repented to the one true living God

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:5-6

The angel came to announce the good news , Jesus Is Risen! There is no better news you’ll ever hear but these words. No matter what is going on in our lives, Jesus has overcome the world! As the angel said “Fear Not”! We worship a Risen Savior , there is no need to fear!

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. Matthew 28:7-8

Notice what the angel said “Go quickly and tell the disciples Jesus Is Risen” You are also commanded to tell everyone “Jesus Is Risen”! This is the gospel , Jesus defeated Sin and Death so we may inherit eternal life

The woman left the tomb with Great Joy! We can have great joy also no matter what the circumstance are because Jesus Is Risen Amen!

Sermon On The Mount

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And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Matthew 5:1-2

The Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, probably the greatest sermon ever given in history. This is what set the tone for the New Covenant. Jesus was not rewriting the Mosaic Law, he was bringing further explanation and fulfillment to it

Notice when Moses received the Law from God, he was on a Mountain, Jesus is on the Mountain, but he is given the revelation of The Law!

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Who are the poor in spirit? When we think of poor, we often relate it to material wealth, this is not what Jesus is talking about. Hes talking about a spiritual poorness, the original Greek word here is (ptochoi) which also means humble. As the Bible says, Pride leads to destruction, blessed are those who humble themselves before God and repent!

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

The original Greek word here for mourn is (penthountes) this means to feel guilt. Again I think Jesus is referring to true repentance. Blessed are those who mourn for their sin, they shall be forgiven! Also we can look at our mourning for justice! All the evil in this world will one day be dealt with!

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

The original Greek word for Meek is (praeis) this word can mean gentle but also humble. Again those who humble themselves before God (repent) will inherit the Earth. Notice Jesus reference to the New Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21) Jesus isn’t talking about floating on clouds , hes talking about Gods Kingdom coming to Earth

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Jesus isn’t talking about a physical hunger, hes talking about a spiritual hunger. A desire for righteousness, a desire for Gods justice and redemption. Again I believe Jesus is referencing repentance again and justice that will be served!

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7

The original Greek word for merciful is (eleemones) meaning compassion and pity. Remember Jesus said unless we forgive others, we cant be forgiven. Show the mercy and love Christ showed us to others including your enemies

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

How can we become pure in heart? Jesus said unless we become Born Again, we wont see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3) I believe Jesus is referencing becoming Born Again. Only through Christ can we become Pure in Heart!

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

Jesus taught us we should “Love our Enemies” (Luke 6:35) This is a difficult task at times, however we must remember before we became saved, we were enemies of God also. The Bible also tells us to “Strive to Live in Peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Our first reaction is how can we be blessed when we are being persecuted? Notice it says persecuted for righteousness, so that’s not saying any martyr is justified. God knows everything that happens in this world, every drop of blood, every tear shed will be paid for! God knows your persecution for his sake and you will be rewarded!

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11

Jesus said we will be hated for his name sake (Matthew 10:22) Don’t worry whether everyone rejects you due to Christ, because you are blessed by your Heavenly Father. Great will be your reward in the Kingdom!

These are the powerful statements and revelations given by our Lord Jesus Christ! This is the foundation of our faith! Meditate on these words and let them grow in your heart Amen!

Fear No Evil

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For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear can control us, it can manipulate us, it can cause great stress or anxiety. Until we learn to break the chains of fear, it’s difficult to live a peaceful life
As Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Often we focus too much on the present world and not on our eternal world. This life we live right now is not our final destination. When you start looking at the big picture and putting things in perspective, our daily struggles start to minimize.
Now I’m not trying to downplay life. I know there are some major struggles in life and we should be thankful for the life were giving and make the most of it. But don’t sweat the small stuff.
You didn’t get that promotion, in the end it really doesn’t matter. God has a more important job for your in Heaven. Your struggling to pay your bills, God has mansions and streets of gold that have your name on them
As it says in 1 Corinthians 7:31 “Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”
Once we keep our minds focused on Gods promises, we suddenly see the world thru different eyes. Big problems start to look small.
Once we learn to live fearless like Kind David in Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
With God Fear can no longer control you; once the enemy knows they can’t control you they flee. Your chains are then broken and victory will be yours in Jesus name Amen

Beginning of Wisdom

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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
What does this scripture mean to you? How can wisdom come from fear? How can understanding come from knowledge?
When people don’t acknowledge the greatness of God or his abilities, they become fools. As it says in Romans 1:22 “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”
People who believe they are greater than their creator; or who believe they can live reckless life with no consequences or authority are simply fools.
As God said in Jeremiah 4:22 My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.”
When we understand God breathed life into us and made us in his image; he gave us this life as a gift; we then start to obtain the wisdom of his Word in the scriptures. But until you can accept God as your master, you can never accept wisdom or understanding.
You do have a choice though. You have the freedom of free will and you can follow Satan’s path of sin. However when you decide to walk that path you will end up in the same destination as Satan, the Lake of Fire. As it says in Matthew 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
So if you want to know if you or somebody else is really living a Christian lifestyle, check there fruit. Are you producing good fruit? Is your family broken or blessed? Is your personal life a mess? Are you drowning in debt? These are a few areas you can check your fruit.
When they say “Fear the Lord” it’s out of respect, honor, and most importantly love. Just as you would “fear” a parent or guardian. It’s not a dictatorship because you have the choice. You can follow Jesus to Eternal life or follow Satan to destruction.
I pray that everyone receives and understand the greatness of God; therefore thru Jesus and the Holy Spirit you can begin to obtain wisdom and knowledge that will lead you to your divine destiny Amen

Who is your Master?

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“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24
What master are you serving? What are you devoting all your time to?
America, just like the world, is obsessed with money. People work incredibly long hours, neglecting there families, so they can move up the ladder hoping for that big promotion.
What is there true motivation behind this? Of course money! Now everyone uses the excuse “I gotta feed my family, ect” but what your really feeding is your ego.
You want the fancy car, the big house, the eloquent job title. But guess what? Not only are all those material items going to eventually fade away your career will too. You might be valuable to a company now but later on in your life you become a liability to them and replaceable by the next young hotshot.
What you do have that is permanent is your family and God. No matter how old you get, or how little money you make you will always be loved by both.
Now I agree it’s good to have a strong work ethic and it is Biblical to work hard, but if you’re a slave to money it will own you.
Guess what you want to work stay involved in your family or community. There is no harder job than raising kids or helping people in need. And the rewards are priceless. If you invest the time with your family you will be close forever but if you invest no time in your family don’t expect them to even know you
Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize you should have spent more time with your family make a commitment today and say “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord and not money”
I pray that parents don’t fall for the greed of this world and appreciate the gift of family that God gave them Amen