Be Ready for the Lord’s Return – Matthew 24

“Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’” Matthew 24:1-3

Between Matthew 19-23, Jesus had been in the temple in Jerusalem. In Matthew 23, He spoke eight woes against the scribes and Pharisees because their teaching made their followers twice as fit for hell as they were. Now, afterwards, in Matthew 24, Jesus and His disciples sat on the Mount of Olives. They could see the temple from there.

King Herod had employed 10,000 workers to beautify the temple. Its gold roof reflected the sun’s rays. Its white marble walls appeared as snow. Its beautification ended in 63 AD. Its destruction occurred in 70 AD. It was set on fire by the Romans. They pulled its walls down to extract the gold that had melted into the crevices. Not one stone was left upon another.

The disciples likely assumed that the end of the temple would be the end of the world. Think of it! God-in-the-flesh just told them that the building which represented their faith would become rubble. They wanted to know when the end would be. Jesus did not give them a day or a hour. He revealed to them signs that would appear preceding that day.

“And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My Name, saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.’” Matthew 24:4-8

The first sign was deception. In the Book of Judges, Kings, Chronicles and the Prophetical books of the Old Testament, deception proceeds demise. Demise proceeds divine intervention. Israel was deceived when they worshipped the idols of the people around them. Then, their nation experienced spiritual and physical decline. Famines, pestilences, disasters and wars humbled them. Then, they cried out to the Lord for help, and He intervened to help them.

In Joshua 23:11, Joshua warned the tribes of Israel, saying, “Take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” In Jude 1:21, Jude warned the Church, saying, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

In the Book of Revelation, there is deception, demise, and turning to the Lord before He returns.

In Revelation 7:9, 13-14, John saw “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues... before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” An angel asked John, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?” John replied, “Sir, you know.” The angel told him, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My Name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

There is a connection between the many false prophets and the sufferings of the saints. George Orwell wrote, “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” In John 16:3, Jesus warned us saying, “They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor Me.” There will be a spirit of lawlessness before the Lord returns. In 1 Peter 4:4, Peter wrote, “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.”

Despite the hatred, betrayals, the tribulations, and the martyrdoms, the Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness, and then the end will come.

“Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:15-22

“Jesus tells us directly that to understand this subject, we must go back to Daniel the prophet. Daniel 8:13 speaks of ‘the vision … concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot.’”

“The first fulfilment of the desolation happened when Roman armies destroyed the Jewish temple in 70 AD. This is why Jesus says in Luke 21:20, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.’ In Luke 21:24, Jesus uses the same words as Daniel: ‘Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.’”

“The final desolation spoken of by Jesus speaks of the rise of an evil religious power that will mingle paganism with Christianity. When ungodly men infiltrate and corrupt the church so that it serves the agenda of an evil empire, we know that the end is near. This is a good time to flee to more desolate places before the great tribulation begins.” [1]

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Paul prophesied of this event, writing, “That day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”

There will be a deception by the antichrist, social demise, a crying out to the Lord by many, and then, the Lord shall return.

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Matthew 24:23-28

Jesus continues with warning to beware of false christs and false prophets. They will do great signs and wonders for the purpose of trying to deceive even the elect. Who else better to target than the people who are in a relationship with Christ. They are recipients of truth and light from God amidst a deceived generation.

Jesus will not return in a similar manner as He came to earth the first time. He will appear as suddenly as lightning does. He shall judge the earth with righteousness. Great armies will fall before Him. He will call the birds to partake of the carcasses of the dead.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:29-31

Jesus also revealed the darkening of the sun, moon and stars in Revelation 6:12-13.

Could the sign of the Son of Man appearing in the heaven be the moment that He raptures the Church? In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul prophesied, saying, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Would not the rapture of some while others are left behind cause great mourning on the earth?

The Lord says that the angels will gather together His elect. In Revelation 14:15-20, the Lord reveals two harvests. During the first harvest, the Son of Man reaps the earth with a sickle but there is no mention of wrath. During the second harvest, the angels reap the earth and people are thrown into the winepress of God’s wrath.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 describes believers being transformed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” In John 14:1–3, Jesus promised to return and “take you [His disciples] to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states that “God has not destined us for wrath.”

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35

As figs flourish when spring comes, so end times signs flourish just before Jesus returns.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44

The Church like Noah warns people right up until the time of the rapture. Some mock and others persecute them. Then, suddenly, believers are taken. As God provided a way of escape from His wrath for Noah and his family, so will God do for His bride the Church. As God got Lot and his family out of Sodom and Gomorrah before the fire fell so will He do for those who believe in Him and profess Him before He releases His wrath on the earth.

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:45-51

In Matthew 24:45, Jesus urges us to be faithful and wise servants who feed the souls who look to us for sustenance. Be like Jeremiah, Paul or Peter. In Jeremiah 25:3, he said, “For twenty-three years... the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.” In Acts 20:31, Paul said, “Remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” In 1 Peter 5:2-4, Peter said, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.”

Jesus warns us not to beat our fellow servants. Don’t indulge in gluttony and drunkenness. Don’t be caught off guard when the Lord comes and be cut up and assigned to the place where hypocrites go. Hypocrites go where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

At the end of Matthew 24, Jesus brings us back full circle to what He had said in Matthew 19-23 to the scribes and Pharisees. He warned them that they made their proselytes twice as fit for hell as they were. The scribes and Pharisees had digressed from serving God and others to demanding that God and others serve them.

In Matthew 25, the Lord will conclude His end times talk with three parables that have a similar theme. The theme is to be wise, be invested in the Lord and be kind to people because the Lord will return at an hour that you do not expect.


[1] amazingfacts.org/study/daily-devotional/what-is-the-abomination-of-desolation

Saving Souls from Religious Malpractice – Matthew 23

“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But you, do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” Matthew 23:1-12

A great crowd of people celebrated Jesus as He entered Jerusalem back in Matthew 21. In Matthew 21:12, he entered the temple and purged it of merchandisers. He healed the sick. Jesus is still in the temple in Matthew 23. His audience consists of His disciples, crowds of people and the religious leaders. In chapter 22, the Pharisees questioned Jesus three times and the Sadducees and Herodians questioned Him once. Here in Matthew 23, Jesus instructs the multitudes and His disciples how to behave toward the scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus said to respect the scribes and the Pharisees because they sat in Moses’ seat. D.A. Carson wrote, “Synagogues had a stone seat at the front where the authoritative teacher sat.” [1] But Jesus, like an Old Testament prophet, also exposed the errors of their conduct and teaching.

The scribes and the Pharisees burdened not helped people. They served for recognition’s sake. They made their phylacteries broad and enlarged the borders of their garments. Phylacteries were small leather boxes with tiny scrolls with Scriptures on them, tied to the arm and head with leather straps. Large borders on garments were designed to boost their public image.

They loved to be the center of attention: to have the best places, best greetings, and best seats at banquets and at the synagogue. They loved superior titles such as Rabbi and father.

The “spiritual” leaders of Israel were carnal. The idea of dying to self and living for Messiah was a non-starter for them. They were not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.

Jesus warned people not to imitate them. There is one Teacher and one Christ – Him, Jesus Christ. They were treat one another as family.

Normally, people estimate greatness by how many people serve and honor them. In the kingdom of God greatness is contingent on respect and service toward others.

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13

This is the first of eight woes that Jesus speaks against the scribes and Pharisees in this chapter. “Woe” is an expression of intense grief due to imminent divine judgment.” [2]

Woe to the scribes and Pharisees for rejecting faith in Jesus Messiah and for turning others away from faith in Him. Jesus is the way to God.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation.” Matthew 23:14

They made a lot of money by deceiving people, but their last pay check will be a verdict of guilt and condemnation from God.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Matthew 23:15

Are false teachers more diligent than proclaimers of Christ? How many Christians travel land and sea to win a soul to Christ? False teachers and their followers are diligent to populate hell.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please turn our stoney hearts into hearts of compassion for lost souls.”

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.” Matthew 23:16-22

Jesus flagged the faulty scales of the scribes and Pharisees. On their scale, gold outweighed the temple. On their scale, gifts of people outweighed the altar of God. Theirs was a people-based scale. On a God-based scale, God’s works outweigh the works of people.

In Christianity faith is receptivity. Faith receives Christ and all that He has done for us. We bring our gifts to God in gratitude for the work that He has already done and is still doing for us.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” Matthew 23:23-24

The scribes and Pharisees carefully weighed the mint, anise and cummin that their gardens produced to ensure that they did not tithe more of these spices than was due to the Lord. If a bug as small as a gnat was in the mix, they removed it. While they were straining out gnats from their tithes, failures to do justice, show mercy and to trust God as large as camels slipped right by them. Their blindness was due to looking inward rather than upward toward Jesus Christ.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:25-26

It is inevitable that if a person’s end goal is to gratify the flesh, he or she will do outward acts to deflect attention from the extortion and self-indulgence within. Jesus rightly diagnosed this disease as blindness. How does one clean his or her heart? The answer is by giving our old heart to Jesus Christ and by receiving a new one from Him that is filled with the Holy Spirit.

In Jeremiah 13:23, the Lord asks, “Can a leopard change its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” God must do the transformation. We must pray as David prayed in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” In other words, “God, I am broken. I need You to give me an overriding appetite for You.”

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27-28

While serving the Lord in Hong Kong, my family stayed for a month with a couple from Australia named Peter and Jean Cameron. They had discernment and faith from Jesus to cast out demons. We saw the results of one of these miracles with our own eyes.

One day during a conversation, Peter asked me, “What is this with all these movies about bloodshed? God hates bloodshed. Only demons like to see blood flying everywhere.”

I bring this up because I am shocked every year to see so many “Christians” and churches celebrate Halloween. To dabble with evil is a red flag. Something is wrong. The scribes and Pharisees put on a good show with their religious meetings, but in their hearts, they enjoyed visions of dead men’s bone, lawbreakers and uncleanness. In Psalm 106:38, the Lord speaks of the land being polluted with the shedding of innocent blood. So, many movies focus on the shedding of innocent blood but never mention the blood of Christ by which sin is purged.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore, you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.” Matthew 23:29-36

The scribes and Pharisees honored memories of prophets and righteous people. They thought of themselves as being such heroes of the faith. Jesus said they were serpents, the offspring of vipers and hell bound. God raised up prophets, wise men and scribes to speak truth to them. They mistook God’s messengers for monsters. They tortured some and crucified others. They hunted God’s messengers of good news from city to city to locate and kill them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39

Like Jeremiah the prophet, Jesus lamented for the people of Jerusalem. He wanted to save them, but they refused His help. Jesus knew that they were headed toward destruction. They made it clear to Him that they did not want Him to be their Messiah, so He would wait for them until they were ready to say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!”

No wonder some people thought that Jesus was the Prophet Jeremiah (See Matthew 16:14). Jesus quoted from Jeremiah’s book as He purged the temple. Jeremiah 23:1 says, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” In Jeremiah 23 and Matthew 23, the Lord condemned the priests of Jerusalem for being false prophets. Both Jeremiah and Jesus desired to save Jerusalem. They both grieved over the bad choices people made. In Matthew 24, Jesus will give more details to His disciples of what is yet to come.

Jesus identified religious malpractice to save souls from hell. It was not worldly wise but was greatly needed. “Heavenly Father, please help me to be like Your Son Jesus Christ in this regard.”

[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Google Sources

Faith in Jesus Christ - Matthew 22

“And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, tell those who are invited, see, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding. But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, the wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding. So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.’” Matthew 22:1-10

Matthew 21:45-46, the last two verses of chapter 21, say, “When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.”

Matthew 22:1 begins with Jesus speaking to the chief priests and Pharisees. In the previous parable of Matthew 21:33-41, the landowner’s property managers were wicked men who slew his messengers and his son. In the parable of Matthew 22:1-10, some invitees to a king’s son’s wedding refuse his invitation. Some arrest his messengers, mistreat and kill them. So, what did the king do? He sent his armies to slay the people and burn down their city.

When Jesus cleansed the temple of the money-changers in Matthew 21:12-13, He quoted Jeremiah 7:11. Now, in Matthew 22:1-10, Jesus prophesies that what happened to Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s days would happen again. And it did! In 70 AD, Roman Emperor Titus came with his army to Jerusalem and set siege against it. An estimated 1.1 million Jews died during the siege. Titus burned Jerusalem down. He turned 97,000 of Jerusalem’s residents into Roman slaves. [1]

After the king destroyed the city, he sent his messengers to the highways to invite both bad and good people to the wedding of his son. Here, Jesus referred to the Gentiles. In the Book of Acts, the Lord sent His disciples to the people beyond Jerusalem, and thousands believed in Him.

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.’” Matthew 22:11-14

Holding an invitation to the wedding was not enough. There was a decorum to observe. The invitees were to wear a wedding garment.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The banquet was intended to honor the King’s Son, but this man meant nothing of the kind. He was willing to eat the good things set before him, but in his heart there was no love either for the King or His well-beloved Son.”

This parable demonstrates that those whose hearts have not been changed by the Gospel are out-of-place at the wedding banquet of the king’s son. The king’s servants bound him hand and foot. Then, they threw him into outer darkness where souls weep and gnash their teeth

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.’ So, they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they had heard these words, they marveled and left Him and went their way.” Matthew 22:15-22

Talk about mad! The Pharisees wanted to “bag” Jesus as a hunter “bags” a prized animal’s head for his trophy room. They schemed to get a soundbite from Jesus that they could use to destroy Him. They even put aside their hatred of Herodians to include their people in this effort. The Herodians were a political faction. They were Jews that were for Rome and Herod.

What did the Jewish populace hate? They hated paying taxes. When they asked Jesus a baited question about taxes, He perceived their wickedness. He called them hypocrites – bad actors. He asked them why they tested Him. His answer silenced them and caused them to retreat.

“The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, saying: ‘Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.’” Matthew 22:23-28

The Sadducees want their whack at destroying Jesus. They asked Jesus to answer a hypothetical question about marriage in heaven. Whose wife will a woman be in heaven?

Do you see a pattern here? The religious leaders are concerned about possessions. What about our money? What about our brides? They are not asking Jesus for insights on how to lead an unbelieving world to faith in God.

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels of God in heaven. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.’ And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.” Matthew 22:29-33

Jesus told them that their question stemmed from not knowing God and God’s Word. God says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Jesus told them that people in heaven are like angels. They are not married and don’t have marriages. This statement by Jesus refutes what the Mormons teach about the afterlife. “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that marriages performed by priesthood authority in temples are sealed for time and all eternity.” [2] They are wrong. Jesus Christ is right.

From the time of Abraham until now, Jewish believers have referred to God as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Jesus used this common form of address to say to them that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were resurrected and alive from the dead.

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. They were wrong. Jesus Christ is right.

The question that the Sadducees engineered to alienate people from Jesus helped to increase amazement with His teachings.

“But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:34-40

Next, a lawyer from among the Pharisees thinks he can expose Jesus as a false teacher by asking Him which is the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus gives them the right answer.

“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, ‘What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?’ They said to Him, ‘The Son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How then does David in the Spirit call Him Lord, saying: the Lord said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? If David then calls Him Lord, how is He his Son?’ And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.” Matthew 22:41-46

The Pharisees stopped questioning Jesus. So, He questioned them. His question hit the bullseye of their heresy. They rejected the One that God sent to save them. They rejected God’s Messiah! Various people in need have been professing Jesus as the Son of David which is another way of addressing Him as Messiah. Matthew refers to Jesus as the Son of David ten times in his Gospel. For example, in Matthew 9:27, Jesus healed two blind men who professed Him as the Son of David. In Matthew 15:22, Jesus set a demon-possessed daughter free from her demons. Her Gentile mother addressed Jesus as, “Lord, Son of David.” In Matthew 20:30-31, Jesus healed two more blind men after they prayed to Him, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” These people did not receive theological training like the Pharisees received, but they received the truth that the Pharisees refused to see.

What stage are you at with Jesus? Do you doubt Him? Do you have more questions for Him than faith in Him? In the Gospels, Jesus answered many hard questions. He can answer yours as well. Just ask Him.

The unforgiveable sin is to reject Christ as your Savior. God forgives your sins when you believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. Acts 4:12 says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” I pray that God, by His Word and His Spirit, and by His grace, will help you to believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.


[1] Google sources
[2] Ibid

The Prophetic Ministry of Jesus Christ – Matthew 21

“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, the Lord has need of them, and immediately he will send them.’ All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:1-5

Jesus sent two disciples. I am so glad that Jesus calls and sends people to do His bidding and doesn’t just do it Himself. He gives us a wide array of opportunities to serve Him. When I resided in Hong Kong, I took Bibles into Christians living in China. They were free gifts. I, and others like me, humorously called ourselves, “donkeys for Jesus.” We carried Jesus on our backs in the sense that He is the Word of God.

Jesus called for the foal of a donkey, a specific kind of donkey, to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 that was spoken hundreds of years before this event.

Horses were kept by great men for war. In His state of humiliation, Jesus rides on a donkey colt. It was the custom in Israel for the judges to ride upon white donkeys (See Judges 5:10), and their sons on donkey colts (See Judges 12:14). Christ entered Jerusalem as the Judge of Israel.

Jesus borrowed the young donkey. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “for our sakes Christ became poor.” He came in meekness, not in majesty.

“So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, ‘Who is this?’ So the multitudes said, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.’” Matthew 21:6-11

The disciples fetched the donkey and her colt. The owner willingly lent them. It is likely that the mother donkey was led to walk alongside her colt to keep it calm in the midst of the crowd.

Many people spread their clothes on the road before Jesus. We have a saying, “He would give you the shirt off your back” to refer to a very generous person. These people were willing to risk the loss of their clothing to make a statement. Others took the time to cut down branches from palm trees and lay them on the road. This was a grass roots movement. Not government officials dipping into public funds to honor one of their cronies! This was the so called common man and woman yielding time, energy and treasure to Jesus Christ. The crowds called Him the Son of David, a reference to Messiah. They quoted Psalm 118:26 from the Bible about Jesus.

They loudly praised Jesus! The entire city was moved with amazement! Jesus, the prophet, had arrived. The people of Jerusalem embraced the miracle worker of Galilee!

“Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’ Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant and said to Him, ‘Do You hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise?’ Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.” Matthew 21:12-17




Jesus did not remain on the donkey colt. He did not receive honor without returning action. He turned the tables on greedy profiteers. He drove them out of God’s house.

Have modern day merchants turned humble Christ-events into a money making industry? How much is spent on merchandise that has nothing to do with the Son of God being born in a manger? How much paraphernalia is sold in connection to His death and resurrection? Have these celebrations degenerated from revelations of God’s glory into glut-fests for the flesh?

I John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

What happened after Jesus drove worldliness out of the temple? Miracles! Matthew 21:14 says, “The blind and the lame came to Him (Jesus) at the temple, and He healed them.”

Who was angry at Jesus? The chief priests and scribes were. They asked Jesus if He heard what the children were saying about Him? They had referred to Him as Messiah when they called Him the Son of David. Jesus asked the chief priests and scribes a question in return. He asked them if they had read Psalm 8:2 which prophesied of babes and nursing infants yielding perfect praise to God. Then, Jesus set a good example for us. He got away from these argumentative people.

Jesus lodged in Bethany. Bethany is two miles east of Jerusalem. It is likely that He stayed at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This was where He raised Lazarus from the dead. It was where Jesus stayed during His final days before His death and resurrection.

“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, ‘How did the fig tree wither away so soon?’ So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea, it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.’” Matthew 21:18-22

Jesus cursed a fig tree and it immediately withered. The disciples wanted to know how Jesus did this miracle. He assured them that with faith in God they could do what He did to the fig tree and even do it on a grandeur scale such as removing a mountain into a sea. Whatever things they asked God in prayer, believing, they would receive.

The context of this passage is important to its interpretation. What was Jesus looking for when He entered the temple in Jerusalem? He was looking for a house of prayer for all nations. What did He find? He found secular-type merchandising happening and no prayer. His curse on the fig tree and its subsequent death was symbolic of what was going to happen to the temple in Jerusalem. Within a generation, 40-years, it would be totally destroyed and gone. The task Jesus prepared His disciples to do was to destroy false religion and build up authentic faith in God.

“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?’ But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, from heaven, He will say to us, why then did you not believe him? But if we say, from men, we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus and said, ‘We do not know.’ And He said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’” Matthew 21:23-27

Jesus offended the traditions-based impersonal managers of religion in Jerusalem. Jesus walked with common people. He was a friend of sinners. He led adulterers to believe in God. He wept with people. He healed wounds. He multiplied food for the hungry. He served people expecting nothing in return. By what authority was Jesus doing deeds that did not line up with theirs?

Jesus promised to give them an answer if they answered His question first? Jesus wanted to know if they believed that John’s baptism was of God or not. He flipped the script on them. They engineered a question that could turn people against Him no matter how He answered it, so He gave them a similar question. That silenced them! But Jesus was not done them...

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said to Him, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.’” Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus convicted the religious leaders of being less repentant than tax collectors and harlots. They needed to adopt the humility of despised sinners who recognized their need for change, repented, and believed in Jesus, rather than relying on self-righteousness

“Hear another parable: there was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. ‘Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?’ They said to Him, ‘He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.’” Matthew 21:33-41

Jeremiah 25:30 says, “He [God] will give a shout, as those who tread grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.” In Isaiah 5:3-6, God says that He expected His Jerusalem vineyard “to bring forth good grapes,” but it brought forth wild grapes. Thus, He decided to take away its hedge, break down its wall, burn it and let it be trampled down. In Revelation 14:19, God uses the imagery of a grape harvest to symbolize His wrath. “The angel thrust his sickle into earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.”

In the Bible, God uses the imagery of rebellious vineyard keepers as a metaphor for people bound for wrath. Jesus prophesied to the religious leaders of what they would do to Him and what God would do to them. The difference is that Jesus would recover from murder, but they would not bounce back from God’s wrath.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.’ Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.” Matthew 21:42-46

Jesus quoted from Psalm 118:22-23 to them. His promise to the ill-religious religious leaders was that they would lose their positions, and people from another nation would take their place. 1 Peter 2:9 describes the people of the nation that would replace them: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This new nation consists of both Jews and Gentiles who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“Whoever falls on this stone will be broken, but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” The choice before the religious leaders was the choice before every person. We can be broken before God and saved or be crushed into dust by Him in judgment. [1]

The chief priests and Pharisees would have arrested Jesus, but they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

In Mattew 21:11, the crowds said of Jesus, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” In Matthew 16:13-14, when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” They responded, saying, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” In Luke 24:19, two disciples spoke of Jesus as “A prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.”

Thus, to properly understand and proclaim Jesus Christ, we need to view Him from a prophetic perspective and understand that our role as we seek to serve and honor Him is also prophetic.

When Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples of all the nations, He meant for us to listen to Him and to proclaim from Him what we have learned to others. Be prophetic!

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul wrote, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” Speaking God’s Word under the unction and anointing of the Holy Spirit is what pleases God and helps reveal Him to people.

There’s a difference between speaking about God when one does not know God and speaking for God because you know Him and He moves you by His Holy Spirit to speak for Him. No one can properly represent God without having a personal relationship with Him.

Even when we know God through His Word and by His indwelling Spirit, it is best to humbly ask Him to help us accurately align our proclamation with His words in the Bible.

In Revelation 19:10; 22:18-19; 10:11, our Lord provides for us three guidelines for prophecy.

Revelation 19:10 says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Point people to Jesus!

Revelation 22:18-19 says, “If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Deuteronomy 4:2 says the same thing about the books of Moses, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” In 1 Corinthians 14:32, Paul wrote, “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” True prophetic proclamations line up with Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

The Bible is God’s inspired Word. It is the final, infallible, and absolute guide for faith and practice. The Bible is true for all areas of life, overriding culture, tradition, and personal feelings.

Revelation 10:11 says, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” Bible prophecy must continue to be proclaimed to people everywhere.

How can we best help people? What is the most charitable act?

1 Corinthians 1:21 says, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” The proclamation of God’s Word yields eternal life for those who receive Him.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of Your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.”

Throughout history, great reforms and awakenings have occurred when people begin to testify for the Word of God boldly and gladly and do so for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Dear Heavenly Father, please send forth Your Word to and fro the earth very swiftly and please grant people everywhere ears to hear and hearts to receive it. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”


[1] Enduring Word Commentary

Grateful For God’s Wages – Matthew 20

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So, they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’” Matthew 20:1-7

The landowner is Jesus. Hebrew 1:2 says that “God has appointed His Son to be heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.” Jesus is hiring laborers. In Matthew 9:37-38, He said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” He is looking for laborers like His twelve disciples. On the one hand. learners, and on the other hand, doers.

The denarius represents eternal life. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our sins earned for us death, but Jesus offers eternal life to us as a gift. The “denarius” that Jesus gives to us His followers cost Him His life. His hands and feet were pierced. His back was scourged. His body dwelt in a tomb for three days. Then, He resurrected on the third day. His promise is eternal life for all who believe in Him. The focus is on the landowner’s generosity.

Our salvation is based on what Jesus did, not on our own works. Therefore, the wage is the same to every believer. However, in Matthew 19:28-30, Jesus promised rewards to those who made great sacrifices for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.

Jesus keeps calling idle people even at the eleventh hour. The “eleventh hour” in the Bible refers to the final, late-afternoon hour (around 5 PM) of the workday. Yes, Jesus gives idle people something to do until He return but the denarius symbolizes the gift of eternal life.

“So, when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:8-16

Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” The payment of wages moment symbolizes the distribution of eternity to believers in Jesus. Every believer in Jesus receives eternal life. This reward is based on what Jesus did for us.

In Matthew 18:23-26, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a king who settled accounts with his servants. One servant owed the king a debt that he could never repay. He fell down before the king and begged him for patience. The king had compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

We all need the compassion of the King of kings and the Lord of lords to forgive our sin.

The first supposed that they would receive more than those who came to Christ later. They complained against the Lord. They had borne the burden and the heat of the day. The Lord asked them, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Salvation is by grace. We must embrace this truth.

“Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the 12 disciples aside on the road and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” Matthew 20:17-19

Jerusalem is where Jesus would be betrayed, scourged, spit on, insulted, crucified and where He would resurrect from the dead. Did Jesus complain about His “wage?” Was His wage fair? Did He deserve it? Jesus was treated more unfairly than any other human being. 1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’” Matthew 20:20-23

John and James were with their mother when she asked Jesus for seats at His right and left hand for her sons. She asked the question. They responded to the reply of Jesus. Yes, they will know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. They will know, as Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, fellowship with Jesus in His sufferings. They will be conformed to His death. They will drink from the Lord’s cup of suffering. They will be baptized with His baptism of pain. But at this point, they need to be content with the promise of a “denarius” wage, namely, eternal life with God.

“And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” Matthew 20:24-28

Jesus directed His disciples to die to self and to live for God and others. The moments that I feel best about myself is when Jesus pours His love out through me to others. I praise my Heavenly Father when empowers me to be selfless by His grace.

“Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.“ Matthew 20:29-34

They were blind. They cried out. A crowd told them to be quiet. They cried louder. They spoke of Jesus as the “Lord, Son of David.” The two blind man professed in the presence of many that Jesus is Messiah... that’s what “Lord, Son of David” means.

Jesus gave the two blind men the opportunity to confess their need. When they did, He had compassion on them and healed them. His grace gave them seeing eyes. They followed Jesus.

In Matthew 20, Jesus confronted calls for justice with the message of equal grace to all based on what He did for our salvation. Have we been treated unfairly? Jesus was betrayed, scourged, and crucified. Did He complain about His “wage?” 1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.” Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” To be like Jesus is to embrace grace, and to be grateful for the promise of eternity with God.

Being With God – Matthew 19

“Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.” Matthew 19:1-2

The distance from the Sea of Galilee to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan (Perea, near Jericho) is about 80-90 miles. This journey took 3 to 4 days if one walked 20-25 miles per day.

In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke of not offending little ones. He urged His disciples to forgive offenders. As Jesus made His way to area beyond the Jordan River, the number of people following Him grew into a large crowd. He healed the sick among them.

“The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Matthew 19:3-9

While Jesus focused on teaching and healing, the religious leaders focused on testing. Their greatest concern was expressed in a question about freedom to divorce for any reason. Jesus made three strong statements to urge married couples to stay together. First, “what God has joined together, let not man separate.” Secondly, divorce flows from hard of hearts. Thirdly, divorce and remarriage, except for reason of infidelity, is adultery.

“Jesus interpreted the meaning of the word uncleanness in the Mosaic Law, showing that it refers to sexual immorality, not just anything that might displease the husband. Therefore, divorce – and the freedom to remarry without sin – is only permitted in the case of sexual immorality.” [1]

1 Corinthians 7:15 adds abandonment by an unbelieving spouse as a cause for divorce. This can include those who make a verbal profession of faith, but who live in chronic unrepentance and their actions significantly undermine the marital union.

If the Pharisees had heard what Jesus said in Matthew 18 about not offending a little one, and about forgiving offense, they would have learned keys to preserving relationships. The Lord helps us to realize our own short-comings in relationships, not to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses, and to forgive one another when we sin.

“His disciples said to Him, ‘If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.’ But He said to them, ‘All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: for there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.’” Matthew 19:10-12

Jesus responded to His disciples’ pivot from marriage to celibacy. He spoke of three kinds of eunuchs. Those born without the capacity for marriage. Those who are incapacitated from marriage by others. Those who choose to live celibately for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.

In 1 Corinthians 7:34, Paul said that the one who is unmarried because of his or her calling should be holy both in body and in spirit. Therefore, eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake should live in peace with their celibacy.

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.” Matthew 19:13-15

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” In Matthew 19:13, the disciples rebuked people from bringing children to Jesus as though children’s ministry was not worth His time or attention, or perhaps thinking they were too young to be taught about God. Jesus wanted little children to come to Him.

China’s government currently violates the right of children (anyone under age of 18) from being taught about Jesus. “Since 2018, stricter regulations ban Sunday schools, youth religious groups, and Bible studies for minors. Schools promote atheism, and authorities enforce these rules by monitoring churches. Churches often have signs that say, ‘No minors.’ Both state-sanctioned and ‘underground’ house churches face restrictions on conducting youth ministry, with risks of raids for non-compliance. While some parents might privately teach their children at home, any organized or public teaching of the Bible to minors is prohibited by authorities.” [2]

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He laid His hands on them to likely pray for and/or bless them.

“Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22

The role of the Law is to convict us of our sinful nature. We all fall short of the glory of God and need God’s forgiveness. The role of the Gospel is to give us the good news that Jesus Christ kept the Law perfectly on our behalf. When we believe in Jesus, God places the merits of His Son Jesus Christ into our account.

C.F.W. Walther wrote, “The Law tells us what we are to do. The Gospel reveals to us what God is doing. The Law speaks of our works. The Gospel speaks of the great works of God. The Law gives people a sense of right and wrong. The Gospel is an invitation to partake of heavenly blessings. The Law is to be preached to sinners who feel secure to keep sinning. The Gospel is be preached to sinners who feel alarmed about their sins. The Law contains threats for sinners. The Gospel contains no threats at all, but only words of consolation. The Law produces thirst; it leads the hearer to hell and slays him. The Gospel refreshes the hearer and leads him to heaven. In the Law we hear the tenfold summons, ‘Thou shalt.’ The Gospel does not require anything good that man must furnish: not a good heart, not a good disposition, no improvement of his condition, no godliness, no love either of God or men. It issues no orders, but it changes man. The Gospel plants love into his heart and makes him capable of all good works. It demands nothing, but it gives all. Should not this fact make us leap for joy?” [3]

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:23-26

The Gospel is “with God all things are possible.”

“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’” Matthew 19:27-30

My sister in the Lord, Anne Hepburn has often been heard to say, “God is no man’s debtor.” Another missionary, Jean Cameron, once said to me, “You cannot outgive God.” The Lord gives to us more everyday of our life than we can earn or deserve, and yet, He promised to us who leave houses, beloved family members, and property behind that we shall receive a hundredfold and eternal life. Jesus promised thrones to us who follow Him. I will just be so happy to be with Him in eternity forevermore. Being with God is the greatest blessing of all.


[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Google Sources
[3] “The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel,” by C. F. W. Walther, Concordia Publishing House, 1929

Unless You Be Converted – Matthew 18

“At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My Name receives Me.’” Matthew 18:1-5

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? “Unless you are converted and become as little children you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew Henry, author of the Matthew Henry Commentary, quoted his father, Philip Henry, as saying, “The first person that needs to be converted by the Bible text is the preacher.” [1]

Once, I met a man who told me that he had been a pastor for 26 years before he was born again. He preached and prayed what others taught him to say and pray but lacked a personal relationship with Christ. In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter wrote that the genuineness of our faith will be tested by fire. When the pastor’s faith was tested by fire, he realized his need for a personal relationship with Christ. He needed to be born again and live by the power of God.

Many have been blessed by the ministries of Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. Like children, they depend on our Heavenly Father to help them survive and thrive in a world that tends to mock and despise people who cannot take care of themselves.

“Joni Eareckson Tada is a renowned international disability advocate, author, artist, and founder of ‘Joni and Friends,’ which has delivered over 225,000 wheelchairs and Bibles worldwide. Paralyzed in a 1967 diving accident, she learned to paint with her mouth, authored over 50 books, and was instrumental in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act.” [2]

“Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and founder of the non-profit ‘Life Without Limbs.’ He has inspired millions, delivering over 3,000 speeches in over 70 countries. He authored a bestselling book, ‘Life Without Limits.’” [3]

In John 12:24, Jesus told His disciples Andrew and Philip, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” The seed must be converted by God to produce fruit. It must die before being reborn.

Andrew the fisherman had survived numerous storms and hardships. He fed his family via hard work and careful planning. But when it came to serving God, Andrew had to die to himself and admit that he was at a loss of how to do so. He needed God to teach him every inch of the way.

At first, Andrew’s brother, Peter, was extremely self-confident. In Luke 22:31, Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to sift him as wheat. In Luke 22:32, Jesus told Peter, “When you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” Peter needed a test that he could not pass so he would learn to lean on Jesus for guidance and strength.

Before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied Jesus three times. In Acts 4:19-20, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, stood before the same group of men who crucified Christ, and said to them, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” He had strong convictions.

Martin Luther wrote, “Get the tree [Christ], and you will get His fruit.”

To be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, we cannot have a better than others mindset. We must have a childlike mindset that depends on our Heavenly Father to serve Him well.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in My Name welcomes Me.”

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! ‘If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:6-11

Jesus used scary images to warn us against offending little people. He spoke of an offender drowning in the sea with a millstone around his neck. He spoke of cutting off a hand, a foot and gouging out an eye. These are the kind of scenes that scary movies are made of. Yet, Jesus says it is better to suffer these losses than to offend one of God’s little ones.

Jesus said the angels of these little ones “always see the face of my Father... For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Bullies offend the “little ones” that the heavenly Father loves. According to Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:32, Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous. He came for those who knew their need of Him not for those who believed they were self-sufficient.

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14

Jesus wants us to find the one who lacks a personal relationship with God.

“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go, and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17

The circle of people who care is to grow wider when an offender rejects the good counsel of one. If he rejects the counsel of the whole church body, he is to be put out from the fellowship. However, even this severe consequence has the goal of bringing him to his senses and to Jesus.

The offender is to be treated as a heathen and a tax collector. In Corinthians 5:6, Paul asked the Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” According to 1 Corinthians 5:1, they had a man in their fellowship that was committing adultery with his father’s wife (likely his stepmother). In 1 Corinthians 5:5, Paul spoke of “delivering such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” That’s called tough love. It requires faith that God will do what is best for everyone involved.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20

In regards to binding and loosing, or locking and releasing, Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Each church has the keys of its own door. When those keys are rightly turned by the assembly below, the act is ratified above.”


The Greek word for “agree” means “to symphonize.” Adam Clarke wrote, “It means a perfect agreement of the hearts, desires, wishes, and voices, of two or more persons praying to God.”

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22

According to 2 Chronicles 36:20-21, the exile in Babylon lasted 70 years “to fulfill the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. For as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath.”

God based the length of the exile on the years of unkept Sabbath years. For 490 years the Jews did not give the land a rest. To make up for every seventh-year (Sabbath-year) they defied, God gave them a year in captivity. 490 divided by 7 equals 70.

How many times did Jesus tell Peter that he should forgive a brother who sinned against him? He told Peter “70 x 7.’’ That is 490 times which is the number of years that God forgave the Israelites for not keeping the Sabbath year rest.

How often have we sinned against God? Jesus urges us to forgive those who sin against us.

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. ‘So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.’” Matthew 18:23-35

Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven in terms of compassion and forgiveness towards debtors.

Has anyone done you wrong? Forgive them.

A King’s servant had received more from his king than he could ever repay. At a servant’s pay rate, this servant needed to work 200,000 years to pay back his debt to the king. One talent was roughly 20 years of wages making 10,000 talents equal to roughly $6 billion in labor value. [4]

How much would we owe God if He required payment for everything that He does for us? How much is each part of our body worth? How much should He charge us for the air we breathe and the ground we walk on? How about for the sun, the moon and the stars? How about for sending His Son to redeem us from our sin? Ultimately, we owe God all that we have and are.

The servant in the parable said to his king, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” The king knew he could never repay his debt to him but had compassion and forgave him.

Jesus Christ paid off a debt we could never repay in a lifetime. He cancelled it completely. What’s more, God adopted us into His family. Such immeasurable grace!

Tragically, the forgiven servant took God’s grace lightly. He had a fellow servant imprisoned for owing him a debt of 100 denarii. 100 denarii is worth USD 4.28. [5] It should have been repaid, but compared to the great debt the creditor was forgiven by his king, it was small. The forgiven servant did not forgive his fellow servant though he begged for patience.

Have you ever locked someone up for a debt they owe you? Stopped communicating with them? Given them distance rather than closeness?

Previously, in this article, I quoted Jesus and Paul in regards to removing an unrepentant offender from the fellowship, but even then, the goal was to help him repent and to be restored to God and into the fellowship of those who love God.

The unforgiving servant’s action grieved his fellow servants. They reported his misbehavior back to the king. The king confronted him saying, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” The king handed the man over to torturers.

Jesus said, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Recently, I asked the Lord for help with pain caused to me by broken relationships. He spoke to me from 2 Corinthians 12:9, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” He told me to overcome pain by His grace not by my strength.

Psalm 147:3 says that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Rather than expecting myself or others to do miraculous healings of deep wounds, I need the Lord to do the miracle. I admit my need of His grace. God is my very present help in time of need.

In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Then, in Romans 5:6-8, Paul wrote, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“Heavenly Father, please convert us to love as You love. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”



[1] Google sources
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid

Transfigured – Matthew 17

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” Matthew 17:1-4

In the previous chapter, Jesus spoke to the disciples about His death and resurrection, and about their need to deny themselves, to pick up their crosses and follow Him. Now, He leads them up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them.

The face of Jesus became as bright as the sun and His clothes like light. So, it must have been difficult for the disciples to look in His direction. Perhaps, they shaded their eyes with hands at their foreheads. Their eyes squinting due to the intensity of the light.

They see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. What a blessing that they should see such a sight on this side of heaven! How did they know who these two men were? It was a revelation from God. Peter wanted to make a tabernacle for each of them.

“Remarkably, these two Old Testament persons appeared and spoke with the transfigured Jesus. Moses had lived some 1400 years before; Elijah some 900 years before; yet they were alive and in some sort of resurrected, glorified state.” [1]

“Traditionally, Christian interpreters have seen Moses and Elijah as representatives of the Law and the Prophets, respectively. This makes good sense, for Moses is known in Scripture as the great lawgiver and Elijah is one of the most prominent old covenant prophets. Moreover, Jesus said that He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets in Matthew 5:17, so it is unsurprising that Moses and Elijah would appear in the transfiguration as witnesses to Him. As Augustine of Hippo writes in his sermon on the transfiguration account in Matthew 17, ‘The grace of the Gospel receives witness from the Law and the Prophets.’”

The Old Testament prophets frequently tie the day of restoration and salvation to a new exodus. Peter recognized this new exodus had come, as he asked to build tents, or booths (tabernacles), for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He likely sought to prolong the profound moment. In Mark 9:7-8, God spoke and called him and the other disciples to listen to Jesus, who would reveal to them the right understanding of the event.” [2]

What did Moses, Elijah and Jesus talk about? Luke 9:31 says that they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51 says that “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Soon, Jesus would be in glory with Moses and Elijah!

“When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only – it is significant that their entire focus was forced upon Jesus once again.” [3]

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:5-8

The name David in Hebrew means beloved. Thus, when God spoke from the cloud and called Jesus My Beloved Son, He was saying that the man standing before them was the Son of David. He is the Promised One. God affirmed that He was well pleased with Jesus, and that people should listen to Him. Moses and Elijah had done their part, now, they were to honor Jesus.

“Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’ And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:9-14

Malachi 4:5 says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” “The first coming of Jesus did not bring the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Malachi 4:5 is probably best identified with the appearance of the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13. The Second Coming of Jesus happens after they appear. Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” [4]

“Yet there was also a sense in which Jesus could rightly say ‘Elijah has come already.’ Elijah had arrived in the work of John the Baptist, who ministered in Elijah’s spirit and power (Luke 1:17).

There are parallels between Elijah and John the Baptist. Elijah and John were zealous for the Lord. Both prophets boldly rebuked sin in high places. Both called sinners to repent. Both attracted multitudes. Both experienced the fury of a king and his wife. Both lived simply. Both lived in the wilderness for a time. [5]

“And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ Then Jesus answered and said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.” Matthew 17:15-18

Back to work! When Jesus came down from that glorious moment with Moses, Elijah and the heavenly Father speaking with Him, He was met by a needy father. The father had seen his son fall into fire and water due to epileptic seizures. He had hoped that the disciples of Jesus would heal his son, but they were unable to set him free from the demons that tormented him.

Jesus lamented due to the perversity and faithlessness of Israel. Throughout history there have been people who suffered greatly for the Word of God, but they held to it and believed it. For example, the Christians whom the Roman Emperors fed to wild beasts. The reformers who were burnt at the stake by the Catholic Church because they proclaimed that faith in Christ alone was sufficient for salvation. In 2026, we have people like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. Joni loves Jesus and sings His praises though she has been a quadriplegia for nearly 60 years. Nick was born without arms or legs. At 43 years old, he travels and speaks about his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. His ministry is known as Life Without Limbs. Isreal demanded so many signs from Jesus but yielded so little fruit of faith in Him.

“His season of ministry before the cross was coming to an end, and perhaps He felt frustration that the disciples did not have more faith.” [6]

Jesus rebuked the demon. It came out. The man’s son was cured from that very hour.

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” Matthew 17:19-21

“Jesus laid the inability of the disciples to cast out the demon at their unbelief. To be successful in a battle against demons, there must be trust in God who has complete authority over them.

The faith that we must have has more to do with what kind of faith it is than with how much faith there is. A small amount of faith, as small as a mustard seed (a very small seed), can accomplish great things if that small amount of faith is placed in the great and mighty God.

We show our faith in and reliance on God through prayer and fasting. It displays an occupation with and dependence on Jesus. Sometimes we pray dispassionately, almost asking God to care about things we care little or nothing about.” [7]

How much more would be accomplished in the earth if we fasted and prayed out of concern for those who are suffering and perishing without Christ’s intervention?

“Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.’ And they were exceedingly sorrowful.” Matthew 17:22-23

The time of Jesus’ visible earthly ministry was coming to a close. Soon, Judas would betray Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. A Roman soldier would drive spikes through His hands and feet. His breathing would cease. His body would dwell motionless for three days in a tomb. Then, on the third day, He would resurrect from the dead.

Were His disciples exceedingly sorrowful because they only dwelt on His words about His death and not about His words on the resurrection? Perhaps, it was because they did not want Jesus to suffer such great agony. However, the suffering had to happen due to humanity’s sin.

“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?’ Peter said to Him, ‘From strangers.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.’” Matthew 17:24-27

Before Peter verbalized a question to Jesus, Jesus gave Peter the answer. Jesus, being divine, was omniscient.

The temple tax or fee applied to every Jewish man. R.T. France wrote, “Payment could be made in person at the Passover festival in Jerusalem…but collections were made in other areas... a month earlier. This incident therefore takes place about a month before Passover.” [8]

“Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go...” Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax, but recognized the importance of avoiding needless controversy, and so paid the tax.

“Jesus trusted in the miraculous provision of God. It’s not every day... that someone catches a fish and takes a coin out of its mouth. Jesus used God’s provision to pay His taxes.” [9]

This miracle of “paying the price” foreshadowed the redemptive work of Jesus for all people. Jesus paid the debt for our sin and left us debtless before God. Praise the Lord!

At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus was transfigured. His transfiguration is good news for us. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43, 49 says, “The body is sown in corruption. It is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness. It is raised in power. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

The Gospel says that just as the earthly body of Jesus was transfigured into a glorious heavenly body, we who have believed in Him and professed Him, shall also receive a glorious heavenly body. This hope is especially meaningful and inspirational to people with bodies like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. However, at the same time, I have heard them say that they mainly just want to be with Jesus because His love for them on earth has been so wonderful.


[1] Enduring Word Commentary
[2] learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/peters-terror-and-gods-response
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid