Thoughts on Mathew
Chapter by Chapter
By Prithvi
Mathew 1
In the genealogy listed in Mt1, the list contains the names of royal people like David,Solomon, shady people like Rahab, Tamar and many ordinary people. God used different kinds of People to bring His Son into this world. Similarly, today God uses different Kinds of People to execute His will on this planet.
Joseph had two options concerning Mary-either to divorce her secretly or to have her stoned, but God had the third option- to marry her. Similarly when our decision making affects other person’s life, we ought to wait for the directions from GOD
Mathew 2
Magi-the wise men traveled thousands of miles to visit Jesus. On seeing the Baby Jesus,they GAVE Him the gifts- Gold, incense and Myrrh…symbolizing His Kingship (Gold as gift to King), Deity (Incense is given for God) and His death (Myrrh is used for decorating the dead body) and WORSHIPPED Him. On the contrary, we expect the God to come to us, prove to us and then bless us. We ought to worship Him for what HE is rather than what we receive. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Mathew 3
Despite John the Baptist, being a very influential leader and the best Prophet (accredited by Jesus Christ) he lived a simple life and identified with the poor people in dress and food. He preached 3 point sermon –Repent -Show your repentance by your conduct and character -Be productive. He was involved in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. We also ought to do the preliminary work in bringing people to Jesus by explaining the need and nature of meaningful life that God gives
Mathew 4
After the filling of the Holy Spirit and 40 days of fasting, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the Satan. Jesus overcame. We need the constant filling of the Holy Spirit and time of fasting to overcome temptations. Jesus was tempted when he was alone and in hunger (even he was fully powered by the Holy Spirit). We also will be tempted harshly when we are alone, in disappointment and in times of despair and failures. Beware. Character is what you are in the dark. The first and constant message of Jesus Christ is “REPENT”. One cannot be a true follower of Jesus Christ without TRUE REPENTANCE. Jesus not only knew the Scriptures but also obeyed. Satan also knew the scriptures but did not obey. That made the big difference. Jesus’ ministry was three fold – Teaching scripture to people in the church, preaching gospel to people outside the church and Healing people everywhere Satan tempted Jesus to use His extra ordinary power for ordinary needs, to use His son ship for special demonstration and to make use worldly system and political powers to become great man of God. Temptation can be multidimensional and pseudo spiritual. Beware
Mathew 5
The attitudes expected in a follower of Christ are humility, burden for others, mild temper, longing to obey God, helping mentality, purity in thought, reconciliation and positive reactions in times of persecution.
Jesus compared our lives to salt and light. Living for Christ will enable us to influence others positively and to glow for Him so that the likeness of Jesus Christ will be radiated through our life
LAWS for life by Christ
• Harboring bitterness and hatred towards others is as harmful as Murder • Gaze with lustful desire is as guilty as adultery • Desire to have sex with someone other than spouse is mental adultery and thus Sin • Live up to the marriage commitments. Look for reasons to buildup the marriage rather than finding excuses to break it • Like God we ought to show the same indifference to friends and enemies • We ought to practice non-resistance and yielding instead of taking vengeance
Mathew 6
Charity, Prayer and fasting are good but the motive behind it is more important.” Why do we do what we do?” Prayer is not information to God but an act of dependence. We need to seek the glorification of His name, Extension of His rule and Execution of His will in us besides requesting for daily needs and strengths. We seldom realize that we have to forgive others as much as we seek His forgiveness. Let us forgive and forget. Eye is the light of our body. Bad and filthy inputs will make the whole system (life) worse. Who is the director of our life?-Money or God. To worry is to doubt His sovereignty and providence. When we fear and obey Him, He will meet our needs in time.
Mathew 7
In our relationships we tend to lose temper and judge others often. We ought to have empathy and to forgive rather than passing instant judgments .A secret of prayer is ASK….Keep on Asking, Seeking, Knocking. Never give up in your efforts to seek God. There are MANY false teachers/Preachers/Prophets in our day. The real ones exhibit consistently good behavior and high moral Characters. Execution of God’s will in our personal life is more important than the exhibition of the power of God in our ministry.
Mathew 8
Many Wanted to follow Jesus after seeing the healings and miracles but they backed out when Jesus proclaimed the cost of discipleship. Is this the same in our life as well? The blessings from Jesus reached all parts of society…those who are neglected (Leper), those who are exalted (Centurion) and those who are near (Peter’s mother-in-law). Are we carrying the love of Jesus to all sectors of the society? Harms of the storms panicked the disciples. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them His supreme authority over the nature besides His power over sickness and demons. God uses our infirmities and difficulties to reveal His characters to us. The people of Gadara requested Jesus to go out after loosing the herds even the demon possessed one is healed. How often do we despise persons for the sake of possessions and popularity?
Mathew 9
When called, Mathew left his lucrative career and followed Jesus. When God wants us to give up some issues or privileges, how do we react? Jesus was called friend of sinners. Like Him, we have to be willing to share the gospel to neglected, immoral, lonely (not only to moral, popular and rich). Pharisees accused Jesus of various faults like blasphemy, befriending out casts, serving Satan etc, because of ignorance. It can happen to us as well. Let us not give up in our efforts to do good. When Jesus saw the multitude, he had compassion on them and he acted immediately. He motivated His disciples to intercede and to evangelize. How obedient are we in interceding and in reaching out the unreached?
Mathew 10
Jesus chose disciples from all walks of life. God is not much concerned about our ability but interested in our availability. Jesus said” Freely you received freely you give”. Demanding CRAFTLY special offering for special prayers is unscriptural. Making God’s ministry as a license for making money is condemnable. Jesus said” Any one who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” Are we ready to publicly identify with Him and to face difficulties and oppositions for Him? While doing Christian work, when opposition arises instead of defending our work, we ought to move to the place where Christ is not preached. Harvest is plenty, Laborers are few.
Mathew 11
Jesus after giving instructions to His disciples, He carried on to teach and preach. Jesus led by example. We also have to practice what we preach and believe. John the Baptist, a might man of God when underwent through stress and pressure in prison, he expressed doubts about the reality of Jesus Christ. Jesus clarified his doubts. While facing the depressions and disappointments in life and when we come across serious doubts, we ought to wait on God and He would clarify our doubts. The people of Bethsaida, Korazin, and Capernaum had the privilege of listening directly to the teachings of Jesus Christ but did not REPENT. Jesus warned that the judgment upon them will be more severe than that happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. We, who are born Christians and who have the access to high qualitative spiritual resources will be more accountable than who are less privileged. Let us REPENT and OBEY now
Mathew 12
The Pharisees thought that Jesus disobeyed the Sabbath rules and they accused Him. Jesus clarified them stating that the intent of the law is to rest from the routine work and to serve and worship God. We need to look into the matters rather than taking the letters superficially and misinterpret it. When Pharisees demanded a miraculous sign to prove the sonship/ Godship of Jesus Christ, He clarified them with the life of Jonah. Instead of looking for extra evidences, we need to believe and accept what God has already given and have to press on. He will make our life another evidence for others to follow. After riding out the sins we have to fill our minds with godly things. Unoccupied, unclean and disordered mind/heart is easy target for Satan. Jesus said “Out of the overflow of the heart , the mouth speaks” We have to store up good and godly things in our mind/heart so that our thoughts, sights, words and deeds will be clean.
Mathew 13
The parable of sower teaches the necessity of listening, understanding and applying the word of God in our life for living a successful Christian life. The hindrances for the productivity of our Christian life includes non-understanding/ misunderstanding the Bible, lack of intimate relationship with God, indulgence in worries and love for the world. The parable of weeds and fish net points the presence of pseudo Christians in our midst and the surety of the punishment of God upon them at the appropriate time. The parable of the mustard seed and the yeast illustrate that even if the beginning of the God’s work is small and insignificant, the results will be great. The parable of hidden treasure and pearl merchant encourage us to hold on to the things related to kingdom of God even if we have to loose everything else
Mathew 14
John the Baptist spoke against the immorality that Herod practiced and Herod beheaded him. When we stand for the truth and fight against injustice/immorality, we may end up losing our lives but we need to carry on in our work wisely when we stand on God’s side. It is only five loaves and two fishes if it is in the hand of little boy but when it was surrendered to Jesus it became the resource to satisfy thousands. When we surrender and submit whatever we have to God, He can make it as a blessing to hundreds and thousands. When Peter focused on Jesus he walked in water but when focused on circumstances he drowned. Similarly we need to trust and focus on the Problem solver rather than on the problems. Despite busy schedules, seeking solitude with God was priority to Jesus. Do we have regular and specific time to spend with God daily?
Mathew 15
When Pharisees complained Jesus saying that His disciples were not following tradition (not washing hands before meal), Jesus knowing their failure in obeying God’s law (they have neglected parents in the name of fulfilling Corbon law) stressed the importance of obeying the commandments of God rather than giving priority to religious traditions. Traditions have to help us to understand God better but should become a law by themselves. Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimonies, slander etc., which comes out of the heart make us unclean. Blessed are the pure in heart. A Canaanite woman (Canaanites were enemies to Jews) showed perseverance in pursuing God. She believed that the mercy of the God can be extended to her in spite of the race and religious barriers. Her request was answered and Jesus praised her as “woman of Great faith”.
Mathew 16
Jesus Said “Be on your guard against the yeast of Pharisees and Sadducees”. We need to be careful about the teachings we are exposed to. Deception can happen to anyone by anyone at any point of time. When Jesus asked “What do people say the son of man is?” the disciples had different views. What do me and you think about Jesus Christ? Jesus said” If any one would come after me he must deny himself, take up His cross and follow me” Self denial and Cross bearing is not option but an obligation.
Mathew 17
In the Mountain of transfiguration, the face of Jesus shone like the Sun and his clothes were as white as light. Disciples had a glimpse of the glory of God. Jesus is more than a great leader and good example. He is the son of God. Our response to Him has to be true worship and unconditional obedience. Our God is Almighty. Even if we have little faith (as small as mustard seed), we can have extraordinary results. We need to trust in Him rather than in our experiences, abilities and resources.
Mathew 18
To the question “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” there came a surprise response from Jesus. The greatest is the one who practices humility. Are we humble? Blessed are the poor in Spirit. The disputes or issues between the believers have to be settled inside the church by the responsible church leaders. The parable of unforgiving debtor reminds us the significance of extending forgiveness to others. The forgiveness from God is conditional and is dependent on our forgiving attitude towards others. Are we still carrying enmity, grudges, hatred, bitterness, etc., towards others?
Mathew 19
Marriage is instituted by God. It has to be honored and has to be lived up to the commitments to enjoy the blessings from God. It has to be built up rather than finding reasons (however reasonable it is) to break up. Fear of God, Obedience, forgiving each other, spending quality time, transparency, sacrificial love etc., will help to build up marriage. Christian life is not an event but a process towards perfection and maturity. It is a constant awareness of the question “What do I still lack?” and the readiness to obey His command (whatever it is).
Mathew 20
In the parable of workers paid equally, Jesus explains the generosity of God and points out that when the late comers in the kingdom of God are blessed and used mightily, the long term believers should not feel jealous or bad about that. Instead of being jealous about what God has given to other person, we have to look at the gracious benefits that God granted to us. The mother of John and James thought that she can demand anything from God because of the sacrifice (giving two sons to ministry) she has done. Jesus clarified her stating that one’s greatness depends on how much he/she remains humble and serve others. Whoever wants to be great has to become a servant. The blind men in Jericho did not give up in seeking God despite discouragements and demotivations from people and situations. We also have to keep on seeking and trying till we receive. The God is Compassionate and is willing to answer us.
Mathew 21
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people raised their voices and shouted praises unto Him. Few days later, the same crowd shouted to crucify Him. They kept changing their life styles depending on the situation due to their superficial faith. Do we live in hypocrisy and keep on changing the colors depending on the situations and the groups?
When Jesus entered temple area (meant for worshiping God), He noticed the wrong doings which were going on. He reacted positively and cleaned it. Evil thrives when godly people keep quiet. When impure practices and preaching spoil the church of God, we have stand up to clean out the destructive things/issues. Like the quick withering of the fig tree, extraordinary things would happen with ordinary prayers when done in faith without doubt.
Mathew 22
In the parable of the wedding guest, the guest without wedding cloth (it was customary for the host to provide wedding clothes to the guests. The particular guest would have rejected it) was thrown out and punished. Similarly God calls us gives His righteousness freely. We ought to accept it, guard it and have fellowship with Him. Persons without salvation and righteousness cannot be entertained in the kingdom of God. Like Sadducees, we also have in our midst those who do not believe in Resurrection from the dead. Jesus not only clarified the doubts of Sadducees but also confirmed the fact of resurrection. Resurrection is the focus of Christian faith. We have to live as if we believe in the resurrection from the dead.
Mathew 23
Jesus appreciated what Pharisees preached but condemned what they practiced. They did not practice what they preached. They loved to be greeted, honored and exalted. Jesus reminded: “The greatest among you will be your servant”, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted”. The significance of simple, humble and exemplary life is emphasized. Pharisees thought that they were highly spiritual because they gave offerings and tithes strictly and regularly. Jesus pointed out that sacrifices and offerings are not substitutes for righteous living, faithfulness and helping others. Like Pharisees, we also may be living in hypocrisy — godly and holy outside and lustful, greedy and sinful desires inside. Jesus warns us to shed off all hypocrisy and to live in true spirituality.
Mathew 24
To the question” What will be the sign for your coming and the end of the world?” Jesus responded with few warning signs and advices. Warning Signs - Many false Christs and false prophets (including false preachers and teachers) will come and will deceive many.(Even the elect will be deceived by them through signs and miracles) – The followers of Jesus Christ will be hated by all Nations – Wickedness will increase and the love for God and others will decrease. Advices - Get involved in preaching the gospel to the whole world (Before His second advent) -Be watchful and prepared for the second coming of Christ – Be a faithful and wise servant in doing what is expected from you.
Mathew 25
Through the parable of ten virgins (who wanted to take part in the processions of bridegroom) Jesus taught that each person is responsible for his/her spiritual condition. Spiritual preparation can not be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Through the parable of talents, Jesus stressed the necessity of using well, what God has entrusted to us. How well we use what we are given is more important that what we have. Can you be called as faithful and wise servant by God? Through the parable of sheeps and goats, Jesus highlighted the significance of serving those in need – feeding the hungry, clothing the unclothed, looking after the sick etc. Giving to poor is giving to God
Mathew 26
Judas Iscariot, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ for years, sold his mentor/Lord/Savior for 30 silver coins, the price of a slave. Like wise, are we not selling our love/devotion towards the God for petty pleasures or temporal selfish gains?
Jesus began to be sorrowful and troubled Garden of Gethsemane. For Jesus, the communication with father was in priority list before every task and for the fulfillment of the will of God in His life on earth. Do we pray regularly? What is the motive behind our prayers? If the closest disciple of Jesus Christ, Peter could disown Jesus, it can happen in our lives as well. Are we living a life style disowning Jesus Christ out of fear for people or to obtain favor from people? They spit on His face, struck Him with their fists. Others slapped Him; few others accused Him falsely while many others mocked Him. Jesus responded divinely- forgiving instead of retaliating
Mathew 27
“They stripped Him (Jesus) and put a scarlet robe on Him and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again” These words display the prosecution that He went through for each one of us. Hopefully this (His) agony He went through should pull us to remind the determination and dedication we ought to love Him, obey Him and live for Him. Not only His (Jesus’) birth, life and teachings are extraordinary but also His death. His death was accompanied by four miraculous events- darkness (3 hours), Tearing of the curtain (separating holy and most holy place in the tabernacle) into two, earth quake and the dead people rising from the tombs. His death brought life to us.
Mathew 28
After resurrection, two types of messages spread out. The followers of Jesus Christ after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus testified that Jesus rose from the dead. On the other hand the chief priests fearing the higher authorities spread rumor that disciples stole the body of Jesus. What type of message do I and you carry in our lips and lives? The farewell message of Jesus Christ is too significant to ignore. After assuring the bestowed authority on the disciples, He commissioned them with a great responsibility- Making others as the disciples of Jesus in all nations. How relevant and authoritative are the words of Jesus in our lives today? Every Christian is a missionary and every non-Christian is a mission field.
