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Letter of Apostle Matthew – The Gospel
An Intimate Review
Pt 18
By Lawrence DeMetrius
Matthew 13:52-57
The Scribes of Yahweh
In the consummation of His parables, Christ expounds upon the literary works of Yahweh’s scribes and how they taught with words that were divinely inspired in ancient times. However, words inspired in times past are considered fresh and new to generations who have yet to learn them. Thus, Yahweh must assign teachers to teach them in every generation. [Isa 50:4; Dan 12:3, 10; Rm 10:14, 16; Mt 28:18-20] As noted by Christ, true prophets often lack substantial honor in their own native places and families. Therefore, it is not uncommon for their ministries to thrive better in other areas, amongst other people. [Mt 13:57] Christ Himself was not initially known as having great notoriety. In fact, His familial status was modest in that His stepfather Joseph was a carpenter. However, due to His exemplary character and incredible insight, Christ’s greatness was eventually revealed. This gives credence to the idea that one’s character should exemplifies that of one teaches and obeys divine directives. Also, they must strive to only be their unique selves and not duplicate others, with the exception of Christ. [Mt 5:19; 25:15; I Thes 2:4; I Pt 4:11] Yahweh reveals the honor of HIS servants to the audience HE wants them to serve at the appointed time. In fact, it is HE WHO promotes them. [Ps 75:6, 7] Amongst other things, Jesus Christ was certainly a holy Prophet.
*prophet Gk #4396 prophetes (pro-fay-tace), it is a foreteller, poet and inspired speaker
Although Christ was able to do miraculous feats, He limited His acts among His own kin and countryman, due to their unbelief in Him being the prophesied Messiah and His ability to perform miracles. [Mt 13:58]
*unbelief Gk #570 apistia (ap-is-tee-ah) it is faithlessness, disobedience and disbelief in Jesus as the Christ and His teachings
UNBELIEF is why Christ limited His work amongst His close of kin and countrymen. If Christ had to do this it is certain His disciples may need to do so as well.
Matthew 14:1-13
For the Love of Power
Noted in this passage is a Roman leader by the name of Herod the Tetrarch. Such historic figures give credence to the actual existence of the Person and works of Jesus the Christ in First Century Rome. There are numerous Roman leaders who were present at the time of Christ’s mortal lifetime. Events surrounding the Person and works of Christ are also recorded in secular archives of Rome. Roman history discloses how important public opinion was in obtaining offices of high influence. Those who desired such seats did what they believed needed to be done to secure these seats, which included executing senseless deaths of innocent people like John the Baptist.
Matthew 14:14-23
What One Has Is Enough
<See Mt 15:32-39>
In most cases, what Yahweh imparts unto HIS servant is sufficient to effectively carry out the ministry HE appoints them to. Upon receiving clear instruction to use what they have from THE LORD, they are expected to go forth therein with faith filled obedience. In so doing, faith in themselves and their God-given abilities is strengthened. Prior to His ascension back to THE FATHER, Christ expressed that His Church would do the works that He did but in greater capacity. [Jn 14:12; I Jn 4:17b] In this passage, Apostle Matthew notes the learning experience of Apostle Peter, by which a key point of successful ministry is revealed. It is that one must reverently acknowledge and request permission of THE LORD to step into certain situations. Christ granted Apostle Peter permission to test his faith when He knew Peter’s faith was weak. Nonetheless, Christ used the opportunity to help Peter recognize the power of faith that existed within him. As THE LORD is not to be tempted, there are some feats that are not be attempted without divine intervention. [Duet 6:16; Mt 4:7] In fact, Christ instructs His brethren to request of THE LORD deliverance from certain testing. [Mt 6:13] Even Christ requested in the Garden of Gethsemane to be delivered from the Cross. [Mt 26:39, 41]
There is always a reason for any test required of THE LORD. However, HE will never allow more upon HIS children then they can bare. Nor will HE permit them to encounter challenges they cannot overcome. [I Cor 10:13; Jam 1:2-4]
*tempt Gk #1598 ekpeirazo (ek-pi-rad-zo) it means to test thoroughly
Matthew 14:34-36
The Audience Awaits
<See Mt 15:29-31>
When Yahweh is with and actively working through a person, it will be noised abroad and there will be an audience anticipating the arrival of Yahweh’s messenger. It matters not that some do not welcome their coming. The service and message of THE LORD’S messengers are not for all audiences. HIS power and presence will always validate the authenticity of HIS messengers, in the perspective of the audience HE sends them to serve. [I Cor 2:1-4]
Matthew 15:1-20
The Traditions of Men
<See Mt 16:5-12>
In this passage, Apostle Matthew expounds the sin of being devoted to vain religiosity and traditions of men. For many, it is a great challenge to avoid this sin, especially when those who in leadership replace divine directives with unwarranted legalities. [Hos 4:6; Mt 5:19] He notes Hebrew Pharisees and Scribes who interrogating Jesus Christ about why His disciples disregarded the traditions of their Elders.
*Pharisees Gk #5330 Pharisaios (far-is-ah-yos) it is a…
1. separatist,
a. a person who separates, withdraws or secedes as from an established church
b. an advocate of separation, especially ecclesiastical or political
2. Hebrew sectary, which is a…
a. member of a particular sect, especially an adherent of a religious body regarded as heretical or schismatic
b. protestant of nonconformist denomination
c. person who is zealously devoted to a particular sect
*scribes Gk #1122 grammateus (gram-mat-yooce) it is a writer, professional secretary, town-clerk and keeper of records
*tradition Gk #3862 paradosis (par-ad-os-is) it is transmission, a precept and specifically Hebrew traditionary law or ordinance
*elders Gk #4245 presbuteros (pres-boo-ter-os) it means older, a senior, specifically an Israelite Sanhedrim that is figurative of the celestial council or Christian presbyter, which in the early Christian church was an office bearer who exercised teaching and priestly administrative functions, in hierarchical churches, such as a priest or an elder in the Presbyterian church
One must keep in mind that all nations have some form of religious and political sectarianism. It is also wise to note that just because a person is considered an elder, does not mean they are wise or worthy to be honored as a master teacher of divine insight. [Mt 15:3] Hebrew Elders of Judaism should have known the genuine laws given to Moses by THE LORD. They should have also known that it was forbidden for anyone to ADD or TAKE AWAY from these laws. Not only did the Elders disobey this command but they taught and enforced man made traditions instead of administering THE LORD’S genuine instruction. In so doing, these fallen leaders made themselves the least in Yahweh’s kingdom. [Mt 5:19; Deut 4:2; Isa 29:13; Rev 22:18, 19] Success in divine ministry is only warranted by keeping and obeying THE LORD’S directives. [Jos 1:8] True light and liberation only comes with continual adherence to THE LORD’S directives. [Mt 11:28-30; Jn 8:12, 31, 32, 36; Lk 4:18, 19] Jesus Christ responded to His interrogators with the following question.
Why do you also TRANSGRESS the COMMANDMENT of God by your TRADITION?
[Mt 15:3]
*transgress Gk #3845 parabaino (par-ab-ah-ee-no) it is to go contrary to and violate a command
*commandment Gk #1785 entole (en-tol-ay) it is an injunction, which is a judicial process or order that requires one to whom it is directed…to do or refrain from a particular act and is an order, admonition and authoritative prescription
Christ notes that the ultimate disrespect of the Hebrew Elders, Scribes and Pharisees was their act of teaching their own traditions in place of divine directives. [Mt 15:4-9] This sin is the primary reason why Israel was then considered The Valley of Darkness. It was so because THE LORD’S Word was neither known or taught as it should have been. [Mt 15:14] This sin left many souls hungry for Yahweh’s Word. Thus, HE sent Christ to reiterate and make it available to those who desired it. In that Christ CALLED and admonished people to HEAR and UNDERSTAND, they did have a degree of comprehensive ability to do so. Per Christ’s example, it is appropriate for teachers of THE LORD to invite those who desire it to receive of their divine insight. [Mt 15:10]
*called Gk #4341 proskaleomai (pros-kal-eh-om-ahee) it means to call toward oneself, summon or invite
*hear Gk #191 akouo (ak-oo-o) it means to hear in various senses
*understand Gk #4920 suniemi (soon-nee-ay-mee) it means to comprehend, put together mentally, act piously, consider and be wise
In [Mt 15:11-20] Christ imparts to His audience divine truths using precepts that should have been taught by their Hebrew leaders. He instructs the obedient teachers of GOD to mark and avoid those in teaching positions who lack divine insight. [Mt 7:15-20; I Jn 4:1-6; II Jn vs 7-11]
Matthew 15:21-31
The Woman of Canaan
<Mk 7:24-30>
In [Mt 15:24] Jesus Christ notes that He was SENT to the LOST sheep of Israel.
*sent Gk #649 apostello (ap-os-tel-lo) it means set apart and send out on a mission
*lost Gk #622 apollumi (ap-ol-loo-mee) it means to fully destroy, perish and lose
In [Mt 15:22, 26, 27] Christ likens a Canaanite woman to a baby dog, who humbly consents to this likeness. However, she persisted in her request that He grant deliverance to her daughter who was VEXED WITH A DEVIL.
*vexed with a devil Gk #1139 daimonizomai (da-hee-mon-id-zom-ahee) it means to be exercised by a demon
1. exercise is to…
a. put one’s faculties and rights into action, practice and use
b. make use of one's privileges and powers
c. worry, make uneasy and annoy
2. devil is…
a. a subordinate evil spirit at enmity with God that has power to afflict humans both with bodily disease and spiritual corruption
b. an atrociously wicked, cruel and ill-tempered person
c. a person who is very clever, energetic, reckless and mischievous
The woman did not ask Christ to do what He was not already doing for others, as He was famous for such healings. In His dialogue with her, she mentions that puppies benefit from the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. This gives credence to the idea that even puppies were beloved members of their master’s household, and were permitted to be in intimate quarters of their home, like the dining area. In short, she recognized Christ as a Man of genuine love and that He loved her and her daughter, regardless of their nationality. Although He was sent to restore the lost sheep of Israel first, He did indeed have every intention of serving all nations with healing, salvation and deliverance. [St Jn 3:16; I Jn 2:1, 2] Due to her faith filled, humble and wise demeanor, Christ granted the Canaanite woman her request. [Mt 15:28] This gives credence to the idea that she was favored of THE LORD, and acted upon her rights and privileges as one whose heart was whole toward HIM. [II Chr 16:9; Rm 2:11]
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