Leave Your Offering and Go Be Reconciled

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments
Summary notes
Photo artistry by Dawn Carlson The Fort Gratoit lighthouse is the oldest in Michigan. Ships have come and gone past this very structure since 1829. The channel from Lake Huron to the St. Clair River requires a skilled captain. The ship must make some tight turns in the current to safely enter and exit the channel without damage. Reconciling with someone whom I’ve wronged is similar in that it can be emotionally tricky and further damage to the relationship is possible. Perhaps I should think about it , seek some guidance and practice first! This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery. Click on the image for an explanation Why a Lighthouse
Leave – Go – Be Reconciled – Then Come – and Present

This command to leave your offering and first go and be reconciled and then present your offering is complex because it has five instructions and involves first century Jewish religious practices. However the command is still remarkably relevant today because at its heart the command is about reconciliation of interpersonal relationships. 

In the Jewish religion at the time, worship of God took place at the temple in Jerusalem. The worshiper would bring to the temple offerings of animals, food, drink or incense for various reasons to be presented to God at an alter.  The temple was the only place prescribed for animal sacrifice and it was destroyed in 70 AD.  Therefore Judaism no longer practices this ritual.

Love God and Hate My Neighbor?

I cannot properly worship God and hate my neighbor.  Jesus stated in Matthew 22 that the second greatest commandment after loving God is to love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 12:17-18 states that I am to never pay back evil for evil to anyone and if it is possible, so far as it depends on me to, be at peace with everyone.  Without reconciliation for wrongs I have caused there remains for me a lack of personal peace due to a guilty conscience. The effect of a guilty conscience on the mind and body is not good. Stress is the result and long term stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal and immunological disorders of the body and anxiety and depression of the mind.

Reconciling is an act of love

Reconciling with someone is not only for my benefit, but primarily for theirs too.  If someone has something against me that I have forgotten until now, then they are the one likely to be upset or angry about it rather than me!  Reconciling is a humble act of love on my part.  Humility is involved because I must recognize and take responsibility for my part in the dispute.  Brotherly love is involved because I make the decision and attempt to remove the cause of anger and ill will from the other person for their benefit.

Click here for my personal application and your comments link …or Scroll down for my full notes

COMMAND:   “…leave your offering …and go; first be reconciled …and then come and present your offering.”

Mt 5:24

RECIPIENT:  

To the disciples in the hearing of the crowds on the mountain
Mt 5:1-2 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  2He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying…

CONTEXT:  My notes  about the context of this command  

A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount:
Mt 5:21-23  “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be  guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother,  ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says,  ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty {enough to go} into the fiery hell.”
23”Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you…”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:  

Mt 5:24  “… leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

RESULT:  

After Jesus concluded the sermon, two chapters later:
Mt 7:28-29; 8:1 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
1When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.

DEFINITIONS:  Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s #    Greek   pronunciation   —   definition)

leave:  G863  ἀφίημι   af-ee’-ay-mee   — to send forth; context implied meaning to depart from one place in order to go to another place

offering: G1435 δῶρον  dō‘-ron  — a present; specifically a sacrifice

go:  G2064  ἔρχομαι  er’-khom-ahee  — to literally or figuratively come or go

reconciled: G1259  διαλλάσσω  dee-al-las’-sō   — to change; to change the mind; to conciliate

brother: G80 ἀδελφός  ad-el-fos’   — literally or figuratively a brother (my personal belief is that this term is generic and equally inclusive of sisters)

come:  G2064  ἔρχομαι er’-khom-ahee  —  to come or go

present: G4374 προσφέρω  pros-fer’-ō  — to bring towards

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

In the Jewish religion at the time, worship of God took place at the temple in Jerusalem. The worshiper would bring to the temple offerings of animals, food, drink or incense for various reasons to be presented to God at an alter.  The temple was the only place prescribed for animal sacrifice and it was destroyed in 70 AD.  Therefore Judaism no longer practices this ritual. The principle that I cannot properly worship God without love for my neighbor also is still valid  because Jesus also said this:

Mt 22:36-40  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  37And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  38“This is the great and foremost commandment.  39The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  40On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Romans 12:17-18 states that I am to never pay back evil for evil to anyone and if it is possible, so far as it depends on me to, be at peace with everyone.  Without reconciliation for wrongs I have caused there remains for me a lack of personal peace due to a guilty conscience. The effect of a guilty conscience on the mind and body is not good. Stress is the result and long term stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal and immunological disorders of the body and anxiety and depression of the mind.

But  reconciling with my brother is not only for my benefit, but primarily for his.  If he has something against me that I have forgotten until now, then he is likely to be upset or angry about it rather than me!  Reconciling is a humble act of love on my part.  Humility is involved because I must recognize and take responsibility for my part in the dispute.  Brotherly love is involved because I make the decision and attempt to remove the cause of anger and ill will from my brother for his benefit.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION:   I encourage you to make your own application

If I have wronged someone, consider the part I had in it and take responsibility for that part.  I may hope, but must not expect that they will admit to their part.  I should seeking wise counsel before attempting to talk to that person or persons whom I have wronged, especially if there  are legal or financial issues involved and certainly if there is danger involved.  If I am accepted then peace will be won for both parties.  If I am not accepted then I have peace knowing I have done all that can be done for now.

The next command contains some important instruction pertaining to this one.  I’ll post it next week…

RETURN TO COMMAND

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Follow-up to Let Your Light Shine

Follow-up Matthew Sermon on the Mount 2 Comments
Jesus’ statements are still relevant.
Photo Artistry by Dawn Carlson    The Michigan City light is one of only two lighthouses of Indiana that are on the Great Lakes. It is a day mark that is illuminated by the sun during the day to inform mariners of their location. At night the light shines for the same reason. Once you know your current location you can then navigate to where you are going.  Jesus’ commands are like navigation markers for the human soul. This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery. You can read about Why a Lighthouse by clicking on the picture.

I think that Jesus’ command to let your light shine is as challenging today as it ever was.  His commands are also just as relevant in today’s world as they were when He spoke them.  

Do I love people enough?

When Jesus spoke this command He was urging His followers to go out into the world and be positive influences,  I don’t know about you, but I feel challenged by this command.  Its easy for me to agree with it.  But then I immediately move on in my thoughts without stopping to consider the practical implication of what it might mean to let my light shine.   I think that it means I have to love people enough to care about them in practical ways.  But, there are big problems in the world like hunger, bad water, disease, poverty, ignorance, violence, lack of economic opportunity and the list is unending.  I am often caught up with my own agenda and sometimes realize how selfish and small my own agenda seems.  No matter how much I do for family and friends there are even bigger needs out there that affect millions of people and I’m doing so little or nothing about them.  Frankly, I think the answer to my question about if I love people enough is, “No.”  I don’t know if I can.

What to do?

I can however care more about the people around me and perform my commitments with excellence.   What can I do this week to let my light shine?”  I will review this command every day this week to remind myself to take notice of the needs of family and coworkers.  I can also apply the idea of being excellent by stepping up to do my job better and taking initiative to solve some problems without caring who gets the credit.  Like I said at the beginning, this will be challenging!

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

Let Your Light Shine

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments
Here are my summary notes
You are the light of the world
Photo by Dawn Carlson The South Haven Pier like all lighthouses shines its light after dark to aid navigation. People who work with integrity and skill are noticed as having a good reputation. The voice of such people is validated by their reputation. A good message helps people to navigate their lives.  South Haven Pier Winter Sunset and others are available from the Photo Gallery.  Also find out why I feature lighthouses in Why a Lighthouse.

Jesus called His many followers the light of the world!  He was on a mountainside teaching them  in the hearing of a very large crowd.   I think Jesus was urging His followers to go out into the world and be a positive influence to their families and friends, at work and in business and politics, and in every other relationship and occupation there is. 

Not merely a religious message

But He told these followers that the influence they are to have is not merely a religious message. He told them to live in such a way that actions of good work done with integrity and skill give them the credibility for people to listen to their message.   The message they were to bring to the world was, of course of monumental importance; it was the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

A Contradiction?

Jesus told his followers later in chapter six that they were to do their good works in secret.  His instruction seems contradictory at first.  However, these verses are actually complementary rather than contradictory.  Jesus pointed out that the attitude for doing good to others must not be for self aggrandizement or showy self righteousness because these attitudes and actions have short lived rewards. Long lasting rewards come from doing what is right with humbleness and strength of character that is satisfied by meeting needs and with integrity that is practiced even when no one is looking.

Click here for my personal application and your comments link …or Scroll down for my full notes

COMMAND:   “Let your light shine…”

Mt 5:16

RECIPIENT:  

To the disciples in the hearing of the crowds on the mountain

CONTEXT:  My notes  about the context of this command  

A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount:
Mt 5:14-15   “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does {anyone} light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:  

Mt 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

RESULT:  

After Jesus concluded the sermon, two chapters later:
Mt 7:28-29; 8:1 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
1When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.

DEFINITIONS:  Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s #    Greek   pronunciation   —   definition)

light: G5457  φῶς  foce — literally or figuratively luminous

shine: G2989  λάμπω  lam’-pō — to beam

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

Contrast Mt 5:16 with what Jesus said in Matthew 6 (below) where Jesus commands me to do good works in secret. These seem contradictory at first.  However, when I asked the question, “How are these related and how do they make sense together?”, the solution became obvious.  These verses are complementary rather than contradictory.  In each case below Jesus pointed out that the attitude for doing good for others must not be for self aggrandizement or showy self righteousness because these attitudes and actions have short lived rewards. Long lasting rewards come from doing what is right with humbleness and strength of character that is satisfied by the meeting of needs and integrity that are practiced even when no one is looking.

Verses about doing good in secret

Mt 6:1-4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2“So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees {what is done} in secret will reward you.”

Mt 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees {what is done} in secret will reward you.”

Mt 6:17-18 “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees {what is done} in secret will reward you.”

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION:   I encourage you to make your own application

Hard work done with integrity and honesty is difficult to hide. Whether on the job, in the family or volunteering, someone will know who did what. The goal is to humbly conduct myself in such a way that when people notice what was done, they are more grateful for the result and give thanks to God or to those whom I represent than to me personally.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Follow-up to Rejoice and Be Glad

Follow-up Matthew Sermon on the Mount 2 Comments
South Haven in winter with Psalms quote. Photo by Dawn Carlson:   If there is beauty even in the icy coldness of winter, then there can be gladness even if my detractors behave badly toward me when I do good things. See South Haven Winter and others in the Photo Gallery.

One important reason I decided to share my notes about what Jesus said to do was to demonstrate how Jesus’ statements are remarkably practical to follow in today’s world.  This has been my experience and I hope it will be yours.

I love this quote from the Bible’s book of Psalms. This is another idea from Jesus’ command to rejoice and be glad that is always applicable.  

I’ve had to learn

This image reminds me of a lesson that I have to keep learning over and over again.  I don’t like the cold and it’s easy for me to grumble about it.  In fact, it’s quite easy for me to focus on what I don’t like about alot of life and to grumble about those things in my mind and in my speech.  In this frame of mind, I can’t see the good things in life that are actually all around me.  For instance, the beauty in this photograph can too easily be ignored if I’m grumbling about the cold. I can be grateful and focus on the beauty even if I still don’t like the cold.  It puts me in a better attitude when I can do this. 

I have to be conscience about being grateful and rejoicing in the good things in my life. It’s natural for me to be cynical and to focus on the darker side of politics, work, people, places and etcetera.  I have heard that such thinking is natural because human nature is always looking for danger or threat as a matter of survival.  But this kind of thinking does me little good in 99% of modern western living.  If I want to be a likable person, if I want to encourage others, if I want to like myself and be content in my own circumstances, if I want better things to happen then I need to direct my thoughts toward gratefulness and rejoicing.  Directing my thoughts in a better direction is the only way to begin behaving in better ways to make better things happen.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

Rejoice and Be Glad

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments
Here are my summary notes
Photo by Dawn Carlson:   If there is beauty even in the icy coldness of winter, then there can be gladness even if my detractors behave badly toward me when I do good things. See South Haven Winter and others in the Gallery.

Jesus’ home was in Capernaum which is by the Sea of Galilee.  The mountains and hills near Capernaum have broad level plains on them suitable for hosting very large crowds of people.   Jesus began to teach His newly chosen disciples and a large crowd of people at one of these places.  This first recorded message is often called the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus’ ideas were radical in those days because His teaching departed from strict outward legalism in religion. He exposed hypocrisy and introduced the importance of inward attitudes such as mercy toward others, humility and personal peace.

 The command to “Rejoice and be glad…” immediately follows the series of verses traditionally called The Beatitudes.  The Beatitudes are statements of essential attitudes to emulate and the rewards granted for doing so. The last Beatitude seems rather strange to me.  It is strange because Jesus stated that His followers should find joy in being persecuted.  Jesus said this because that is how the great prophets of history were treated.   I have heard the saying that, “No good deed goes unpunished.”  I think that Jesus was implying that I find joy in that my detractors oppose me most when I am doing something good. 

Click here for my personal application and your comments link …or Scroll down for my full notes

 

COMMAND: “Rejoice and be glad…”

Mt 5:12 also Lk 6:23

RECIPIENT:   

Luke recorded that Jesus had just chosen twelve out of all His many disciples to be Apostles.  Jesus was speaking primarily to His Apostles and disciples while the crowds on the mountain listened:

Mt 5:1-2 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  2He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying…

CONTEXT: My notes  about the context of this command

The mountains and hills near Capernaum have broad level plains on them suitable for hosting very large crowds of people.  The command to “Rejoice and be glad…” immediately follows the series of verses traditionally called The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 – 11, a very good read!).  The Beatitudes are statements of essential attitudes to emulate and the rewards granted for doing so. The Beatitudes end with these statements:

Mt 5:10-11 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
11“Blessed are you when {people} insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”

The Beatitudes  are a very good read and I’ve added them at the very end of this post.  Click on the reference link here:  Matthew 5:3-12

Lk 6:17-22  Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place; and there was a large crowd of His disciples, and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon,  18who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being cured.  19And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.  20And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say,  21“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  22Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT

Mt 5:12a  “Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Lk 6:23a  “Be glad in that day and leap for joy for behold, your reward is great in heaven.  For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.”

RESULT:

After Jesus concluded the sermon, two chapters later:
Lk 7:1  When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

rejoice: G5463  χαίρω   khah’ee-rō  —  to be full of cheer; as a greeting or farewell, to be happy or well off”

glad: G21  ἀγαλλιάω  ag-al-lee-ah’-ō  —  to exult, rejoice exceedingly, be exceeding glad

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

The prophets of the Bible’s Old Testament were doing a good thing to warn the Israelite people of certain harm. Today, there is a saying, “No good deed goes unpunished!” This is too often true because even though many people like the good things that I might do. there will always be someone who does not.    

If I am opposed in doing what is good and right, I should honestly ask myself, “Why?”  I think that I should consider the source and credibility of those who opposes me. Opposition from friends or neutral sources is cause for me to reflect and possibly to change my approach. Opposition from enemies is a good indication that I am actually producing a good result!  While it is impossible to know the motives of other people, I can question my own. Are my motives pure? Am I right? How do I know I am right? What assumptions have I made and are they true?  Am I being obnoxious in my approach? Is there a better way? Ultimately, I have to be at peace with myself. I will trust that God will notice my good deeds done in the right way and for the right reasons.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application    

Don’t stop doing a good thing just because someone doesn’t like it. Listen to their complaint. Take notice of who is opposing.  I must be willing to change my approach to be more effective. But, for sure, I will take cheer that they have noticed and keep up the good work!

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

The Beatitudes:
Mt 5:3-12

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
5“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”
6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
7“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
11“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

RETURN TO CONTEXT

 

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.ˆ

Follow up to Follow Me

Follow-up Matthew No Comments

One important reason I decided to share my notes about what Jesus said to do was to demonstrate how Jesus’ statements are remarkably practical to follow in today’s world.  This has been my experience and I hope it will be yours.  

Photo: Dawn Carlson    St. Joseph Pier Lights are designed for mariners to FOLLOW.  At night the lights can be lined up visually so that one is above the other from a captain’s perspective.  By steering the boat to keep the lights aligned the captain will guide toward them.  Once the channel is in clear view the captain simply avoids the pier to enter the channel.    Very small course corrections taken in a timely fashion will avoid big problems later. This image looks great in large or small format.  Click on photo for purchase options or Click this link: Photo Gallery for to see all available lighthouse images. Why a lighthouse?

This quote by Sidney Smith reminds me to follow what Jesus said to do even if it seems to matter little and even if it is different to what most others around me are doing. The quote also reminds me to make the decision to resolve a problem as early as possible even if it only helps a little but that is all I can do.  A small problem now may become a big mess if I do nothing.  But if I take even little steps to resolve problems I open my mind to recognize even better steps that help even more. 

This all sounds like I have it figured out, but I still find myself learning this lesson over and over.  

Off Course

A ship that is following a course to a destination is generally off course much more than it is on course.  Following a compass or radio beacon  or GPS coordinate the captain will steer the ship first this way and then that way.  He or she is always off by a small amount except for a split-second when the compass passes the mark.   This small amount is very small for the moment but even a 1 degree heading error will amount to almost 2 miles off course at the destination.  

Have you ever noticed that it seems like so many people get ahead in spite of there bad behavior?  I noticed this while growing up.   I thought that to be very wealthy it was necessary to be a jerk or dishonest.  Perhaps the news media portrayed this or TV shows.  It took events like President Nixon’s resignation and corporate disasters like the Enron bankruptcy and others for me to realize that the success these people attained was actually the cumulative effect of the very good practices and habits they had.  It was the cumulative effect of their excesses and dishonesty that caused their eventual downfall.  The height of their downfall depended upon how far off of their moral compass they had become.  I think that following Jesus is like preventive maintenance for my moral compass. 

By the way, over the years I’ve met many people I would consider wealthy. I have come to know most of them as quite decent people who are smarter about money than I am.  I can learn a lot from them.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

© 2018 Christopher Carlson WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

Follow Me

Matthew 2 Comments

Jesus said, “Follow Me” to many people at different times and places. This was the first time when He invited Simon and Andrew to become His close disciples. The two of them got up and left their family business and began to follow Him.  

Here are my summary notes for the command

Not Ready

I used to think that it was odd that these men who just saw and heard Jesus for the first time would begin following someone who to them was a mysterious stranger.  Did Jesus have some spiritual aura?  Did He use telepathy?   But when I studied the accounts in all four of the Bible’s Gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, I discovered it was not odd at all.  Simon and Andrew knew John the Baptist. They were already acquainted with Jesus’ teaching and were personal witnesses of His miracles.  When Jesus showed up at their boat, they still were not ready to follow Him. 

Ready
Photo: Dawn Carlson    St. Joseph Pier Lights are designed for mariners to FOLLOW.  At night the lights can be lined up visually so that one is above the other from a captain’s perspective.  By steering the boat to keep the lights aligned the captain will guide toward them.  Once the channel is in clear view the captain makes a very small correction to avoid the pier and enter the channel.    This image looks great in large or small format.  Click Photo Gallery for purchase options.   Why a lighthouse?

It was only after Jesus preached to a crowd from Simon’s boat and then produced a miracle catch of fish that Simon and Andrew (and also James and John) were ready to follow. Jesus invited them to follow Him with the new purpose of becoming “fishers of people” rather than of fish. Jesus’ invitation was for Andrew and Simon to literally follow Him and to learn everything they could.  They were to be witnesses of Jesus’ life and philosophy and to teach others about what He did and what He said. Their new purpose would be to make the world a better place by spreading Jesus’ teaching so as to make new disciples.  These new disciples would also follow Jesus’ teaching and exponentially make more disciples.

Click here for my personal application …or Scroll down for my full notes

 

 

Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments at the end.

 

Here are my full notes

 

COMMAND:  ““Follow Me…”

Mt 4:19; also Mk 1:17;  Also separate context Mt 8:22; 9:9; 19:21; Mk 2:14; 10:21; Lk 5:27; 9;59; 18:22; Jn 1:43; 13:36; 21:19; 21:22

RECIPIENT:

Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother

CONTEXT:  My notes  about the context of this command

Mt 4:18-19 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19And He said to them…

Mk 1:14-17 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 16As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them…

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 4:19  “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.“

RESULT:

Mt 4:20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

DEFINITIONS:  Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s #    Greek   pronunciation   —   definition)

follow: G1205 and G3694  δευτε οπισω  dyoo’-the op-is’-ō  —  come now behind

fishers: G231 ἁλιεύς  hal-ee-yoos’  —  a sailor on the salt water and by implication a fisherman

men: G444 ἄνθρωπος  ä’n-thrō-pos  —  human beings, whether male or female

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

Jesus recruited two of His disciples after becoming acquainted with them over a short period of time. In the first chapter of John’s book Andrew first became acquainted with Jesus when Jesus visited John the Baptist (Jn 1:40-42). Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus and Jesus called him “Cephas” (translated Peter). Later in Capernaum, Jesus visited Simon’s home and healed his mother-in-law of a high fever (Lk 4:38-39). Simon and Andrew were fishermen. Jesus used a fishing analogy to call them to follow Him as recorded in Luke’s book.

Luke’s account:

Lk 5:1-11 Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” 6When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Jesus invited Andrew and Simon to follow Him with the new purpose of becoming “fishers of people” rather than of fish. Jesus’ invitation was for Andrew and Simon to literally follow Him and to learn everything they could in order to be witnesses of Jesus’ life and to teach others about what He did and what He said. Their new purpose would be to spread Jesus’ teaching so as to make new disciples who would also follow Jesus’ teaching.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION:

Everyone’s life has a purpose. The work that I do, the relationships I manage, the things I say are all important. Jesus is saying that by listening to what He says about how to live and committing to do it then my life will be productive, meaningful and impactful. For Simon and Andrew this command was to physically follow Jesus and to learn from Him. Their response had influence on others lasting millennia. For me, I cannot follow His physical form, but I can listen and learn and do what He says to have a positive influence on others lasting beyond my lifetime.

Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments at the end.

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Follow-up to Repent

Follow-up Matthew No Comments

Follow-up to Repent Blog Post

Menagerie Island Lighthouse with Lao Tzu Quote – Image (with or without quote) is available in various sizes, on metal, canvas and paper from Dawn Carlson & Shot by Dawn Photography. Follow this link to the Photo Gallery

One important reason I decided to share my notes about what Jesus said to do was to demonstrate how Jesus’ statements are remarkably practical to follow in today’s world.  This has been my experience and I hope it will be yours.  

I‘m trying something new to share a quote or meme that compliments Jesus’ command and makes it more memorable.   I love this quote by Lao Tsu. an ancient Chinese philosopher.  He is the same person credited with the truth that, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  

A Navy Legend

There is a naval legend that I was told when I was in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corp.  The story goes roughly like this: During the early days of radio navigation a battle group was training in the fog off the coast of California.  The commander of the battle group radioed to a single non-descript contact to move out of the way of the group because they were on a collision course.  The “contact” radioed back that he would not move and that the battle group would have to divert their course.  This back and forth banter continued for a few minutes.  The high ranking battle group commander ends up finding out that the voice of the “contact” was a low ranking coast guard enlistee.  In rage, the commander orders the enlisted man to, “Change your course immediately!”  To this the enlisted man replies , “Sir, I cannot change course. I am the lighthouse!‘   

I retell the story to make the point that this commander whether fictitious of not, had to REPENT; that is to recognize his error and make a decision to change course or face disaster.  This is precisely the point Jesus was making and it is the gist of Lao Tsu’s quote.

In my own life, I’ve had to face the truth of the circumstances.  I’ve had to make changes many times and in different areas of life.  I know that certain disaster would have resulted otherwise.  Many people have told me that my experience is not unique.  Another insight I am still trying to implement is to be willing to question myself and recognize my mistakes, bad attitudes and false assumption earlier.  I’m still learning this skill…

By the way

A true Navy disaster did occur In 1923 when eight Navy destroyer vessels ran aground off Honda Point in California.  New radio navigation gear was involved in the chain of errors that led to the disaster.  I have to wonder if the legend just might have some truth to it!

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

© 2018 Christopher Carlson WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

Repent

Matthew 2 Comments

 

Photo: Dawn Carlson;    Menagerie Island light in Lake Superior provides ships’ captains the opportunity to assess his or her navigation and make a correction.  If the light passes on the wrong side then the ship is passing on the wrong side of the island.  In that case there is cause to REPENT, that is to recognize that something is wrong and turn around or back up and make a different approach.  Why a lighthouse? Click photo for purchase options

I used to think of the term “repent’ in a purely religious context.  To me it was associated visions of rain clouds and feelings of depression while I obsessed about everything I’ve ever done wrong.  Failure is an emotionally charged word to me.  I think this is because I used to think of it as moral failure.  But if I also consider that failure could mean the same as disappointment, missed opportunity, mistake, or any number of similar words then something exciting can happen.  I’m actually encouraged! 

To repent is an invitation to consider what is not working and do something different about it.  For instance the “what” can be something important like my family relationships or mundane like how I’m tracking my bank account.  Whether I’m experiencing a big or small failure I have the opportunity to reconsider my assumptions and actions to actually learn something from the failure and become better at the “what.”  For family matters, I can read a book or perhaps consult a professional.  For tracking my bank account, I can watch a YouTube video or ask someone who is doing it well.  Most importantly I have to do something different to achieve the success I want.

Gospel Message

Jesus was certainly talking about the spiritual and religious aspect of repentance in this command.  For His gospel message to have any benefit to me I have to consider what is not working in my life morally and be willing to think and do things differently by following what He says.

Click here for my personal application …or Scroll down for my full notes

Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments at the end.

 

COMMAND: “Repent…”
Mt 4:17; see also Mk 1:15

Vicinity of Capernaum
RECIPIENT:  

The people of Galilee in the vicinity of Capernaum

CONTEXT:  My notes  about the context of this command  

After Jesus was baptized by His cousin John the Baptist, John was imprisoned because he had offended the ruler of the land, Herod Antipas. (See Mt 14:3-5)

Mt 4:12-13, 17a Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali…

17aFrom that time Jesus began to preach and say…

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 4:17b “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.“

RESULT:

Mt 4:23-25 Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.
24The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. 25Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and {the} Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and {from} beyond the Jordan.

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

John the Baptist said in Matthew 3 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” and , “He who is coming after me is mightier than I. ” When John was imprisoned Jesus validated John’s words by repeating them and began to fulfill them with action.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Understanding definitions removes ambiguity of the Bible text.

repent: μετανοέω met-an-o-eh’-ō — reconsider past personal failures and think differently and to actually make changes

at hand: ἐγγίζω eng-id’-zō — to come near

gospel: εὐαγγέλιον yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on — a reward for good tidings; a good message; After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the term was used to mean the message of Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross and bodily resurrection to procure eternal life for the people who believe the message and practice His teachings.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

I am no different in that everyone has thought patterns and behaviors have been or still are hurtful and destructive. But, I will take heart because change is possible and I can begin today!  I’ll be open to recognize these thoughts and behaviors in myself and make the effort to change the direction of my thoughts and actions.  How to do this? Reading some good books by knowledgeable people is a good start.  I could be open to new thoughts by reading articles and books by people with different views than my own. By keeping an open mind while I listen to people who I know would disagree with me about certain subjects I think I could actually learn something new.  

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

© 2018 Christopher Carlson WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

“Go, Satan!”

Matthew No Comments

When I first started recording Jesus’ commands, my main purpose was to make them applicable to myself, immediately. I began with the expectation that I would discover something useful. But as I sat down to read, the command was about  Jesus rebuking The Devil. I sat back in my chair and said to myself, “Really! What possible personal application could there be for me with this!” But in the very next moment, an answer came to me.  It was as if asking the question brought up the answer.  I’ve since learned that this technique is widely known by many names to foster creative thinking in all areas of work and life; I highly recommend it! 

Here are my summary notes for the command
Photo: Dawn Carlson Thunder Bay lighthouse is on an island. You know you are headed in the right direction when you see the light on the port side (left) when heading north or the starboard when heading south. Beware if the light is strait ahead!! I love this quote by Mark Twain to, “…do right.” It is fitting for today’s command.   Click Shop to purchase a print

Immediately after being baptized (a ceremonial immersion in water) by John the Baptist and before Jesus began speaking publicly, Matthew recorded a very strange dialog between Jesus and Satan.  In the wilderness, Satan first subtly suggested that Jesus satisfy His hunger in a way that did not even seem to be wrong.  In the city, Satan twisted scripture to suggest to Jesus that He demonstrate supernatural power with a public stunt.  Jesus correctly quoted scripture to rebuff each of Satan’s suggestions.  Finally, on a mountaintop, Satan appealed to human lust for wealth and power by bribing Jesus to actually sin by worshiping him rather than God.

To Satan’s final appeal Jesus quoted from Exodus 20:3,  “Go, Satan! For it is written, `YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’ “

You see, Jesus’ main purpose on Earth was to live a perfect life without violating any of God’s laws. Violating any of God’s laws is sin. Christianity teaches that God is perfect and His perfection demands perfect conduct by the people He made. The bad news is that a physical and spiritual death sentence was pronounced on humanity because of the conduct of the first man and woman (see Genesis 3). Every person since then has also been unable to measure up.

But the good news is that Christianity also teaches that God has immense love for every person so that Jesus was sent to Earth to live a perfect life and to pay the penalty of death with His own life as substitution.  Although everyone will experience physical death, Christians avoid spiritual death and are awarded eternal life.  God’s justice is satisfied and His love is manifest.

Therefore, if Satan could tempt Jesus into any sin then Jesus’ life purpose would be demolished.

Click here for my personal application  …or Scroll down for my full notes  

Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments at the end.

 

Here are my full notes


COMMAND:  “Go, Satan!”

Mt 4:10

 

RECIPIENT:  

Satan (The Devil himself)

CONTEXT:  My notes  about the context of this command  

Immediately after being baptized (a ceremonial immersion in water) by John the Baptist and before Jesus began speaking publicly, Matthew records a very strange dialog between Jesus and Satan. Luke also records this dialog in Luke 4:1-13.

Mt 4:1-10a Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'”
5Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” 7Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'”
8Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10Then Jesus *said to him…

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:  

Mt 4:10  ”Go, Satan! For it is written, `YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’ “

RESULT:  

Mt 4:11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

Jesus’ main purpose on Earth was to live a perfect life without violating any of God’s laws. Violating any of God’s laws is sin. Christianity teaches that God is perfect and His perfection demands perfection in conduct by the people He made. God pronounced a death sentence on humanity because of the conduct of the first man and woman (see Genesis 3). Every person since then has also been unable to measure up.

Christianity also teaches that God has immense love for every person so that Jesus was sent by God to Earth to live a perfect life and to pay the penalty of death as a substitution.  Although everyone will experience physical death,  Christians avoid spiritual death and are awarded eternal life.  God’s justice is satisfied and His love is manifest.

If Satan could tempt Him into any sin then Jesus’ life purpose would be demolished. Satan attacked Jesus first with persuasions to listen to him in order to satisfy human physical need and psychological desires. Satan’s final persuasion was an appeal to human lust for power and to actual sin by worshiping anything other than God (see Exodus 20:3). They battled using as weapons God’s own words, from the Bible’s Old Testament scripture. Satan distorted God’s word but Jesus used it rightly. Jesus rebuffed Satan three times before finally commanding that Satan depart.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION:   I encourage you to make your own application

Spending my time and energy thinking about and doing what is good and right is perhaps the best way to avoid being tempted to do what is wrong. However,  temptations are inevitable.  Since I know my weaknesses, I can avoid places and circumstances where I know temptations will be overwhelming. I can also be proactive to strengthen myself against persuasions to give in by reading  helpful books or memorizing an appropriate proverb. I will be  persistent in learning to resist.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

 

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

 

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