Category: Sermon on the Mount

Matthew’s version of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mountain.

34 ½ Observe How the Lilies Grow

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 3 Comments

Mt 6:28 “Observe how the lilies …grow;”

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

When Jesus came down from the mountain, He told His followers to take time to observe the natural beauty of wild flowers so as not to be overly concerned about clothing.

Why would He say this?
White Shoal and Ship
Photo by Dawn Carlson
Paint is the “clothing” of a lighthouse. The White Shoal lighthouse has a distinctive color scheme in order to identify it among others nearby during the daytime. There are dangerous shoals in northern Lake Michigan. Therefore a mariner must know exactly where he or she is in order to safely navigate these waters. A fresh coat of paint on the lighthouse would be essential from time to time. It would be like putting on clean clothing!
Click here see why I like lighthouses.
This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.

In Jesus’ day clothing was much more difficult to make. It would have been costly in time or money.  A poor person might literally worry about what he or she would wear or could wear. Today, clothing is so abundant even the poorest people on earth can generally find something to wear.  In our modern Western Society we worry more about whether our wardrobe is in fashion or not. I think our struggle is light in comparison to Jesus’s day but we can still get caught up worrying about clothing.

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

 

COMMAND 34 ½: “Observe how the lilies …grow;”

 Mt  6:28

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: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount 

Mt 6:26-28a  “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?  27And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28And why are you worried about clothing? “

Lk 12:25-26  “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?  26If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:  

Mt 6:28b ”Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!”

Lk 12:27a”Consider the lilies, how they grow;  they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!”

RESULT:  

No stated result except after the next chapter when Jesus came down from the mountain.

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.

MY  COMMENTS AND NOTES:

Jesus’ command to not worry about what to wear is in the context of the surrounding verses to not worry at all but instead to have faith that God will provide the basic necessities of life and more. I think that He provides these things primarily through personal initiative and industry to people who possess the ability and opportunity to work. To others He provides in other ways.

Clothing and The Effect of Sin

Clothing was invented by Adam and Eve after they sinned and became aware of their nakedness.

Before they disobeyed God’s clear command: Ge 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
After they disobeyed God’s clear command: Ge 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

God Himself made clothing for Adam and Eve out out of skins after this. Bible scholars consider this act to be the first blood sacrifice of an animal to cover the sin of mankind. They also consider the fact that God provided the sacrifice as being significant because it set the pattern for Jesus becoming the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin.

Ge 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.

Practical Considerations of Clothing

Of course clothing has many practical purposes too. The Earth’s climate is vastly different now than in Adam and Eve’s days and clothing is essential to protect our bodies from heat, cold and wind.  Also our daily activities demand protective clothing. For instance, shoes protect our feet from injury while we walk.  Motorcycle leather and a helmet help protect the rider from injury in the event of a mishap.  

In Jesus’s day clothing was much more difficult to make. A poor person might literally worry about what he or she would wear or could wear. Today, clothing is so abundant even the poorest people on earth can generally find something to wear.
In our modern Western Society we worry more about whether our wardrobe is in fashion or not. I think our struggle is light in comparison to Jesus’s day but we can still get caught up worrying about clothing; I only have to look at how much I spend on clothing to judge whether or not I think too much about my wardrobe.

I am not to worry about clothing, but I cannot simply ignore the subject. I’m not sure how to balance the fact that I am going to be judged by my coworkers and social circle by what I wear; so I don’t want to wear dirty or ragged or even mismatched clothing.  In my professional setting, I also do not want to draw undue attention to myself because of my clothing. Therefore, it cannot be outlandish with flash or flair or dirty or smelly. My clothing could be more expensive but I simply cannot afford truly fine designer threads, shoes and accessories.

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

word:  G2919  κρίνω  kree’-nō   —  Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish

word:  G2983  λαμβάνω  lam-ban’-ō  — A primary verb:  to take

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and share it in the comments

I cannot ignore the fact that people will judge me with a first impression based partly on how I dress.  However, my life’s concerns are much too important to spend my energy worrying about what people think regarding what I wear. Clothing is a practicality for me. I will wear protective clothing as needed for my activities as I can afford them. For my profession I’ll wear appropriate clothing and keep it neat and clean so as not to distract others by it. My personal wardrobe will be modest but I’ll keep it clean and up to date as items wear out. Hopefully, my character and quality of work will overcome any perceived lack of style due to my wardrobe.

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

Pray Like This

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 2 Comments

Mt 6:9b-13 “Pray… in this way: 

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

Jesus told His followers how to pray: `Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”

Why would He say this?
St Clair Flats Range Lights 1859
Photo by Dawn Carlson
From 1859  to 1934 ship captains would “follow” the St Clair Flats Front and Rear Range Lights through the narrow channel as they navigated near the mouth of the St. Clair River. They did this by positioning their vessel to align the lights one over the other when seen from a distance. In essence the lights told them to, “Sail this way” for safe passage. Jesus told his disciples to, ‘Pray this way” for an effective prayer. He then gave them a prayer as a model to fashion their own prayers.
Click here see why I like lighthouses.

I think that this prayer was a simply meant to teach me the basic outline of an effective prayer. As an outline I also think that I am free to add all the detail I would like to fully express myself in prayer. 

Jesus was speaking to followers of the God of the Bible. Yet, I think that His prayer has application for conscientious people of any faith. In the “My Comments and Notes” section I’ve outlined why I think that Jesus’ prayer has interfaith application.

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

 

Command 28 “Pray, …in this way:”

Mt 6:9a;  see also in separate context Lk 11:2-4

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:    A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount

Mt 6:6-7  “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.”
7“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  8So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 6:9b-13 “Pray, then, in this way: `Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.   10Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.   11Give us this day our daily bread.  12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  13And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”

RESULT: 

Mt 6:14-15:  “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.   15But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”

Also, after Jesus concluded the sermon in the next chapter: 

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 word     pronunciation  — definition)

pray:  4336  προσευìχομαι  pros-yoo’-khom-ahee  — to talk to, to supplicate or worship God

in this way: 3779  οὕτω  hoo’-tō  — referring to what precedes or follows

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

Jesus was speaking to believers in the God of the Bible and this model prayer was meant to be applied in that context.  I think that Jesus’ prayer can also be adapted as a template for meditation.

Christian: 

I think of this as a model prayer that Jesus spoke to teach me the basic outline of an effective prayer.  The prayer can be used as is or I can embellish it by filling in the outline with copious details. 

This is a model prayer that:

1. Acknowledges God as personal and in command of the universe.
2. Reverences Him.
3. Agrees with His purposes over me personally and universally
4. Acknowledges that good things come from God and asks Him for my basic daily needs.
5. Assumes that God will forgive my debts (moral failings, sins) if I ask Him and maintain a humble heart to forgive people when they fail me.
6. Asks God to lead me to resist temptations and my inherent tendency toward moral failure.
7. Asks God to deliver me from adversities

Interfaith and Secular:

I also think that Jesus’ prayer can be used as an outline for effective meditation.

This is a template for meditation that:  

1. Acknowledge there is purpose in the universe larger than myself.
2. Respect that purpose.
3. Agree that all individuals are subject to the same basic physical and spiritual realities and therefore we are all alike and have equal worth and dignity.
4. Acknowledges that the universe is not against me but that I am meant for good things and any other reality is abnormal.
5. Assumes I can have peace in spite of my moral failings if, with a humble heart, I ask for forgiveness and if I forgive people when they fail me.
6. Acknowledge my tendency toward moral failure and reaffirm the commitment to personal and public moral excellence.
7. Understand that I have problems but I also have faith that there is a path to resolution and I resolve to find that path.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and share it in the comments

I will consider and implement the interfaith applications of Jesus’ prayer and use it as the template for for my own prayers.

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Do Not Use Meaningless Repetition Like Them

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Mt 6:7-8 “…when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.”  8So do not be like them…”

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

Jesus said to use my mind to think when I pray.

Why would He say this?
Lake St. Claire Light and Freighter
Photo by Dawn Carlson
Lake St. Clair is very shallow and large ships will run aground should they stray off the deep channel. The Lake St. Clair Light Station marks the channel for these larger ships.  
At night the light, like any lighthouse communicates its position and identity with its color and flash pattern.  The light need not stay on during the day.  It would be silly and wasteful because the light station’s position and identity are obvious in the light of day.  Meaningless repetition in prayer with God or in speech with people is similarly silly and a waste of time and effort; and it’s annoying to people who have to listen.   Click here see why I like lighthouses.

Jesus was talking specifically about a method of prayer that involved repeating a word or phrase over and over and over again. The Gentiles’ method of prayer involved repeating a word or phrase over and over and over again. The Judeo-Christian belief is God already knows what I need more than I do and therefore such repetition is not necessary. My simple prayer is a demonstration to God that I believe in Him and that He hears me.. 

Mindful repetition has value

I have found that a good way to drive conscience ideas into my mind is to memorize.  When I memorize anything it involves a lot of repetition; but it is not mindless.  Mere repetition does not work well for me to memorize or meditate on something I want to learn.  A method that works well for me is to write what I’m memorizing and even draw pictures of the ideas and then speak it out load.  This method works well for memorization of school or professional topics as well as personal subjects such as Bible verses and even chapters.

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

Command 26 “…do not use meaningless repetition…”
Command 27  “…do not be like them…”

Mt 5:40  also Lk 6:29

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: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount 

Mt 6:1-6  “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.  3But 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.”
5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  6But 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.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.”  8So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

RESULT after Jesus concluded that sermon and came down from the mountain:   

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.

MY  COMMENTS AND NOTES:
Why did Jesus mention the Gentiles here and who are they and what is their significance to this command?  

Jesus was speaking to a crowd that consisted primarily of Jewish people.  The Greek word ἔθνος  eth’-nos, is translated into English as, “gentile” means a multitude of the human family and by implication non-Jewish.  
The Bible states that the Jewish nation was chosen by God to be the nation whereby if they would obey His commands then He would demonstrate His goodness so that the greater world of people would see and be drawn to obedience to God.  In this way He could bless them too.
Unfortunately the Jewish nation failed to obey  God’s commands and incurred His wrath instead. But, the Jewish people of Jesus’ day held dearly to the bigoted belief that they were better than the rest of the people in the world.  Therefore, Jesus’ use of the term ἔθνος in this command as a negative example was an acknowledgement of the crowd’s beliefs and not an endorsement of them.

Repeating over and over and over again

Jesus told his followers not to use the methods of prayer that the Gentiles used when praying to their gods.  The Gentiles’ method of prayer involved repeating a word or phrase over and over and over again. The Judeo-Christian belief is that God already knows what I need more than I do.  My non-repetitious prayer is a demonstration to God that I believe in Him and that He hears me.

Persistent prayer is deliberate 

Persistent prayer is deliberate and not mindless.  Jesus said not to use mindless repetition in prayer.  He also said elsewhere to pray persistently. He even told a story about persistent prayer.

Lk 18:1-7  Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,  2Saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.  3There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’  4For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’   6And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said;  7Now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

A good way to drive conscience ideas into my subconscious mind is to memorize.  When I memorize anything it involves a lot of repetition; but it is not mindless.  Memorizing a great quote or a relevant Bible verse is a form of meditation. I’ve found, for me, that mere repetition does not work well to memorize or meditate on something I want to learn.  However, writing what I’m memorizing and drawing pictures of the ideas and then speaking it out load are very effective.

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

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

meaningless repetition:  945 βαττολογεìω bat-tol-og-eh’-ō   —   to talk much with little purpose

gentiles: 1482 ἐθνικοìς eth-nee-kos’   —  the nations

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

I should creatively involve my mind and not use mere repetition for more effective meditation or prayer.  I must use words that are meaningful.  Any repetition I use must be deliberate for a purpose beyond filling the time or to just to be heard.  

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

Pray in Secret

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Mt 6:6 “…when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray …in secret…”

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

Instead of showing off with grand public prayers that demonstrate to everyone my attitude of self righteous superiority, Jesus is saying to be discrete and even secretive with my prayers . 

Why would He say this?
Photo: Dawn Carlson
The Big Sable Lighthouse is one of the tallest in Michigan. The lightkeeper’s primary responsibility was to keep the light lit during the darkness. He or she had to keep the lamp fueled, trim the wicks, clean the windows, wind or tend the mechanisms throughout the night and during the day. Lightkeepers were seldom public figures; they didn’t have the time.
Like silent prayer or meditation good things happened because their belief was followed up with action. They quietly went about their duties because they believed in their mission. As a result, over 190 years, thousands and thousands of lives were saved, thousands of ships and hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) of cargoes arrived at their planned destinations. This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses

 Jesus just got through explaining why and how to be discrete when I do good things and when I give to people. He then tells me how to avoid being seen as a hypocrite when I pray. 

Jesus did not prohibit public prayer with this command. He and the apostles practiced public prayer on occasion. He merely pointed out that God is not impressed with people who pray (or speak) in public for the purpose of self aggrandizement. 

Benefit beyond the spiritual

It’s my opinion that fervent prayer in secret serves to drive conscience ideas into the subconscious.  When I truly believe in an idea, my subconscious mind begins to work by ordering my conscience thoughts and actions.  By this mechanism I begin to notice opportunities that I would have otherwise missed and to act in ways that seem to attract the good things I seek.

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

 

COMMAND 25:  “…go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret…”

Mt 6:6 

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: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount 

Mt 6:1-5  “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.  3But 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.”
5“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:  

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.”

RESULT:  

No stated result except for one chapter later when Jesus came down from the mountain

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.

MY  COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

Jesus did not prohibit public prayer with this command. He and the apostles practiced public prayer on occasion. With this command, Jesus pointed out that God does not reward people who pray (or speak) in public for the purpose of self aggrandizement; that kind of speech has its own reward in public opinion. Jesus said that God hears people who pray with humility and who honor Him.

Most prayer is in secret. But there are times when it is appropriate for people to pray together. On occasion Jesus and His followers prayed out loud and in groups with the clear purpose and result to honor God.

What example of prayer did Jesus and the apostles give?  

Jesus prayed publicly 

Jn 11:41-42 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.  42I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.”  

Jesus prayed privately

Mt 14:23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone;   

Mt 26:36  Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray”;

Mk 1:35  In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left {the house,} and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.

The apostles prayed publicly  

Ac 4:24ff  And when they heard {this,} they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM,…  

Ac 6:5-6  …And they chose out Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6each of whom they made stand before the apostles. And having prayed, they placed their hands on them.

Ac 20:36 When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

The apostles prayed privately  

Ac 9:40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.  

Ac 10:9  On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.

My Opinion

I think that this command to pray in secret is related to the popular idea of “Attraction”.  My take on the idea of “Attraction” is that meditation and prayer serve to drive conscience ideas into the subconscious.  When I truly believe in an idea, my subconscious mind begins to work ordering my conscience thoughts and actions.  By this mechanism I begin to act in ways that attract like minded individuals and I notice opportunities that would have otherwise been missed. Of course it’s important that I choose those individuals and opportunities well!

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

go:  1525 εἰσεìρχομαι  ice-er’-khom-ahee  — to go in

inner room: 5009 ταμεῖον   tam-i’-on  — a storage chamber, storeroom

secret: 2927 κρυπτοìς  kroop-tos’   —  concealed or  private

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

Private meditation or prayer is an invaluable tool.  It strengthens my thinking and assists my subconscious mind to order my actions according to belief.  Associating with carefully chosen like-minded people is an excellent method to multiply the results.

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

Don’t Be a Hypocrite

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Mt 6:5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray …so that they may be seen by men.”

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

Jesus said to not be like a hypocrite.  That is someone  who pretends, like an actor in a play, to be more than they really are.

Why would He say this?

If I use religious cover such as a prayer to display my arrogance, then the prayer sounds like hypocrisy to others.  I think we all have a keen sense to

Photo: Dawn Carlson
It’s easy to look down on people from my own perspective and see their flaws. I must remember to be patient with others because it is all too easy for them to look down from their perspective on my flaws.
The New Presque Isle Lighthouse on the coast of Lake Huron has been guiding mariners since 1871. The words of Jesus have been guiding people since the 0030’s!
This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses.

recognize hypocrisy when we see it in others.  However, it is much more difficult to see it in ourselves. 

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

 

COMMAND 24: “…you are not to be like the hypocrites…”

Mt 6:5

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:  A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount   

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.  2So 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.  3But 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.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 6:5  “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men.  “Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”

RESULT:  

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.

COMMENT:  
Jesus told a story to illustrate this very point. The story is found in the Bible’s book of Luke.
Lk 18:9-14 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
13“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

I think we all have a keen sense to recognize hypocrisy when we see it in others.  It is much more difficult to see it in ourselves. I also think that it is hard to understand my own motives.  For some reason I feel the need to make myself more important in the mind of others and perhaps this leads to critical words.  Pure unselfish motives are difficult to maintain and may be impossible in most circumstances; but I think it’s important to recognize this fact before I say something stupid and hypocritical.

If I build myself up and belittle others with my public words, most people will perceive the words as coming from someone who is arrogant or hypocritical. I have heard it said that the reason people would perceive hypocrisy in me is often because the very attitudes and actions I might point out as character flaws in other people are also present in myself but manifested differently.  If I use religious cover such as a prayer to display my arrogance then then it’s no wonder that the prayer sounds like hypocrisy.  

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

pray:  4336 προσευìχομαι pros-yoo’-khom-ahee  — to pray

hypocrites: 5273 ὑποκριτηìς hoop-ok-ree-tace’  — one who answers, an actor, a hypocrite

love: 5368 φιλεìω  fil-eh’- ō  — to love (brotherly love)

stand: 2476 ἱìστημι his’-tay-mee  — to make to stand, to stand

seen: 5316 φαιìνω fah’ee-nō  — to bring to light, cause to appear

men: 444 ἀìνθρωπος anth’-rō-pos  — a human being

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: This is my application; I encourage you to make your own 

I must demonstrate the attitude of humility whenever I speak publicly.  The purpose of public speaking is not to call attention to myself for personal glory. Instead, the purpose is to bring benefit to the listeners. The value of the benefit I produce will win the appropriate praise.

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

Return to Command 24

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

When You Give Don’t Do This

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Mt 6:2-3  “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do… so that they may be honored by men. But when you give… do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

“Don’t blow your own horn” is an old saying used to admonish people who like to brag about their own awesomeness.  Jesus is telling me how to conduct myself when I “practice righteousness” in the form of giving.

Why would He say this?
Au Sable Light Station w/Jim Rohn Quote
Photo: Dawn Carlson – The fog signal building at Au Sable Light Station on Lake Superior is the far building on the right. The fog signal was an incredibly loud steam powered horn. It was placed in operation in 1897 to warn mariners of their proximity to shore and the dangerous rocks nearby. Mariners came to expect and rely on it during foggy weather. That is what the fog signal is for. It would have been inappropriate and annoying to everyone if the signal was to sound on a clear day. In a similar way my experiences and know how can be helpful and encouraging to someone who wants to know. However, it would be inappropriate and annoying to everyone if I were to brag about how awesome I think that I am.     
Jim Rohn’s was a well known “Success” mentor, author and speaker. His quote about giving shows that he believed that giving was an essential part of being a successful person. I think that Jesus implies the same idea, because He did not say to His followers, “If” you give; He said “when” you give. This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses.

Acts of mercy or alms done for public show invite public esteem to myself and this esteem becomes the sole reward. Keep in mind that showing acts of mercy or giving alms publicly are not evil things to do. However, Jesus is saying that the more I impress people with my gifts to charity the less God is impressed with the gifts.  My giving for the purpose of personal glory is certainly not the wisest investment!

 

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

COMMAND 22: “So when you give… do not sound a trumpet …”
COMMAND 23: “But when you give…, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,”

 Mt 6:2-3

CONTEXT: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount   

Mt 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”

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…

COMMAND FULL TEXT:  

Mt 6:2  “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.”

Mt 6:3   “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing …”

RESULT:  

For sounding a trumpet: Mt 6:2b “Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” 

For your right hand keeping a secret from your left hand:  Mt 6:4 “…so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees {what is done} in secret will reward you.”

Also a result after Jesus finished talking:  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.

COMMENT:    Jesus spoke similar word when He was invited to eat with a Jewish leader;

Lk 14:12-14  And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and {that} will be your repayment.   13“But when you give a reception, invite {the} poor, {the} crippled, {the} lame, {the} blind,   14and you will be blessed, since they do not have {the means} to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Don’t blow your own horn!

I think that the command to not sound a trumpet when giving to charity is the source of the idiom “to blow your own horn.”  Acts of mercy or alms done for public show bring glory or esteem to oneself as the sole reward for doing them. Showing acts of mercy or giving alms publicly are not evil things to do. However, Jesus is saying that the credit for the deed  is not deposited into my “heavenly account.” The implication is that there is such an account! Another way that I can summarize is to say that the more I impress people with my gifts to charity the less God is impressed with the gifts.  My giving for the purpose of personal glory is certainly not the wisest investment!

A reason for public giving

I think that there is a place for public show of charity for the purpose of encouraging others to give.  I do not think Jesus prohibits such giving.  In my opinion however, this kind of giving should be the exception rather than the norm.

Obviously, I cannot keep a secret from my own body.  

Therefore, the text has deeper meaning.   If I take active steps to keep my gifts secret then only God and I will know about it.  The recipient who benefits has no one to thank but God. Also, he or she will not be able to pressure me to give them more. If I give In this way, I will demonstrate personal faith in God since He is the only one who can reward me.

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

give:  G1654 ἐλεημοσύνη  el-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay —  mercy, pity, specifically alms

sound a trumpet:  G4537  σαλπίζω  sal-pid’-zō  —  to make known by trumpeting

hypocrites:  G5273 ὑποκριτής  hoop-ok-ree-tace’  —  one who answers – as an actor on a stage

honored: G1392 δοξάζω  dox-ad’-zō  —   to render or esteem glorious

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

Do not to make a tacky public show of giving gifts to individuals or contributions to charitable organizations.  In most cases I should take deliberate steps to keep my contributions anonymous and hidden from even those who are close to me. I can have faith that people will be helped.  There will be peace knowing that no one will come to me asking for more. I can have faith that God will be pleased.

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

RETURN TO COMMAND

 

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Beware of Righteousness for Show

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Mt 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men.”

Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

Jesus said to be careful about how I go about doing good.  He will say more about this in the next command but in this command Jesus implies that God notices when I do good things for the right reasons.

Why would He say this?
Photo: Dawn Carlson – I’m using this lighthouse picture again because the Lighthouse at Eagle Harbor had a Lifesaving Station. When a ship became stranded it was up to the men of the United States Life Saving Service to rescue them.  This they did many times. They did not go out to show-off.  They went out because it was their job to risk their own lives to save others regardless of the victims’ social status, wealth or goodness.    This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses.

This command is about how to demonstrate love, that is practicing good deeds for people with acts of service or charity.  It is also about who gets the credit.

At first this command appears to contradict Jesus’ earlier command to, “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.” The first instruction is for me to do good so that others get the credit and the second is to be careful not to show-off how good I am.  I can do a good deed to receive the praise of people or I can do it in a way so as to minimize the praise given to me and to allow them to give praise to God or perhaps to an organization.

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

COMMAND 21: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men…” 

Mt 6:1  also Lk 6:29

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: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount:  

Mt 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’  44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  47“If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  48“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:  

Mt 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. ”

RESULT:  

No stated result except for two chapters later when Jesus came down from the mountain

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.

COMMENTS:  

At first this command appears to contradict Matthew 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.” The current command is actually a complimentary instruction and I think it balances Matthew 5:16.  It is about doing righteous (good) works in order to show-off how good I am.  I can do a good deed to receive the praise of people or I can do it in a way so that people give their praise to God.  I think that my human nature is prone to brag about how good I am!  The intended result of who gets the credit makes all the difference.   

Here are other Bible verses that are relevant to the subject of “practicing your righteousness.”

Lk 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”  

Ep 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

1 Tm 6:18 {Instruct them} to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

The morning after Jesus had performed a great miracle by feeding a crowd of thousands with only five barley loaves and two fish some of the crowd went looking for Him in order to receive another free meal.

Jn 6:24-26  So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.  25When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”  26Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”

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

beware:  G4337  προσέχω  pros-ekh’-ō  —   to pay attention, be cautious

righteousness:  G1654  ἐλεημοσύνη  el-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay  —  mercy, pity, specifically alms

before:  G1715  ἔμπροσθεν  em’-pros-then  —   before, in front of in place or time

men: G444  ἄνθρωπος  anth’-ro-pos  —   people

noticed:  G2300  θεάομαι  theh-ah’-om-ahee —  to behold, look upon

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

When I demonstrate acts of kindness or mercy and when I give to charity or to an individual do not, in general, make a public show of it in order to receive public praise.  Help in a way that is beneficial to the recipient, does not result in dependency and any praise given by the recipients is given to God or perhaps to an organization.

See also Matthew 6:2, 3 next week

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

Be Perfect

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments
Mt 5:48  “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Summary Notes
Say What?!

Jesus just said to His followers that they love and pray for their enemies; and then He told them to be perfect like God.  But wait, isn’t this impossible?!  “Perfect,” means to be complete, to be mature.  

Why would He say this?
Stannard Rock Lighthouse with Quote
Photo by Dawn Carlson – Stannard Rock Lighthouse is located on a shallow reef 25 miles from the nearest land. It is so remote that it took 5 years to build it. Once built the light was called by its keepers as, “the loneliest spot in the United States.” The light was needed for safety. Shipping on Lake Superior was already heavy in 1882 when the light was first lit. This light was a “perfect” solution because it solved a problem for everyone. Mariners, ship owners, business owners, whether good or bad, benefited by not having lives, ships and cargo lost to the lake due to hitting the hidden reef.   Mother Teresa’s quote is so fitting because she speaks about always thinking of the needs of others rather than just myself.  This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses.

I don’t think that this command is about me never making mistakes; it is about love.  Jesus commands me to demonstrate agape love to the people around me, even to those I don’t like or are mean to me.  Perfect agape love is manifest in meeting the basic needs of people such as food, water, shelter, clothing, security, education and perhaps several others.  Jesus is telling me to “Grow up!” when it comes to love.

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

 

COMMAND 20:  “… you are to be perfect… ”
REFERENCE:  Mt 5:48
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: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount  

Mt 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’  44But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  47If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  48Therefore…”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:  

Mt 5:48  “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

RESULT:  

No stated result except for two chapters later when Jesus came down from the mountain

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’s English translation

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

perfect:  G5046   τέλειος   tel’-i-os  — complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.

COMMENTS:  In context of “…love your enemies.”

These verses are part of the same paragraph as Command 19 (“…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”) and therefore are in the same context.

Who were the tax collectors whom Jesus mentioned?

Tax collectors were detestable to the Jews during the Roman occupation. The reason was because tax collectors were fellow Jewish people who contracted with the Roman authorities to  collect the Roman tribute and were therefore considered traitors by their countrymen. Furthermore, with Roman authority tax collectors were free to keep any additional revenue over and above the taxes due to the Roman government and many tax collectors abused their authority and got rich from extortion.  

Who were the Gentiles whom Jesus mentioned?

Jews of Jesus’ day considered themselves a special family of people that God Himself had chosen to give His laws. Gentiles were anyone who was not of full Jewish descent and culturally regarded to some degree as inferior because they were not a part of God’s “chosen people.”

Practical Agape Love

Jesus commands me to demonstrate agape love to the people around me, even to my enemies.  Agape love is manifest in meeting the basic needs of people such as food, water, shelter, clothing, security, education and perhaps several others. Contributing,  volunteering and working for a charitable organization are excellent ways to demonstrate agape love to people.

I’ve often interpreted Jesus’ command to supply the needs of those around me only in the context of contributing to charity.  However, there are many other ways to provide the necessities of life to the people around us.  For instance, employment is the major avenue most of us are supplied with these needs. Therefore, businesses which provide employment and services that facilitate employment or contribute to these basic needs fulfill, at least partially, Jesus’ command to love. 

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

The most basic needs of people everywhere are the same.  My attitudes and actions must not deny my neighbor or even my enemy access to the resources to meet those needs. Regarding basic needs my attitude and actions are to be equally inclusive. One way I can do this is to reevaluate my personal and political philosophies and actions to ensure I am supporting and more importantly, demonstrating love to all in an appropriate way. Wow!! This is an easy thing to say but I’m a work in progress when it comes to doing!

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Love and Pray for Your Enemies

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Mt 5:44  “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Summary Notes
Say What?!

Jesus’ command to “Love you enemies,”  was radically different from what the people of Israel had been taught up until that time.

Why would He say this?
Photo: Dawn Carlson – When the sea becomes an enemy there’s no benefit in cursing it. The only reasonable thing to do is to find shelter if possible. The harbor and lighthouse at Eagle Harbor were built because there was inadequate shelter from storms on Lake Superior. During a storm the lighthouse calls mariners to come and take shelter in the harbor.   Fr. James Martin’s quote is an appropriate and helpful tool to apply Jesus’ command to be kind even to the jerks in my life!   This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses.

In Jesus’ day people were taught to love their neighbors but to hate their enemies. But I think that Jesus was trying to point out that our enemies are people too.  In my response to them and their actions I should consider this fundamental fact.

 

Click here for my personal application and your comments link …or Scroll down for my FULL NOTES and references…

COMMAND 19: “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
Mt 5:44 also Lk 6:27-28, 35
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: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount

Mt 5:38-43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’  39But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  40If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  41Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.  42Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”
43“You have heard that it was said, `YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.”    

Similar context in Lk 6:24-34

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 5:44-45  “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on {the} evil and {the} good, and sends rain on {the} righteous and {the} unrighteous.”

Lk 6:27b-28 “…love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. “

Lk 6:35a “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”

RESULT:  

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.

Lk 7:1 When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.

COMMENT:

Notice the significant difference in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) version versus the King James Version (KJV) version below. The difference is due to the fact that the more modern NASB translators had access to more ancient manuscripts than the translators of the KJV in the 1600s and those more ancient manuscripts did not include the additional words.  Of course there is controversy regarding which translation is correct. Either way, the overall meaning of the verse is not changed substantially.

KJV Mt 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

NASB Mt 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Other relevant verses:

Psalms 109 is a prayer of King David.  It is a good example of the radical difference of what Jesus was saying to the people of Israel and what they had been taught as acceptable up until that time.

Ps 109:1-9+ For the choir director. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, Do not be silent!  2For they have opened the wicked and deceitful mouth against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue.  3They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without cause.  4In return for my love they act as my accusers; But I am in prayer.  5Thus they have repaid me evil for good And hatred for my love.  6Appoint a wicked man over him, And let an accuser stand at his right hand.  7When he is judged, let him come forth guilty, And let his prayer become sin.  8Let his days be few; Let another take his office.  9Let his children be fatherless And his wife a widow…  King David’s prayer continues on.  

Comparing King David’s prayer with the teachings of Jesus’ disciples below shows an incredible contrast of attitude.

Ro 12:17-19 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath {of God,} for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.

1T 5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

1 P 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 P 3:11 “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.

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

love:   G25  ἀγαπάω  ag-ap-ah’-ō  — love as a decision that meets basic needs (as a parent loves his or her children with food, shelter, instruction, etcetera)

enemies:  G2190 ἐχθρός  ekh-thros  — an adversary

persecute:  G1377  διώκω  dee-ō-kō  —  to pursue

bless:  G2127 εὐλογέω   yoo-log-eh’-ō  — speak well of, praise

curse:  G2672  καταράομαι  kat-ar-ah’-om-ahee  — to curse

do good:  G4160 G2573   ποιέω   καλῶς  poy-eh’-ō  kal-oce’  — make (or do) well

hating:    G3404  μισέω  mis-eh’-ō  — to detest (especially to persecute)

mistreat:  G1908  ἐπηρεάζω   ep-ay-reh-ad’-zō  — to insult, slander

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

I will demonstrate love to my enemies as best that I can within the context of the situation. If possible I will take thought to place myself in their position and to consider kindness as a way to open an opportunity for reconciliation. I will demonstrate graciousness and patience because these are admirable character qualities whereas anger and vengeance are not.

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Give and Do Not Turn Away

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 1 Comment

Mt 5:42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”  Lk 6:30 “…and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.”

Summary Notes
Say What?!

Jesus wraps up this paragraph about changing my attitude toward difficult people and uncomfortable circumstances by talking about giving and lending.  He describes what it would look like for me to have an open heart and to take up an attitude of generosity.    

Why would He say this?
Alpena Light Give a Benefit
Photo – Dawn Carlson       I can relate Seneca’s quote to the lighthouse and it’s keeper. They gave their benefit to all who sought it. By day the light was and is a day mark for passing ships to check their position. By night the light provides similar benefit with its color and flash pattern. Even in dense fog the fog signal calls out danger for those close enough to hear it. This image and more can be found in the Photo Gallery.  Click here see why I like lighthouses.

I do not think Jesus is telling His followers that they must give away all their money and possessions. This command,  like the others before it, is about my personal attitude.  There are lots of Bible verses supporting and bounding the command to give and to lend.  It’s important to be smart about how and to whom you give and lend.  But, overall I think that Jesus is telling me to have a more generous attitude rather than my natural stingy disposition.

Click here for my personal application and your comments link …or Scroll down for my FULL NOTES and references…

 

Command 18 “Give to him who asks…, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow …”

Mt 5:42; also Lk 6:30

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:  A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount:  This command comes at the end of the paragraph:  

Mt 5:38-41 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’  39But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.   40If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  41Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 5:42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”

Lk 6:30 “Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.”

RESULT:   No stated result except for two chapters later when Jesus came down from the mountain,

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.

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

Luke 6 adds a twist in the narrative to not demand back what someone has taken from you.  This twist is in the context of someone who borrowed something. Jesus is saying do not ask for it again (demand it back).  I hate it when someone does not return what they’ve borrowed from me, and I certainly don’t want to be that guy who doesn’t return things that I borrow!  Its important to be careful who I let borrow what.

There are lots of Bible verses supporting and bounding the command to give and to lend:

If a Jewish person was lending to a Jewish person

Ex 22:25   “If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest.

Regarding the Nation of Israel and personal giving to a fellow Jewish person

Dt 15:6-10 “For the LORD your God will bless you as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.

7“If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; 8but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.  9“Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.  10“You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.

Regarding the Nation of Israel

Dt 28:12 “The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Ps 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.

Ps 37:25-26 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.  26All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing.

Ps 112:5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.

Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the man that the Bible says was the wisest man who ever lived

Pr 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower {becomes} the lender’s slave.

Pr 30:15 The leech has two daughters, “Give,” “Give.” There are three things that will not be satisfied, Four that will not say, “Enough”:

Jesus talks about giving

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.  2So 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.  3But 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.”

Lk 6:34-35 “If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.  35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”

Christian Apostles Peter and John had no money to give but gave to this man what they could

Ac 3:2-7 And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.

3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he {began} asking to receive alms…   6But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene–walk!”  7And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and {began} to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

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

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

give:  G1325   δίδωμι   did’-ō -mee  — A primary verb: to give

turn away:  G654  ἀποστρέφω  ap-os-tref’-ō  — to turn away or back

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application and please share it in the comments

Change your attitude!  Within your means give freely to those who ask while expecting nothing in return. Likewise within your means, consider allowing people to borrow from you for their needs with only modest or no interest.  In this way you will be a blessing to many.

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

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