Category: Sermon on the Mount

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

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Follow-up to Rejoice and Be Glad

9 June, 2019

Christopher Carlson

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

WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

Rejoice and Be Glad

6 June, 2019

Christopher Carlson

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.ˆ

49 Tell No One

6 February, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 2 Comments

The man who was instantly healed of his leprosy became unable to, “tell no one!” He was given a second chance in his physical body and he told everyone about it.

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

COMMAND 49: “See that you tell no one;

Grays Reef lighthouse shows itself to all as a warning of shallow water. — Photo: Dawn Carlson – Grays Reef lighthouse speaks in the fog via foghorn but only to those nearby who need to know will hear it. At other times it’s form and light are silent but can be seen for many miles to warn about the shallow reef just beneath the waves.

COMMAND 50: “…but go show yourself … and present the offering …”.

Mt 8:4; see also Mk 1:44; Lk 5:14

It is unclear to me if the events of Mt 8:3, Mk 1:41 and Lk 5:13 are the same or happened at different times. All were in Galilee and happened early in Jesus’ ministry. I considered them as the same.

RECIPIENT: A man with leprosy

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Mt 8:1-4a When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. ²And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. ³Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.“ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.⁴And Jesus said to him…

Mk 1:40-44 And a leper *came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” ⁴¹Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.“ ⁴²Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. ⁴³And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44and He *said to him…

Lk 5:12-14a While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” ¹³And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.“ And immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴And He ordered him to tell no one…

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 8:4b “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Mk 1:44b “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Lk 5:14b “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

RESULT:

Mk 1:45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

Lk 5:15 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.

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

word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition

see: G3708 ὁράω hor-ah’-ō – to stare at; (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); (by extension) to attend to

tell: G2036 ἔπω ep’-ō – to speak or say (a primary verb used only in the definite past tense)

no one: G3367 μηδέν may -dem-ee’-ah – not even one (man, woman, thing)

but: G235 ἀλλά al-lah’ – properly other things; (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

go: G5217 ὑπάγω hoop-ag’-ō – to lead (oneself) under, that is, withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

show: G1166 δεικνύω dike-noo’-ō – to show (literally or figuratively)

gift: G1435 δῶρον dō’-ron – A present; specifically a sacrifice

present the offering; offer; make an offering: G4374 προσφεìρω pros-fer’-ō – to bear towards, that is, lead to, tender, treat

ordered: (Luke 5:14) G3853 παραγγεìλλω par-ang-gel’-lō – to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

In Matthew 8:4 and Mark 1:44 it seems out of character for Jesus to tell this man he may not ever talk about his healing. The past tense of the verb “tell” suggests is it possible that Jesus told the man that since no one knows about the what just happened to him, that he must go and see the priest and fulfill the law regarding his healing. Or, could it be that Jesus told him to first go show himself to the priest and thus fulfill his legal obligation? Luke 5:14, however suggests that Jesus indeed told the man to not speak of his healing except to tell the priest. If this is the meaning, then Jesus told him to tell no one for the practical reason that it would hinder His work.

The man with leprosy was given a second chance in his physical body. He had a physical “born again” experience. He told many people what Jesus had done for him. This man was so busy telling everyone what happened that the Bible does not record if he ever told the priest! He didn’t remember Jesus’ command about who not to tell. Therefore, I have to wonder if he remembered who he was supposed to tell!

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

Carefully consider the implications that it will be impossible for the recipients of your good deed to be silent about it; they will be unable. If silence is imperative, plan the deed to be anonymous. That way you avoid the notoriety and any complications of having someone identify you personally. It might be appropriate to help them through an organization. Either way they will have no choice but to thank God or the organization rather than you personally.

This application is similar to the one from Commands 23 and 23: Do not to make a tacky public show of giving gifts to individuals or contributions to charitable organizations that help the poor. In most cases I should take deliberate steps to keep my contributions hidden from even those who are close to me. I can have faith that the people will be helped and have peace that no one will come to me asking for more.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

48 Be Cleansed

29 January, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Photo: Dawn Carlson – The problem for navigating at night or in fog is to cross under the bridge in the middle. It’s not a lighthouse but the Mackinac Bridge is lit up like a Christmas tree at night. The impressive structure and lights help mariners to avoid crashing into it, a desperate situation indeed!

Humility and desperation taken together are wonderfully effective inducements to ask for help. How much better it would be if I would humbly admit my problem and ask for some help sooner so as to avoid most of the desperation later!

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

Command 48 “…be cleansed”

Mt 8:3; See also Mk 1:41 and Lk 5:13

RECIPIENT:

A man with leprosy

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Immediately after Jesus finished His sermon on the mountain

Mt 7:28-29; 8:1-3a And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons. 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. ²And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” ³Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing…”

Mk 1:39-41 And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.
⁴⁰And a leper *came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” ⁴¹Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing…”

Lk 5:12-13 While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” ¹³And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing…”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 8:3b “I am willing; be cleansed.”

RESULT:

Mt 8:3b-4 And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. ⁴And Jesus *said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Mk 1:42-45 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. ⁴³And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, ⁴⁴and He *said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” ⁴⁵But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

Lk 5:13b-16 And immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” ¹⁵But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. ¹⁶But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

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

word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition

cleansed: G2511 καθαρίζω kath-ar-id’-zō — to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

COMMENT: My comments and notes

The Book of Luke records that Jesus healed other people with leprosy in a different context.

Lk 17:12-14 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; ¹³and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” ¹⁴When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed.

People with Leprosy in Biblical times not only had a physical condition but the social implications were devastating because the infected person was forced to live outside the city. They could not come in contact with other people. They were outcasts whose only hope was for healing. The individuals who came to Jesus were already humbled by society. In coming to Jesus they came not only in desperation but with faith that He could heal them. They acted upon their faith and Jesus did heal them.

Humility and desperation taken together are a wonderfully effective inducement to come to Jesus for help. This man’s condition was not his fault in any way but as a leper in ancient Israel he most likely suffered a long, long time. Fortunately he heard about Jesus who could do miracles and went to see Him.

My problems are sometimes self inflicted and other times just happen. But WHY do I listen to my ego for so long? It consistently tells me that everything is alright even when it is not. It tells me, “Don’t admit to anyone that you need anything.” I suppose it’s good to solve my own trivial problems myself. But for those more important problems, it would be better if I would simply seek help from someone sooner so as to avoid most of the desperation!

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

No longer will I wait until I’m desperate for solutions to life’s problems; I’l l be quick to admit to myself that I have a problem and get some help. Do not be shy about seeking assistance from trusted and wise friends, family, professionals or even books!

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

47 Depart from Me

23 January, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Ship passes White Shoal — Photo: Dawn Carlson – By day or night the White Shoal Lighthouse warns all to, “Depart from me!” It is built to mark a dangerous underwater shoal. The ship in the background has heeded the warning and passed safely by.

To be a follower I must do more than listen and merely TALK about what my leader says. A true follower is someone who listens and then DOES what the leader says.

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

COMMAND 47 “Depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.”

Mt 7:23

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

This is a continuation and the last command from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Mt 7:15-22 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? ¹⁷So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰So then, you will know them by their fruits.”
²¹“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. ²²Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’”

COMMAND FULL TEXT :

Mt 7:23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’”

RESULT:

Mt 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”

After Jesus concluded the sermon

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

depart: G672 ἀποχωρέω apochōreō — to go away

practice: G2038 ἐργαìζομαι er-gad’-zom-ahee — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.

lawlessness: G458 ἀνομιìα an-om-ee’-ah — illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness

COMMENT: My comments and notes

To be a follower of any leader I must do more than listen and merely TALK about what he or she says. It’s even worse of me as a follower to twist the meaning to justify my own actions. I’d be a hypocrite to listen and agree and then do the opposite. A true follower (disciple) is someone who listens, appropriate the true meaning and then DOES what my leader says.

SKIP AHEAD TO PERSONAL APPLICATION

Luke 13:27 records these words indirectly as instruction rather than a direct command.

Lk 13:22-27 And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem. ²³And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them, ²⁴“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. ²⁵Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ ²⁶Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; ²⁷and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.‘”

Old Testament Reference:

Ps 6:1-10 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath. ²Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I {am} pining away; Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed. ³And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O LORD–how long?
⁴Return, O LORD, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness. ⁵For there is no mention of You in death; In Sheol who will give You thanks?
⁶I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. ⁷My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries.
⁸Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. ⁹The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. ¹⁰All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.

Related verses:

Another instance in a different circumstances of “Depart from Me…”
Mt 25:41-46 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴²for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; ⁴³I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ ⁴⁴Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ ⁴⁵Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

What Jesus also said about hearing but not doing what He says.
Lk 6:46-49 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: ⁴⁸he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. ⁴⁹But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”

What James (Jesus’ disciple and likely His brother and a leader of the early Christian Church) said about hearing but not doing what Jesus says.
Ja 2:14-20 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? ¹⁷Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
¹⁸But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” ¹⁹You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. ²⁰But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

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

Philosophy of life that merely pays lip service to truth but results in judgmental attitudes, critical words and little to no actions that benefit people is hypocrisy.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

46 Beware of False Prophets

15 January, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount No Comments

Photo: Dawn Carlson – At night the Tawas Point light is known to flash white for 4 seconds. A mariner will recognize the light as the Tawas Point light and no other.

Consistent poor behavior and hypocrisy of a leader are indications they may be a false prophet with falsehood in their message. But, check your assumptions before making a conclusion.

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

COMMAND 46 “Beware of the false prophets…”

Mt 7:15

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 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. ¹⁴For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 7:15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

RESULT:

Mt 7:16-20 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn {bushes} nor figs from thistles, are they? ¹⁷So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

After Jesus concluded the sermon

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

word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition

beware: G4337 προσεìχω pros-ekh’-ō — to hold the mind towards; that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to:

false prophet: G5578 ψευδοπροφηìτης psyoo-dop-rof-ay’-tace — a spurious prophet; that is, pretended foreteller or religious impostor

wolves:: G3074 λυìκος loo’-kos — a wolf

sheep: G4263 πρόβατον pro’-bä-ton — any four-footed, tame animal accustomed to graze, most common a sheep or a goat; but especially a sheep

clothing: G1742 ἔνδυμα e’n-dü-mä — an outer garment:

COMMENT: My comments and notes

I and everyone else lives according to the foundational philosophies we appropriate as our own. Foundational philosophies are promoted by both secular and religious leaders whom we listen to and follow. As a Christian I follow Jesus Christ. Followers of other religions such as Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Humanists and even atheists have their spiritual leaders. I think the same idea holds true for fully secular ideas too . For instance I look up to real life heros and the ideas of people such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Ronald Reagan, Darren Hardy, Dave Ramsey and others. .

But, I must be discerning and make the effort to question the truth of the philosophies promoted by any leader. Philosophy built upon truth provide a framework of helpful assumptions, accurate perception and healthy action in a positive direction. Philosophies built upon falsehood lead to false assumptions, inaccurate perceptions and ruinous actions. As a Christian I discern the truth by comparing what a leader says and does to the totality of God’s Word, the Bible. Consistent poor behavior or hypocrisy of a leader is a good indication of falsehood in their message. By the way, because I’m an engineer by training, I try my best to question my own assumptions when it comes to making conclusions.

Other verses mentioning “wolves”: SKIP AHEAD TO PERSONAL APPLICATION

Mt 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Lk 10:3 “Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves”.

Ac 20:29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;”

Mt 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Lk 10:3 “Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”

Ac 20:29-30 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”

Other verses mentioning “false prophets”: SKIP AHEAD TO PERSONAL APPLICATION

Mt 24:11 “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many”.

Mt 24:24 “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”

Mk 13:22 “…for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.”

Lk 6:26 “Woe {to you} when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.”

Ac 13:6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus,

2 Pe 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

1 Jn 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.

1 Jn 2:22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

1 Jn 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ²By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; ³and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the {spirit} of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

2 Jn 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ {as} coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Re 16:13 And I saw {coming} out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs;

Re 19:20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.

Re 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: You can make your own application

I must be discerning and make the effort to understand the truth of the philosophies that I am building into my life. Philosophies built upon falsehood lead to false assumptions, inaccurate perceptions and ruinous actions. Consequently, I must be equally discerning about the leaders and heroes whom I follow. Consistent poor behavior or hypocrisy of a leader is a good indication of falsehood in their message, I will question my assumptions before making a conclusion.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

45 The Narrow Gate

10 January, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 1 Comment

Photo: Dawn Carlson – The narrow pier at St. Joseph can be likened to the “Narrow Gate” for the river and harbor. For a ship on the water any other way into or out of the river will result in running aground!

Jesus mentions that the way to life is narrow with a small gate. There is a profound spiritual significance of this command. I thought a long time about this command and found how I might apply it to everyday life.

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

COMMAND 45: “Enter through the narrow gate;”

Mt 7:13; also Lk 13:24 in different context

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

Mt 7:7-12 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? ¹¹If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
¹²“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 7:13a “Enter through the narrow gate;”

RESULT:

Mt 7:13b-14 “…for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction and there are many who enter through it. ¹⁴For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

After Jesus concluded the sermon

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

word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition

enter: G1525 εἰσεìρχομαι ice-er’-khom-ahee — to enter

narrow: G4728 στενοìς sten-os’ — narrow

gate: G4439 πυìλη poo’-lay — a gate, that is, the leaf or wing of a folding entrance

COMMENT: My comments and notes

I thought a long time about this command and how I might apply it to everyday life. I noticed in the context that Jesus mentions knocking as on a door. He mentions that the way to destruction is broad with a wide gate. I picture that wide gate as wide open. To me the broad path with the wide open gate is living my life without a clear purpose and thus not having stated goals that are important to me. In this scenario I am bounced around in life reacting only from necessity or perhaps reacting to influences that the crowd thinks is important with emotion as my guide. With deliberate planning I’m likely to accomplish much more in my lifetime than I would without planning.

Then Jesus mentions that the way to life is narrow with a small gate. I presume I am to exert the effort to knock at the narrow gate. Perhaps it’s a stretch of my own imagination but I see that success in life is the narrow way of clarifying my life with written goals and stated purpose. Achieving goals is a narrow road of consistently practicing focused disciplines.

See also in Luke 13 a similar command in the context of Jesus teaching in a village near Jerusalem. I think that Jesus has indicated in this version of the command that there is a window of opportunity to enter the narrow door. I believe that for each individual person the window of opportunity is their own lifetime.

Lk 13:24-25 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. ²⁵Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’”

Elsewhere, Jesus describes Himself as the door or a gateway.

Jn 10:9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”

Jn 14:6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Ac 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Salvation

The verses in the COMMENTS above have secular application but most naturally lead directly to the Christian concept of Salvation. Salvation is finding favor with God and thus gaining eternal life after physical death. Christian teaching is that there is only one means of finding favor with God. That means is through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. That faith is a life altering belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection with an appropriation of His Spirit and a commitment to righteous living. These terms are what I call “Christianese” and are confusing without explanation. Therefore if you are interested in the explanations, I have provided descriptions of salvation, the Trinity, and faith:

What Does it Mean to Be “Saved”? by Bodie Hodge and Answers in Genesis
People might tell you that you need to be saved. But do you feel like you’re only getting half the story?
Are you like me? I get tired of sitting down in the middle of something like a story, show, etc. and wondering what’s going on. I think most people feel like this when they hear about Jesus for the first time. In my past, I would hear things like: “Good news! Good news! Here’s how to get saved: Believe in Jesus!!”
I was thinking, “Saved from what? Jesus who?” Obviously, there was something missing in the approach that these well meaning Christians used with me…

https://answersingenesis.org/gospel/salvation/what-does-it-mean-to-be-saved/

The Trinity: Christians talk about God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the comments of Blog 41, 42 and 43, I explained the Christian concept of the triune nature of God with a natural analogy of matter that consist of mass and space in time. Answers in Genesis has a more full explanation:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/aid/v3/n1/the-trinity

Faith: Faith is belief in action. For instance, when I get up to turn on a light switch I am demonstrating faith in electricity. Answers in Genesis has a more full explanation:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v5/n4/faith-reason

PERSONAL APPLICATION:

Because I am already a Christian the time is now to think about, and record my purpose, with written goals and to practiced the disciplines I need to achieve them. This is the narrow road to success in life.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

44 The Golden Rule

3 January, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 4 Comments

To “…treat people the same way you want them to treat you…” is a restatement of the second great commandment to love my neighbor as I love myself. What a great world this would be if everyone had this attitude and acted on it every day!

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

COMMAND 44 “… treat people the same way you want them to treat you…”
Mt 7:12 and Lk 6:31

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…

Lk 6:20 And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say…

CONTEXT: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount

Mt 7:7-11 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? ¹¹If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

Lk 6:27-30 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. ³⁰Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 7:7 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Lk 6:31 “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”

RESULT:

Lk 6:32-35 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴If 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. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

After Jesus concluded the sermon

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

word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition

treat: G4160 ποιεìω poy-eh’-ō — to make or do

people: G444 ἄνθρωπος anth’-rō-pos — a human being, whether male or female

COMMENT: My comments and notes

In Matthew 22 and Luke 19 Jesus plainly stated the two greatest commandments:

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.’ ³⁸This 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.”

To “…treat people the same way you want them to treat you…” is a restatement of the second great commandment to love my neighbor as I love myself. God values all people and sends sunshine and rain to everyone because He knows our needs. Therefore, I ought also value others taking note of their needs and treating them the way I myself know how I would like to be treated.

In both Matthew’s and Luke’s books Jesus is talking about agape love in the verses surrounding this command. Agape Love has no sexual implication but is the decision of the will with action to meet the basic needs of others. Meeting my own basic needs is also a form of agape love. By extension then, the teaching of 1 Corinthians 13 enters into this command. I want to be treated like this:

1 Cor 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind {and} is not jealous; love does not brag {and} is not arrogant, ⁵does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong {suffered,} ⁶does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ⁷bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

PERSONAL APPLICATION:

I know my own needs and I desire that people treat me with respect, dignity and kindness. The human experience is generally common and everyone desires others to treat them in the same way. When I think about all the people around me, I come to the realization that we all need each other for society to operate properly. God places such a high value on every person. Therefore, I will also value others and treat them with the respect, dignity and kindness that I myself would like to be treated. What a great world this would be if everyone had this attitude and acted on it every day!

What will this look like today?

To the best of my ability, I will take notice of the people around me, those with whom I work, those who serve and even the guys in the cars nearby on the road. In taking notice I will take the time to acknowledge their value with a kind greeting and with respect and generosity as appropriate to the situation.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

COMMANDS 41, 42 and 43: “Ask …seek …knock …”

27 December, 2018

Christopher Carlson

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 2 Comments

Photo: Dawn Carlson – The Detroit River Light was established because mariners and lower government officials asked Congress, often many times, to appropriate the funds.

To ask is only part of the command. Seeking and knocking are persistent actions that take time and effort to bring about a result.

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

41, 42 and 43: “Ask …seek …knock …”
Mt 7:7; Also Lk 11:9 in a private context

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 7:6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

RESULT:

Mt 7:8-11 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” ⁹Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? ¹¹If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

After Jesus concluded the sermon

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: My comments and notes

Notice that this command is active beyond just asking. Seeking and knocking are persistent actions that take time and effort to maintain until I get what I need through my own hard work and help from others when needed.

The command in Luke was spoken in a private setting to his disciples only

Lk 11:9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.”

An additional result is also found in Luke’s gospel:

Lk 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity that is God and coequal with the Father and the Son. In Christian theology our One God exists as three distinct personages with each having a distinct function. God’s existence would not make sense without all three personages. By analogy, matter would not make sense without mass, space and time. Personally (remember that I am not a theologian), I think of heaven and the spiritual realm as real but existing mysteriously to us with additional dimensions beyond space and time. In that place, time is eternal and space and relationships are not the same as they are here.

A mostly secular interpretation from Matthew:

In Matthew’s record of the command the asking-receiving, seeking-finding and knocking-opening is in reference to the basic needs such as a child would ask a parent. Jesus used these basic needs as examples of things I should have confidence to ask of those who are in a position over me such as a parent (if I’m a minor), an employer (for needs on the job), the government (if I am a citizen) or any organization (if a member) and of course, God (if I believe in Him). The success of the whole in any of these examples depends on the success of the individuals. Therefore there is mutual interest to meet my personal needs.

Luke’s private record has added specific Christian meaning:

In Luke’s record of the command Jesus privately tells his immediate disciples about receiving the Holy Spirit. This is a defining Christian result and does not nullify any secular wisdom from Matthew’s record. The asking-receiving, seeking-finding and knocking-opening is also in reference to the basic needs such as a child would ask a parent. The Holy Spirit is a basic spiritual need a follower of Jesus Christ would ask of his Heavenly Father. Jesus used these basic needs as examples of things I can have complete confidence in God’s provision if I ask.

PERSONAL APPLICATION:

If I lack what I truly need I will work to supply it. If I cannot supply what is lacking, like a child asking a parent I will confidently ask the appropriate leadership for help remembering that my success is of mutual interest to them.

As a Christian I also understand that ultimately, God is the source of every resource when it comes to the basic needs of physical and spiritual life and I will also confidently ask Him for these things.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB