Tag: Jesus

Rejoice and Be Glad

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

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

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

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

 

COMMAND: “Rejoice and be glad…”

Mt 5:12 also Lk 6:23

RECIPIENT:   

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

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

CONTEXT: My notes  about the context of this command

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

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

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

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

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT

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

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

RESULT:

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

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

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

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

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:  

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

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

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

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

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

The Beatitudes:
Mt 5:3-12

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

RETURN TO CONTEXT

 

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.ˆ

Follow-up to Repent

Follow-up Matthew No Comments

Follow-up to Repent Blog Post

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

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

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

A Navy Legend

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

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

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

By the way

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

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

© 2018 Christopher Carlson WhatJesusSaidToDo.com

9 “Make friends quickly …”

Matthew Sermon on the Mount 1 Comment

COMMAND 9: “Make friends quickly …”
REFERENCE:  Mt 5:25; Also see Lk 12:58 which is a similar command in a 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:  A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount: 

Mt 5:21-24 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be  guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother,  ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says,  ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty {enough to go} into the fiery hell.  23Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:  See RESULT

RESULT: 

Mt 5:25-26 “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.  26“Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.”

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; 29 for 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:  Command 9 is part of the same paragraph as commands 7 and 8 and has important added instructions for reconciling with others.  

This is practical information.  When I’ve wronged someone trust is broken so that my words and promises become meaningless unless there is proof of my sincerity.  Reconciling with some people will likely involve asking forgiveness and restitution or some other kind of tangible consideration if property or money was involved. Restitution may have many forms.  If the offense was a relationship issue then humbly seek forgiveness.

DEFINITIONS:  Key Greek Words

make:  G2468  ἴσθι  is’-thee  — an imperative, be thou  

friends:  G2132  εὐνόεω  yoo-no-eh’-ō  — to be well minded

quickly: G5035 ταχύ  takh-oo’  — shortly implying without delay, soon or suddenly

opponent at law:  G476  ἀντίδικος  an-tid’-ee-kos  —  an opponent in a lawsuit

 GENERAL APPLICATION:  There is an old saying that, “Actions speak louder than words.”  I should be prepared to “make friends” when I go to reconcile with someone in the form of tangible proof of the sincerity of my words with a gift or restitution.

© 2018 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

6 “Let your light shine…”

Matthew 3 Comments

COMMAND 6: “Let your light shine…”
      REFERENCE:  Mt 5:16

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

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.

Mat 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 5:14-15   “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:  See RESULT

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.”

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.

COMMENT:  Contrast Mt 5:16 with the following instructions that command us to do our good works in secret.  The following verses are complementary rather than contradictory to the command “Let you light shine before men…”   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.

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.”

DEFINITIONS:  Key Greek Words

light: G5457  φῶς   foce  — literally or figuratively luminous

shine: G2989 λάμπω   lam’-pō  —  to beam

GENERAL 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 oneself 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 you represent than to you personally.

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